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: WebsiteTry - The Real You WorkshopsViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Elizabeth 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, Elizabeth 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. Elizabeth 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 / LinkedInViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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: LinkedInBold Instinct CoachingViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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..Why comparison is a thief of joy and how “me versus me” can still reinforce the same limits when worth is based on achievement.How the mind can present old information as truth because it is focused on protection.Why the nervous system often overrides rational thinking and continues to react to past experiences even when current circumstances are positive. Mike shares a personal example of this pattern during a period of business success.How early experiences can create long-lasting beliefs, such as associating self-expression with rejection, and how those beliefs influence adult choices.Lynn’s recent experience in a car accident and how she remained calm and grounded, illustrating what can shift when the system is reset.How presence becomes more accessible when old protective patterns lose their influence.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: LinkedInExpanding YouViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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: LinkedInViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 & IntegrateEpisode Resources:Anna Brooks: Website / LinkedIn / Newsletter SignupFall (6 weeks) women's circlePartnerships for 2026Power of the Pause (free resource!)A special playlist that tends to Nervous System soothingViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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: LinkedInWhite Canvas Design: Website / InstagramViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“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:The mindset that nothing is good or bad until we assign it meaningHow the team at The Juice Truck reimagined their business model overnight during COVIDWhy having too many ideas can be both a gift and a challengeThe power of leading with curiosity, trust, and listening before sellingWhether 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 The Juice TruckViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 / BooksThe Compass Within by Robert GlazerViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:Connect with SimonThe Models MethodViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpLeadership CirclePeloton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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:Triggers often spark automatic reactions that don’t serve us.The ABC Method: Awareness, Breath, Choice.Why it helps to decide on your new response in advance.How defensiveness shows up and what to do instead.Practical ways to take responsibility, diffuse tension, and ask better questions.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 / WebsiteInstitute of WowViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 / WebsiteInstitute of WowViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it really mean to be “driven”?In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Dr. Doug Brackman, a psychologist, ultra-endurance athlete, and author of Driven. Doug brings both academic expertise and lived experience, sharing insights from his own journey and two decades of work with elite performers, entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, and world-class athletes.Together, Mike and Doug explore the unique wiring of driven individuals, the pull toward chaos and innovation, and the hidden costs that often come with intensity and ambition. They dig into the neuroscience of drive, why the world feels designed for farmers but breakthroughs are born from hunters, and how to transform that restless energy into a force for purpose and impact.Along the way, they cover:Shame, imposter syndrome, and the myth of normalFounder syndrome and the loneliness of visionary leadersBuilding trust and finding your “Wolfpack”How to reframe what feels like a burden into a giftIf you’ve ever asked yourself, Why am I like this?, or wondered how to channel your energy into something meaningful without burning out, this conversation will give you new language, perspective, and tools to work with.Episode Resources:Dr. Doug Brackmann: Website / LinkedinDriven by Doug BrackmannViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ever wondered what leadership sounds like through the eyes of a grade eight student? Mike and his daughter Lillie share their perspective.This week on The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by his daughter Lillie for a special conversation about leadership. Their discussion is playful, honest, and thoughtful, exploring what leadership means from both a young student’s perspective and a parent’s viewpoint.They talk about school, friendships, mentorship, and emotional intelligence, highlighting how leadership starts with guiding ourselves and showing up authentically for others. Along the way, their conversation is full of curiosity, laughter, and meaningful reflections.The episode celebrates connection between parent and child, across generations, and in the ways we develop kindness, communication, and resilience in everyday life.Episode Resources:ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpAmelia EvansMonique MarcottDeryn LavellGoMacroPeloton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we step into September, it’s a perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and bring more mindfulness into the way we lead and live. That’s why we’re bringing back one of our most listened to episodes of The Mike Method, a powerful conversation with Mo Jessa.Mo has spent over three decades with Earls Restaurants, helping grow the company from 13 locations to more than 70 across North America. Along the way, he has become a sought-after voice on leadership, known for his ability to inspire people to see what’s possible in themselves and others.In this episode, Mo opens up about his journey from humble beginnings to leading in the restaurant industry. He and Mike explore the role of mentorship in unlocking potential, the