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Dr. Joseph Michelli releases new book

by Wyquita Winton Citizen staff writer

"When Fish Fly" is the latest book to be released by Joseph Michelli, Ph.D. The book and accompanying CD hit the bookstores for the Colorado Springs resident August 4. It is a book on lessons for creating a vital and energized workplace. Michelli, a former Florence resident, co-authored the book with John Yokoyama, owner of the World famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington. It tells the story of how Yokoyama transformed a small company on the verge of bankruptcy into an extraordinary model of success. It also relates the ups and downs in business at the World Famous Pike Place Fish.

In the book, Yokoyama offers readers his strategies for achieving world famous results in any kind of business by developing a culture that leads to excellent customer service, employee morale and a fun and energized workplace. The book received its title from activities at the fish market. At Pike Place fish, people can not only witness the hilarious spectacle of fishmongers throwing slippery salmon to one another, but to share in the joyous atmosphere generated by the company's uniquely vital culture. Thus the title "When Fish Fly."

Dr. Michelli is a forensic psychologist with an office in Colorado Springs. He also hosts a daily radio talk show on KVOR, 740 AM, from 4 to 6 p.m..

He is a professional speaker and consults on the creation of dynamic and playful corporate cultures for companies around the world. Michelli also wrote the book, "Humor, Play and Laughter." and numerous magazine articles.

Michelli is the son of Marie Michelli of Florence and the late Joe Michelli. He attended Florence schools and graduated from Holy Cross Abbey in 1978. As a youth he was active in 4-H including photography, played various musical instruments and was a member of the Red Brick Players. While at the Abbey, he worked as a disc jockey at KRLN Radio and traveled with the Abbey Glee Club.

He received his bachelors degree in psychology, political science, and philosophy from the University of Denver. He was honored as the 1981 Outstanding Junior Man. He then went on to the University of Southern California where he received his masters and doctorate degrees.

He and his wife Nora are the parents of two children, Andrew 13 and Fiona 9.