The Mike Method

What would you do if 92% of your business disappeared overnight?In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Jeff Duncan, CEO of Ingenuity Live and Meeting Max, to explore what it really takes to turn crisis into opportunity. Jeff is a graduate of the EO Entrepreneur Master’s Program at MIT, holds a leadership role as Past President of the Vancouver Entrepreneur’s Organization, is an Executive Board Member of the Vancouver Police Foundation, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Plastic Bank. Jeff is a 40 under 40 winner, an active public speaker, and travels the globe looking for the next disruption in the entertainment spaceWhen the pandemic wiped out Jeff’s global events company, he didn’t fold—he pivoted. A casual favor for a friend quickly evolved into a thriving talent management agency representing some of Netflix’s biggest rising stars. From navigating brand deals and viral growth to managing controversy and staying grounded in a long-term vision, Jeff shares real-world lessons from the front lines of the creator economy. This is a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and how to build something new when everything falls apart.Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or curious about what happens behind the scenes of internet fame, this one’s packed with insights. Available wherever you get your podcasts.Episode Resources:Connect with Jess Duncan on Instagram and LinkedInIngenuity LiveViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever wondered why so many men today feel lost, disconnected, or unsure of their place in the world, this episode is for you. Mike Desjardins sits down with Connor Beaton, author, podcast host and founder of ManTalks, for a raw and insightful conversation about what it really means to be a man in today’s society—and why so many are struggling to figure it out. Connor has been working for almost a decade as a NY-based coach, teacher, and speaker to help men (and women) from all over the world walk thought their darkness and grow in the realms of mental clarity, relational communication, actualizing their potential and sexual intimacy.From the silent pressures of masculinity to the rising absence of male role models, in this convo they unpack the emotional, social, and even economic forces that are shaping modern manhood. But this isn’t just a deep dive into the problems—Connor brings practical wisdom, hard-earned insights, and a no-nonsense approach to helping men reclaim a sense of purpose, strength, and emotional sovereignty. You’ll hear why vulnerability alone isn’t enough, how risk-taking and competency play a critical role in male development, and why community support can make all the difference.Whether you’re a man trying to navigate your own path, a parent raising boys, or simply someone who wants to better understand the male experience today, this conversation offers a powerful mix of truth, tools, and hope. Tune in and discover what’s really going on behind the scenes for men—and how we can all be part of the solution.Connect with Connor on InstagramManTalks PodcastThe AllianceBook: Men's Work by Connor BeatonViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpHub SpotVega Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Justin McSharry for a real-world conversation about how leadership and change management are evolving inside some of the world's biggest companies. Justin McSharry is the head of Leadership & Professional Development function at GM, where he designs and implements strategies to grow leadership capabilities across all levels of the organization — from front-line managers to senior executives. His work focuses on defining leadership frameworks, assessing current capabilities, and creating impactful programs that build the skills needed to drive GM’s strategic objectives and culture. Drawing on his experience at GM and Dropbox, Justin shares why today’s leaders need to let go of old-school change models and lean into something much more dynamic — a world where adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strong relationships are the real keys to success.They dive into how emotional intelligence and communication aren’t just “nice to haves” — they’re absolutely critical when it comes to helping teams embrace change, especially in fast-moving industries like automotive, where the shift to electric vehicles is rewriting the playbook. You'll hear why successful teams prioritize building relationships, trust, and even mastering asynchronous communication to get things done faster. Justin also unpacks why experimentation, rapid iteration, and cross-functional collaboration are no longer optional if you want your projects (and your people) to thrive.If you're a leader (or an aspiring one) who wants to lead more humanly, navigate uncertainty with a little more ease, and actually build teams that love working together, this conversation is packed with the kind of insights you won’t want to miss.Episode Resources:Connect with Justin on LinkedInViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Lisa Dion! Lisa is an international teacher, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, creator of the Business of Therapy and host of the Lessons from the Playroom podcast. She is the author of Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach for Integrating Intensity and is the 2015 recipient of the Association for Play Therapy’s Professional Education and Training Award of Excellence. Lisa is a trailblazer in the world of play therapy, and the model she created blends neuroscience, attachment theory, and nervous system regulation into a powerful framework for healing — not just for kids, but for teams, leaders, and organizations too. Together, Mike and Lisa explore how the same tools that help children heal through play can transform how we lead in the workplace. Lisa shares how leaders can become the most regulated nervous system in the room, why dysregulation often points to deeper misalignment, and how authentic communication creates trust and stability in teams. They talk about tracking emotional cues, fostering psychological safety, and how