Explore every episode of the podcast The Mike Method
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP116 How to Use Humour and Storytelling to Become a More Memorable Leader with Judy Carter | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:52:21 | |
What if some of the moments you'd rather forget are actually the stories that could help you connect most powerfully with others? In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by Judy Carter, pioneering comedian, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and internationally recognized expert in using humour and personal stories to connect with an audience. From performing stand-up and appearing on more than 100 television shows to writing The New Comedy Bible and The Message of You, Judy has spent decades studying what makes people laugh, listen, and remember. Judy shares why the "messes" in our lives often contain our most meaningful messages and how leaders can turn difficult, imperfect, and unexpected experiences into stories that create connection. She breaks down the three stories every leader should have ready: a personal heart story, the origin story of their organization or career, and a client success story. She also explains why the strongest stories don't position the leader as the hero, but instead help the audience recognize something of themselves in the experience. Mike and Judy also explore the mechanics of humour. Judy introduces simple comedy formulas, including "small, small, big," and explains why surprise and contrast are at the heart of making people laugh. She shares practical ways leaders can use humour without becoming comedians, from opening a presentation with a shared experience to paying attention to what's happening in the room before stepping on stage. They also discuss vulnerability, why sharing failure can change how others perceive a leader, how to remove unnecessary details from a story, and why a speaker's biggest competition for attention may be the phone in someone's hand. In this episode: • How to turn a personal "mess" into a meaningful message • The three stories every leader should know how to tell • Why vulnerability can strengthen connection and trust • How to tell a client success story without making yourself the hero • Judy's "small, small, big" comedy formula • Why surprise and contrast make humour work • How to create connection early in a presentation • Why good storytelling requires knowing which details to leave out • How humour can make leadership communication more engaging and memorable • Why reading the room matters before you begin speaking Episode Resources: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP115 Why Play Belongs at Work with Kristi Herold | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:43:28 | |
What if play wasn't the opposite of work, but one of the most underused tools leaders have for building connection, trust, creativity, and engagement? In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by Kristi Herold, founder and CEO of JAM and author of It Pays to Play: How Play Improves Business Culture. Kristi has built her career around a simple idea: we don't have to leave play behind when we grow up. When leaders create opportunities for people to laugh, connect, celebrate, and have fun together, they can strengthen the relationships that help teams work better together. Mike and Kristi explore why friendships at work matter, how play can support retention and collaboration, and why the relationships people build beyond their job descriptions can make it easier to work across functions and solve problems together. Kristi also shares practical ways JAM brings play into everyday work, from shout-out channels and playful onboarding traditions to meeting rituals, team sports, core value awards, and their daily huddle. They also discuss: • Why play and meaningful work aren't mutually exclusive • The connection between friendship, belonging, and engagement at work • How leaders can make recognition more memorable • Why social wellness deserves a place alongside other workplace wellbeing initiatives • How play can strengthen relationships across teams and functions • Why trust can create more space for creativity and new ideas • Simple ways to make meetings more engaging • How playful traditions can become part of organizational culture • Why taking your business seriously doesn't require taking yourself seriously Kristi's challenge to leaders is simple: make room for play. Not as a distraction from the work, but as another way to strengthen the relationships that help people do great work together. Episode Resources: Connect with Kristi LinkedIn / Website / Instagram It Pays to Play by Kristi Herold JAM Group: https://jamgroup.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP114 Remote Work Isn’t the Problem: Building Trust and Connection with Katherine Robinette | 25 août 2026 | 00:47:32 | |
What if the real challenge with remote work isn't where people work, but how teams connect, communicate, and build trust when they aren't sharing the same physical space? In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Katherine Robinette, founder and president of Keystone and Raven. With more than 30 years of experience as a speaker, consultant, and facilitator, Katherine helps leaders understand what is happening beneath the surface of their organizations and address the friction that can get in the way of progress. Mike and Katherine explore why remote and hybrid work can work well when leaders are intentional about the norms that support it. They discuss the social interactions teams can miss in virtual environments, why difficult conversations often need more than an email or Slack message, and how curiosity can help leaders understand before responding. They also explore the role of one-on-ones as a space for attunement rather than accountability, why employees should have ownership over those conversations, and how leaders can support people without needing to know every detail of their work. Katherine closes the conversation with four dimensions she believes can help leaders navigate today's changing work environment: mindset, method, metrics, and mood. In this episode:
Episode Resources: Katherine's Blog Shed the Armor: https://keystoneandraven.com/blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP113 How to Become a More Memorable Speaker with Stefano Cossalter | 18 août 2026 | 00:51:04 | |
Whether you’re speaking to a thousand people from a stage or one person across a table, how you communicate shapes what people remember. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Stefano Cossalter, a seven-time public speaking champion, keynote speaker, trainer, master hypnotist, NLP master practitioner, and certified coach. Stefano has won more speaking competitions than anyone in the 90-plus-year history of Toastmasters in BC, but becoming a confident speaker was anything but automatic for him. Stefano shares how he went from freezing in conversations and avoiding networking to building a career around public speaking and helping others become more effective communicators. Mike and Stefano explore why public speaking is ultimately a leadership skill, how storytelling helps create connection and influence, and why humour is something people can learn and practise. Stefano also breaks down his simple four-part framework for telling a compelling story and explains why preparation gives speakers more freedom to be present when it matters. They also discuss how to personalize a presentation for an audience, why useful feedback can make such a difference, and how preparation can help speakers respond when things don’t go according to plan. In this episode:
Whether you regularly speak from a stage, lead meetings, present ideas, or simply want to communicate more effectively, this conversation offers practical ways to become a more prepared, connected, and memorable communicator. Episode Resources: Connect with Stefano: LinkedIn / Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP112 What Deserves Your Best Energy? with Antonio Zivanovic | 11 août 2026 | 01:00:54 | |
What deserves your best energy today? Antonio Zivanovic has built his life around that question. An entrepreneur, tech founder, and one of Canada’s leading insurance advisors, Antonio has spent years developing practical systems that help him manage multiple businesses, family life, health, and the commitments that matter most to him. In this conversation, Mike and Antonio explore why managing energy can matter more than trying to fit more into the day. They discuss the hidden cost of saying yes, the microhabits that compound over time, and why high performance often depends on the systems and support we create around ourselves. Antonio shares how he has built household and business systems to protect time and energy, from food preparation and family support to routines that reduce the number of decisions competing for his attention. Mike also shares how he tracks his end-of-day energy and plans recovery between demanding conversations so that work does not receive all of his capacity. They also discuss deliberate practice, the role of recovery, and why the habits that support performance are usually built one at a time. A practical conversation about being more intentional with your energy, your commitments, and what receives your best attention. Episode Resources: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP111 How AI Is Changing Business Value, Leadership, and the Future of Work with Mike McIsaac | 04 août 2026 | 00:52:32 | |
AI is changing more than how work gets done. It's changing how businesses create value. In this episode, Mike is joined by Mike McIsaac, Chartered Professional Accountant, entrepreneur, and trusted advisor with more than 25 years of experience helping businesses navigate valuation, acquisitions, corporate structure, taxation, and growth. Together they explore how AI is influencing business valuation, why expertise has become even more valuable in an AI-enabled workplace, and how leaders can use these tools to help their teams learn faster and focus on higher-value work. They also discuss practical AI tools they're using every day, the importance of active listening in a world of automation, and the leadership lessons they wish they'd learned earlier, from surrounding yourself with the right people to investing in continuous learning.
