Rafael Mael is a seasoned strategist and business advisor. He is the founder of Maelstrom, a boutique coaching and consulting firm for independent businesses.

Rafael is an accomplished speaker who has electrified audiences with keynotes and breakouts, at events from exclusive business summits to international expos. His presentation style has been described as “magnetic,” and he delivers practical action steps that attendees can immediately use.

Rafael Mael holds a Marketing MBA from Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ner Israel. He lives in Maryland and is a terrible but enthusiastic cook.

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“Electrified our sold-out audience of retailers with his energetic presentation, elevating advice, charm, and knowledge.”

Debra Gold

Conference Manager, National Stationery Show

“A great speaker and a joy to work with.”

Kristen Reilly

Director of Events, NACE

“Personalized his presentation to the audience and connected with them right away.”

Parker Karnan

Executive Director, Independent Running Retailers Association (IRRA)

“Powerful.”

Anthony Leggio

Chairman, NACE New Orleans

““Our attendees listened to him for two hours and were still hungry for more. He’s foolproof!””

Gabrielle Ald

Director of Events, SoHo Publishing

Current Speaking Topics

Become a Brilliant Leader: Three Management Tools for Business Owners

Many business owners have the vision and drive to build something amazing 一 but somehow they can’t get their employees to buy in and make it happen. Discover three key tools to dramatically improve your effectiveness at attracting, motivating, and keeping the best people; running productive meetings; marketing and selling like you mean it; and successfully negotiating with customers, suppliers, and partners. Learn how to become a brilliant leader and bring your company to the next level.

Get Real With Relationship Marketing

When it comes to driving business, there’s plenty you could be doing… but what should you be doing? Successful sales don’t come from manipulating people; they are the result of cultivating and developing relationships that pay off, big time and long-term. Relationship Marketing requires a step-by-step process, but it works! This keynote will open your eyes to the tools and techniques of Relationship Marketing so you can start reaping the rewards in your own business.

Become a Polished Presenter

Most business leaders must speak before groups. Your delivery can make the difference between a lifeless meeting and an on-fire brainstorming session; between a boring lecture and a riveting presentation; between “we’ll call your firm if we’re interested” and “how do we move forward?” But presenting is rough: the people you’re speaking to are distracted. Yet, there are proven techniques that delight your audience, make attendees think, and ultimately get them to take action. Learn how to “build a box” to create interest, how to weave storytelling into your lectures, and how to transform even the driest of data into an engaging human-interest story.

Seal the Deal with Metaphors

There’s a way to cut through the fog and get the attention of your prospects. It’s the power of metaphors — visual words that “show” exactly what you mean. You probably use these effortlessly in your personal life: Ike is built like a Mack truck; Debbie has the temper of a rhino. But using them in your sales presentation and marketing, online and offline, can have a dramatic impact on your bottom line. Learn how to use metaphors to perk up your prospects, get your ideas past the ‘wall of skepticism,’ and seal the deal with the perfect message.

Uncreative

Perhaps you think sales is only for the naturally friendly and marketing is only for the naturally creative. But effective sales and marketing are based on techniques that can be mastered. Join this eye-opening keynote and discover the hidden rules of the best salespeople, the secrets of powerful messaging, and the keys to going viral. Find out how to take your sales and marketing to the next level… even if you’re truly “uncreative!”

“I have never seen anyone as radically creative and engaging as Rafael. Ever.”

Cameron Fox

Chief Creative Officer, i Entertainment

“He may be the most engaging and entertaining speaker I’ve had the good fortune to witness.”

Terry Schalow

Director of Specialty Sales, ASICS America

“I was riveted for over 2 hours!”

Kevin Harrison

Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A

“The most dynamic speaker I have ever heard!”

Mary Klaneski

Owner, New England Yarn & Spindle

“On point and entertaining. Don’t miss an opportunity to hear him speak.”

Michael Varnadore

CEO, Pink Flamingo Group

“The best speaker I’ve been fortunate enough to experience.”

David Lokker

Owner, Landsharks

“His session set the standard for future marketing-related presentations.“

Katie Bennett

Executive Vice President , NC Nursery & Landscape Association

“Instrumental in helping me improve my management skills, communicate complex ideas, and present data effectively. Highly recommend.“

Benjamin Stern

VP of Finance , Intellicomp Technologies