Michael Franti’s story begins in Oakland, California, where music, sports and faith shaped his early life.
He was born to an African-American and Nottoway Indian father and a mother of Irish, Belgian and German descent and was adopted by the Franti family at the age of seven months. “I grew up in a family where music, sports and church were the focus of our lives,” he remembers.
The Frantis raised five children—three biological and two adopted—and taught Michael early lessons in empathy and hard work. His father, who battled alcoholism before recovering, showed him that change is always possible. “He taught me the value of hard work, despite his difficulties,” Franti says. “He showed me that it is possible for everyone to change.” His mother, a public school teacher for over 30 years, inspired him to be authentic. “She always told me that being human doesn’t mean being perfect – it means showing up as your authentic, complex and sometimes messy emotional self.”
These lessons became the foundation of his life and leadership – first as a musician, later as a business owner, and always as a person who sought growth despite adversity.
Finding your voice through music
After graduating from Davis Senior High School, Franti attended the University of San Francisco, where he played basketball for two years. But the attraction to music was too strong to ignore. “I dropped out of school when I was 18 and started performing full-time,” he explains.
His early years were anything but glamorous. He worked as a bicycle courier, worked in construction and worked as a doorman in nightclubs before making a living in music. These experiences gave him support and kept his perspective sharp. “Every job I’ve had before music has taught me something about people – how they move, what they value and how they find joy even when life is hard.”
Over the next four decades, Franti traveled the world, performing for audiences on nearly every continent. His sound – a mix of soul, rock, reggae and spoken word – reflected his global experiences and his desire to connect through shared humanity. “The best education I ever did was traveling and meeting people from all over the world,” he says. “You learn a lot by observing others.”
Building Soulshine: A Vision Beyond the Stage
In 2010, Franti opened Soulshine Bali, a boutique resort and retreat center that combines wellness, creativity and community. What began as a dream of building a place of peace and inspiration has evolved into a thriving destination for travelers and artists alike.
“I wanted to create a place where people can reconnect with themselves, with nature and with joy,” explains Franti. Soulshine is not just a resort; It reflects his belief that positivity and determination can change lives. The resort’s focus on mindfulness, sustainability and authentic hospitality reflects Franti’s own approach to leadership: leading with empathy, working with intention and building something that helps others succeed.
As a hotelier, Franti sees his business as an extension of his music career – both are about connection. “Whether I’m on stage or entertaining guests at Soulshine, my goal is the same: to lift people up and remind them that they belong.”
Do it for love: putting compassion into action
Philanthropy has always been at the heart of Franti’s work. Along with his wife Sara, he co-founded Do It For The Love, a nonprofit organization that brings people with life-threatening illnesses, children and adults with special needs, and wounded veterans to live concerts.
“For 14 years we have been working to bring moments of joy to the people they need most,” he says. “Music heals – it reminds us that there is beauty even when life seems uncertain.”
Through this work, Franti has seen firsthand the impact of kindness on the outside. The organization has donated thousands of concert experiences worldwide, reminding him that impact doesn’t always require grand gestures – it starts with presence and empathy.
Lead with optimism and authenticity
Franti’s success – in music, hospitality and philanthropy – stems from his belief in optimism as a form of leadership. “I’m an optimist,” he says. “Finding a positive attitude during challenging times is crucial to finding joy and success in life.”
He admits that life hasn’t been easy, but that’s what makes his story true. As a brown child growing up in a predominantly white community, he struggled with identity struggles that later shaped his empathy. “As an adult, I have learned to understand what it all means: letting go of what no longer serves me and moving into the person I want to be.”
This person is now a husband, father, artist, and business leader focused on helping others overcome their own challenges. He finds balance through daily yoga, strength training, songwriting and time with his family – especially kite flying with his son Taj. “Joy doesn’t always come from big things,” he reflects. “Sometimes it’s just about being present.”
Lessons from a life full of goals
For Michael Franti, leadership is not about titles, but about intentions. It’s about showing up to the fullest and helping others do the same. “My life has been about transformation,” he says. “From my father’s recovery to my journey through music to building Soulshine, I have seen that change is possible when you lead with heart.”
His story is one of resilience and reinvention, of the search for strength in combat and purpose in service. Whether on stage or at his Bali retreat, Franti continues to inspire others to live with compassion, creativity and joy.
In a world that often feels divided, his message remains simple—and powerful: Be yourself, help others, and never stop finding joy in the journey.