Episode Resources:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP110 How Great Leaders Use Stories to Build Trust, Culture, and Authority with Henry DeVries | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:46:48 | |
What makes someone an authority in their field? According to Henry DeVries, it isn't simply expertise. It's the ability to share that expertise in a way people remember. In this episode, Mike sits down with Henry DeVries, CEO of Indie Books International, bestselling author, ghostwriter, publisher, and storytelling expert who has helped hundreds of business leaders transform their knowledge into books that build credibility, influence, and business growth. Together they explore why every successful book begins with the reader rather than the author, how powerful stories create lasting impact, why leaders shape culture through the stories they tell, and what separates books people finish from books they forget. Whether you're thinking about writing a book, growing your business, or becoming a more effective communicator, this conversation offers practical ideas you can apply immediately. In this episode:
Episode Resources: Connect with Henry DeVries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP109 Leadership, Wellness, and Building Teams That Thrive with Lynae Schemenauer | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:48:08 | |
Leadership leaves an impact long after a conversation ends. This week, Mike is joined by Lynae Schemenauer, an Executive Leader, wellness strategist, and founder of Healthy Living with Lynae. With 27 years of leadership experience in law enforcement and extensive expertise in clinical nutrition, mindset, and holistic wellness, she brings a unique perspective on what it takes to sustain high performance in demanding environments. Drawing from a career that has included major crimes, homicide, professional standards, and leadership roles across policing, Lynae explains why the people leading us often have a greater influence on our wellbeing than the work itself. Together, Mike and Lynae discuss why treating everyone the same isn't always effective leadership, how leaders influence team culture through their own habits, and why organizations that invest in wellbeing create stronger performance over time. Whether you lead a team, own a business, or want to build healthier ways of working, this conversation offers practical ideas you can apply immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why leadership can have a lasting impact on wellbeing • How healthy leaders influence healthy teams • The connection between wellness and organizational performance • Why consistency matters more than one-off wellness initiatives • Practical ways leaders can support healthier workplaces Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP108 How to Protect Your Privacy in a Connected World with Paige Hunter | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:47:15 | |
Every day we share information online without thinking twice. Photos, locations, event registrations, fitness apps, school schedules, and social media posts can all reveal more than we intend. This week, Mike is joined by security risk consultant Paige Hunter to explore how publicly available information can create unexpected vulnerabilities for individuals, families, and organizations. Drawing from her work in threat assessment, executive protection, critical infrastructure, and reputational risk, Paige explains how bad actors gather information, how organizations assess potential threats, and the practical steps anyone can take to better protect their privacy. Whether you're leading an organization, raising a family, or simply thinking more intentionally about your digital footprint, this conversation offers practical ideas you can put into practice right away. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would find it valuable. Episode Resources: Connect with Paige Hunter on Instagram ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP107 Redefining Strength, Success, and Emotional Intelligence with Lynn Sumida and Jeff Brown | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:56:08 | |
Success can open doors, but it doesn't always answer the deeper questions about who we are or how we want to live. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by Jeff Brown, Transformation Coach, founder of Reconstructing Your Life, and Co-founder of Expanding You Inc, alongside returning guest Lynn Sumida, Co-founder of Miruspoint Facilitators Inc. and Expanding You Inc. Together they explore how early conditioning influences identity, why many men are taught to prioritize achievement over emotional awareness, and how personal growth becomes more meaningful when knowledge is paired with practice. Jeff shares the experiences that reshaped his own life, including divorce, loss, grief, and rebuilding after the death of his son. Lynn explains why so many of us become disconnected from our authentic selves through early conditioning, and why developing emotional intelligence is less about having the right answers and more about learning new ways to respond. Mike also reflects on his own evolving definition of success, moving from achievement and external milestones toward living with greater intention across every role in life. In this conversation:
Connect with Jeff Brown
Connect with Lynn Sumida
Resources Mentioned Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP106 Why Most Products Fail Before They're Built with Vidya Dinamani | 30 juin 2026 | 00:50:10 | |
Just because you can build something overnight doesn't mean anyone actually wants it. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by Vidya Dinamani, Rebel Leader at Product Rebels, product strategist, author, and former product executive with more than 18 years of experience leading innovation, customer experience, and product strategy. As AI makes it easier than ever to create new products, Vidya explains why the fundamentals of successful product development haven't changed. The strongest products still begin with understanding the customer, validating the problem, and making disciplined decisions before building. Together, Mike and Vidya explore why some product launches succeed while others miss the mark, what leaders can learn from examples like Kickstarter, Ferrari, Tesla, and wearable technology, and how organizations can avoid building features simply because they can. Vidya also shares the practical framework she uses to help teams align around customer needs, make better product decisions, and create products people continue to choose long after launch. In this episode, you'll learn:
Episode Resources: Groundwork: Get Better at Making Better Products by Vidya Dinamani Ai Strategy that starts with People with Kian Gohar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP105 The Human Side of Mergers, Culture, and Change Management with Lisa Smith | 23 juin 2026 | 00:49:00 | |
Mergers are often discussed in terms of strategy, systems, and financial outcomes. What receives less attention is the human experience behind organizational change. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by Lisa Smith, Vice President of People Development and Change Management at Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union. Lisa has spent more than two decades helping organizations navigate leadership development, culture transformation, and large-scale change initiatives. Most recently, she has played a key role in bringing together Coast Capital, Prospera Credit Union, and Sunshine Coast Financial to form Canada's largest purpose-driven federal credit union. Together, Mike and Lisa explore what it takes to successfully guide people through major organizational change. They discuss why culture must be intentionally developed, how leaders can prepare themselves before supporting others through uncertainty, and why communication, trust, and emotional awareness are often the difference between change that succeeds and change that struggles. Lisa also shares lessons from previous mergers, the value of employee ambassador programs, how organizations can build readiness before change arrives, and why the Hero's Journey offers a surprisingly useful framework for understanding transformation. Whether you're leading a merger, managing a growing team, or helping people navigate uncertainty, this conversation offers practical insights for building resilience, engagement, and trust during times of change.
