The Mike Method

Resilience is often framed as pushing through. But in a world where AI, fintech, and constant change are reshaping how we work, that definition is no longer enough.In this episode, Mike sits down with Reese Hayden, Senior Director and Head of Executive Talent and Learning at PayPal. Reese leads executive selection, development, and top team effectiveness for senior leaders, and has spent over a decade helping organizations like Salesforce, Dropbox, and Cisco connect leadership development directly to strategy and performance.Together, they explore what leadership requires when the pace of change continues to accelerate.They break down PayPal’s four core leadership capabilities: investing in self and others, leading with clarity, impactful problem solving, and agile decision making, and how these show up in real, day to day leadership.The conversation moves beyond theory into practical tools, including how to recognize when you are in the “yellow” before burnout, the difference between productive and destructive tension, and how simple frameworks like DAISY and the Five Whys help leaders make better decisions and avoid solving the wrong problems.This is a grounded, practical conversation on how leaders can stay effective, present, and resilient without running themselves into the ground.Episode Resources:Connect with Reese on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JIn a world where AI can automate outreach and communication, authentic human connection has never been more valuable. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Janice Porter, entrepreneur, trainer, and relationship marketing expert, to explore why trust and meaningful relationships remain the ultimate competitive advantage.Janice, a former teacher and corporate trainer, now helps business owners grow their companies through relationship-driven networking. Specializing in LinkedIn consulting and training, she is the creator of the REAL framework—Refresh, Engage, Appreciate, and Leverage—a practical approach to nurturing connections, staying top of mind, and generating referrals through genuine engagement rather than transactional networking.Together, Mike and Janice discuss the erosion of trust in a digital-first world and share simple, actionable ways to build deeper relationships. From reconnecting with existing contacts to thoughtful gestures like handwritten cards, video messages, and intentional introductions, this conversation offers practical strategies to strengthen trust and create lasting opportunities.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why trust is the true competitive advantage in today’s business landscapeHow the REAL framework supports meaningful relationship buildingThe importance of reconnecting with existing contactsSimple gestures that create lasting impressionsWhy referrals are earned through consistent connection, not requestedEpisode Resources:Janice Porter: Website / Podcast / LinkedInGenerating Business Referrals by Stacey Brown RandallViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode brings together key moments from past conversations exploring one of the most important and often overlooked leadership skills: communication.Not just how we speak, but how we listen. How we respond when we are triggered. How we repair conflict. And how we build relationships rooted in clarity, curiosity, and trust.Across these conversations, we move beyond surface level advice and into the mechanics of real connection. From managing emotional reactions and staying present in a distracted world, to learning how charisma, attention, and honest dialogue shape the way we relate to each other.Together, these perspectives offer a practical guide for communicating in a way that strengthens relationships at work, at home, and everywhere in between.Featured conversations includeMike Desjardins on the ABC method for managing triggers and choosing intentional responses in the momentAhna Boley on designing conversations for attention and presence in a world full of distractionMilam Miller on redefining charisma as the ability to make others feel seen, heard, and rememberedAdrienne Giffen on why meaningful conversation matters more than ever and how it reconnects usJayson Gaddis on the conflict repair cycle and the communication skills that build stronger relationships over timeMichael Bungay Stanier on understanding what brings out our best and how to intentionally shape the relationships that matter mostIn this episode, we exploreWhy emotional awareness is the foundation of effective communicationHow attention and presence shape the quality of conversationsThe difference between reacting and responding in moments of tensionPractical tools for navigating conflict and repairing relationshipsHow curiosity and listening create psychological safetyWhy intentional conversations lead to stronger, more resilient relationshipsEpisode Resources:Ahna Boley EpisodeMilam Miller EpisodeJayson Gaddis EpisodeMichael Bungay StanierViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpOura Ring Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpOura RingWhat happens when the business you built starts running you?In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Pinnacle Global Network CEO Allison Maslan for a candid conversation about the success trap many founders quietly experience. Allison shares the shocking wake up call that forced her to rethink everything after literally running herself over with her own car, and how that moment became the turning point that