Michael Kutcher

Inspirational Storyteller, Life Purpose Advocate, Disability & Inclusion Champion

A catalyst for reframing mindsets, Michael Kutcher has overcome extraordinary challenges with resilience and unwavering positivity. Born in 1978 in Iowa as the unexpected twin of actor Ashton Kutcher, Michael faced his first battle at birth, arriving notably smaller and struggling to take his first breath. Defying the odds from the very start, he has since built a successful business career in finance while also serving as a disability and inclusion advocate and keynote speaker. Through his powerful story, living with Cerebral Palsy and undergoing a heart transplant, Michael inspires others to embrace perseverance and overcome even the most seemingly impossible obstacles.

Biography

A Catalyst for reframing mindsets, Michael Kutcher has overcome challenges and conquered obstacles that most people never even catch a glimpse of. Born in 1978 in Iowa, as the unexpected twin brother of actor Christopher “Ashton” Kutcher, Michael met his first of many challenges at delivery. Entering the world notably smaller than his twin at less than five pounds, Michael was hardly responsive and struggled to take his first breath.

Thanks to both outstanding medical care and his indomitable instinct to survive, Michael pulled through his first days and weeks, although not without lasting adverse effects. By age three, Michael was battling significant developmental delays, caused by irreversible neurological pathologies. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy before he entered Kindergarten.

Unfortunately, Michael’s uphill battle was only getting started. Diagnosed with heart failure at age 13, Michael was once again faced with an unthinkable challenge of survival. After being given a life expectancy of just three to four weeks, Michael again defeated the odds and successfully received a life saving heart transplant.

It was this second close brush with death that opened Michael’s eyes to the fragility of life and inspired him to take control of the future he once thought he wouldn’t have. Today, Michael is a successful Assistant Vice President for Transamerica Retirement Solutions and an inclusion and disability advocate and public keynote speaker.

Having overcome unthinkable challenges against extraordinary odds, Michael Kutcher is living proof that perseverance and unwavering positivity can surmount even the most seemingly impossible of obstacles.

Expertise

DEI
Inclusion
Inspirational Keynote Speaker
Resilience
Disability
Perspective Shifter
Overcoming Obstacles

Videos

Keynote Topics

Listen to the Music: Embracing Diffabilities and Discovering Purpose

Finding your purpose in life is a journey, and Michael’s remarkable story inspires us to see the extraordinary within ourselves. Born with Cerebral Palsy and having undergone three open-heart surgeries, including a heart transplant, Michael’s life experiences have shaped his distinctive view of the world. With candor and warmth, he encourages us to truly listen to the music, both in our surroundings and within ourselves while illuminating the challenges and triumphs of living with disabilities, or as he affectionately calls them, Diffabilities.

Michael’s heartfelt and often humorous storytelling uncovers the hidden beauty in life’s everyday moments, offering a powerful reminder to approach the world with gratitude and appreciation. By reframing his differences as strengths rather than limitations, he has built a life of meaning, success, and fulfillment.

His message of empowerment and inclusion resonates deeply with audiences from all walks of life, motivating them to embrace their own challenges and strive for their dreams. With a blend of authenticity, humor, and unwavering determination, Michael demonstrates that with the right mindset and support, anyone can rise above obstacles and leave a lasting, positive impact on their communities.

Perspective: From Near Death to a Finer Appreciation for Life

In this inspiring talk, Michael shares his incredible story of overcoming near-death experiences and how these challenges have transformed his perspective on life. Through his compelling narrative, Michael demonstrates how the seemingly ordinary aspects of our lives can hold profound value and meaning when viewed through the lens of gratitude and appreciation. By the end of his talk, Michael leaves his audience with a newfound appreciation for the precious gifts that surround us each day, and a powerful shift in mindset towards embracing the beauty and wonder of the world around us. This talk is a must-see for anyone seeking to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and meaning in their lives.

From Struggle to Strength: Michael's Inspiring Journey of Perseverance

In this compelling talk, Michael shares his extraordinary journey of triumph over seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through a combination of personal anecdotes and hard-won insights, he offers a powerful message of perseverance, resilience, and self-empowerment. Drawing on lessons learned from his own experiences, Michael inspires his audience to break free from the limitations of a victim mentality and embrace a mindset of strength and possibility. By sharing his story of courage and determination, Michael leaves his listeners feeling inspired and motivated to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams.

Testimonials

Thank you so much for bringing Michael to the site. I think we all have so much and are so fortunate in our lives that we need the reminder of how precious life is and how thankful we should be with each other.

Jim Carmichael, SVP, HR

Michael, that was an absolutely impactful session! Thank you for making it happen, and please extend the gratitude to your working team. Goosebumps throughout the session and multiple heavy breathings as I internalise the content generously shared by Michael.

Kenvue, Manager

Attending Michael Kutcher’s keynote at MPI the EVENT in September 2024 was truly inspiring. What struck me most was his captivating presence, his calm demeanor and crystal-clear message made every word resonate deeply. Michael has an incredible gift for storytelling, not only sharing his journey but also humanizing his well-known twin brother, Christopher “Ashton” Kutcher, in a way that felt relatable and heartfelt.