VIDEO: The Surprising Power of Presence

Join Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® Mike Veny as he reflects on a unique evening with SHRM NYC aboard a breathtaking Manhattan boat cruise hosted by Manhattan by Sail. In this video, Mike shares insights from the event and dives deep into the power of presence in leadership—a skill that every HR professional, manager, and executive needs to cultivate.

As the boat sailed past the Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline, something unexpected happened: everyone on board became fully present. No phones, no distractions—just two hours of real human connection. For Mike, this simple act of being present turned into a profound leadership lesson.

In this video, Mike:

* Breaks down what presence actually means in the workplace
* Explains why presence is crucial for HR leaders and people managers
* Offers practical tips on how to be more present in high-stress environments
* Connects the experience to his SHRM-accredited eLearning courses on emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and mental wellness

Whether you're searching for HR administrator jobs in New York City, exploring SHRM eLearning opportunities, or simply interested in becoming a more grounded and effective leader—this video is for you.

Mike Veny is a three-time Corporate LiveWire Innovation and Excellence Award winner (2022–2024), the 2023 NAMI NYS Leader of Mental Health Awareness, and the 2025 Global Excellence Award winner for Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® of the Year. As a long-time SHRM member and contributor to HR development, Mike uses real-life experiences like this one to teach powerful, actionable leadership principles.

Plus, you’ll get a glimpse of Manhattan by Sail’s iconic Shearwater Statue Sail experience—a scenic and adventurous ride that proves a boat cruise can become a masterclass in leadership.

If you're passionate about workplace wellness, leadership, or professional growth, this video will leave you inspired and ready to show up differently in your life and career.

Stay in touch with Mike Veny!
Website: https://www.mikeveny.com
Courses: https://learn.mikeveny.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/mikeveny
Facebook: http://facebook.com/mikeveny
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeveny

Mike Veny

Mike Veny is a globally recognized mental health speaker and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® who has made it his mission to transform stigma into strength through rhythm and story. Known for his electrifying drumming keynotes and raw, real talk, Mike helps workers thrive and organizations create emotionally healthy cultures. His work bridges inclusive excellence, mental health, and professional development—and is known for producing measurable change. He has been booked by NAMI, Microsoft, Merck, and hundreds more. Mike is also the CEO of Lovely Refinement, a women's mental health and wellness brand, which owns the Training Refinery, a continuing education powerhouse. In all of his professional efforts, Mike is fiercely committed to empowering employees to discover emotional wellness and resilience so that they can accelerate personal and professional growth and avoid damaging burnout. He is also the host of a podcast called “Coffee With Mike: Mental Wellness & Belonging for Leaders.”