Michael Leung

My name is Michael Leung, founder of The Flo Group in Calgary. We’re redefining the hearing experience through inclusive, affordable alternatives to traditional hearing aids. Our open-ear bone conduction technology, combined with a built-in amplifier, helps people with hearing loss communicate more confidently—without the stigma or the steep cost.

This technology also benefits the blind community by enhancing spatial awareness and sound clarity, enabling safer navigation and greater independence.

But getting to this point was far from easy.

My journey has been shaped by loss, hardship, and resilience. At a young age I lost my mother to cancer. Watching her fade—losing her memory, strength, and eventually her life—was devastating. She passed just before Mother’s Day, and that trauma stayed with me. My mom was the heart of our family—selfless, nurturing, and full of love. I was a mama’s boy. She was my best friend and my protector. To save money, she would patch my worn sweatpants with colourful hearts and circles—something I’ll never forget.

Her diagnosis—late-stage bone cancer that had spread to her lungs—led our non-religious family to turn to Catholicism in hopes of a miracle that never came. I was only 12 when she passed. A part of me died with her, including my sense of faith.

Life changed dramatically after that. My father and I struggled to connect emotionally, and with my sister leaving for university in Toronto, it felt like I was left to figure things out alone. I gravitated toward a group of misfit friends—like something out of The Goonies. Though we supported each other, we often found trouble. My dad endured a lot raising me on his own, but he kept a promise to my dying mother: he would never give up on me.

I was once a straight-A student, but after my mom’s death, my grades slipped and my anger grew. Still, I managed to finish high school and earn a diploma in hotel and business management. I started at the bottom in hospitality—busboy, banquet server, bellman at the Westin—but when I was passed over for a management role in favor of someone less qualified but better connected, I became disillusioned by the politics and discrimination. I eventually left to pursue real estate and investing.

I co-founded an investment firm and explored stock trading, but misplaced trust and financial missteps cost me dearly. In my late 20s and early 30s, I spiralled—falling into a cycle of partying, overspending, and battling alcoholism. I nearly lost everything—my car, my home—and it took nearly a decade to rebuild my credit and get back on solid ground.

During those years, I struggled with near-death experiences, the loss of close friends, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, addiction, low self-esteem, and anger issues. It was the darkest chapter of my life.

Then came Grace.

She was younger than me, but wise beyond her years. Grace brought kindness, perspective, and helped me rediscover meaning. She reminded me that success isn’t about wealth—it’s about purpose, impact, and connection. She encouraged me to slow down, appreciate the present, and create something meaningful. With her support, I launched my business. She played a major role in shaping our branding and creative direction.

Though we’ve since parted ways romantically, we remain close friends, and I always credit her influence when sharing my story. I continue to work on myself daily—through therapy, healthier habits, and cutting out toxic influences.

This mission is deeply personal to me and resonates with my clients as I live with RP which is Retinitis Pigmentosa, an incurable and degenerative eye condition that has taken away the peripheral and night vision on one side leaving me with tunnel vision. Without help, navigating safely at night is nearly impossible—so I often stay home. It affects my social life and daily routines, making things more difficult than they appear.

But when life doesn’t go your way, you have to keep moving forward. Setbacks are part of the journey. With the right mindset and a small, trusted circle, you can overcome anything. We all have a purpose—so let your creativity lead the way, and never hold back.

Confidence and hope can take you much further than fear and doubt. Trust yourself, take thoughtful risks, and make intentional choices. That’s where real growth begins.

I’ll be featured on Legacy Makers this December which will be streaming on all major streaming platforms. I’m also gearing up for a Dragons’ Den audition in 2026. I believe 2025 will be a defining year—a chance to amplify my impact and inspire others through my story.

What I’m doing now feels like what I was always meant to do: giving people access to life-changing products that improve quality of life through sound clarity, comfort, and affordability. Our technology is helping people of all ages—especially those with hearing or vision loss—reconnect with the world around them.

We’re breaking the stigma around hearing aids and proving there is another option. Everyone deserves the right to choose what fits their needs and budget, especially low-income families and people with disabilities who are too often overlooked.

This is only the beginning. The momentum is building, and together, we’re creating a new future in hearing innovation—one where accessibility, dignity, and hope lead the way.