No. 01
Listen twice as long as you speak.
The leaders I admired most always seemed to be the quietest in the room — until the moment when their words mattered most.
Legacy
Lessons from a lifetime.
A growing collection of reflections, stories, and lessons gathered across more than seventy years of life and leadership. Some written, some spoken, all hard-earned.
Ten Principles
The short list.
A working summary of what Michael believes is worth passing on.
No. 02
Tell the truth slowly.
Hard truths are rarely received well when they're delivered fast. Give them the dignity of pause.
No. 03
Keep a story library.
The stories you don't write down are the stories you eventually lose. Write them down.
No. 04
Run while you still can.
Whatever your version of running is — do it now. The body remembers being used kindly.
No. 05
Mentor without being asked.
Most people will not ask for help. Notice them. Reach out anyway.
No. 06
Stay in rooms that humble you.
If you're the smartest person in the room, find another room. Repeat for the next forty years.
"Everything I know that matters, I learned from someone older who was generous enough to tell me first."
— Michael Brundy
Video reflections
In his own voice.
Reflection
On starting over
Reflection
What I tell young leaders
Reflection
The longest lesson
Advice for the next generation.
A growing archive of short letters — written to grandchildren, students, and anyone who might find them useful one day. New letters added monthly.
Read the letters →