The Mike Method

Personal branding isn’t just about logos and color schemes—it’s about showing up as your authentic self in every interaction.This week Mike is sitting down with Laura Beauparlant to explore the deep connection between personal and business branding, especially for founders looking to build a lasting legacy. Laura is an award-winning speaker, author, founder and creative director of The Lab Creative and branding expert on a mission to help as many entrepreneurs as she can turn their magic into authentic, memorable and impact driven legacy brands.They dive into the power of storytelling, curiosity, and intentionality in shaping meaningful connections. Laura shares how being present in conversations can open unexpected doors and why authenticity is the secret to standing out in a crowded space. They also discuss how every team member’s personal brand can amplify the business and why networking should be about sharing personal stories, not just job titles.From crafting a clear message to maintaining consistency across platforms, this conversation is packed with insights on making your brand unforgettable. Tune in to learn how engagement goes beyond likes—it’s about recognition, trust, and real human connection.Episode Resources:Laura BeauparlantLab CreativeViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mike sits down with Nogol Madani to dive into the world of psychological safety—what it is, why it matters, and how leaders can cultivate it within their teams. Nogol is a speaker, expert, facilitator, and the founder of Glee Factor, a company focused on transforming the way we work by helping leaders build high-performing, inclusive teams through psychological safety. Nogol has earned the trust of top organizations like Google, SAP, Rio Tinto, BeaverTails, C2 Montreal, Desjardins, and PhysioExtra, guiding them to unlock the full potential of their teams.In this conversation they explore how creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and be themselves is the foundation of high-performing teams. Nogol shares insights on the transition from being an individual contributor to leading a team, emphasizing the importance of shifting from a "know-it-all" mindset to a "learn-it-all" approach. Leaders who model vulnerability and encourage participation through simple actions—like regular check-ins and thoughtful follow-ups—help shape a culture of openness and collaboration. They discuss how avoiding conflict can actually stifle innovation and why tackling difficult conversations head-on is key to building trust.They also break down the four stages of psychological safety: inclusion safety (where people feel they belong), learner safety (where curiosity thrives), contributor safety (where individuals feel valued), and challenger safety (where questioning the status quo is welcomed). Small, intentional actions can transform team culture, but it takes consistency and real effort.The conversation also touches on how organizational culture is shaped by everyday behaviors, values, and rituals. In today’s socio-political climate, words related to diversity and inclusion can sometimes feel polarizing, but at its core, psychological safety is about creating spaces where collaboration and innovation can truly flourish. And while understanding the concept is a great first step, the real magic happens when leaders put these ideas into action.Episode Resources:Nogol MadaniGlee Factor WebsiteJoin "Glee Factor" free workshops or take the self-assessment to get your psychological safety score.ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpHub SpotMUSE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Benn’s journey is one of transformation—both in leadership and in life. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Ryan to explore how he found his way into publishing, the power of community engagement, and how his leadership style has evolved over time. Ryan is a CEO & Group Publisher at Alive Publishing Co. He is also awanna be chef, family man, outdoor lover & multi award recognized CEO with a demonstrated history of business and board management. Growth focused, with an aptitude for the buying and selling of companies, international business, strategic planning, operational execution, legal, HR, and finance. An inspirational leader who has managed complex business structures including employee owned private businesses. Ryan is a go to adviser to his peers and gives tremendously to non-profit roles.They dive into what it really means to build authentic relationships, why trust and respect are non-negotiable in leadership, and how ideological conflict can spark real innovation.But this conversation goes deeper than business. Ryan opens up about his personal battle with cancer, sharing the emotional and physical challenges he faced and how they reshaped his perspective on life, relationships, and resilience. He and Mike unpack the nuances of sympathy, empathy, and compassion—what it means to truly support others without losing yourself in the process. Drawing from insights