The Mike Method

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.

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.

This week Mike is sitting down with Michael Bungay Stanier to chat about leadership, coaching, and how we can all build better relationships. Michael is best known for The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of the century and recognized as a classic. His most recent book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, shows how to build the Best Possible Relationship with the key people at work. Michael was a Rhodes Scholar, and was recently awarded the coaching prize by Thinkers50, “the Oscars of management”.In this episode they dig into the power of asking the right questions—because sometimes, just one powerful question can completely shift how we lead and connect with others. Mike and Michael highlight how having clear intent behind our conversations can make all the difference, especially when we’re navigating tricky interpersonal dynamics. The conversation touches on the importance of choosing relationships over ego, setting boundaries to keep those relationships healthy, and embracing vulnerability to foster deeper connections. Michael introduces his idea of the 'keystone conversation,' a simple but powerful framework that can help us navigate relationships more effectively, alongside five essential questions we can all use to improve how we communicate.They also talk about understanding different types of conflict and how this awareness can lead to better communication. It’s all about reducing assumptions, getting to a place of shared understanding, and keeping curiosity at the center of it all. At the end of the day, improving relationships is a journey—not something we just check off the list—and being intentional about how we relate to others can truly be transformative.Episode Resources:Michael Bungay Stanier: WebsiteThe Coaching HabitHow to Work with Almost AnyoneViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mike Desjardins is sitting down with Steph Corker, our Chief Growth Officer here at ViRTUS, to talk all about CHANGE —how it shows up in our habits, parenting, the workplace, and leadership. They dig into how creating "white space" in our lives helps spark creativity and reflection. They share insights on how parenting is all about evolving and meeting your kids where they are, and they both reflect on the challenges of navigating a hybrid workforce.A big takeaway is that empathy is a must for leadership, especially in times of change. Mike and Steph talk about how relationships, whether at home or at work, can really push you to reflect on yourself and grow. They also dive into how culture isn’t about where people are physically but about giving them autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Change is inevitable, and embracing it with curiosity and acceptance can reduce stress and open the door to creativity!Episode Resources:ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSteph Corker: LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mike is sitting down with Noel Asmar, a visionary founder and all-around empathetic leader. Noel is a purpose-led designer with a passion for empowering spa, wellness & healthcare professionals through elevated apparel, made for the way you move. In 2002, Noel launched Noel Asmar Uniforms, a first-to-market collection of tailored spa tunics intentionally designed with a focus on improving how professionals both looked and felt at work. Today, Noel serves as the founder and creative director behind the Noel Asmar Group’s portfolio of companies which includes: Noel Asmar Uniforms & Asmar Scrubs,™ Asmar Equestrian and PedicureBowls.com.In their conversation Noel breaks down her leadership style, sharing how she stays emotionally connected, open-minded, and authentic in her role. They also dive into her personal practices for keeping her energy up, like going to bed early and dedicating time for “Wellness Wednesdays.” Noel opens up about the importance of vulnerability, balancing personal and professional life, and why creativity—and having the right people around you—makes all the difference. Plus, they touch on how mindfulness and wellness can fit into even the busiest workdays, and how tools like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) help scale businesses without the burnout.If you’re looking for tips on leading with empathy, managing your energy, and keeping things balanced, this one’s for you.Episode Resources:Noel Asmar: LinkedIn / WebsiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInThinkific: WebsiteOneWheel: Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Mike Method, host Mike Desjardins sits down with Dave Inglis! Dave is the author of Chief Family Officer and CEO of Threshold Leadership. His journey as an entrepreneur was kick-started after breaking his neck and back during a fluke hockey accident at the age of 15. Now a professional business & family leadership coach, Dave is often referred to as “the corporate therapist”, and sought after for his expertise in strategy, communications and managing high-stake relationships! Dave's book is a game-changer for families looking to thrive through strategic planning, similar to how successful companies are built.In this episode Dave and Mike dive into his new book and explore the importance of creating a shared family vision, managing conflict, fostering accountability, and nurturing relationships with a "triple bottom line" of wealth, health, and love. Dave's book isn’t just for business leaders—it’s for anyone who wants to lead their family with purpose and design a life that works for everyone. If you’re looking to bring more focus and intention into your family life, this conversation is a must-listen. Be sure to grab a copy of The Chief Family Officer and dive into the strategies Dave shares.Episode Resources:Dave Inglis: LinkedIn / WebsiteChief Family Officer by Dave InglisViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSonos: WebsiteHubSpot: Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike catches up with his good friend Laura Mack! Laura’s a facilitator and coach with a calm, grounded vibe that instantly puts everyone at ease, making it easier for leaders to open up and dig into the real stuff. She’s all about driving real growth—both personally and professionally—which is why she’s in demand across the globe, from corporate settings to healthcare and even government gigs. On top of that, she’s the CEO of Authentic Leadership Global and has trained coaches and facilitators just about everywhere.They dive into Laura’s community work, like her role on the board of the North Shore Restorative Justice Society and her work with youth justice programs in partnership with TELUS. They also chat about everything from Big L and Little L leadership to the magic of starting every meeting with a solid check-in. This convo gets into all about what it really means to lead authentically. Don’t miss this one!Episode Resources:Laura Mack: LinkedInViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSonos: WebsiteHubSpot: Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.