Michael Crystal is a seasoned executive coach, leadership advisor, and organizational development expert with over 30 years of global experience across financial services, insurance, advertising, and the wine industry. His expertise in strategic leadership development, organizational transformation, talent selection, and corporate governance makes him a highly sought-after consultant and board advisor.
As the founder of Myriad Development, Michael has led transformational leadership programs for small, mid-sized, and large-cap organizations worldwide. His expertise spans organizational design, talent assessment, executive coaching, conflict resolution, and strategic planning, equipping businesses with the tools to develop strong leadership pipelines and drive sustainable growth. Prior to founding Myriad, he led The Paradigm Group, focusing on executive development, and served in key leadership roles with Wilson Learning Corp. and Development Dimensions International (DDI), both pioneers in individual and organizational growth strategies.
Earlier in his career, Michael held leadership and development roles at ITT Corp. and Bankers Trust Co., where he gained nine years of firsthand experience within large-scale organizations. This foundational experience offered him deep insight into the internal dynamics of complex enterprises, which continues to inform his organizational consulting and leadership advisory work.
Michael’s impact on leadership development is well-documented, with his coaching spanning Fortune 500 executives, global business leaders, and high-potential talent. He has personally coached four executives who made Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” list, and dozens of leaders who later became C-suite executives. He is known as a trusted advisor to leadership teams, providing strategic counsel that fosters alignment, innovation, and high-impact decision-making.
In addition to his consulting work, Michael is an accomplished author, educator, and speaker. He has authored three books on leadership, professional growth, and change management, reinforcing his commitment to developing exceptional leaders. As a faculty member at two graduate schools, he has taught Leadership Communications and Organizational Behavior, where he was ranked as the number one adjunct professor at Manhattanville Graduate School for Professional Studies. He has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business, focusing on team-based communications and leadership.
Michael’s influence extends beyond corporate leadership into philanthropy and board governance. He currently serves as vice chair of the RRY Board and actively advises three additional local boards, including a historical society, a 200-year-old community farmstead, and community library. His past board experience includes serving on a local Chamber of Commerce board, where he provided guidance on workforce development and organizational strategy. In alignment with his mission to develop talent and empower leaders, he donates his time to The Honor Foundation, supporting U.S. military Special Operations Forces in career transitions, and WeSpeak, an initiative dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in Bermuda.
Michael is a graduate of the Stanford University Advanced Management College and holds an MBA in Organizational Management. He has completed executive education programs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, focusing on organizational change, leadership innovation, and corporate renewal. Additionally, he holds advanced certifications in psychotherapeutic practices (Gestalt Institute) and neuroscience-based coaching (School of Coaching Mastery), equipping him with a unique perspective on behavioral leadership and executive decision-making.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael has a passion for wine, martial arts, and travel. He enjoys conducting wine tastings, exploring the intersection of culture and leadership, and applying the discipline of martial arts training to executive development. His personal philosophy, “Helping successful people be more successful,” is a testament to his commitment to empowering leaders, strengthening organizations, and fostering a legacy of excellence.
With an extensive track record of executive leadership development, strategic advisory, and board governance, Michael Crystal is poised to bring unparalleled insight, a solutions-driven mindset, and a transformative approach to any board seeking to cultivate high-performing leadership teams and drive organizational success.
Character: Michael Crystal is a trusted advisor known for his integrity, adaptability, and commitment to developing high-performing leaders and organizations.
Knowledge: With over 30 years of global experience, he brings deep expertise in executive coaching, leadership development, and organizational transformation.
Strategic: He excels in guiding organizations through change, talent selection, and governance, providing insights that drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Communication: A skilled facilitator and speaker, he fosters collaboration, resolves conflicts, and helps leadership teams align on strategic objectives effectively.
