Simplicity is a Winning Strategy

Transform Your Organization
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Leader | Advisor | Speaker

Gary Michel is the former chair and CEO of JELD-WEN, Inc. Nearly 40 years of top-level experience inform his leadership strategy, approach to business transformations and operational excellence, and lean manufacturing expertise.

Under Gary’s leadership, his deComplify philosophy has shaped iconic businesses and brands like Ingersoll Rand, Club Car, Trane, and Honeywell.

He’s also served as a member of the board of directors of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. Gary currently serves on the boards of World Shoe Company, Distro AI, and the American Heart Association.

Gary’s Philosophy

A great company is a company that people want to buy from, people want to work for, and people want to invest in. A truly great company always does the right thing for people, communities, and the world itself.

Leaders have the ability to impact the world in their hands. Great leaders align the impact they choose to make with their business strategy, sustainability, and profitability.

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deCOMPLIFY: HOW SIMPLICITY DRIVES STABILITY, INNOVATION, AND TRANSFORMATION

Gary S. Michel sees no reason to overcomplicate anything, and in his brief but compelling book, deComplify, he outlines his refreshing take on the fundamentals, emphasizing what can be done to create a better business.

It empowers leaders to take concrete steps towards building a great company. Beyond the tools and practical tips, readers will take away a renewed sense of purpose and vision, for their organization and themselves, which will define the difference they can make.

Hear what other great leaders are saying about the impact of Gary’s book

Stan Askren, Former CEO and chairman, HNI Corporation

“Gary Michel’s book, deComplify: How Simplification Drives Stability, Innovation, and Transformation, is a game changer for anyone seeking to navigate today’s complex business landscape. With practical insights and actionable strategies, Michel empowers leaders to cut through the noise, streamline processes, and unlock new levels of success. This book is a must read guide for those looking to deliver breakthrough performance and transform their organizations for the better.”

Stan Askren, Former CEO, and chairman, HNI Corporation

Damon Baker, CEO, Lean Focus

“deComplify is a must read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of our world with renewed clarity, purpose, and simplicity. This book is a beacon, providing a roadmap to simplify complex situations and uncover hidden opportunities. The author’s ability to break down intricate concepts into actionable steps is truly remarkable. Through relatable examples and thought provoking anecdotes, deComplify will equip you with the tools, mindset, and inspiration to simplify your life, fuel innovation, and create lasting change. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and transformed by this ground breaking book. Get ready to unlock your full potential and unleash the power of simplicity.”

Damon Baker, CEO, Lean Focus

John Holland, Former CEO and chairman, Butler Manufacturing

“Michel provides a practical road map in deComplify, based on his successful application of the four leadership absolutes employed throughout his career. A great read to understand how to reduce complexity and deliver results.”

John Holland, Former CEO, and chairman, Butler Manufacturing

William L. Sparks, Ph.D., Author of Amazon #1 best-selling book ,Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow & Maximizing YourPotential, Distinguished chair and professor of leadership,McColl School of Business, Queens University of Charlotte

“In deComplify, Gary Michel has both identified and solved one of the most common yet least understood challenges in business today the tendency to overcomplicate or ‘complify’ business challenges and processes. Michel provides a much needed road map to personal and organizational effectiveness. This book should be required reading for all leaders and aspiring leaders in business today.”

William L. Sparks, Ph.D., Author of Amazon #1 best-selling book, Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow & Maximizing Your Potential, Distinguished chair and professor of leadership, McColl School of Business, Queens University of Charlotte

Katy Dickson, Former president, American Girl; Board director, Flexsteel Industries, Black Rifle Coffee, and Compana Pet

“Gary Michel has captured business wisdom in a framework that can simplify the most complex business challenges! Deeply engaging and starkly relevant, deComplify will inspire you to lead from a position of insatiable learning.”

Katy Dickson, Former President, American Girl; Board director, Flexsteel Industries, Black Rifle Coffee, and Compana Pet

John Rossman, Business advisor; Best-selling author, The Amazon Way, The Amazon Way on IoT,Think Like Amazon; Keynote speaker

“For those who wish to remain stuck in theoretical constructs and impractical suggestions, deComplify is not the book for you. But if you crave a firsthand perspective from a proven business mastermind and operator, this book is a gold mine. Filled with dynamic strategies on employing lean design and engaged leadership, deComplify is your roadmap to business advancement, offering a pioneering approach to achieving stability, sparking innovation, and leading transformative change.”

John Rossman, Business advisor; Best-selling author, The Amazon Way, The Amazon Way on IoT, Think Like Amazon; Keynote speaker

Mark Morelli, CEO Vontier Corporation

“Gary’s approach to business draws upon a wealth of practical experience and is both actionable and personable, highly recommended.”

Mark Morelli, CEO Vontier Corporation

Dean Acosta, Former Honeywell & Resideo Chief Communications Officer

“In deComplify, Gary Michel shares a crucial message about how effective leaders engage and motivate team members with clear, direct communication that sets expectations and drives business outcomes. This is an area where Michel excels as a leader, and I am grateful for his valuable insights in this important book.”

Dean Acosta, Former Honeywell & Resideo Chief Communications Officer

Barry Bobrow,Managing Director, Regions Bank

“deComplify is a great example of Gary Michel’s ability to present important thoughts in ways that everyone can relate to. Knowing him for many years personally and working together on several boards I've come to truly respect Gary’s leadership qualities. While much of Gary's experience is in the manufacturing world, the concepts in deComplify have application in a wide range of industries.”

Barry Bobrow, Managing Director, Regions Bank

Brad Hughes,retired CEO, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

As someone who has benefited directly from Gary’s wisdom and experience, I can attest to the value created by continuously working to “deComplify”. Gary is able to incorporate and apply his concepts across the enterprise, from the shop floor to long term strategic planning. Most importantly, Gary “deComplifies” the presentation of his message by providing advice that is easy to understand and execute. Well done!

Brad Hughes, retired CEO, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

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FRESH EYES, CLEAR VOICE

Gary Michel has been there! Leading iconic businesses of all sizes through transformation to growth and performance expansion.

The wisdom of this experience, building great companies and high performing teams, is at the heart of his philosophy.

Gary cuts through the noise of the leadership development discourse to offer a new perspective that can help leaders solve the problems facing their businesses and become better leaders. Whether he’s addressing a large audience, a meeting room, or coaching one-on-one, he provides actionable, practical, clear solutions that lead to reliable results and out-sized performance.

Gary’s advice focuses on the high-level difference makers that move businesses forward:

  • Top-line growth
  • Driving high-performance
  • Margin expansion
  • Increasing profitability
  • Delivering impactful results

Options for Gary’s speaking programs include:

  • Keynotes
  • Workshops
  • Seminars
  • Webinars
  • Retreats
  • Coaching