changed the way she approached leadership, scale, and life.With 40 years of entrepreneurial experience and 10 companies built, Allison has helped more than 150,000 founders and leadership teams scale their businesses without becoming trapped inside them. Together, Mike and Allison explore why growth alone does not create freedom, how founders become the bottleneck without realizing it, and what it actually takes to evolve from being the hero or octopus leader into a visionary CEO.They also unpack Allison’s five phases of scaling, seeker, pioneer, ringleader, co-creator, and visionary, and explain why delegation so often fails when leaders are not clear on outcomes, ownership, and metrics.In this episode, you will learn:• Why so many entrepreneurs feel trapped by the very success they worked to create• The difference between the hero, the octopus, and the visionary CEO• Allison’s five phases of scaling and how to identify where you are now• Why delegation breaks down when leaders are unclear on success metrics• How to build a founder independent company that creates more freedom and enterprise value• Why enjoying the journey matters just as much as reaching the goalEpisode Resources:Download Allison Maslan’s Operational Scalability ebookLearn more about Pinnacle Global NetworkGet Allison’s book Scale or FailListen to the Scale It Method PodcastViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode brings together some of the most meaningful moments from past conversations on nervous system regulation, purpose, and leadership, woven into one cohesive guide for staying ambitious without losing yourself.Drawing from episodes with Lee Holden, Dr. David B. Wolf, Lynn Sumida, Anna Brooks, and Lisa Dion, we explore what it really means to move from have, do, be to be, do, have. Instead of chasing goals to feel worthy, this conversation invites you to let your goals become an expression of who you already are.Along the way, we unpack how the nervous system shapes our decisions, relationships, and leadership presence, why connection creates a deeper sense of safety than control, and how purpose is often something we notice rather than something we force.Featured conversations includeLee Holden on energy, emotion, and how shifting your internal state changes how you show upDr. David B. Wolf on becoming before achieving and redefining success from the inside outLynn Sumida on hidden patterns, protection, and the nervous system’s role in self sabotageAnna Brooks on what regulation really means and why curiosity only lives in a grounded stateLisa Dion on leadership as borrowing a nervous system and creating safety in teamsIn this episode, we exploreThe shift from have, do, be to be, do, haveWhy big achievements can still feel hollow and how to change that patternWhat nervous system regulation actually is and what it is notHow connection creates safety in leadership and relationshipsPractical ways to return to presence when you feel activated or stuckWhy purpose often reveals itself through joy, energy, and alignmentReflection questionsWhat goal am I chasing that I am hoping will finally make me feel enoughIf my goals were an expression of who I am instead of proof of worth, what would changeWhere in my life could I lead with more presence instead of pressureIf you have ever reached a milestone and wondered why it does not feel the way you thought it would, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and remember that the journey is the goal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your story isn’t the truth of who you are. It’s a map of your soul’s curriculum.In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Celinne da Costa, author, speaker, and master coach who helps high-achieving leaders rewrite the invisible narratives shaping their decisions, influence, and impact. Celinne is a transformational leadership coach who helps high-achieving leaders bridge their inner truth with outer expression. Through her unique blend of neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, and storytelling expertise, she guides CEOs, executives, and visionary professionals to lead with authentic magnetism and create meaningful impact. Her holistic approach has empowered Fortune 150 executives and industry leaders to communicate with confidence, lead with purpose, and build influential legacies. A licensed NeuroChange Solutions consultant under Dr. Joe Dispenza and featured expert in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider, Celinne's mission is to guide leaders in creating positive change by living, leading, and communicating from deep soul alignment.Celinne’s work blends deep inner transformation with practical tools. Drawing from modalities like NLP and hypnotherapy, she helps executives move out of survival mode and back into conscious choice. At the center of this conversation is a powerful idea: your life keeps repeating the lesson until you integrate it.Together, Mike and Celinne explore:• Why the map is not the territory• How old identity stories hijack leaders in high-stakes rooms• What it takes to neutralize emotional charge so you can respond rather than react• The shift from “I’m becoming” to “I choose that I am” and why that language mattersCelinne also shares the origin story behind her upcoming book, The Burning Ground — a ten-year journey that began when she left a prestigious New York life, couch-surfed across 18 countries, stayed with 70 strangers, and consciously dismantled the identity she had built in order to discover what remained