Episode Resources: Lisa Smith: LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP104 The Power of Collective Leadership and Business with Jen Riley | 16 juin 2026 | 00:47:26 | |
Businesses are better together. It is a simple idea that has shaped chambers of commerce for more than 400 years, and according to Jen Riley, it may be more important than ever. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike welcomes Jen Riley, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about leadership, storytelling, policy, and the role businesses play in shaping stronger communities. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in communications and brand leadership, including senior roles at EA Sports and Bosa Properties, Jen shares how curiosity and the ability to synthesize complex information have become essential leadership skills. Together, Mike and Jen explore the evolving role of chambers of commerce, why collective voices matter in advocacy efforts, and how local business communities contribute to economic resilience across British Columbia. The conversation also explores workforce challenges, affordability, trade, major projects, energy systems, Indigenous partnerships, and why many of today's most important conversations require moving beyond simple either-or perspectives. Rather than reducing complex issues into competing sides, Jen encourages listeners to approach them with curiosity, deeper understanding, and a willingness to engage with multiple perspectives. Key topics include:
Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or simply curious about how policy and business intersect, this conversation offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping British Columbia's future. Episode Resources: Jen Riley: LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP103 The Science of Jet Lag, Recovery, and Human Performance with Andrew Herr | 09 juin 2026 | 00:41:26 | |
Travel affects more than just your schedule. It influences sleep, recovery, energy, focus, and how you show up once you arrive. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins welcomes Andrew Herr, CEO of Fount and Flykitt, human performance expert, and advisor whose work has supported Navy SEALs, fighter pilots, professional sports teams, executives, and leading scientific institutions. Andrew has also been recognized twice by the U.S. Army as a "Mad Scientist" for his contributions to human performance research. Together, Mike and Andrew explore the science behind jet lag and why the challenges associated with travel extend far beyond changing time zones. They discuss how pressure changes during flights can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, how circadian rhythms influence sleep and recovery, and why factors such as meal timing, noise exposure, hydration, and even aircraft selection can shape how we feel after traveling. Andrew shares the story behind Flykitt, including how years of work supporting military personnel and high performers led to the development of a practical system designed to help people recover more effectively from long-distance travel. The conversation also explores broader lessons about innovation and leadership. Andrew reflects on the process of translating complex science into practical tools, the importance of listening to customer feedback, and how thoughtful product design can make evidence-based solutions more accessible. Whether you travel frequently for work, lead teams across multiple time zones, or simply want to arrive feeling more prepared for what matters most, this episode offers practical insights grounded in both science and real-world experience. Key topics discussed include: • The physiological factors that contribute to jet lag • The role of inflammation and oxidative stress during travel • Why sleep timing and meal timing matter more than many people realize • How noise exposure affects the nervous system during flights • The differences between aircraft types and their impact on travel recovery • Building products that simplify complex science for everyday use • Leadership lessons from designing human-centered solutions Connect with Andrew Herr: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who travels frequently for work or personal adventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP102 Why Your Brain Talks You Out of What You Really Want with LauraAura | 02 juin 2026 | 00:51:00 | |
Many of us experience moments where we know what we want, but still find ourselves hesitating to take the next step. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike welcomes LauraAura, keynote speaker, coach, entrepreneur, and host of the Gutsy Podcast. After more than two decades building businesses, leading brands, and supporting entrepreneurs through growth and change, LauraAura now helps people move beyond hesitation and take meaningful action toward what matters most. Together, Mike and LauraAura explore the tension between intuition and self-protection, why our minds often resist change even when something feels right, and how small acts of courage can create momentum toward larger goals. They also discuss identity shifts, entrepreneurship, trusting yourself through uncertainty, and the challenge of disappointing others in order to remain aligned with what you genuinely want. Whether you're considering a career change, starting a creative project, launching a business, or navigating a significant life decision, this conversation offers a practical reminder that meaningful change rarely begins with certainty. More often, it develops through small actions taken before all the answers are available. Episode Resources: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP101 How Small Choices Shape Character, Discipline, and Identity with Andrew Allen | 26 mai 2026 | 00:56:47 | |
Character is not something we talk about often in modern leadership conversations, but according to Andrew Allen, it may be one of the most important forces shaping the lives we build. Andrew Allen is a multi-platinum Canadian singer-songwriter, keynote speaker, and creator of the HIIDA framework: “How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything.” After nearly two decades touring alongside artists like Bruno Mars, OneRepublic, Train, and Andy Grammer, Andrew shifted from music into leadership conversations focused on discipline, intentionality, responsibility, and character development. In this conversation, Mike and Andrew explore the difference between personality, identity, and character, why repeated choices matter more than motivation, and how small daily actions quietly shape the way we respond under pressure. They also discuss willpower versus discipline, stoicism, resilience, habits, fatherhood, leadership, and the connection between intentional living and personal responsibility. This conversation offers a grounded reminder that character is not built in one defining moment. It is developed through repeated choices, practiced consistently over time. Topics We Explore:
Episode Resources: Andrew Allen: Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP100 Why “Just Push Through It” Stops Working with Kara Kalin | 19 mai 2026 | 00:49:15 | |
We’re excited to welcome Kara Kalin for the 100th episode of The Mike Method. We’re also incredibly grateful for the support that has helped us reach this milestone. Every listen, follow, share, and conversation around the podcast truly means so much to us. In this conversation, she shares how early experiences in sport, grief, pressure, and performance shaped the way she understood strength, achievement, and emotional survival. Kara has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of trauma, resilience, mental health, and high performance as a registered clinical counselor, certified EMDR therapist, mental performance specialist, former national level athlete, and Team Canada coach. Together, she and Mike explore how trauma can remain stored in the body long after an experience is over, why “just push through it” is not a sustainable strategy, and how nervous system overload often shows up as anxiety, overthinking, shutdown, or emotional exhaustion. Kara also breaks down EMDR in a practical and accessible way, explaining how trauma loops form, the difference between conscious and unconscious looping, why many people cannot simply reason their way out of activation, and how processing experiences can create more capacity, connection, and resilience over time. The conversation explores parenting, sport culture, leadership, grief, emotional regulation, and the difference between surviving hard experiences and actually healing from them. This episode is about learning how to move through life with what Kara calls a strong spine and an open heart. Episode Resources: Kara Kalin: Website / LinkedIn Shift Change - leadership and corporate integration: Website ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP99 Almost Good Enough: Perfectionism, Peace, and the Nervous System with Lynn Sumida | 12 mai 2026 | 00:46:57 | |
In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with returning guest Lynn Sumida for a deeply personal conversation about perfectionism, nervous system safety, and the hidden fear many high performers carry beneath constant striving. Lynn is the founder of Mirrors Point and Expanding You, co-author of The Extraordinary Within, and is currently writing her upcoming book Almost Good Enough, which explores the pressure so many people feel to perform, perfect, and prove themselves. Together, Mike and Lynn explore why peace can feel uncomfortable for the nervous system, how early experiences shape our relationship with safety, and why many leaders stay stuck in cycles of achievement while struggling to actually enjoy the journey. The conversation also moves into masculinity, emotional sensitivity, vulnerability, and the difference between the polished facade people present to the world and the very human reality underneath it. Topics include:
