Meet Mike
Mike Veny's mission is simple yet powerful: to support you in discovering the gift of emotional wellness. To accomplish this, he delivers unique learning experiences—rooted in lived experience, music, and education—that inspire personal transformation, workplace resilience, and team connection.
He does this because when you're emotionally well – you're more engaged, creative, and productive.
Mike's Story
Mike Veny, is a professional drummer turned mental wellness advocate whose entire existence has been shaped by personal mental health struggles—including depression, anxiety, and OCD. Through perseverance and rhythm, Mike transformed those challenges into a message of hope and advocacy. From school expulsions and time in psychiatric facilities to becoming an award-winning speaker and trainer, his story informs every program we develop.
What He Offers
📚 Books & Workbooks
- Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero
This bestselling memoir reveals a detailed framework for breaking the stigma cycle. - The Transforming Stigma Workbook
Contains reflection prompts and real-life exercises for individuals and groups to explore shame, silence, and connection.
🏫 Courses & Training
- Fill Your Cup: The Exhausted Educator’s Guide to Emotional Wellness
Offers highly effective, accredited tools for educators facing burnout. - Connectivity & Conversations: A Workplace Mental Health Course
Reveals how to spot struggling employees and then have emotionally intelligent, legally respectful conversations with them. - Micro-modules
Short, intense trainings that have real impact. Examples include: ROI of Mental Health, Employee Well-Being Signals, and Building Cultures of Inclusion.
🥁 Drumming Experiences & Merchandise
- Unleash Your Groove® Team Drumming Workshop
This live experience combines rhythm, emotional storytelling, and leadership learning. - Small Djembe Drum & Drum Necklace
These serve as wellness tools as well as symbols of unity, energy, and emotional expression.
Why Choose Mike?
Real‑Life Lived Credibility
Mike’s personal mental health journey, which includes overcoming stigma and using drumming as therapy, ensures our offerings are grounded in authenticity and empathy.
Accredited & Impactful Learning
Mike Veny is the CEO of The Training Refinery, which is accredited by IACET and recognized by SHRM, HRCI and ATD. As a result, our customers can earn CEUs and PDCs through select courses.
Award-Winning Influence
Mike Veny was recently named one of the top 5 mental health speakers alongside Brené Brown. He has also been honored with awards like the 2025 Global Excellence Award (Acquisition International), Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards (2022–2024), and NAMI Leader of Mental Health Awareness (2023).
Trusted by Global Organizations
Mike has spoken for Fortune 500 companies and leading institutions, including Microsoft, Heineken, CVS Health, T-Mobile, Salesforce, Wounded Warrior Project, and more. Feedback from clients praises his emotional impact, authenticity, and engagement.
His Impact
He’s empowered educators to prevent burnout, guided leaders to foster inclusive and mentally healthy workplaces, and enabled thousands to break silence and shame. From keynote sessions to immersive drumming workshops, our work ignites resilience, connection, and cultural change.
Meet Mike Veny
Mike Veny is the CEO of Lovely Refinement, a women’s mental health and wellness brand, which owns the Training Refinery, a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®, author, podcast host, and veteran drummer. Driven by his personal journey and passion for healing through storytelling and rhythm, he continues to inspire global audiences. From his early drumming therapy in classrooms to corporate stages, Mike’s mission has remained constant: emotional wellness is a gift worth sharing.
Next Steps...
Explore our books, courses, and merchandise to learn more about their transformative powers and how they can help your organization break through and get members reengaged and energized to excel.
Interested in booking Mike for a keynote or workshop? Visit our contact page. Remember, Mike isn't just a speaker—he's a lived-experience leader who creates unforgettable emotional wellness experiences with drumming, movement, and truth! Book him today to ensure your next mental health event is beyond extraordinary.