No Excuses

As the founder of The Blind Visionary, LLC, Mike has dedicated his career to inspiring audiences with his insights into resilience, innovation, and the power of technology to transform lives.

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A Welcome Message From Mike

Mike Calvo Speaking Engagements

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Accessibility in the Marketplace

In this impactful talk, Mike Calvo explores the importance of integrating accessibility into business practices from the outset. By sharing his insights and experiences as a blind entrepreneur and business leader, Mike highlights the benefits of employing blind and visually impaired individuals and the potential backlash companies face when they ignore accessibility. This talk aims to educate and motivate businesses to embrace accessibility for the benefit of both their success and public image.

Accessibility in the Marketplace

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Inclusive Relationships

In this engaging talk, Mike Calvo explores the dynamics of relationships involving visually impaired individuals, focusing on the importance of inclusive leadership and guidance. Drawing on personal experiences and emphasizing the significance of mentorship, Mike discusses the challenges and solutions for fostering inclusive relationships in various settings, including personal and professional environments.

Inclusive Relationships

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Lead Like a Blind Boss

In this thought-provoking talk, Mike Calvo highlights the unique leadership qualities and strategies of visually impaired individuals. Drawing from his own experiences, Mike discusses topics such as remote work management, overcoming challenges, and leveraging unique skills in leadership roles. This talk aims to inspire and empower aspiring leaders to embrace their potential and lead effectively, regardless of their circumstances.

Lead Like A Blind Boss

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Lack of Sight Doesn't Mean Lack of Vision

This talk draws from the personal experiences and insights shared in the article and upcoming book "Lack of Sight Doesn't Mean Lack of Vision." It focuses on the idea that visual impairment does not limit one's ability to have a clear and impactful vision for their life and work. The talk is heartwarming, funny, but serious at the same time, aiming to inspire and motivate individuals to look beyond physical limitations and recognize the potential within.

Lack of Sight Doesn't Mean Lack of Vision

No Excuses

In this inspiring talk, Mike Calvo challenges the notion that disabilities or other life circumstances should be used as excuses for not pursuing one's goals. Drawing from his personal experiences as a blind individual who has refused to let society's low expectations dictate his achievements, Mike encourages audiences to confront their own excuses and take proactive steps toward their dreams. The talk emphasizes the importance of accountability, resilience, and self-belief in overcoming obstacles. Mike firmly believes that if we can dream it, we can do it, highlighting the idea that everyone is created for a purpose.

No Excuses

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Team Talk

In this engaging TEDx talk tailored for junior and high school students, Mike Calvo shares his personal journey and insights on navigating the challenging teen years. Drawing from his own experiences, Mike offers practical advice on social tips and secrets, the importance of learning from mistakes, and setting and achieving goals. He also addresses how to be a disabled teen dealing with various issues and how non-disabled peers can support their disabled friends. The talk aims to inspire and empower students to embrace their potential and make positive choices.

Team Talk

Resolution

In an engaging recount at The Abbey in Orlando, Mike Calvo shares a remarkable story from his teenage years that epitomizes the theme of "Resolution." Faced with the dilemma of getting home safely after his friends had been drinking, Mike, though blind, is humorously nominated as the "safest" driver.

What follows is a hilarious yet eye-opening adventure involving a practice driving session on a church football field. This tale not only breaks down stereotypes but also highlights a critical resolution: the power of innovative thinking and the importance of making responsible choices under pressure.

Mike's story resolves with a deeper understanding of trust and the unexpected capabilities that arise when friends believe in each other, regardless of perceived limitations.

Mike Calvo on a beach, wearing a light-colored checkered with the ocean and clear blue sky in the background.

What Sets Mike Calvo Apart

Mike Calvo stands out as a motivational speaker not only through his compelling storytelling and engaging presence but also through his deep personal connection to the topics he discusses. As a blind entrepreneur who has navigated both the challenges and triumphs of life with a disability, Mike brings authenticity and profound insights to his talks. His experiences as a CEO, advocate, and family man enrich his narratives, making them relatable and inspiring.

Mike's approach is characterized by his ability to blend humor with heartfelt messages, making complex issues accessible and resonant for his audiences. He challenges conventional perceptions of disability, emphasizes the importance of accessibility as a fundamental right, and showcases the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities to society and business.

With a background that spans technology, advocacy, and music, Mike is uniquely equipped to address a variety of topics with authority and passion. His Cuban-American heritage and life experiences also add a rich cultural perspective to his presentations, appealing to a diverse audience base.

More about Mike

Here are a couple of organizations that have had the honor of hosting Mike as a speaker.

Testimonials

Here's what people are saying

"Mike Calvo's talk on disabilities was a great learning opportunity for not only me, but the audience as well, since multiple people reached out to comment on how insightful and emotional he was. He is both a source of inspiration for those with disabilities and a great mentor on how others can navigate situations to include their disabled peers. He provided a completely new perspective on this topic that will definitely help educate my actions in the future!"

— TEDx

"FIMC-VI was so lucky to have Mike Calvo join us at our Festival of Families event in 2023. Mike participated as a guest speaker for families of students with visual impairments. He shared heartfelt stories of growing up with a visual impairment and provided helpful tips throughout the many stages and ages of life for young people. Mike also gave accounts from the perspective of a parent of a child with a visual impairment, to encourage his audience to allow independence of their young children.
Presenting as a role model, Mike inspired our audience with his passion in advocating for affordable accessibility for all people with disabilities. His story of becoming the co-founder and CEO of the assistive tech company, Pneuma Solutions, drove home the idea that if you work hard, you can. Mike was approachable, real and there for families."

— FIMC-VI

"Mike Calvo has been presenting annually to our students in the ATVI (Vision Studies) graduate program at UMass Boston. He is an engaging speaker who expertly showcases the various accessible products available through Pneuma Solutions. Remote Incident Manager is an important product to provide full accessibility for those who use screen reading technologies on Windows or macOS to remotely control other computers without relying on one single screen reading product being installed. This product is a wonderful example of universal design and is evidence of their commitment to accessible and usable design to benefit all instructors, technicians, and individuals who would benefit from remote control access. Mike is insightful and is always open to questions and suggestions.

— Rachael Sessler Trinkowsky, Ph.D., CRC, CATIS, CPACC (ATVI Program Coordinator)

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