Michael Hurd

About Michael Hurd

I help people thrive under pressure.Performance anxiety shows up in leadership, business, visibility, the body, and everyday life. My work helps people change their relationship with pressure so clarity and confidence return naturally.I work with individuals, teams, and organizations through coaching, consulting, and speaking. I work remotely with clients across the United States, Canada, and internationally, supporting anyone comfortable working in English.My background spans business leadership, sales performance, strategic consulting, and competitive athletics. I am a lifelong competitive swimmer, business owner, and former top sales performer. I have worked extensively in the automotive industry, including moderating 20 Groups, coaching owners and leaders, and supporting operational and performance growth across dealerships and supplier organizations.What truly shapes my work is lived experience.While succeeding in high-performance environments, I also lived for decades with chronic anxiety, including more than 50 years of paruresis, commonly known as shy bladder syndrome. That experience gave me a deep, practical understanding of how pressure is created from the inside out, and how insight rather than effort creates real change.Today, my work is grounded in that understanding. I do not focus on managing symptoms or fixing people. I help individuals reconnect with clarity they already have, even when anxiety has been loud.In addition to my business work, I am a coach with the International Paruresis Association Shy Bladder Center, supporting individuals navigating shy bladder syndrome. This role reflects my commitment to helping people thrive in areas that are often invisible, rarely discussed, and deeply impactful.What I OfferSpeaking engagements on leadership, performance, resilience, and overcoming invisible challengesCoaching and consulting for individuals, teams, and executives seeking clarity, steadiness, and momentum under pressureAutomotive industry expertise with hands-on experience in dealership growth, sales, F and I, parts, and serviceIf you are looking for a speaker, coach, or consultant who brings lived experience, insight, and presence to every conversation, let’s connect.I offer a complimentary initial conversation with no pitch and no pressure. Just space to talk and explore what might help.

Experience

1. Speaker Coach Consultant

   Michael Hurd - Coach Speaker Consultant Author

   Jun 2019 — Present · Portland, ME, US

   I help individuals and organizations overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve peak performance. Drawing from my personal journey of overcoming shy bladder syndrome (paruresis) and years of professional experience, I guide clients toward clarity, confidence, and transformation.As a speaker and coach, I specialize in:Resilience: Empowering individuals and teams to thrive under pressure and navigate adversity.Empathy: Cultivating authentic connections and inclusive environments through effective communication.Peak Performance: Unlocking mindset shifts to sustain success and achieve ambitious goals.Through engaging keynote talks, workshops, and personalized coaching, I provide tools and insights that create meaningful, lasting impact for individuals and organizations alike.Let’s work together to unlock your full potential. Learn more at

Education

• Babson College

  Entrepreneurial Studies, Business

  1986 — 1990

Skills

• Program Management
• Lead Generation
• Marketing
• Team Building
• Management
• Retail
• Direct Marketing
• Small Business
• Sales Management
• Relationship Marketing
• Strategy
• Training
• Business Planning
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales
• Negotiation
• Profit
• Customer Retention