It would be easy to say that Mike Mooney’s career has been going in circles for more than 25 years in the high-speed world of professional motorsports.
An award-winning executive, Mike helped strengthen brand relevance and protected the reputations for global organizations such as Mercedes-Benz, 3M, NASCAR, IndyCar, Sunoco, Tylenol, Walmart, Sprint, Kellogg’s, Lowe’s, and Eli Lilly.
Mike has a natural ability to connect with people in a way that fosters trust and accelerates personal and professional growth.
After serving in numerous agency senior communications roles, Mike was recruited by Sprint/Nextel to develop and direct the marketing communications strategy and execution for its historic 10-year, $750 million NASCAR Series sponsorship. He was the architect for Walmart’s iconic Race Time platform – one of NASCAR’s largest retail programs – that involved 10+ NASCAR teams and 30+ sponsors activating at 200+ Walmart locations in race markets across the United States.
Mike was then recruited by one of NASCAR’s most iconic race teams, Roush Fenway Racing, to revitalize team initiatives focused on brand positioning, sponsor acquisition and retention. He oversaw a sponsorship portfolio of $50+ million as well as digital strategies, culture evolution, and reputation management.
With a passion for personal empowerment, Mike shifted from his motorsports career to start a new chapter by sharing his personal and professional experiences as a professional speaker. Mike works with leaders to help leaders create cultures of peak performers that unlocks potential, drives opportunities and creates traction within organizations, teams, and individuals.
His breakthrough book, Reputation Shift – Lessons from Pit Road to the Boardroom, is a toolbox packed with use-now personal branding strategies for people who want to create greater personal and professional opportunities and impact in their lives.
Mike also serves as an executive advisor for strategic initiatives for Pocono Organics, one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified farms in North America. His work there led to collaborations and partnerships with global organizations including Patagonia, Crop Trust, Charlotte’s Web, and the United Nations.
Mike is a leadership facilitator for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s School of Professional Studies where he co-develops curriculum as well as leads external corporate training sessions.
He actively engaged supports the National Speakers Association (NSA) and has served on the Board of Directors of NSA Carolinas since 2019, including President from 2022-2023 when the Chapter earned Elite Chapter status.
Mike is a graduate of Elon University and lives in Charlotte, NC, with his wife of 26 years and three children. He can also be found hiking, fishing, golfing, and enjoying the energy of the outdoors.
