About Mike Rarer

Mike Rarer – Corporate Keynote Speaker & Goal Attainment Coach

Keynote Speaker | Creator of the Success Superpowers Framework | Author of Whiteboard Wisdom | Founder of Cheerful Gear

My journey began in a working-class family where uncertainty was constant. Going to college was a luxury we couldn't really afford, and something I had to really fight for. So, I worked my way to a college degree and began building a career just one step ahead of financial hardship.

My college degree opened the door to a leadership career in technology, where I worked with high-performing teams across early-stage startups and the Fortune 500. I had the opportunity to help companies raise capital, participate in IPOs, and navigate acquisitions and growth initiatives across North America and internationally. Along the way, I got married, had children of my own, and built a life beyond my childhood dreams.

All of those experiences shaped the practical success principles I teach today through my keynote presentations and coaching conversations. My work focuses on helping people strengthen what I call Success Superpowers — simple, practical tools we can apply to move beyond uncertainty and toward thriving.

My Journey from Uncertainty to Thriving

A Love Letter to My Parents

My mom’s lifelong battle with chronic physical illness ended just days before my 30th birthday. Two years later, on the anniversary of her funeral, my dad passed away — still carrying the weight of his grief and without having received the help he needed to strengthen his emotional health.

Their stories shape much of the work I do today.

I founded Cheerful Gear to make emotional health support more accessible — creating free, practical tools that help people prioritize self-care, strengthen their relationships, and build resilience.

I created Cheerful Gear to offer the emotional health tools I wish my dad had — and the kind I wish I had as a child growing up in a fragile environment.

Cheerful Gear

Explore

Looking for a speaker who's lived the message?

If you're looking for a speaker who understands both the challenges people face and the principles that help them thrive, I’d love to help.

Conversation

Start a

Featured Resources

Mike's Quick-Read Book to Help You Reach Your Goals

A Special Gratitude Journal

(on the Cheerful Gear website)

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Mike's Professional Background

Former Technology Executive & Startup CEO
Author of Whiteboard Wisdom

Creator of the Success Superpowers Framework
Founder of Cheerful Gear

Mike Rarer is a former technology executive and an award-winning leader who built top-performing teams in companies that range in size from early-stage startups to the Fortune 500. He is known for his ability to simplify the complex, his storytelling skills, and presentations that provide immediate takeaways attendees from all disciplines can apply to excel at work, reach more goals, build better relationships, and find greater fulfillment.