The Mike Method

This week, Mike is sitting down with Dan Box to chat about how Electronic Arts (EA) is evolving, driven by the launch of EA Ventures and a shift toward community engagement. Dan Box is a visionary leader at the forefront of sports, technology, and entertainment, driven by a strong belief in the power of innovation to fuel company growth and transform industries. As General Manager and Vice President of EA Ventures, Dan leads groundbreaking initiatives to harness the power of communities in, around, and beyond EA’s games, crafting next-generation experiences that resonate with modern fans.In this episode they dive into how EA is moving from being purely a video game company to a community-centric organization, recognizing their 700 million gamer accounts as a key asset. They discuss the growing importance of user-generated content and the creator economy in shaping game discovery and marketing. This shift highlights the need for innovative leadership, empathy, and a growth mindset to foster creativity and adaptability. Dan emphasizes the value of curiosity and emotional intelligence in leadership, helping teams collaborate and stay open to change. They explore how organizations can overcome resistance to innovation by focusing on flexible preparation over rigid planning and encouraging questions and iterative processes.The conversation offers valuable insights for leaders looking to drive innovation, adapt to rapid change, and build stronger, more connected communities.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.

In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Deborah Wong to explore the challenges leaders face, from burnout and perfectionism to setting boundaries and redefining success. Deborah specializes in Leadership Development, Talent and Learning Development and Executive Coaching. For over 20 years, Deborah has worked with leaders at all career stages to elevate their businesses and teams to new levels of engagement, productivity, and success. She equips leaders to navigate change, develop proven strategies to boost team engagement, and inspire teams to thrive in their work environment. Her approach helps optimize performance, leading to greater profitability and sustainable success.They dive into the lingering effects of the pandemic on mental health and resilience, stressing the importance of focusing on what you can control and using tools like time blocking to manage tasks. They highlight how AI boosts productivity but can also increase workload, and why vulnerability and a coaching mindset are key to empowering teams. True success, they argue, goes beyond career achievements — it’s about balance, empathy, and honoring your values. Leaders who reflect, set boundaries, and recognize growth opportunities can avoid burnout and become multipliers who enhance their team's potential.Listen to the full conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!🎧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 Brian Doyle to chat about the power of pricing and how it plays a huge role in B2B success. They dive into value-based pricing and how it helps businesses charge what they're really worth. Brian is the President and CEO of Holden Advisors, and has helped clients add over $2B in new business, double their market share, and cut costs by 20%. Before all that, he was a US Air Force pilot, leading combat missions in Kosovo and even transporting the Presidential motorcade around the world. Brian also teaches at Rutgers Business School and is a recognized expert in leadership, pricing, negotiation, and crisis management.In the conversation, they talk about the importance of understanding customer insights to get pricing right and how sharp negotiation skills help maintain pricing integrity. Brian stresses that building trust with clients is key to lasting relationships, and being a trusted advisor can open up more opportunities down the road. They also dive into the world of RFPs and the procurement process, with Brian sharing his experiences and how feedback after submissions can be a game-changer. Shifting to leadership, Brian draws from his military background, talking about how the best leaders balance mission with team well-being, provide clear context for their teams, and know when to pause and make thoughtful decisions in high-pressure situations.Packed with practical advice, this episode is full of insights on pricing strategy, building client trust, and leading effectively in tough environments. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!Episode Resources:Brian Doyle: LinkedInHolden AdvisorsViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpDay OneFly Kitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joey Gibbons, CEO of Gibbons Whistler, shares his journey in conscious leadership and community commitment. He emphasizes the evolving nature of leadership and the crucial role of organizational culture in business success. The discussion spans the power of feedback to foster trust, insights from influential books, and the shift from a drama to an empowerment mindset. Joey reflects on balancing happiness and productivity, offering wisdom on health and relationships that underscores the essence of fulfillment in leadership and lasting impact on the community.