importance of promoting based on possibility rather than just experience, and how that approach creates more diverse and capable leaders. Mo also shares how presence, gratitude, and mindfulness have shaped his leadership and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters just as much as strategy.It is a conversation about shifting limiting beliefs, building psychological safety, and leading in a way that not only drives results but also creates a fulfilling life.Episode Resources:Mo Jessa: LinkedInViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpGoMacroFlyKitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes of The Mike Method—a conversation with Dan Box, General Manager and Vice President of EA Ventures.Dan and Mike explore how Electronic Arts (EA) is evolving from being purely a video game company into a community-driven organization. With over 700 million gamer accounts, EA is reimagining its future by investing in the creator economy, user-generated content, and new ways of connecting fans beyond the game itself.Dan shares what it takes to lead through rapid change—emphasizing curiosity, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to ask better questions over sticking to rigid plans. Together, they unpack how leaders can spark innovation, navigate resistance, and create environments where creativity and adaptability thrive.This episode isn’t just about gaming—it’s about the leadership mindset required to drive innovation, build meaningful communities, and stay ahead in a rapidly shifting world.Episode ResourcesDan Box: LinkedInElectronic ArtsHub SpotSonosViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if every young woman entered adulthood already knowing her strengths, her values, and the power of her voice?That is the vision driving Lauren MacKinnon, executive coach, leadership development facilitator, and founder of superpowHER, a youth leadership movement equipping the next generation with the confidence, skills, and values to lead with authenticity and impact. With more than 20 years in senior leadership, including serving as COO of a leading engineering firm, Lauren has guided hundreds of leaders through transformation and cultural change. Today, she is channeling that expertise into preparing young leaders for the complex challenges of the future.In this episode of The Mike Method, Lauren shares why courage is the true starting point for growth, how peer groups can provide girls with a lifelong network of allies, and the cost of conforming to outdated definitions of leadership. She also reflects on how this work is transforming not only the girls she teaches but also herself as she sheds old layers of corporate conformity to lead with authenticity.Listeners will walk away with both inspiration and a blueprint for equipping the next generation of women in leadership and reclaiming their own voices along the way.Episode Resources:Lauren Mackinnon: Website / LinkedInOwn It: The Power of Women at Work by Sally KrawcheckViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpGoMacroPeloton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One of the most listened-to episodes of The Mike Method is back — and it’s just as relevant today as when it first aired.In this conversation, host Mike Desjardins sits down with Deborah Wong, Executive Leadership Development at General Motors, to tackle burnout, perfectionism, boundaries, and redefining success. They explore the lingering impact of the pandemic, the double-edged role of AI in productivity, and why vulnerability, balance, and a coaching mindset are essential for sustainable leadership.With over 20 years of leadership and executive coaching experience, Deborah shares practical strategies leaders can put into action right now.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.Episode Resources:Deborah Wong: LinkedIn / WebsiteMultipliers by Liz WisemanViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpThinkificFathom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Mike sits down with Dr. Patty Ann Tublin, a world‑class expert in emotional intelligence, communication, and human behavior. Founder of The Relationship Toolbox, bestselling author, high‑performance executive coach, and host of The Dr. Patty Ann Podcast, she’s worked with leaders at the highest levels — from the co‑founder of Netflix to the president of Starbucks.Together, they dig into the real conversations most leaders avoid:Why 50/50 partnerships are a recipe for stalemate.How to foster healthy, ideological conflict without it getting personal.The signs your culture is quietly rotting from within.Why contracts won’t fix a trust problem — and what will.Dr. Patti Ann shares how CEOs and COOs can stay aligned, the role emotional maturity plays in leadership, and why the best organizations aren’t “families” — they’re high‑performing teams that care for each other.If you’re a founder, executive, or just someone who knows great leadership starts with great relationships, this one’s for you.Episode Resources:Dr. Patty Ann: WebsiteThe Trust Doctor PodcastBooks By Dr. Patty AnnBook: How to Change the WorldLearn more about Manager Essentials at ViRTUSViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it really take to lead in a world that keeps shifting under our feet?Mike Desjardins and Dr. Hilary Curry get into the real stuff of leadership—what actually matters now, and what’s going to matter even more in the future. They talk about how so many professionals are missing the mark on critical thinking, and how creativity (the kind AI just can’t touch) is becoming a serious competitive edge.They reflect on how easy it is to miscommunicate when we’re not being intentional, and why emotional intelligence isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Adaptability comes up a lot too: how do we stay grounded and flexible when the pace of change is relentless?Failure comes up—not as something to avoid, but as something to learn from. And there's a big reminder here that time and attention are our most precious currencies. When we use them to build deeper connections and choose collaboration over competition, that’s where real momentum happens.This one’s a thoughtful, energizing listen for anyone navigating leadership, change, or just trying to show up better—for themselves and their teams.Episode Resources:Dr. Hilary Curry Learn more about Manager Essentials at ViRTUSViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.