About The Training Refinery
Where Continuing Education Becomes a Catalyst for Growth – from the Inside Out
Meet The Founder
The Training Refinery was born in a moment of uncertainty. In 2020, as the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, founder Mike Veny watched every speaking engagement on his calendar disappear overnight. Like many, he suddenly had time, urgency, and a big question: What now?
Mike Veny – CEO & Founder
ABOUT MIKE
As people began experimenting with virtual learning, Mike saw an opportunity – not just to create courses, but to reimagine what continuing education could be.
That spark became what is now The Training Refinery.
From the beginning, Mike was determined to do it right. He pursued accreditation through the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) – a process he describes as one of the hardest things he’s ever done. Every detail was scrutinized. Every standard mattered.
One night, on the verge of missing a critical deadline, Mike reached out on Upwork in a last-ditch effort for help. It was late. The odds were slim. But one person, Kayleen Holt, looked at Mike’s work, his mission, and what he stood for—and decided it mattered enough to stay up all night and help. Together, they crossed the finish line and earned accreditation. That moment set the tone for everything that followed.
Kayleen Holt
Mike’s Passion for Learning Shaped the Company in Another Powerful Way
A self-described learning addict, he dove headfirst into understanding what great education looks like. Early on, he turned to a popular online provider – not because it was great CEU training, but because it set a high bar for production, storytelling, and engagement. That standard became the benchmark. Continuing education didn’t have to be boring. It could be immersive, human, and even fun. The provider’s example gave Mike and The Training Refinery something to measure itself against … and ultimately surpass.
Today, The Training Refinery is built around consciousness-based continuing education – learning that treats people as whole humans, not just professionals checking a box.
Our courses blend skill-building with emotional awareness, resilience, and clarity, using creative storytelling and thoughtful design to educate the whole person.
Because when people grow from the inside out, everything else gets better.
That’s the heart of The Training Refinery – and the reason our learning doesn’t just inform, it transforms.
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HE LOVES a bone-in rib eye steak cooked medium rare
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HE PREFERS dogs over cats
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HE WAS BORN in Queens, New York
