Michaels Bio
Meet Michael
Mission Statement
To empower people with the knowledge and the tools to stretch beyond their comfort zone and achieve their dreams. There are no limitations to the mind except those we accept.
Michael Bortolotto
As President of Bortolotto & Associates
Michael possesses a rare talent for instilling inspiration in audiences and for that matter ever person he comes in contact with. He encourages others to be all that they can be regardless of their situation.Michael has been “walking the walk”
for his entire life and “talking the talk” for the past 12 years. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Michael has spent his life overcoming challenges both self-inflicted, as well as those put on him by society. He has learned to overcome challenges and leads others to do the same.Born and raised in a small logging camp
on Vancouver Island, Sayward/Kelsey Bay, Michael had what he considered a “normal” childhood until his parents moved to Campbell River when he was 11. As soon as he started in his new school, Michael realized that Cerebral Palsy was “not socially acceptable”. His challenges of making his body work became the least of his problems.As an avid learner and a real passion for life,
Michael became a positive rebel, continuing to overcome the challenges put on him by society. He graduated from high school in 1980 and continued on to Malaspina University earning a Diploma in Recreation and Sciences. Though educated and with much to offer, socially he was still considered handicapped and unemployable. Michael decided to hire himself. He began his own company as a recreation consultant and was offered a chance to speak publicly on the challenges of being disabled. It was the “Aha” moment in Michael’s life and led him to publicly become a positive rebel.His past gives him the unique ability
to be sensitive to the distinctive needs and circumstances of each person he has the privilege of working with. His life stories address real life issues, which impede personal growth and the ability to adapt to change. He leads his audience by weaving topics and issues through his life stories resulting in an action that moves his audience and takes them on an emotional roller coaster ride that will not soon be forgotten.Michael takes the time to understand
the exact issues, themes or topics that the client needs addressed. This enables him to work effectively with a broad cross section of clientele, working effectively with organizations in private, public and not for profit sectors. What makes Michael unique and special? He is a genuine person who cares deeply. When you meet Michael, you are meeting a “pure soul” with a message that every person can use. Michael’s message is one of determination, persistence and overcoming barriers. After hearing Michael speak you will be a better person.Michael is a member
of The Italian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Association of Professional speakers and Toastmasters. Since 1987 he has involved himself extensively in the local community, working with Child Development services, as a Board member in the Nanaimo Citizen’s Advocacy group, on numerous committees and councils and presently sits on the Board of Directors for Youth Services in Nanaimo. He has been a Vancouver Island regional representative for the B.C. Coalition for People With Disabilities. As one of his first endeavours Michael led the development of the Nanaimo Independent Living Centre, a project designed to promote the empowerment of disabled individuals. He chaired the Cowichan Valley United Way fund drive. He speaks regularly at local fundraisers and for youth and other non-profit organizations.Email: Michael@positiverebel.ca