by Brené Brown, Ryan reflects on the importance of maintaining strength, mindset, and perspective, especially in the face of adversity.This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about self-awareness, genuine connection, and showing up fully, both in work and in life. Tune in to hear Ryan’s wisdom on navigating challenges, embracing growth, and finding meaning in every moment.Episode Resources:Ryan BennPelotonCross FitHeroic Journey with CancerViRTUS: 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 Nicholas Ning to explore the world of AI and how it’s reshaping the way we live, work, and interact. Nicholas has worked for Fortune 500 companies around the world on multi-billion dollar projects in strategy, finance, design, and marketing is the Ceo of Farpoint, a global AI consulting firm with a focus on workforce transformation. They kick things off by looking back at November 30, 2022—the day ChatGPT launched and AI became more accessible than ever. Since then, the speed of adoption has been nothing short of staggering, outpacing previous technological shifts and pushing businesses, educators, and individuals to rethink their approach to AI.A big theme of the conversation is trust. AI isn’t just something people blindly embrace—it’s built through experience, one interaction at a time. And while many are excited about its potential, concerns about privacy and ethical governance remain hot topics. Nick and Mike unpack how organizations can navigate these trade-offs, emphasizing that the real winners will be those who take a proactive approach to AI adoption rather than resisting change. They also dive into how to get started with AI, from asking simple questions to mastering prompt engineering. Businesses, in particular, need to understand their workflows and experiment through pilot phases before fully integrating AI into their operations. Those who do will gain a competitive edge, as AI has the power to dramatically enhance productivity and efficiency.One of the most exciting frontiers? Multimodal AI, which combines text, images, and more to create richer, more intuitive user experiences. With AI advancing rapidly, there’s an urgency to adapt. As Nick puts it, organizations that embrace AI now will leave those that don’t in the dust.Episode Resources:Nicholas NingFarpointViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpThinkificDay One Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Desjardins sits down with Alex Brueckmann to explore the evolution of strategy in business. Alex shares how he once dismissed strategy in business school—until real-world experience showed him its power. Strategy, he explains, isn’t just about planning; it’s about action. And without clear terminology, strong leadership, and cultural alignment, even the best plans can fall apart. Alex is the founder and CEO of Brueckmann Executive Consulting and is an impactful and collaborative strategist, with over fifteen years of consulting experience at the board and executive levels. He provides tailored, actionable approaches to tackle complex problems, enabling his clients to achieve their goals. Alex’s people-oriented approach made an impact across industries, including clients like BMW, Roche, Telefónica, and Tier1 Financial Solutions.They dive into Alex’s Nine Elements Framework, which connects culture, strategy, and leadership to drive real impact. He also highlights a key misconception: revenue targets aren’t strategic goals—they’re outcomes. A great strategy is one that makes clients want to invest in your organization. The conversation also touches on AI’s growing role in business. While it may seem daunting, AI literacy is now essential, and organizations that embrace it will stay ahead. Whether through external facilitators or small internal steps, integrating AI into strategy is no longer optional—it’s the future.Episode Resources:Alex BrueckmannAlex's books9EOI Open Enrolment Course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring conversation, Mike Desjardins sits down with Praveen Varshney to explore the transformative power of impact investing and the values that drive meaningful change. Praveen shares his journey from traditional business to using entrepreneurship as a force for good, offering insight into how businesses can leave a legacy of positive impact.Praveen has been a principal of Varshney Capital Corp., a Vancouver based family office, since 1991. He's also a Founding Director of Pyfera Growth Capital & a Founding Director of Humanitas Smart Planet Fund, both with a social impact focus. Mr. Varshney obtained his UBC Sauder BComm in 1987 and is a FCPA, FCA.  