Lynn also shares details about her upcoming Almost Good Enough workshop experience happening in Nanaimo. Episode Resources: Connect with Lynn: Linkedin / Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP98 Alignment Over Agreement: The Leadership Skill Most People Miss with Céline Williams | 05 mai 2026 | 00:44:11 | |
Agreement is not the goal. Alignment is. In this episode, Mike sits down with Céline Williams, a business strategist, executive coach, and leadership development expert who has spent more than 15 years helping fast-growth companies and Fortune 500 organizations build stronger cultures, improve communication, and lead with greater clarity. This conversation starts where most leadership advice does not, with self-awareness. Céline shares why understanding your own reactions, patterns, and internal drivers is the foundation for everything else, including empathy, communication, and decision making. From there, they explore the difference between listening for agreement and listening for understanding, and why that shift can change how we navigate conflict, relationships, and team dynamics. They also get into:
This is a grounded, practical conversation with ideas that feel clear once they are named, but are easy to miss when you are immersed in the day to day. Episode Resources: Connect with Celine on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP97 Resilience, Clarity, and Decision-making in an AI Driven World with Reese Haydon | 29 avr. 2026 | 00:46:25 | |
Resilience is often framed as pushing through. But in a world where AI, fintech, and constant change are reshaping how we work, that definition is no longer enough. In this episode, Mike sits down with Reese Hayden, Senior Director and Head of Executive Talent and Learning at PayPal. Reese leads executive selection, development, and top team effectiveness for senior leaders, and has spent over a decade helping organizations like Salesforce, Dropbox, and Cisco connect leadership development directly to strategy and performance. Together, they explore what leadership requires when the pace of change continues to accelerate. They break down PayPal’s four core leadership capabilities: investing in self and others, leading with clarity, impactful problem solving, and agile decision making, and how these show up in real, day to day leadership. The conversation moves beyond theory into practical tools, including how to recognize when you are in the “yellow” before burnout, the difference between productive and destructive tension, and how simple frameworks like DAISY and the Five Whys help leaders make better decisions and avoid solving the wrong problems. This is a grounded, practical conversation on how leaders can stay effective, present, and resilient without running themselves into the ground. Episode Resources: Connect with Reese on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP96 Boundaries That Change Everything: Strength, Safety, and Letting Go of People Pleasing with Dana Skaggs | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:54:05 | |
Setting and defending healthy boundaries saved Dana Skaggs’ life, and in this conversation, she breaks down exactly why. Mike Desjardins sits down with Dana Skaggs, therapist and trauma specialist known for her work on boundaries, to explore how anxiety, people pleasing, resentment, and emotional exhaustion are often rooted in one core issue: weak or unclear boundaries. Drawing from both her professional work and her own upbringing in a home shaped by unpredictability and emotional volatility, Dana shares how discovering boundaries changed not just her career, but her entire life. Together, they unpack what boundaries actually are, why they feel so difficult to set, and what really happens when you start to change the dynamic in your relationships. Dana introduces practical frameworks like the “yard” analogy, where your thoughts, feelings, and actions are yours to own, and explains why the pushback you receive after setting a boundary is not a sign you are doing it wrong, but often a sign you are doing it right. They also explore people pleasing, the fear of losing relationships, and the reality that if someone cannot accept your “no,” the relationship may not be what you think it is. This conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to move toward relationships built on strength, safety, and personal responsibility. Episode Resources Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend Learn more about Dana Skaggs: Website Connect with Dana: LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP95 Building Real Relationships in a Digital World with Janice Porter | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:46:07 | |
JIn a world where AI can automate outreach and communication, authentic human connection has never been more valuable. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Janice Porter, entrepreneur, trainer, and relationship marketing expert, to explore why trust and meaningful relationships remain the ultimate competitive advantage. Janice, a former teacher and corporate trainer, now helps business owners grow their companies through relationship-driven networking. Specializing in LinkedIn consulting and training, she is the creator of the REAL framework—Refresh, Engage, Appreciate, and Leverage—a practical approach to nurturing connections, staying top of mind, and generating referrals through genuine engagement rather than transactional networking. Together, Mike and Janice discuss the erosion of trust in a digital-first world and share simple, actionable ways to build deeper relationships. From reconnecting with existing contacts to thoughtful gestures like handwritten cards, video messages, and intentional introductions, this conversation offers practical strategies to strengthen trust and create lasting opportunities. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Episode Resources: Janice Porter: Website / Podcast / LinkedIn Generating Business Referrals by Stacey Brown Randall ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP94 From Autopilot to Alignment: Breaking Free from People Pleasing with Leslie Brown | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:46:26 | |
If you have ever felt caught between who you are and who the world expects you to be, this conversation will land. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Leslie Brown to explore what it takes to move from autopilot into alignment. Leslie is an embodiment coach, facilitator, and Director of Organizational Development who helps individuals and leaders reconnect with their inner wisdom and understand how their patterns shape the way they live, lead, and relate. Her work sits at the intersection of nervous system awareness, embodiment, and leadership, supporting people to stay present, grounded, and clear in moments that matter. Together, Mike and Leslie unpack how people pleasing patterns form, why we lose connection to ourselves, and where real change actually begins. This conversation offers a practical starting point for anyone ready to slow down, build self awareness, and choose growth over protection. Episode Resources: Leslie Brown: Website / Services #884 - Nick Pollard - How To Stop Being Such A People Pleaser ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP93 The Art of Communication: How We Listen, Repair, and Build Real Connection | 31 mars 2026 | 00:26:21 | |
This special episode brings together key moments from past conversations exploring one of the most important and often overlooked leadership skills: communication. Not just how we speak, but how we listen. How we respond when we are triggered. How we repair conflict. And how we build relationships rooted in clarity, curiosity, and trust. Across these conversations, we move beyond surface level advice and into the mechanics of real connection. From managing emotional reactions and staying present in a distracted world, to learning how charisma, attention, and honest dialogue shape the way we relate to each other. Together, these perspectives offer a practical guide for communicating in a way that strengthens relationships at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
Episode Resources: ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP92 Beyond the Hype: AI Literacy, Leadership, and Strategy | 24 mars 2026 | 00:27:14 | |
This special episode brings together some of the most meaningful moments from past conversations on AI, leadership, and the future of work, woven into one cohesive guide for building real literacy without losing the human side of how we think, decide, and create. Drawing from episodes with Kian Gohar, Dr. Hilary Currie, Carly Moir, Alex Brueckmann, and Nicholas Ning, we explore what it really means to move beyond the hype and work with AI as a thinking partner. Instead of approaching it as just another tool, this conversation invites leaders to engage with it as something that can expand perspective, challenge assumptions, and support better decisions. Along the way, we unpack how leadership is evolving alongside technology, why human capabilities like creativity and emotional intelligence matter more than ever, and how intentional learning and experimentation help teams move from hesitation to confidence. In this episode, we explore What real AI literacy looks like inside organizations Why treating AI as a thinking partner changes decision making The growing importance of creativity, presence, and emotional intelligence How leaders can design learning experiences that move teams from uncertainty to capability The role of experimentation in responsible and effective adoption How multimodal AI is reshaping communication, collaboration, and learning Reflection questions Where am I approaching AI as a tool instead of a thinking partner What human capabilities will matter most in my leadership as technology evolves How can I create space for experimentation without pressure for immediate mastery What would building real confidence with AI look like for me or my team Featured conversations include Kian Gohar on shifting from using AI as a search engine to engaging it as a collaborator that expands thinking Dr. Hilary Curry on the human skills that become more valuable as technology reshapes work Carly Moir on how people build confidence with new tools and what makes learning stick Alex Brueckmann on integrating AI into strategy with clarity, intention, and experimentation Nicholas Ning on workforce transformation and building AI literacy at scale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP91 The Success Trap: How Entrepreneurs Scale Without Losing Their Life with Allison Maslan | 17 mars 2026 | 00:51:54 | |
