Michael Acton Smith OBE

Co-founder & Executive Chairman of Calm

Michael has long been fascinated by neuroscience, flow states and mental fitness. Learning to meditate had a profound impact on his life and he is passionate about spreading this simple but valuable skill around the world. 

Prior to Calm, Michael was the founder of Mind Candy and creator of Moshi Monsters, the online world for children that grew to 80 Million registered users and expanded offline into books, toys, games, magazines, music and movies.  Michael is also the founder of Firebox.com, Ping Pong Fight Club and Berwickstock music festival. In 2014 he was awarded an OBE for services to the Creative Industries. 

A note from Michael ...

"I’ve always loved dreaming up new ideas, products and companies including the successful creation of Moshi Monsters.

There are many joys of entrepreneurial life but it can also be a chaotic, restless and intense existence. As an entrepreneur,  you’re ‘always on’ fretting about missed opportunities and stressing about the future.

By the summer of 2014 I had reached breaking point. I was forever tired and suffered from headaches and the joy of work had faded to a dull ache. I took a much needed break. I went on long runs, played tennis and read a lot of books on a subject that kept hearing about: mindfulness.

Before this trip, I’d been intrigued by meditation but had always been too busy to give it a try. I discovered that guided meditations helped enormously and the more I practiced the more I managed to tame my mind.

I began to discover the many benefits that flow from having a strong, focused, calm mind. I felt like I’d stumbled across a secret power.

I returned to work in London rejuvenated. I was fired up and ready to take on anything.

Calming the mind is not about switching off and retreating from the bustle of life. It’s a superpower that rewires our brains, changes the way we see the world and helps to unlock our true potential."