In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike is sitting down with Tracey Ivanyshyn to tackle a topic that doesn’t get enough attention: grief in the workplace. As a corporate grief educator Tracey provides support for creating grief ready cultures at work, reimagining bereavement strategies and systems of support, grief education, coaching and on-line employee grief support group facilitation.Mike and Tracey explore how leaders can better support employees experiencing loss, create a compassionate environment, and rethink traditional bereavement policies.Tracey shares her insights on developing grief-friendly cultures, emphasizing that leadership isn’t about fixing grief but witnessing it with empathy. They discuss how acknowledging all types of loss—whether personal or professional—can build trust and belonging in the workplace. The conversation also touches on practical tools like legacy projects, visual cues to signal emotional states, and the importance of safe spaces for grieving individuals.This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that grief is a long-term process and that workplaces can be more human by fostering open, supportive conversations about loss. Whether it’s showing compassion through small acts, reimagining workplace policies, or simply checking in, the way we address grief can transform organizational culture. Listen now to learn how we can all show up better for one another in times of loss. Available wherever you listen to your podcasts.Episode Resources:Tracey: Website / LinkedInGrief Education SiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpOuraRingMuse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins chats with Mo Jessa about the evolving landscape of leadership. Mo is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience with Earls Restaurants. Since joining the company in 1988, he has been instrumental in transforming Earls from a modest chain of 13 locations into a thriving enterprise with over 70 restaurants across North America. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker. His speaking engagements include numerous presentations to graduate students at major universities, Board Directors, management and staff, and industry groups. In this conversation Mo opens up about his journey from humble beginnings to leading in the restaurant industry, highlighting the power of believing in yourself and those around you. They explore how mentorship can unlock potential, and the value of promoting people based on potential rather than just experience, which can lead to more diverse leadership. Mo emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, presence, and gratitude in leadership. He shares how being conscious of your inner circle and team dynamics can shape both personal and professional growth. They discuss how transforming limiting beliefs into empowering ones, fostering psychological safety, and embracing mindfulness can lead to more effective leadership and a fulfilling life.Tune in to hear insights on balancing competing thoughts, the impact of environment on happiness, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can elevate your journey.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, Mike is chatting with Chantelle Krish, CEO of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland! With 15+ years in nonprofit leadership, Chantelle is a champion for gender equity, youth empowerment, and social change. Under her leadership, Big Sisters supports over 650 girls, young women, and gender-diverse youth, growing its impact and securing key funding.Mike and Chantelle dive into the power of mentorship, highlighting its reciprocal nature where both mentor and mentee grow together. They discuss the importance of accessible childcare, workplace equity, and the shifting dynamics of leadership in a post-pandemic world. Chantelle also shares tips for joining nonprofit boards, emphasizing passion, commitment, and the value of lived experiences.Tune in for insights on fostering community connections, creating sustainable programs, and leaving a legacy of positive impact. Catch the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!Episode Resources:Chantelle Krish: LinkedInBig Sisters BC Lower MainlandViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mike is chatting with the incredible TJ Schmaltz about the evolution of leadership, starting from lessons learned in places like the Air Cadets to the complex dynamics of corporate leadership. TJ Schmaltz is longtime executive, college instructor, board director and author. He’s a passionate advocate for people-focused management practices as an enabler to strategy and employee engagement. TJ believes in the power of servant leadership, driven by curiosity, lifelong learning, radical candour, humility and the principles of neuroscience. He currently serves as the Chief People and Legal Officer with one of Canada’s largest credit union’s with oversight for employee experience, communications, governance, ESG and legal affairs. TJ shares insights on what it means to be a servant leader—someone who empowers their team to think and grow instead of always providing the answers. They talk about the importance of leaders being okay with making mistakes and holding themselves accountable, emphasizing that credibility isn’t about having all the answers but about creating a culture of trust and collective growth. Throughout their conversation, TJ and Mike explore the value of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leading others. They reflect on how understanding reactions, like the “amygdala hijack,” can help leaders respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. With techniques like the ACE principle, TJ shares how leaders can manage change more effectively, showing that even challenging situations can be opportunities for growth.They both agree that leaders shouldn’t feel pressured to be the “smartest person in the room”—a mindset that can stifle innovation. Instead, true leadership is about creating the conditions for success, listening to the team’s ideas, and letting leadership qualities ripple through the organization. It’s an ongoing journey, where continuous learning and accountability not only build a leader but can transform an entire team.In this conversation you will get a sense of the deep impact a leader’s mindset and actions can have, not just on individual growth but on the collective success of everyone involved. We hope you love this one friends!Episode Resources:TJ Schmaltz: Website / LinkedInViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInLeadership Circle: WebsiteFathom: WebsiteSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mike is sitting down with Eric Termuende to dive into how leadership has shifted since the pandemic, especially around empathy and empowering employees. Eric is a workplace culture and leadership expert, a best-selling author and in-demand keynote speaker, providing leaders with a practical guide to building teams that thrive in the future of work!Mike and Eric talk all about the new work landscape, where hybrid models, changing workplace culture, and the rise of AI are all making waves. Leaders today need to be more self-aware and resilient, building teams that can adapt and thrive in these new realities. The pandemic really forced a change in what employees expect, and leaders have had to keep up. Flexibility is the name of the game now, and culture has never been more important.They also explore how AI is shaking up business models, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Through it all, it’s clear that collaboration and community are key to navigating this evolving work environment. Mike and Eric touch on how resilience in teams grows from strong support systems and connection, and how leadership post-2020 is all about showing up with more understanding and empathy. The future of work? It’s all about balancing technology with the human side of things and creating spaces where people can thrive together.Episode Resources:Eric Termuende: Website Vega: WebsiteMiro: WebsiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mike chats with Matt Christopherson, the Co-Founder of Opscotch, who shares the incredible story of running an ultra marathon from Vancouver to Whistler to raise money for his friend Krista, who’s battling cancer. Matt’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—he trained to run 125 kilometers in just 125 days, all while juggling the mental and physical challenges of such a massive undertaking.Matt opens up about how crucial it was to have a solid support team behind him, helping with everything from nutrition to morale during those tough moments on the course. He learned a lot about his body's needs through testing and found that fueling his body during the race was key—though palate fatigue made it hard to keep consuming food. The community effort behind the run is a big part of the story, and crossing that finish line was a huge moment of triumph. Looking ahead, Project 125 isn’t just about this one race; Matt hopes it will become a lasting legacy that supports athletes who are facing their own health challenges. Tune in to hear more about how Matt’s run came together and what’s next for Project 125!Episode Resources:Matt Christopherson: InstagramOpscotch: WebsiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpProject 125 Fueled By:Reigning ChampMyodetoxHOKACanadian Sport Institute PacificLMNTMaurten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.