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Oura RingWhat happens when the business you built starts running you? In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Pinnacle Global Network CEO Allison Maslan for a candid conversation about the success trap many founders quietly experience. Allison shares the shocking wake up call that forced her to rethink everything after literally running herself over with her own car, and how that moment became the turning point that changed the way she approached leadership, scale, and life. With 40 years of entrepreneurial experience and 10 companies built, Allison has helped more than 150,000 founders and leadership teams scale their businesses without becoming trapped inside them. Together, Mike and Allison explore why growth alone does not create freedom, how founders become the bottleneck without realizing it, and what it actually takes to evolve from being the hero or octopus leader into a visionary CEO. They also unpack Allison’s five phases of scaling, seeker, pioneer, ringleader, co-creator, and visionary, and explain why delegation so often fails when leaders are not clear on outcomes, ownership, and metrics. In this episode, you will learn: • Why so many entrepreneurs feel trapped by the very success they worked to create • The difference between the hero, the octopus, and the visionary CEO • Allison’s five phases of scaling and how to identify where you are now • Why delegation breaks down when leaders are unclear on success metrics • How to build a founder independent company that creates more freedom and enterprise value • Why enjoying the journey matters just as much as reaching the goal Episode Resources:
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| EP90 The Gift of ADD, Daily Routines, and Sustainable High Performance with Nigel Bennett | 10 mars 2026 | 00:42:25 | |
If you have ever wondered why some environments drain you while others bring you fully online, this conversation will land. Entrepreneur and author Nigel Bennett has spent decades building high performing companies while navigating ADD and dyslexia, challenges that many entrepreneurs quietly share. Over time, he discovered that the key was not trying to eliminate those traits, but building systems that allow their strengths to work in your favor. In this conversation, Mike Desjardins and Nigel explore what happens when identity, work, and pressure collide. Nigel shares a defining moment early in his career that forced a difficult decision: leave the path he was on or stay and risk losing himself in it. Nigel Bennett is the author of Take That Leap: Risking It All for What Really Matters. He has been a member of MIT’s Gathering of Titans for over a decade, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization for nearly two decades, and received the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Distinguished Alumni Award. His company has also received multiple innovation awards for breakthroughs in oil spill response technology. Together, they unpack Nigel’s GIFT model for ADD, Gratitude, Ignore, Focus, Test, and explore why confidence is often built through experimentation, repetition, and supportive routines rather than certainty. In this episode, you will learn: • A turning point moment that changed Nigel’s career direction • Why ADD can become a strength when you build around it • The GIFT model: Gratitude, Ignore, Focus, Test • How fear decreases through repetition and practice • Why rest is a performance strategy, not a reward • A morning routine that supports nervous system stability and better decisions Episode Resources:
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| EP89 The Journey Is the Goal: A Nervous System Guide to Purpose, Goals, and Leadership | 03 mars 2026 | 00:17:34 | |
This special episode brings together some of the most meaningful moments from past conversations on nervous system regulation, purpose, and leadership, woven into one cohesive guide for staying ambitious without losing yourself. Drawing from episodes with Lee Holden, Dr. David B. Wolf, Lynn Sumida, Anna Brooks, and Lisa Dion, we explore what it really means to move from have, do, be to be, do, have. Instead of chasing goals to feel worthy, this conversation invites you to let your goals become an expression of who you already are. Along the way, we unpack how the nervous system shapes our decisions, relationships, and leadership presence, why connection creates a deeper sense of safety than control, and how purpose is often something we notice rather than something we force.
If you have ever reached a milestone and wondered why it does not feel the way you thought it would, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and remember that the journey is the goal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP88 Healing at Work: When Your Past Shows Up in Leadership with Susan Schmitt Winchester | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
Your resume can look strong while your inner world is still reacting to old patterns. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Susan Schmitt Winchester, executive coach and co-author of Healing at Work, to explore how early experiences shape the way we respond to authority, stress, and conflict at work. With over 36 years of corporate leadership experience, including serving as Chief HR Officer for Applied Materials and Rockwell Automation, Susan now helps leaders address the unconscious beliefs and stress responses that influence performance, culture, and relationships. Together, they unpack:
If you have ever wondered why certain situations activate you more than they should, this conversation offers clarity and practical next steps. Episode Resources: Tackling Perfectionism at Work (Tedx talk) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP87 How to Rewrite Your Identity for Better Leadership with Celinne Da Costa | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:53:32 | |
Your story isn’t the truth of who you are. It’s a map of your soul’s curriculum. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Celinne da Costa, author, speaker, and master coach who helps high-achieving leaders rewrite the invisible narratives shaping their decisions, influence, and impact. Celinne is a transformational leadership coach who helps high-achieving leaders bridge their inner truth with outer expression. Through her unique blend of neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, and storytelling expertise, she guides CEOs, executives, and visionary professionals to lead with authentic magnetism and create meaningful impact. Her holistic approach has empowered Fortune 150 executives and industry leaders to communicate with confidence, lead with purpose, and build influential legacies. A licensed NeuroChange Solutions consultant under Dr. Joe Dispenza and featured expert in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider, Celinne's mission is to guide leaders in creating positive change by living, leading, and communicating from deep soul alignment. Celinne’s work blends deep inner transformation with practical tools. Drawing from modalities like NLP and hypnotherapy, she helps executives move out of survival mode and back into conscious choice. At the center of this conversation is a powerful idea: your life keeps repeating the lesson until you integrate it. Together, Mike and Celinne explore: • Why the map is not the territory • How old identity stories hijack leaders in high-stakes rooms • What it takes to neutralize emotional charge so you can respond rather than react • The shift from “I’m becoming” to “I choose that I am” and why that language matters Celinne also shares the origin story behind her upcoming book, The Burning Ground — a ten-year journey that began when she left a prestigious New York life, couch-surfed across 18 countries, stayed with 70 strangers, and consciously dismantled the identity she had built in order to discover what remained underneath. This episode is about identity, alignment, and the courage to lead from who you truly are — not from who you were conditioned to be. Episode Resources: Celinne Da Costa: Website / Substack / Facebook Page ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP86 How AI Is Transforming Recruitment and the Future of Hiring with Andrea Tjoeng-Davey | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:46:23 | |
