Testimonials

Hear kind words from Dr. Mike’s keynote/seminar attendees

His seminars are wonderfully prepared, considerate of the participants

“Anyone who is part of a leadership team owes it to that team to experience the work of Dr. Michael McGough. His seminars are wonderfully prepared, considerate of the participants with whom he’s working, and grounded in his experience as an educator. His storytelling, his keen understanding of the work leaders do, and his knowledge of history captivates participants. He astutely draws participants into his seminars, creating an interactive experience focused on practical application of the lessons shared.”

Dr. Eric Eshbach, Executive Director

Pennsylvania Principals Association

“Dr. McGough possesses a unique insight and understanding of leadership.

“He takes a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to the study of historical events, which he purposefully relates to contemporary leadership demands and opportunities. When engaged with my teams, he worked with diverse, multigenerational groups. He was consistently able to enhance our leadership skills, while at the same time building increased cohesion among our team members.”

Charles “Chip” Duncan, Fire Chief

Carlsbad, California

His expertise, knowledge and presentation skills deliver real world examples of leadership

“Dr. McGough’s seminars have been an annual highpoint for the visiting Fellows in our International Fellowship program. His knowledge, expertise, and presentation style provide real world examples as Fellows seek to employ his strategies and techniques directly into their personal and professional journeys.”

Dr. Leila Bradaschia
Director of International Programs

Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania

Mike’s ability to bring history to life and apply it to leadership today is simply amazing

“Dr. McGough’s seminars are engaging, thought provoking, and continue to provide meaningful connections for our leadership team and the challenges we face today. Mike’s ability to bring history to life and directly translate the lessons learned from historic leaders to modern day applicability is simply amazing. Dr. McGough’s seminar is certain to be the highlight of any leadership retreat!”

Dr. Kevin Peart, Superintendent
Lampeter-Strasburg School District

Lampeter, Pennsylvania

Timeless Leadership Lessons: Dr. Mike McGough’s Dynamic Workshops Transform Global Leadership

“Dr. Mike McGough has been an invaluable partner to our Virginia Commonwealth University Humphrey Fellowship Program, consistently delivering transformative workshops and seminars on leadership for our mid-career international scholars. Dr. Mike’s dynamic storytelling and encyclopedic knowledge of history transport participants into the past, illuminating timeless leadership lessons.

Whether guiding Fellows through the intricacies of presidential decision-making or illustrating leadership under fire at historical battlefields, he inspires reflection and personal growth. His engaging, interactive approach makes history relevant to contemporary global leadership challenges, leaving a lasting impact on all who learn from him.”

Heather Ashton, Assistant Coordinator
Humphrey Fellowship Program

Department of Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia

Dr. Mike McGough’s Leadership Programs Unlock Enduring Strategies for Modern Leaders

“Our leadership team has engaged with Dr. McGough for three years. Participating in his leadership development programs rooted in historical context has been transformative. By studying the decisions and strategies of history’s great leaders, we gained insights that are both timeless and directly applicable to modern challenges. Learning how leaders navigated crises, motivated their teams, and turned vision into action showed us new perspectives that traditional business training often overlooks.

This approach grounded in history didn’t just teach us what outstanding leadership looks like – it helped us understand why certain decisions resonate and endure. We feel equipped with a more strategic mindset and a deeper appreciation for the importance of resilience and foresight in leadership. Highly recommended for anyone ready to elevate their leadership skills in a truly unique way!”

Dr. Amy Arcurio, Superintendent

Greater Johnstown School District
Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Excellent job relating the leadership lessons from history to the challenges facing public school leaders

“Our Team really enjoyed the sessions with Mike this Spring; he does an excellent job relating the leadership lessons from history to the challenges facing public school leaders. I would highly recommend Mike’s program: Leadership Under Fire: Lessons From Flight 93 and Personal Leadership: The Art of You Leading You for a team development experience.”

Jason C. Perrin, D.Ed.

Superintendent

Brought history to life for my team with powerful leadership lessons that inspire and guide today’s leaders

“Our experience with Leadership Under Fire seminars provided by Mike McGough have been amazing. The lessons and insights provided are all historically based, and they offer essential guidance for today’s leaders. Dr. Mike’s historical narratives and associated lessons have proven to be fascinating to my team. A seminar with him is a powerful experience that I highly recommend for everyone.”

Dr. Gregg Paladina, Superintendent

New Castle Area School District
New Castle, Pennsylvania

A Master Connector: Delivering Impactful Leadership Lessons with Precision and Insight

“Dr. McGough has been a tremendous influence in my career as an Emergency Services Professional, an instructor, and in my personal life as well. His ability to connect with people, and connect people to others, is a gift that many professionals can benefit and learn from. Our personnel have a tremendous amount of respect for him and find his leadership lessons interesting and of value on both a personal and professional level. The preparation and attention to detail that he puts into his programs are evident in the high quality of the final product. Regardless of your industry or position, Dr. McGough has something to offer everyone he engages.”

Daniel J. Hoff, Fire Chief

York Area United Fire and Rescue
York, Pennsylvania

Dr. McGough masterfully wove together historical insights with contemporary leadership strategies, providing us with practical tools to enhance our roles as educational leaders.

“Our administrative team at Annville-Cleona School District had the extraordinary opportunity to delve into the profound leadership lessons drawn from the Gettysburg battlefield commanders, Washington DC presidents, and the heroes of Flight 93 through Dr. Mike McGough’s engaging seminars. The experiences have been nothing short of transformative.

Dr. McGough masterfully wove together historical insights with contemporary leadership strategies, providing us with practical tools to enhance our roles as educational leaders. One of the most impactful takeaways was the ARC model—being Accessible, Reliable, and Committed. Dr. McGough’s passion for these timeless qualities challenged us to reflect on how we can embody them daily in service to our students, staff, and community.

The seminars not only inspired but empowered us to integrate these historical leadership principles into the fabric of our district’s mission to Engage, Inspire, and Empower. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Mike’s expertise and the opportunity to apply these powerful lessons to create a lasting impact within our schools.”

Dr. Krista M. Antonis, Superintendent

Annville-Cleona School District
Annville, Pennsylvania

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