Ep. 7: Miles for Smiles

March 26th, 2026

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Cleft Conversations. Today we’re joined by Michael Dehal. Thank you so much for being here.

For those meeting you for the first time, how would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Michael Dehal. I was born with a cleft lip and palate, so I grew up experiencing the challenges that come with cleft. Today, I work as a Senior Portfolio Manager at Dehal Investment Partners within Raymond James. I work in the investment and wealth management industry, helping clients and families manage their wealth, investments, and financial and retirement plans.

What’s the most rewarding part about your work with Smile Train?
The most rewarding part is seeing the change. I recently visited a Smile Train partner hospital in northern India and had the opportunity to speak with parents whose children were receiving cleft care funded by Smile Train. Seeing the life-changing impact, these children gaining the ability to smile and the confidence that comes with it, is incredibly powerful. Watching entire families’ lives change makes being part of this journey deeply meaningful.

Can you tell me about your experience with Team Empower?
I joined Team Empower last year. We raise money for Smile Train by running marathons. I ran my first marathon in Chicago in October 2025; 26 miles, and we call it “running miles for smiles.” Every mile I ran was for children with cleft, helping change their lives.

This year, I’m running the London Marathon in April and fundraising for Smile Train. Our team has done an incredible job raising both money and awareness for cleft care worldwide.

You mentioned you weren’t always a runner—what changed?
I wasn’t a runner until a few years ago. Joining Team Empower gave running a purpose. Before, you run for your own well-being. Now, you’re running for something bigger. You're giving children the opportunity to smile and build confidence.

Training is intense. I’m currently training for the London Marathon, running four to five days a week, strength training, and balancing a full-time job. It’s challenging, but having a purpose keeps me motivated—early mornings, late evenings—it’s all for something meaningful.

How did being underestimated by your teachers as a child shape your ambition?
Growing up, some teachers assumed I had a learning disability because of my cleft. That wasn’t true. It’s a facial difference, not a cognitive one. That experience motivated me to prove them wrong.

I went on to complete my undergraduate degree in commerce and finance, earned an MBA, and obtained my CPA CMA designation. It pushed me to pursue higher education and demonstrate that people with cleft have the same learning abilities as anyone else.

What specific life lessons did you learn from undergoing multiple surgeries at a young age?
Resilience and grit. Going through multiple surgeries at a young age teaches you strength and perseverance.

I always say we’re all “cleft warriors.” Between surgeries, speech therapy, orthodontics, and social challenges like bullying, those experiences build resilience early in life, and that strength carries with you forever.

How did you handle the social challenges of growing up with a cleft?
It was challenging. There wasn’t much awareness back then, and I often had to explain my condition repeatedly. I also faced teasing and bullying in school.

What helped me most was my support system, especially my father. He constantly encouraged me to stay strong and positive. He was my mentor and my foundation. Although he has since passed, I dedicate all of my cleft advocacy work to him.

Can you go more in depth about your work in the financial industry?
I work in investment and wealth management and have been fortunate to become a recognized voice in the field. I regularly appear on Bloomberg and BNN, providing market updates and discussing economic trends. I also contribute to Reuters and other publications and speak at conferences around the world.

I’ve been passionate about finance since I bought my first stock at 16. Today, helping families grow their financial future is incredibly rewarding.

How would you define success now compared to the start of your career?
Success isn’t about money. It’s about internal happiness and the ability to give back.

Once you reach a certain point in your career, success becomes about how you help others. It’s also about gratitude and balance. Every morning, I wake up early, meditate, go to my temple, and run 5K. That mind-body-spirit routine defines success for me.

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up?
I thank God for another day. Then I meditate, go to my temple, and run; no matter the weather.

Every day is an opportunity to improve. Staying grateful and focused on growth is key.

What message do you have for educators who make assumptions based on physical appearance?
Never judge a book by its cover.

Take the time to understand the individual instead of making quick assumptions. Learn their experiences before forming opinions.

In what ways has your cleft journey made you a more empathetic leader?
It’s helped me truly listen and understand others. Not all struggles are visible. Mental health, for example, isn’t something you can see.

As a leader, I approach everyone with empathy because you never know what someone else is going through.

How do you stay resilient when you encounter people who still hold biases?
You have to keep going. You might get knocked down, but what matters is getting back up.

Resilience, grit, and a strong mindset are everything. My daily routine, training both mentally and physically, helps strengthen that resilience.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insights.

Thank you for having me. My message to anyone with a cleft is simple: keep going. Like running, you don’t stop until you reach your destination. If you fall, get back up. You’re a warrior. And warriors don’t quit.