AI is not replacing recruiters. It is reshaping how great hiring happens. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Andrea Tjoeng-Davey, CEO of Scout Talent Group, a global SaaS organization serving clients across Australia, Canada, and the United States. With a career spanning recruitment operations, product development, and HR technology, Andrea has spent years helping organizations build smarter, more human centered hiring systems while leading teams through the rapid evolution of AI in talent acquisition. Together, Mike and Andrea explore what really changes when AI becomes embedded in the hiring process rather than sitting on the sidelines. They discuss how accessible generative AI tools are transforming recruitment workflows, candidate experiences, and the way organizations make talent decisions. Andrea shares why AI should support human judgment rather than replace it, how leaders can use technology to reduce bias and improve efficiency, and what candidates need to know to stand out in an AI influenced job market. The conversation also highlights the importance of authenticity and human connection in a world where AI is screening AI. If you care about the future of work, hiring well, and leading through technological change with intention, this conversation offers thoughtful insight and practical guidance. Episode Resources: ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP85 You Are Enough Right Now: Rewiring Self Worth and Neuroplasticity with Michelle Masters | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:34:15 | |
If you think there is a better version of you that you need to become, this conversation begins with a simple reminder. You are already enough. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Michelle Masters for a deep and thoughtful exploration of where our beliefs about worth come from and how they quietly shape the way we lead, relate, and move through the world. Michelle Masters is an internationally acclaimed bestselling author and one of the foremost facilitators of change in the world. A personal development trainer and coach since 1995, her expertise lies in a unique fusion of neuroscience-based change techniques, family constellation work, and quantum transformation modalities. In this conversation Michelle shares why so many of these patterns are formed early in life, why willpower and surface level affirmations often fall short, and what it can actually take to reach the deeper layers where change begins. Together, they explore the role of the nervous system, subconscious patterning, EMDR, and neuroplasticity in creating lasting shifts. The conversation looks at how old wiring can show up as stress, health challenges, financial tension, and relationship strain, even when we feel like we are doing all the right things. Michelle also offers practical ways to begin working with these patterns, inviting listeners to take personal responsibility for their own healing journey and to notice what becomes possible when the interference starts to lift. On the other side of this work, she describes a life that feels lighter, more connected, and often surprisingly easeful. Key Takeaways
🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Episode Resources: Michelle Masters: Website Money Magic by Michelle Masters Rewire Your Money Reality Course Read the first chapters of Monday Magic here ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| E84 Ego, Boundaries, and Conscious Leadership with Eric Kaufmann | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:39:34 | |
At some point you realize your biggest leadership constraint is not your strategy or your skill set. It is how you show up when your ego gets involved. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Eric Kaufmann, chairman of the board at Dr. Bronner’s, executive coach to leaders at Verizon, Facebook, SunPower, and Circle, and creator of the Conscious Operating System, a framework for helping leaders see the patterns that quietly shape their decisions and relationships. Eric brings together executive rigor and decades of Zen training to explore ego myopia, the habit of losing awareness of ego in real time and how it can weaken trust, feedback, and collaboration. Mike and Eric talk through why people pleasing becomes a hidden power leak, how boundaries and clear requests create healthier teams, and why “say more” might be one of the most effective leadership moves you can make. The conversation also unpacks the three ego needs leaders often carry: the need to be right, the need to be liked, and the need to have might, along with the upgrade path Eric teaches through wisdom, love, and innate power.
If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who leads alongside you. Episode Resources: Eric Kaufmann: LinkedIn Four Virtues of a Leader by Erin Kaufmann Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP83 From Self Awareness to Stronger Leadership with Jennifer K. Hill | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:47:21 | |
At some point in life, many of us have a moment of uncomfortable clarity. The realization that the way we are showing up is hurting others and ourselves. This conversation begins right there. Jennifer K. Hill opens up about the origin story behind her book The Recovering Asshole and the pivotal moment at 23 when someone finally reflected her behavior back to her in a way she could not ignore. That moment became the start of a 21 year journey of transformation. An entrepreneur, evolutionary leader, author, and speaker, Jennifer built and sold her first company by 38 and later went on to host Regarding Consciousness, where she has interviewed voices like Deepak Chopra and Bruce Lipton. Today, she is the co-founder of Opt2Match and OM.app, helping leaders build high trust relationships while coaching CEOs on alignment, retention, and productivity. This episode is not about success in the traditional sense. It is about what happens when the inner critic runs the show, how self betrayal often hides behind the need to belong, and why being harsh with others usually begins with being harsh toward ourselves. Mike and Jennifer explore honest feedback, daily practices for real change, inner child work, spiritual discipline, and Jennifer’s Anti Asshole Prayer. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful truth. The people you keep close shape your life and leadership more than you may realize. Key Takeaways
Episode Resources: Jennifer K. Hill: Website / LinkedIn / Books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP82 Qigong for Stress Relief, Energy and Nervous System Recovery with Lee Holden | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:42:16 | |
What if the reset you need is not more effort, but a slower rhythm you can access in just a few minutes a day? In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Lee Holden, Qigong master, Tai Chi teacher, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a BA in Psychology and longtime guide in the practice of mindful movement. Lee first discovered the healing power of Qigong and Tai Chi after experiencing injuries that nearly sidelined his varsity soccer career in college. Together, they explore why slowing down may be one of the most effective ways to restore energy, regulate stress, and support long term performance. Lee shares his personal path from collegiate soccer at UC Berkeley to the world of Chinese medicine, Qigong, and Tai Chi. After a serious injury left conventional approaches falling short, Lee experienced firsthand how practices rooted in movement, breath, and attention could support healing and recovery. That experience sparked a lifelong mission to make Qigong accessible and practical for modern life. Throughout the conversation, Mike and Lee unpack what Qi Gong actually is, why it is often called the mother of Tai Chi, and how moving meditation can be easier and more effective for many people than sitting still and trying to quiet the mind. They talk about hustle culture, chronic stress, and why so many high performers feel wired and tired, even when they are doing all the right things. This episode offers a different model of performance, one that prioritizes nervous system regulation, daily recovery, and what Lee calls the art of effortless power. If you have ever felt like you are sprinting a marathon, this conversation invites a new pace. Ready, set, slow. In this episode, you will learn:
If you are looking for a practice that helps you downshift, recover from stress, and build long term vitality without adding more grind, this episode is for you Episode Resources: Lee Holden: LinkedIn / Youtube Holden QuiGong Courses and Workshops Ready, Set, Slow: How to Improve Your Energy, Health, and Relationships Through the Power of Slow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP81 How Leaders Reclaim Time and Clarity with Tim Francis | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:48:59 | |
What would have to be true if you were legally bound to hire and keep your executive assistant for three years? That single question changed everything for Tim Francis. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Tim Francis, founder of Great Assistant, to unpack why delegation so often fails for founders and how to rebuild it the right way. After five failed assistant hires in a row and a growing sense of exhaustion, Tim realized the problem was not a lack of talent. It was the system, the sequence, and the mindset behind delegation itself. Tim shares how rethinking hiring, onboarding, and expectations helped him move from constant pressure to calm focus and real leverage. This conversation breaks down delegation as a progression rather than a handoff, where clarity improves over time and trust is built intentionally. Together, Mike and Tim explore how the right executive assistant can transform not only productivity, but how a leader shows up across work and life. This episode is for founders, CEOs, and executives who feel stretched thin, unsure what to delegate, or hesitant to hire because past attempts did not work.
