Michael A. Singer
Born 1947 · Age 78
American author, spiritual teacher, motivational speaker and former software entrepreneur; founder of the Temple of the Universe and co‑founder of Medical Manager (later part of WebMD); author of The Untethered Soul and The Surrender Experiment.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in New Rochelle, New York
Michael Alan "Mickey" Singer born into a Jewish family in New Rochelle; later grew up in Miami. Father worked as a stockbroker.
Earned bachelor's degree in business, University of Florida
Awarded a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Florida.
Refused to write doctoral dissertation
While enrolled in a doctorate program Singer refused to write a dissertation and instead wrote and submitted his first book to his professor, which led to publication.
Earned master's degree (economics), University of Florida
Completed graduate studies in economics and was awarded a master's degree.
Spiritual awakening and seclusion
While working on a doctorate in economics Singer had a deep inner awakening and went into seclusion to focus on meditation and yoga.
Early marriage ended in divorce
An early marriage ended in divorce in 1971 (details of marriage start not provided).
Published first book: The Search for Truth
The Search for Truth was published by Shanti Publications after Singer submitted it in lieu of a doctoral dissertation.
Connected with Shanti Publications through professor
One professor on Singer's doctoral committee connected him with Shanti Publications, which published his first book.
Temple of the Universe opened to all regardless of religion
Temple explicitly established as inclusive center for men and women of all faiths to practice meditation and yoga.
Founded Temple of the Universe (meditation center)
Established the Temple of the Universe in Alachua, Florida — a yoga and meditation center open to all religions.
Published second book: Three Essays on Universal Law
Published Three Essays on Universal Law exploring karma, fate, and love.
Developed leading-edge medical practice management software
Singer created a leading practice-management software package that later transformed the medical practice management industry (led to Medical Manager success).
Co‑founded Medical Manager
Co‑founded Medical Manager, a company marketing software for medical practice management and patient/billing record digitization.
Medical Manager went public (registered $45M in stock)
Medical Manager conducted a public offering/registration that registered $45 million in stock.
Medical Manager recognized by Smithsonian Institution
Medical Manager was recognized by the Smithsonian for achievements in information technology.
WebMD acquired Medical Manager (deal ~ $5B, $55/share)
WebMD (Healtheon/WebMD) bought Medical Manager and subsidiaries; reported deal value roughly $5 billion and purchase price about $55 per share.
Assigned role at WebMD after acquisition
As part of the acquisition Singer stayed on at WebMD as executive vice president of physician software strategies and chief software architect for WebMD Practice Services.
Sale price detail: WebMD paid ~$55 per Medical Manager share
Deal detail reported that WebMD bought each Medical Manager share for roughly $55 as part of the broader acquisition.
Reported company valuation context: Medical Manager/related subsidiaries part of $5B consolidation
Reporting framed Medical Manager and its subsidiaries as part of a larger $5B transaction when folded into WebMD's holdings.
FBI and IRS executed search warrant of Medical Manager offices
Medical Manager's business dealings were investigated; FBI and IRS executed a search warrant on offices in Florida and New Jersey.
Resigned from WebMD
Singer resigned from his WebMD executive roles on February 9, 2005.
Medical Manager renamed Emdeon and sold by WebMD for $565M
WebMD's practice-management division (Emdeon) was sold to Sage Software for $565 million (reported Aug 2006).
The Untethered Soul later rose to mainstream popularity
Although published 2007, the book saw a significant surge in popularity after media exposure (notably Oprah) leading to bestseller status.
Published The Untethered Soul
Released The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, a book on yoga, self and consciousness.
Prosecuted by Department of Justice (related to Medical Manager/WebMD)
DOJ prosecuted Singer and other top management in connection with alleged securities fraud tied to Medical Manager.
Charges dropped following forfeiture/plea agreement
After Singer entered the deferred prosecution/forfeiture agreement, the charges against him were dropped (reported Jan 2010).
Deferred prosecution agreement and forfeiture of $2.5M
Entered into a deferred prosecution agreement in relation to securities fraud allegations from his time at WebMD and agreed to forfeit $2.5 million in settlements; charges against Singer were later dropped.
Executives of Medical Manager pleaded guilty
Six executives of Medical Manager eventually pleaded guilty to roles in the securities fraud scheme (reported March 22, 2010).
Sage/Practice management unit bought by Vista Equity Partners (~$320M)
Reportedly, five years after Sage bought the Emdeon/practice management unit it was bought out by Vista Equity Partners for $320M (reported 2011).
The Untethered Soul became a New York Times bestseller
Following the Oprah interview the book was featured on the New York Times bestseller list and spent seven weeks on the list.
First televised interview on Super Soul Sunday with Oprah Winfrey
Singer's first ever televised interview (Aug 5, 2012) on Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday promoting The Untethered Soul.
The Surrender Experiment became a New York Times bestseller
The Surrender Experiment was listed as a New York Times bestseller.
Published The Surrender Experiment
Released The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection, a memoir mixing his life story with his philosophy.
Public and critical reaction to Surrender Experiment
The Surrender Experiment attracted reviews, press coverage and was discussed in media (HuffPost, Global Yogi), increasing Singer's public profile.
Podcast interview: Living from a Place of Surrender (Sounds True)
Interview/podcast appearance (Sounds True / DailyGood) published Dec 22, 2017 discussing living from surrender.
Multiple media profiles and book reviews
Singer's work and spiritual teaching received numerous reviews and profiles (Wanderlust, Huffington Post, Shelf Awareness etc.).
Featured on SuperSoul.tv archives and interview collection
Multiple interviews/appearances archived on SuperSoul.tv and related sites (documenting increased public profile).
Published Living Untethered - Beyond the Human Predicament
Published Living Untethered, continuing the thesis of The Untethered Soul.
Quoted speaker booking fee range (All American Speakers Bureau)
All American Speakers Bureau lists Singer's live event booking fee range as $20,000–$30,000 (listing current as of 2025 site copy).
Key Achievement Ages
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