He has been a member of the Vancouver Chapter of EO since 1996 and a founding Director & Charter Member of TiE Vancouver since 2000.He has been a Co-Founder, Director or Officer of many publicly traded and private companies over the years such as one of Canada's first producing diamonds mines, Mogo and Little Kitchen Academy. He’s also served on numerous charity boards over the years including The Vancouver Foundation and Foundations for Social Change. Praveen is also a recipient of Business in Vancouver's 40 Under 40 Awards, the 2020 Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Wendy McDonald Diversity Awards Outstanding Mentor and 2021 inaugural, 2022 and 2023 Business in Vancouver Top 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in BC (Banking & Finance - Private Equity, Venture Capital & Hedge Funds category).In this conversation they dive deep into the importance of raising a conscious family, highlighting how gratitude, responsibility, and sustainability can shape the next generation. From innovative solutions to homelessness and environmental challenges to the critical role of grassroots movements, this episode is a treasure trove of ideas for creating a better world. They also touch on the philosophy of money as a tool for impact rather than mere wealth accumulation, the importance of mentorship, and how genuine connections and networks can open doors for personal and professional growth. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about legacy, community, entrepreneurship and using business as a catalyst for sustainable change.Episode Resources:Praveen Varshney: LinkedInVancouver FoundationViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mike is sitting down with Jen Murtagh, the co-founder of Maturn, to chat about the challenges mothers face in the workplace, focusing on the motherhood penalty—the financial and professional disadvantages women often encounter after becoming mothers. Jen shares her personal experiences and her motivation for founding Matern, an organization that supports women through motherhood, menopause, and beyond. With over two decades of experience spanning both corporate and non-profit, heart-centred leadership has been the guiding star of Jen Murtagh’s career. An award-winning and values-based C-Suite leader, Jen has successfully led and raised millions for national campaigns on anti-bullying, vulnerable youth, and advanced gender equity through her work with a variety of women’s organizations. As an ICF accredited leadership coach, Jen supports women to live and lead bravely through her 1:1 coaching, workshops, speaking and signature Brave Leadership for Women program. Jen is a Business in Vancouver ‘Forty Under 40’ Award Winner and Greater Vancouver Board of Trade ‘Women of Promise’.In this conversation they discuss how maternal bias impacts not just mothers but all women, often leaving mothers unfairly perceived as less competent while fathers experience a fatherhood bonus. Organizations frequently underestimate the unique challenges mothers face, from delayed postpartum effects to the need for tailored support programs. Leadership plays a crucial role in creating workplaces where mothers feel valued, and fostering psychological safety is key to encouraging open conversations about these issues.Mike and Jen envision a future where the motherhood penalty is eradicated, emphasizing that supporting mothers is not only morally right but also an economic necessity. Along the way, they highlight the importance of allies—both men and women—in driving systemic change and remind us that even small steps, like purpose-driven initiatives and empathetic leadership, can make a big difference. This episode is a must listen!Episode Resources:Jen Murtagh: LinkedInMaturn: WebsiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful conversation, Mike Desjardins chats with Jayson Gaddis about navigating conflict and communication in relationships. Jayson is an artist, author, podcaster, speaker, executive coach, CEO, founder, human behavior specialist and relationship expert. He is the creator of Interpersonal Intelligence® and Present Centered Relationship Coaching® and has trained over 200 coaches in 11 countries. His book Getting to Zero: How to work Through Conflict In Your High Stakes Relationships was voted Editors Choice, Best non-fiction, and Best Leadership and Business book in 2021 on Amazon. He’s been married to his amazing wife since 2007 and has two beautiful kids. They live in Boulder, Colorado. When he doesn’t live and breathe this relationship stuff with his family, he pretty much gets his ass handed to him.In this conversation explore why conflict is inevitable—and how handling it with empathy and understanding can strengthen connections. Jayson shares powerful insights on the importance of validating each other’s perspectives, understanding our nervous systems, and practicing conflict repair. They also touch on how early attachment shapes adult relationships and why good communication skills are key to relationship health. Packed with practical tips and relatable stories, this episode offers tools to help you build stronger, more connected relationships.Episode Resources:Jayson Gaddis: Website/ Instagram The Relationship SchoolGetting to Zero: How to Work Through Conflict in Your High-Stakes RelationshipsViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpMiroOura Ring 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.