Michael Duffy Jr., PhD

Experience

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  Law Firm of Ryan J. Matthews

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2012

  Legal Assistant

  During my time as a legal assistant, I played a pivotal role in managing case administration and conducting thorough due diligence. My responsibilities encompassed coordinating and scheduling meetings, managing filings, conducting comprehensive legal research, and drafting a variety of legal documents. My role required strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring efficient and accurate support for the legal team.

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  Fitness Inspired

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2018

  Wellness Entrepreneur - Founder

  I developed and launched a personal wellness website with the assistance of I.T. specialists. This platform offered consulting services, apparel, and an eBook/video course to a diverse audience seeking to improve their health and wellness.I organized and led a team of 10 health coaches to host community fit camps three times a week, consistently attracting 70 participants per session over three years. This initiative demonstrated my leadership and community engagement, fostering an inclusive and supportive wellness culture.In partnership with a nutritionist, I developed interactive software that provides personalized nutrition plans, workouts, and live coaching sessions. Through targeted market research, we identified demand and successfully leased this software to two gyms, serving over 800 members. This accomplishment illuminates my entrepreneurial acumen and ability to address market needs with innovative solutions.Leveraging data analytics, I generated actionable customer insights and created compelling content that grew a social media following to 75K. My personal growth videos amassed over 250K views, and I delivered keynote speeches at corporate and university events, engaging audiences upwards of 400. These activities established me as a thought leader in the wellness and personal development space. Show less

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  Sheffield University Management School

  Jan 2019 - Jan 2023

  I directed a four-year research initiative exploring the relationship between entrepreneurs' vulnerability and wellbeing. Utilizing grounded theory and NVivo software, I analyzed 675 pages of interview data. The data collected informed the development of a dynamic model that elucidates the triggers, responses, and wellbeing consequences of entrepreneurs' vulnerability. It highlights vulnerability not as objective or stable but as a dynamic process comprising opposing yet interconnected experiences, driving entrepreneurs to avoid and approach vulnerability-sources to facilitate hedonic and eudaimonic aspects of wellbeing. Theoretically, the findings advance our understanding of entrepreneurs' vulnerability, coping, and wellbeing. The findings offer a compassionate perspective of entrepreneurs not as heroes immune to suffering but as multidimensional humans who experience vulnerability in their everyday entrepreneurial roles.Furthermore, I orchestrated the refinement of a 420-page dissertation into a concise 30-page article. Integrating feedback from 3 Ph.D. supervisors, I demonstrated advanced proficiency in academic editing and publication standards, ensuring the dissemination of research findings to a broader audience. Additionally, I collaborated with two researchers to conduct a rigorous systematic review of founder identity. This project involved synthesizing findings from 150 articles into a coherent 40-page paper, contributing to the scholarly discourse on the subject.I co-authored an article for an independent news and analysis website. Our published piece, which synthesized research-based insights from academic and industry experts, garnered significant traction, accumulating over 7.1K views and 279 social media shares. My contributions included content formulation, coordination, and substantive input, reflecting my proficiency in working within interdisciplinary teams and delivering high-impact content in the dynamic landscape of news and analysis. Show less Selected from competitive applicant pools, I had the privilege to present at prestigious conferences such as the Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference and the Academy of Management Review Paper and Idea Development Workshop. These opportunities underscore my expertise and potential in the field of entrepreneurship. Presenting my research findings to distinguished scholars and receiving valuable feedback showcases my contributions and highlights my ability to engage in scholarly discourse and refine my work based on expert input.Additionally, participating in events like the Ph.D. Entrepreneurship Academy at the University of Liverpool enabled me to collaborate with leading scholars, further hone my research skills, and stay abreast of current debates and trends in entrepreneurship. My focus on exploring the upside of entrepreneurial adversity demonstrates my innovative thinking and commitment to advancing knowledge in entrepreneurship.Presenting my research findings to large audiences at conferences like the University of Leeds White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership and the Sheffield University Management School Doctoral Conference highlights my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and engage with diverse audiences. These experiences reflect my public speaking skills and my proactive approach to networking and academic and professional development. Show less As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, I taught courses on New Venture Creation and Cultural and Creative Entrepreneurship to over 360 undergraduate and postgraduate students. My instruction encompassed the entire business cycle, emphasizing critical analytical skills. I prepared students for real-world challenges by guiding them through the process of writing business plans and conducting mock pitches to secure funding, ensuring they were well-equipped for entrepreneurial endeavors.I provided specialized coaching and support to 80 M.Sc. students, utilizing the GROW coaching model (Goal, Reality, Opportunities, Way Forward) to facilitate their skill development and professional growth. This personalized approach helped students set clear objectives, assess their current situations, identify opportunities, and plan actionable steps forward.During the COVID-19 pandemic, I successfully led the transition to fully online teaching using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Despite the challenges of remote instruction, I maintained high levels of interactivity and engagement through structured peer feedback sessions and collaborative learning activities. My efforts ensured students received a high-quality education in a remote environment, adapting seamlessly to new teaching methods. Show less I spearheaded a team of 15 Ph.D. researchers in launching the International Work Psychology Conference. In close collaboration with senior management, including four professors and the department head, I defined the strategy, set clear goals, established timelines, and coordinated events to ensure the conference met the highest academic and professional standards.One of the key sessions I conceived and developed was "Failing Forward in Academia." I successfully pitched the concept and secured two renowned scholars as keynote speakers, enhancing the conference's profile and educational impact. Show less

  • Researcher and Writer

    Jan 2019 - Jan 2023

  • Presenter

    Jan 2019 - Jan 2022

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant

    Jan 2020 - Jan 2021

  • Project Manager

    Jan 2019 - Jan 2020
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  Exos

  Aug 2024 - now

  Senior Performance Coach

  As a Senior Performance Coach, I specialize in empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to unlock their full potential. At a recent conference, I captivated over 100 HR leaders with actionable insights on how sleep and recovery impact work performance, sharing strategies to elevate individual and organizational wellbeing. My passion lies in delivering transformative content that not only informs but inspires meaningful change.In my work with high-performing business clients, I’ve designed and led comprehensive 3-month coaching programs, driving measurable improvements in productivity, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Leveraging cutting-edge assessments and personalized development tools, I’ve helped leaders overcome challenges and achieve sustainable peak performance. For top financial institutions, I’ve crafted tailored consulting services to build high-performing, human-centric cultures with clear success metrics and sustainable strategies. Additionally, I’ve partnered with Fortune 500 companies to facilitate workshops and deliver keynotes on topics such as psychological safety and emotional regulation. These initiatives have strengthened team collaboration and elevated performance during leadership and team-building events. My mission is to enable leaders and teams to thrive by fostering environments where wellbeing and success go hand in hand. Show less