Michael Hyatt
Leadership | Change and Innovation Visionary
In our rapidly shifting business landscape, Michael Hyatt gives people the tools and insight needed to succeed, inspiring them to face change head-on. Hyatt is one of Canada’s top entrepreneurs — a self-made millionaire who built and sold two highly successful tech firms. Drawing on his experience of leading businesses through crises and change, Hyatt speaks on leadership, change management, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He shows audiences a way forward through an uncertain future using creativity, knowledge, and adaptability.
Hyatt was the CEO and executive chairman of BlueCat, one of the largest private software companies in Canada, which he led since the company’s inception. His leadership philosophy was to focus on strategy and empower his employees to execute. Since selling his company, Hyatt has become an active investor in several start-ups, later-stage businesses, and private equity and venture capital firms. He is also a Founding Partner at the Rotman School of Management’s prestigious Creative Destruction Lab.
Previously a “Dragon” on CBC’s online sensation Next Gen Den, Hyatt is now a weekly business commentator for CBC; the host of “Business Unplanned”, a podcast that offers expert opinions and advice for small businesses navigating the new normal of the pandemic era; and an investor on the hit Spotify podcast, “The Pitch”.
In addition, Hyatt chairs the Hyatt Family Foundation, which focuses on women’s health, critical hospital research, and sponsorship of underprivileged minorities. In recognition of his work, Hyatt was awarded the “Power Partner Award” from the Women of Inspiration Awards for his supportive and innovative work for women in Canada and the developing world. He has also been named one of Canada’s “Top 40 Under 40”.