Michael Dargie is an author, creative director, and entrepreneur whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, branding, and creative exploration. Much of his work begins with a simple question: “What happens when I do this?” followed closely by, “Well, that escalated quickly.” He writes, directs, illustrates, performs, and helps organizations clarify who they are and why they matter. Creator of the BrandJitsu™ methodology and a traditionally published author, Michael is currently working on a follow-up to BrandJitsu and his first adventure novel. He is an adventurer, motorcyclist, scuba diver, and octopus hugger (with consent).
Literary Representation: Sam Hiyate, The Rights Factory
Michael offers a range of presentations and keynotes and tailors each one to the room. For example, one he delivered recently for the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society was:
From Idea to Indigo: The (Accidentally) Epic Journey of Publishing a Book
Michael Dargie always thought his first book would be a Great Canadian Novel. Think treasure hunts, a few octopuses, maybe a secret map. Instead, life had other plans. His debut became a business book about branding, focused on helping artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations find, shape, and share their stories.
He's fine with how this turned out.
In this candid and entertaining talk, Michael shares the unexpected twists and turns of his publishing journey. From figuring out what the book was really about, to landing a publisher, stumbling into a great literary agent, levelling up the deal, and surviving the editing trenches (there were many edits)(so many edits). The result is a book that now lives on the shelves of Indigo, Chapters, Coles, Barnes & Noble, and other fine "litstablishments" around the world.
But the story doesn’t end at publication. Michael also explores what happens next. How authors market their book without losing their soul, build visibility, and position themselves for future opportunities, including their next deal(s).
Part behind-the-scenes publishing story, part practical insight, this presentation is for anyone curious about how ideas make it out of your head and into the world, and what it takes to keep them moving once they get there.
Find and Shape Your Brand Story (BrandJitsu™ Workshop)
This immersive four-hour workshop is designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and senior leaders who need clarity around their brand’s purpose, personality, and positioning.
Using the BrandJitsu™ methodology, participants are guided through a practical process to uncover the core story at the heart of their business and shape it into something clear, credible, and resonant. This is not about marketing slogans or clever copy. It’s about understanding who you are, who you’re for, and why it matters, so your brand connects with the right people and repels the wrong ones.
Through a combination of guided exercises, discussion, and real-world examples, participants will learn how to articulate their brand story in a way that aligns leadership, informs decision-making, and creates meaningful connection with their ideal client.
By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a focused brand narrative they can use across strategy, marketing, sales, and internal communication.
Michael Dargie speaks to students of all ages about creativity, curiosity, and the many different paths learning can take.
As a student, Michael didn’t always fit neatly into the system. He was often more interested in drawing, performing, and asking questions than sitting still and colouring inside the lines. Today, those same instincts have led him to a career as an entrepreneur, author, illustrator, actor, director, podcast host, international speaker, artist, and creative director.
In this engaging and age-appropriate presentation, Michael shares how creative interests can become real skills, how persistence matters as much as talent, and how students can begin to understand their own strengths, even when they don’t look like everyone else’s. The talk encourages students to stay curious, develop their voice, and recognize that success doesn’t follow just one path.
The presentation is tailored to the age and context of the students, with a focus on inspiration, self-expression, and practical lessons they can apply both in and out of the classroom.
