In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher welcome Mike May—entrepreneur, Paralympic athlete, navigation technology pioneer, and, as Chris calls him, “the most interesting man in the world.”

Mike shares his remarkable journey, from losing his sight at age three to regaining partial vision decades later, working for the CIA, competing on the world stage in skiing, and founding companies like Sendero Group, which developed the first GPS products for blind travelers. He reflects on the lessons learned from both entrepreneurial wins and setbacks, the mottos that guide his life, and the resilience and adaptability that fuel innovation.

The conversation also explores the future of assistive technology—from smart glasses to AI-powered navigation—and how products that serve both disability and mainstream markets can drive lasting impact. Mike also offers candid advice to early-stage founders about balancing passion with business viability, staying adaptable, and always looking for alternative solutions.

This inspiring discussion highlights not only Mike’s extraordinary path but also broader insights on problem-solving, resilience, and building a more accessible world.

Links & Resources:

Mike May: LinkedIn

Crashing Through Book: Website

The People Make The Places: Podcast

American Printing House: Website

COMING SOON!

American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.