If you are ready to stop carrying everything yourself and start leading with intention, this conversation offers a grounded and practical roadmap. Episode Resources: Tim Francis: LinkedIn 7-Yes Test Task Finder by GreatAssistant.com ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP80 Lessons We’re Carrying Forward: Best of The Mike Method 2025 | 30 déc. 2025 | 00:37:33 | |
As 2025 comes to a close, we wanted to pause and look back on some of the moments from The Mike Method that stayed with us. Over the past year, we’ve had thoughtful conversations with leaders, founders, educators, parents, and creatives across a wide range of industries. While the topics varied, a few themes kept showing up again and again: leading with more awareness, staying grounded under pressure, strengthening relationships, and building meaningful work without losing yourself in the process. In this special year end episode, we revisit standout moments from conversations with Mo Jessa, Anna Brooks, Milam Miller, Lillie Desjardins, Jen Murtagh, Jayson Gaddis, Lisa Dion, Greg Smith, Zach Berman, Catherine D’Orazio, and Simon Bowen. If you’re reflecting on the year behind you or thinking about what you want to carry forward into what’s next, we hope this episode gives you a few ideas worth sitting with. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Episode Resources:
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| EP79 Becoming Before Achieving with Dr. David B. Wolf | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:40:06 | |
What if the most important measure of success is not what you achieve, but who you become along the way? In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Dr. David B. Wolf for a thoughtful and wide ranging conversation on self realization, leadership, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. David is a counselor, coach, and seminar leader who has been working in human transformation since the early 1980s. He is the founder of the Sat Phatov Institute, the creator of the Vedic Personality Inventory, a leader in mantra meditation research, and the author of Relationships at Work and The Power of Conscious Living. Together, Mike and David explore what it means to encounter ourselves honestly and remember who we are as timeless spiritual beings living a very human life. They unpack why so many high achievers find themselves chasing goals, approval, and validation only to feel empty once they arrive. The conversation challenges the familiar pattern of have, do, be and invites a shift toward be, do, have, where goals become an expression of joy and purpose rather than a way to prove worth. This episode dives into why comparison pulls us away from ourselves, how integrity and example form the foundation of real leadership, and why the journey itself holds more meaning than any finish line. David shares practical starting points for discovering purpose, including powerful questions to reflect on and questions to ask the people closest to you. If you have ever reached a big milestone and felt unsettled afterward, or if you want to stay ambitious without losing yourself in the process, this conversation offers a grounded and refreshing perspective on success, leadership, and trust in the unfolding journey. Episode Resources: ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP78 Raising Kids and Leading Teams in an Anxious World with Monique Marcotte | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:40:18 | |
What happens when a child’s inner voice turns harsh before they even understand what it means to feel overwhelmed or afraid? And what can we do as parents, educators, and leaders to help rewrite that voice into something supportive and grounded? In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Monique Marcotte, founder of TRY, The Real You, a social emotional learning company that helps young people understand themselves from the inside out. With nineteen years in the classroom and powerful experience facilitating empathy based programs with Challenge Day, Monique has dedicated her work to helping kids build emotional awareness, resilience, and a healthier relationship with themselves. Together, they explore how emotions move through the body, why the vagus nerve matters more than most of us realize, and how simple frameworks like the balloon theory can give kids practical ways to calm their bodies and name what they feel. Monique also shares how effective apologies build trust, why early beliefs can shape self perception for years, and how adults can use the same tools to lead with more compassion at home, at school, and at work. This conversation is as relevant for leaders as it is for parents. It reminds us that emotional literacy is a learned skill, and that helping kids understand their inner world also teaches us how to navigate our own. And just a heads up — the first half of this episode has a few small audio glitches. Stick with it, though, because the conversation that follows is really worth it. Thanks for tuning in! Episode Resources: Monique Marcotte: Website ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP77 How Exceptional Leaders Shift the Room with Liz Watson | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:51:28 | |
You can be the smartest person in the boardroom and still have zero impact. That idea sits at the heart of this conversation. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Liz Watson, one of Canada’s most respected voices in governance. With more than three decades as a lawyer, over twenty years advising boards and CEOs, and board experience that spans Peterson, Shad, and the Institute of Corporate Directors, Liz brings a clear and generous perspective on what truly defines an effective director. Together, they explore why personal competencies matter more than credentials, and how qualities like presence, curiosity, courage, and emotional intelligence can shift the entire tone of a boardroom. Liz explains how impactful directors help others get unstuck, create meaningful moments of insight, and guide conversations toward clarity and action. They discuss the difference between healthy ideological debate and interpersonal tension that derails progress, along with how the chair and CEO can build a relationship rooted in trust and shared purpose. The conversation also looks at why “nice” culture can quietly limit board effectiveness and how directors can contribute more fully to strategy in a world shaped by disruption, uncertainty, and emerging technologies like AI. If you are a CEO, an aspiring director, or already serving on a board, this episode offers a grounded look at what great governance requires today and the personal attributes that set standout directors apart. Episode Resources: Elizabeth Watson: Website / LinkedIn ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP76 Building a Business That Supports Your Life with Chad Nikkel | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:46:30 | |
This episode of The Mike Method dives into the emotional side of selling a business and what really happens after an entrepreneur exits. Mike Desjardins sits down with Chad Nikkel, founder and CEO of Bold Instinct and creator of the Business Builder Group, who has started, scaled, and sold 11 companies. Chad shares how one clause in a contract cost him $6.5 million and why that lesson changed his entire approach to business ownership. Together they explore what Chad calls the “return on life” philosophy, a way of building companies that serve the founder instead of consuming them. The conversation looks at how burnout quietly shapes most business exits, why a sale that looks like a win can feel like a loss, and how attachment to a business can influence life long after the deal closes. Chad breaks down the emotional roller coaster many founders are not prepared for and explains how to create a business that grows without depending on you. He also offers practical insight into the transition period after a sale, how to protect your future well-being, and the clause every entrepreneur should understand before signing a deal. If you have ever thought about selling your company, are building toward an exit, or simply want to fall back in love with your business, this episode will shift how you think about ownership, freedom, and legacy. Episode Resources: Chad Nikkel: LinkedIn ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP75 Breaking Free from Hidden Patterns That Hold You Back with Lynn Sumida | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:48:51 | |
This episode of The Mike Method explores how early conditioning shapes identity and why the mind and nervous system often keep people stuck in old patterns, even when life is going well. Mike sits down with Lynn Sumida, a master level social worker, trauma specialist, international facilitator, and founder of Expanding You. Lynn has spent decades helping people reset their nervous systems so they can move from surviving to thriving. Lynn shares a core idea: people are already whole, complete, and worthy. Many learn early in life that love and value must be earned. Those early messages form what she calls a constructed identity, a box built from family systems, formative moments, and “be good” expectations. Achieving, striving, and comparing inside that box often feels empty because the identity underneath is tied to performance. They dive into topics like..
