Michael Hingson Inspires Leadership, Trust, And Resilience Through Courageous Stories And Life Lessons
Photo: Michael Hingson exemplifies unwavering courage and brilliance, proving that true leadership is grounded in resilience, trust, and unwavering commitment.
Life Lessons from a 9/11 Survivor
Michael Hingson shares wisdom shaped by his experiences, emphasizing trust, resilience, and overcoming fear, while exploring the human-animal bond and how guide dogs transformed his life and perspective.
M ichael Hingson’s remarkable journey has touched hearts across the globe. A #1 New York Times best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and advocate for disability inclusion, Hingson’s life is defined by resilience and leadership in the face of adversity. His personal story, starting with his escape from the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks alongside his guide dog Roselle, serves as an enduring symbol of trust, teamwork, and overcoming fears.
The 9/11 tragedy not only changed the nation but also altered the course of Hingson’s life. Featured five times on The Larry King Show, he captured the nation’s attention with his incredible survival story and the special bond he shared with Roselle. From that moment forward, Michael’s life evolved into one of public speaking. For nearly two decades, he has traveled the world as a keynote speaker, captivating audiences with his relatable insights and empowering strategies for overcoming life’s challenges.
Michael’s academic and professional accomplishments are as impressive as his inspirational work. Graduating with honors and earning a Master’s degree in physics from the University of California, Irvine, Hingson later embarked on a 41-year career in high-tech sales before transitioning into motivational speaking full-time. He has mastered the art of fostering skills like trust, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability—qualities he attributes to his lifelong partnerships with his guide dogs.
In 2011, Hingson shared his experiences—and those of his beloved Roselle—in Thunder Dog: The Story Of A Blind Man, A Guide Dog, And The Triumph Of Trust At Ground Zero, which soared to the New York Times best-seller list within its first week of release. Two years later, he published Running with Roselle, a deeply personal exploration of his bond with his guide dogs and how these relationships helped him navigate through life’s challenges. Now, nearly a decade later, Hingson’s most recent book, Live Like a Guide Dog, extends his teachings further by exploring life’s principles through the lens of his relationships with eight guide dogs over the years.
When asked by Novelist Post about what inspired him to write Live Like a Guide Dog, Hingson reflected on the lessons he learned during the pandemic: “For nearly 19 years, I had been speaking about my escape from the World Trade Center and how I managed fear. I realized I hadn’t taught audiences how they could learn to control their own fear and avoid being blinded by it. That’s why I wrote this book.” His story resonates as he shares the valuable principle that over 90 percent of what we worry about is beyond our control—a lesson reinforced by his guide dogs’ instinctive approach to life.
Through his public speaking and books, Hingson connects profoundly with readers and audiences by empowering them to listen to their inner voices, embrace adaptability, and approach life’s challenges with intentional trust and teamwork. As Michael discusses, one of the defining principles of his work is “learning to live in the moment.” By focusing on the immediate tasks at hand rather than dwelling on what-ifs, he and Roselle survived the harrowing events of 9/11—a testament to the power of trust and resilience.
Hingson’s unique perspective also stems from his deep appreciation of the human-animal bond. He challenges readers to view their relationships with pets as partnerships built on mutual respect and communication, offering invaluable tips on developing deeper connections with animals in everyday life. As he puts it, “Treat your dogs like team members. Learn how to communicate with them, and you’ll enrich your own life and theirs.”
Faith plays a significant role in Michael’s outlook as well, serving as an anchor that guides his actions and beliefs. His belief in listening to his inner voice and leaning into trust underscores his entire philosophy.
To aspiring authors looking to write inspirational stories, Hingson advises: “Tell your story. Don’t rush it—writing takes reflection, rewriting, and reorganizing. Follow your inner voice, and you’ll know when your book is complete.”
Michael Hingson’s life and work serve as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we embrace trust, teamwork, and resilience. His books, talks, and philosophies continue to inspire people to overcome adversity, lead with intention, and live fully. His advice and insights, as captured in his interview with Novelist Post, serve as profound lessons for every reader looking to redesign their perspective on life.