play — yes, even at work — can boost creativity and connection.Whether you're leading a team, raising a child, or just curious about how to show up more fully in your relationships, this conversation will challenge and inspire the way you think about behavior, leadership, and the deep wisdom of the nervous system.Episode Resources:Connect with LisaSynergetic Play TherapyViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re so excited to welcome Greg Smith, the Founder and CEO of Thinkific, to the pod today! If you’re curious about where learning, leadership, and community are headed, this episode is for you. Thinkific is the leading platform for creating, marketing, and selling digital learning experiences. Greg is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build businesses around their own passions, knowledge, or skills. Before launching Thinkific, he was a corporate lawyer at one of the largest law firms in the country. During that time, he launched an online course as a side project—one that quickly took off and began generating more income than his law career. Since then, Greg and the team at Thinkific have helped over 50,000 entrepreneurs and businesses in 190 countries teach millions of students and build thriving communities through courses, memberships, and more.In this episode, Greg and Mike dig into why learning isn’t something we do alone anymore—and how community is becoming the real driver of growth, both personally and professionally. They explore how AI is changing the way we connect and learn, making experiences more personalized while also raising big questions about staying authentic in a world flooded with content. You’ll also hear their take on the future of marketing (spoiler: it’s all about real relationships) and why today’s CEOs need to lean into culture and personal branding, not just strategy and control.Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or just hungry to grow, there’s something in here for you—especially if you care about surrounding yourself with great people, staying human in a tech-heavy world, and being part of something bigger than yourself. Listen on Apple, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts.Dive In..00:00 The Shift Towards Community in Learning03:12 The Role of AI in Enhancing Community Engagement06:25 Building Authentic Connections in a Digital World09:04 Leveraging AI for Personalized Learning Experiences12:23 Innovative AI Applications in Learning and Community15:02 The Future of Marketing in Learning Communities24:18 The Impact of AI on Social Media29:24 The Shift Towards Personal Growth and Learning39:16 The Evolving Role of CEOs in Branding45:12 Advice for Future LeadersEpisode Resources:Connect with Greg SmithThinkificViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike is sitting down with Adrienne Giffen to dive into the big stuff—personal growth, leadership, creativity, and how we really connect with each other in a screen-heavy world. They chat about those early life experiences that shape us (yes, even high school memories!), the surprisingly personal journey of writing a book, and the magic of a board game designed to spark meaningful conversations. Adrienne is an Executive Recruiter and Digital Entrepreneur who is passionate about the difference she can make in the world. Through adversity, she discovered what makes her dance in love, family, friendships and career. Almost twenty years ago, Adrienne had a spiritual experience so profound and lasting, it prompted her to write a book called UNRAVEL YOU, encouraging women to connect the dots to discover what makes them dance.That game, Now You're Talking, isn’t just about fun—it’s about creating space for real talk, laughter, and those unexpected "wow, I didn’t know that about you" moments. It’s all about getting past small talk and really seeing each other, no matter your age or background. Mike and Adrienne also reflect on the tougher stuff—like how challenges can lead to serious growth, and how sticking to your core values can help guide your biggest decisions. They touch on the courage it takes to make bold choices, the power of having great mentors, and why trust really starts with understanding people as human beings first.This episode feels like a reminder we all need: that deep conversations matter, and they can happen anywhere—even around a game board. It’s also a nudge to share what we’ve learned with others, especially across generations. Whether it's letting kids express themselves freely or dreaming of a future where connection comes first, this conversation is full of heart and hope. So if you're craving a little inspiration and some thoughtful storytelling, this one’s definitely worth a listen.Dive in..00:00 Reconnecting After a Decade03:04 The Power of Top Grading in Leadership05:57 The Journey of Writing a Book11:52 Now You're Talking: The Importance of Conversation18:00 Core Values: The Foundation of Intentional Living28:07 Influential Mentorship30:56 The Role of Mentors in Leadership32:17 The Game of Connection35:41 Building Trust Through Conversation39:53 Navigating Adversity and GrowthEpisode Resources:Get in touch with Adrienne on LinkedInFamily Enterprise Canada - ArienneCore Values WorksheetViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpCross FitSonos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dr. Sherry Walling and Mike explore the emotional challenges entrepreneurs face, especially around burnout and business transitions. Dr. Sherry Walling is a clinical psychologist, speaker, podcaster, author, and mental health advocate. Her company, ZenFounder, helps entrepreneurs and leaders navigate transition, rapid growth, loss, and any manner of complex human experience. She hosts the ZenFounder podcast, which has been called a “must listen” by both Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine and has been downloaded more than 1,000,000 times. She was also the host of Mind Curious, a podcast series exploring innovations in mental health care via psychedelics.In this episode Dr. Walling unpacks how burnout isn’t just about working too much—it’s often the result of repetitive stress and work that lacks