Picture an American visionary who turned the chaos of leadership into a blueprint for success—meet Michael Hyatt! A bestselling author, podcaster, and entrepreneur, Hyatt has inspired countless professionals to achieve the 'double win': thriving at work while succeeding in life. His journey from a philosophy student to a publishing titan and leadership mentor is as compelling as his practical, life-changing advice.
Through his company, Full Focus, and books like Your Best Year Ever and Free to Focus, Hyatt has revolutionized how we approach productivity, goal-setting, and leadership. Ready to dive into the story of a man who’s helped millions focus on what truly matters? Let’s go!
The Making of Michael Hyatt
Born in the United States, Michael Hyatt’s path began at Baylor University, where he earned a degree in philosophy. While still a student, he dipped his toes into the publishing world at Word Publishing, sparking a lifelong passion. In 1986, he co-founded Wolgemuth & Hyatt with Robert Wolgemuth, a bold entrepreneurial leap that Word Publishing acquired in 1992. Hyatt’s career soared as he joined Thomas Nelson Publishers, rising to chairman and CEO by 2005, leading a $250 million company through turbulent economic times with vision and grit.
His early experiences shaped his belief in intentional leadership. After navigating the publishing industry’s highs and lows, Hyatt founded Full Focus (originally Michael Hyatt & Company) in 2012, driven by a mission to help overwhelmed leaders find clarity and balance. This pivot from corporate executive to mentor and author set the stage for his transformative work.
Michael Hyatt’s Unforgettable Works
Hyatt’s books are like roadmaps for success, blending research-driven strategies with relatable storytelling. His 2012 bestseller, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World, is a masterclass in building a personal brand, offering practical tips for standing out in a crowded digital landscape. It struck a chord, becoming a New York Times bestseller and a go-to guide for entrepreneurs.
In Your Best Year Ever (2018), Hyatt unveils a five-step plan for goal-setting that’s rooted in behavioral science, helping readers turn dreams into reality. Free to Focus (2019) tackles productivity, teaching leaders to achieve more by doing less through a three-step system. His 2020 release, The Vision Driven Leader, emphasizes the power of a clear vision to energize teams and scale businesses. Each book is marked by Hyatt’s signature style: actionable, inspiring, and grounded in real-world experience.
Hyatt’s writing resonates because it’s personal. He draws from his own triumphs and setbacks—like turning around a struggling division at Thomas Nelson—to offer advice that feels authentic. His focus on the 'double win'—success at work and home—sets him apart in a world obsessed with hustle.
Why Michael Hyatt Matters
Michael Hyatt’s impact extends far beyond his books. Through Full Focus, he’s coached over 970 business owners and sold more than 1.2 million Full Focus Planners, a tool Forbes dubbed the 'Best Daily Planner' for goal achievement. His podcast, Business Accelerator, co-hosted with his daughter Megan Hyatt Miller, delivers leadership wisdom to millions. Hyatt’s philosophy—that success doesn’t require sacrificing personal life—has empowered professionals to prioritize family, health, and joy alongside career wins.
His legacy lies in making leadership accessible. By sharing tools like the Full Focus System, Hyatt has democratized productivity, helping everyone from CEOs to solopreneurs live intentionally. In 2021, he passed the CEO baton to Megan, ensuring Full Focus’s mission endures. Hyatt’s work continues to inspire a generation to lead with purpose and balance.
About Michael Hyatt
- Birthplace: United States
- Key Works: Platform (2012), Your Best Year Ever (2018), Free to Focus (2019), The Vision Driven Leader (2020)
- Notable Achievement: Led Thomas Nelson Publishers as CEO, scaled Full Focus to Inc. 5000 status
- Personal: Married to Gail for over 44 years, father of five daughters, grandfather of ten
Snag Your Best Year Ever and dive into Michael Hyatt’s practical, life-changing approach to leadership and productivity!