This episode offers language, frameworks, and practical insight for anyone who has ever wondered why they repeat patterns they understand but have not yet changed! We know you will love it. Episode Resources: Lynn Sumida: LinkedIn ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP74 From Startup Founder to Venture Capitalist: Innovating Investment Strategies with Brian Wong | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:47:36 | |
Most founders want two things: to raise their next round and to exit. Few will say it out loud, but Brian Wong will. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Brian Wong, a prodigy who graduated from UBC’s Sauder School of Business at 18, raised more than $40 million in venture capital, and builtKkiip, one of the world’s largest mobile advertising platforms, before selling it in 2019. Now based in New York City, Brian leads Ascii Ventures, a next generation fund redefining what it means to be truly founder friendly. Together, they explore what makes great founders fundable, how humility and curiosity strengthen leadership, and why the future of venture capital is being shaped by people who have lived the startup experience themselves. Brian also shares how Ascii's founder focused model aligns incentives, creates a flywheel for liquidity, and helps early stage companies build culture, confidence, and sustainable growth. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of crypto and stablecoins, how mainstream adoption is already underway, and why this shift matters for leaders and investors alike. If you have ever wondered how top founders think or how investors identify the qualities that predict success, this episode offers both insight and inspiration. Episode Resources: Brian Wong: LinkedIn ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP73 Finding Flow: Nervous System Regulation for Everyday Life with Anna Brooks | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:49:19 | |
Most people think nervous system regulation means being calm — it doesn’t; it means not getting stuck. In this episode, Mike Desjardins talks with Anna Brooks, a guide in deep transformation whose work blends somatics, nervous system regulation, and “soul truth.” They explore how your nervous system shapes every experience and how flexibility—not calm—is the real goal. Anna shares simple tools like the one-breath hum and butterfly taps, plus the ABC path: Awareness. Breathe. Choose. This conversation is a deep exhale and a practical guide to feeling steady in motion. PS Here is a wonderful resource from Anna, discussed in this episode Shift & Integrate Episode Resources: Anna Brooks: Website / LinkedIn / Newsletter Signup Power of the Pause (free resource!) A special playlist that tends to Nervous System soothing ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP72 Authentic Leadership and the Future of Branding with Carly Moir | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:48:46 | |
What if the moments that knock you down are the very ones that set you up for what’s next? In this week's episode of the Mike Method, Mike sits down with Carly Moir, founder and CEO of White Canvas Design, a powerhouse design agency rooted in heart and led with purpose. A former national softball team captain turned entrepreneur, Carly shares how resilience, vision, and a triple-threat mindset helped her turn creative passion into impact. Together, Mike and Carly explore the emotional intelligence behind great branding, how misalignment can shape team culture, and why learning to use AI well might just be the next creative superpower. They dive into what it means to stay authentic in a world of change, and how lessons from sports, leadership, and life remind us that even our hardest moments can become our greatest teachers. This conversation is about creativity, authenticity, and the courage to keep showing up, both in business and in life. Episode Resources: Carly Moir: LinkedIn White Canvas Design: Website / Instagram ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP71 Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and Reinvention with Zach Berman | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:40:07 | |
“We didn’t know when our lessons would arrive, but they did. And for us, they came when everything was falling apart.” In this episode of The Mike Method, host Mike Desjardins sits down with Zach Berman, co-founder of The Juice Truck, Canada’s first cold-pressed juice bar. Zach shares how he and his co-founder, Ryan Slater, transformed a global crisis into a moment of reinvention—pivoting from brick-and-mortar shops to a thriving wholesale business now found in over 300 stores across Canada. From backpacking through Nepal and India to pioneering a movement around health, community, and conscious consumption, Zach’s story is one of heart, hustle, and perspective. Together, they explore:
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone navigating change, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the biggest disruptions become the clearest invitations to evolve. Episode Resources: Zach Berman: LinkedIn / A Little More Good Podcast ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP70 Living in Alignment: How Core Values Shape Who We Are with Robert Glazer | 14 oct. 2025 | 00:54:08 | |
In this episode, Mike Desjardins sits down with Robert Glazer to explore the power of core values and how living in alignment with them shapes both leadership and life. Robert is the founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, a global leader in partnership marketing, and the author of several Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling books, including Elevate and Friday Forward. He’s also the host of the Elevate Podcast, a top-ranked show on business and leadership, and a global speaker known for helping individuals and organizations elevate their performance. Together, Mike and Robert discuss how clearly defining your core values can serve as a compass for decision-making, reduce burnout, and strengthen relationships. Robert shares how identifying your triggers can reveal what truly matters, and how the “core value compass” can help navigate life’s toughest choices with clarity and confidence. They also explore how values evolve through experience, the essential role of community in reinforcing them, and why core values should be intrinsic rather than aspirational. The conversation highlights the ripple effect that occurs when leaders live authentically in alignment with their values, creating deeper fulfillment and meaningful impact in the world. Episode Resources: Robert Glazer: Website / Books The Compass Within by Robert Glazer ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP69 The Secret to Scaling Your Business Without Losing Its Genius with Simon Bowen | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:46:06 | |
We’re re-releasing one of our most listened-to and loved episodes! A timeless conversation that hits just as hard today as when it first aired. What if the real reason your sales team isn’t closing deals has nothing to do with the market and everything to do with your company’s diluted genius? In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with international business mentor and Models Method creator, Simon Bowen, for a deep dive into what truly sets high-performing companies apart. Spoiler: it’s not just about having a great product. It’s about clarity, believability, and staying connected to your company’s core brilliance — what Simon calls your “genius.” Simon breaks down how that genius can fade as a company grows, especially when the founder’s original thinking gets lost across departments. He shares how complex ideas become instantly more persuasive when they’re visualized instead of just talked about — using frameworks, models, and even simple drawings to make the message stick. Mike and Simon also explore why believability often matters more than trust in complex sales, and how showing (not telling) your story makes all the difference. The conversation offers practical insight into adapting to changing markets without losing your company’s soul. Whether you’re leading a global team or refining your own message, this episode is a masterclass in clear communication, strategic positioning, and protecting what makes your business unique. Episode Resources: ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP68 Practical Strategies to Manage Triggers and Build Connection | 01 oct. 2025 | 00:05:43 | |
In this solo episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins breaks down the mechanics of being triggered and introduces the ABC Method, a simple yet powerful way to shift out of automatic reactions and into conscious choice. Mike shares how awareness, a single breath, and a prepared choice can transform the way we respond in heated moments. With practical examples, he shows how this method can help us move from defensiveness to accountability, curiosity, and stronger connection. Whether it’s at work, at home, or in everyday conversations, learning to pause and choose differently can change the quality of our relationships and improve our communication skills. What you’ll take away:
A small shift in the moment can create big changes over time. Try it out and see how it works for you. Episode Resources: John Dwyer: LinkedIn / Website ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP67 How Incentive-Based Marketing Adds Billions in Revenue with John Dwyer | 23 sept. 2025 | 00:39:51 | |
What do free vacations, Jerry Seinfeld, and Happy Meals have in common? For John Dwyer, they are all part of a playbook that has helped businesses bring in billions in revenue. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with John Dwyer (JD), founder of the Institute of Wow and a direct response marketing legend. JD has worked with brands like Disney, KFC, 7-Eleven, Woolworths, and BP, and his campaigns have broken records while leaving competitors wondering what just happened. JD shares how to use psychology, storytelling, and what he calls “artificial wow factors” to design irresistible offers. You’ll hear how he turned beer into currency, sold out turf farms, and helped a small bank grow by giving away free vacations. He also breaks down why most loyalty programs miss the mark, the biggest myths about branding, and how B2B companies can stay creative with incentives while keeping it ethical. This conversation is creative, practical, and full of fresh perspective. Whether you are a marketer, entrepreneur, or just curious about what makes people say yes, you’ll walk away with plenty of ideas and inspiration. Episode Resources: John Dwyer: LinkedIn / Website ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||