meaning. She emphasizes the value of having a hobby that brings joy, helping to reset the brain and prevent burnout. They dive into how transitions—like selling a business—can trigger deep identity shifts. Founders may feel disconnected, unsure if they’re still the right fit for their company, or surprised by the emotional weight of letting go. Exits can strain personal relationships and bring unexpected feelings of loneliness, even after financial success. That’s why Dr. Walling encourages entrepreneurs to reflect on their values and goals before making big decisions.This conversation is especially helpful for founders who are feeling burned out, considering a major transition, or simply wondering what's next! It offers clarity, compassion, and a reminder that you're not alone in navigating the emotional side of entrepreneurship. Listen on Apple, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts.Episode Resources:Dr. Sherry WallingZenFounderZenFounder PodcastBook: Exit Strategy: The entrepreneur’s guide to selling your business without regretDr. Sherry Walling's BooksOura RingVega Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Taylor Hui shares how she’s built a meaningful career by following her passions and staying rooted in purpose. She talks about launching The Beautiful Foundation, a national charity that creates safe, supportive spaces for young girls and non-binary youth. Taylor is the founder and executive director of the BeaYOUtiful Foundation, The Roster and also a fashion model. Many businesses are founded in response to a challenge, but Taylor Hui’s inspiration for the BeaYOUtiful Foundation is more personal than most. In high school, several of Hui’s friends were living with eating disorders, and Hui herself experienced cyberbullying. “I saw patterns of girls not being able to love themselves or really embrace all that they were, and it made me start questioning what was stopping that kind of education,” she says. She didn’t wait for an answer: in her senior year, Hui launched a six-week pilot program meant to foster self-confidence in young girls. That 2013 pilot program grew into the BeaYOUtiful Foundation. In 2018, it became a B.C. society, and in 2019 a registered charity. Mentorship is the backbone of Bea­YOUtiful—the roster of volunteer mentors is diverse, from university students, teachers and counsellors to lawyers, firefighters and professional athletes.What began as a response to a real need has grown into a movement centered on empowerment, self-worth, and community. In this conversation Taylor reflects on the power of mentorship—not just as something we offer others, but as a reciprocal experience that helps us grow, too. She encourages women to recognize their ability to guide and uplift others by simply being the support they once needed themselves.Taylor also opens up about her modeling career and fashion brand, both of which she uses as platforms to challenge beauty standards and advocate for authenticity. She talks candidly about the struggles of dealing with cyber bullying and the pressure to maintain a certain image, while also juggling the demands of running a nonprofit and a business. Despite the challenges, she’s driven by a clear sense of purpose and a desire to make an impact. Her story is a thoughtful reminder that when you stay aligned with your values and lead with heart, your work can become something much more than a job—it becomes a reflection of who you are.Episode Resources:ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpTaylor HuiBeaYOUtiful FoundationThe Roster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mike Method, Mike and Cameron Herold dive into what makes the relationship between COOs and CEOs so important, especially when it comes to avoiding burnout and keeping a business running smoothly. Cameron is "the COO Whisperer." He is founder of the COO Alliance and the Second in Command podcast. By age thirty-five, Cameron had helped build his first two $100 million companies. By forty-two, he had engineered 1-800-GOT-JUNK?'s spectacular growth from $2 million to $106 million in revenue in just six years. An in-demand speaker, best-selling author, mentor, and coach, he has shown hundreds of clients globally how to double both their revenue and profit in three years or less. He is the top-rated lecturer at EO/MIT's Entrepreneurial Masters Program and a powerful speaker at entrepreneur and leadership events online and in-person globally.In this convo Cameron shares how the COO Alliance came to life as a way to support COOs, a role that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential. They chat about how knowing your strengths (and weaknesses) is a game-changer for leadership, why healthy conflict between CEOs and COOs can actually help a company grow, and how adapting to AI and new technology isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Strong financial skills, great coaching, and building trust within a team all play a huge role in long-term success.Cameron also shares what it’s really like to be a digital nomad, balancing the freedom of constant travel with its unexpected challenges. At the heart of it all, great leadership is about vision, adaptability, and investing in the people around you. This one is packed with insights that will make you change the way you think about leadership and the future of work! It's a must listen friends!Episode Resources:Cameron Herold: WebsiteCameron's BooksViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpThe One Minute ManagerThe Coaching HabitThinkificMiro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Bertulli, Founder-CEO of Pela Case and Lomi, dives into the importance of personal branding in today's business landscape. He discusses how authenticity, especially in an age of AI, is vital for creating genuine connections with consumers. Matt emphasizes that CEOs should be the face of their brands, fostering trust through storytelling. He also explores the necessity for consistency in branding and how podcasting can enhance personal connections. Finally, the conversation touches on adapting to technological advancements while maintaining a human touch in business.