underneath.This episode is about identity, alignment, and the courage to lead from who you truly are — not from who you were conditioned to be.Episode Resources:Celinne Da Costa: Website / Substack / Facebook PageSonosPelotonViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you think there is a better version of you that you need to become, this conversation begins with a simple reminder. You are already enough.In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Michelle Masters for a deep and thoughtful exploration of where our beliefs about worth come from and how they quietly shape the way we lead, relate, and move through the world. Michelle Masters is an internationally acclaimed bestselling author and one of the foremost facilitators of change in the world. A personal development trainer and coach since 1995, her expertise lies in a unique fusion of neuroscience-based change techniques, family constellation work, and quantum transformation modalities.In this conversation Michelle shares why so many of these patterns are formed early in life, why willpower and surface level affirmations often fall short, and what it can actually take to reach the deeper layers where change begins. Together, they explore the role of the nervous system, subconscious patterning, EMDR, and neuroplasticity in creating lasting shifts. The conversation looks at how old wiring can show up as stress, health challenges, financial tension, and relationship strain, even when we feel like we are doing all the right things.Michelle also offers practical ways to begin working with these patterns, inviting listeners to take personal responsibility for their own healing journey and to notice what becomes possible when the interference starts to lift. On the other side of this work, she describes a life that feels lighter, more connected, and often surprisingly easeful.Key TakeawaysYou are enough right now, and self acceptance can open the door to meaningful changeBeliefs about worth often take shape early in life and can run quietly in the background for yearsLasting transformation starts by working with deeper patterns, not just surface habitsNeuroplasticity allows the brain to form new connections and support new ways of beingTools like EMDR can be part of the process, alongside other approaches to healing and growthOld patterns can influence stress, health, money, and relationships without us realizing itTaking ownership of your own journey can create space for clarity and possibilityWhen deep interference is removed, life can begin to feel lighter and more aligned🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.Episode Resources:Michelle Masters: WebsiteMoney Magic by Michelle Masters Rewire Your Money Reality CourseRead the first chapters of Monday Magic hereViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpLeadership CircleVega Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At some point in life, many of us have a moment of uncomfortable clarity. The realization that the way we are showing up is hurting others and ourselves. This conversation begins right there.Jennifer K. Hill opens up about the origin story behind her book The Recovering Asshole and the pivotal moment at 23 when someone finally reflected her behavior back to her in a way she could not ignore. That moment became the start of a 21 year journey of transformation.An entrepreneur, evolutionary leader, author, and speaker, Jennifer built and sold her first company by 38 and later went on to host Regarding Consciousness, where she has interviewed voices like Deepak Chopra and Bruce Lipton. Today, she is the co-founder of Opt2Match and OM.app, helping leaders build high trust relationships while coaching CEOs on alignment, retention, and productivity.This episode is not about success in the traditional sense. It is about what happens when the inner critic runs the show, how self betrayal often hides behind the need to belong, and why being harsh with others usually begins with being harsh toward ourselves.Mike and Jennifer explore honest feedback, daily practices for real change, inner child work, spiritual discipline, and Jennifer’s Anti Asshole Prayer. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful truth. The people you keep close shape your life and leadership more than you may realize.Key TakeawaysChange often begins with honest self awarenessVulnerability is essential for lasting transformationInner child work can support healing and joyDaily reflection strengthens clarity and alignmentHealthy relationships shape how we lead and liveEpisode Resources:Jennifer K. Hill: Website / LinkedIn / Books"Anti-Asshole Prayer" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would have to be true if you were legally bound to hire and keep your executive assistant for three years?That single question changed everything for Tim Francis.In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Tim Francis, founder of Great Assistant, to unpack why delegation so often fails for founders and how to rebuild it the right way. After five failed assistant hires in a row and a growing sense of exhaustion, Tim realized the problem was not a lack of talent. It was the system, the sequence, and the mindset behind delegation itself.Tim shares how rethinking hiring, onboarding, and expectations helped him move from constant pressure to calm focus and real leverage. This conversation breaks down delegation as a progression rather than a handoff, where clarity improves over time and trust is built intentionally. Together, Mike and Tim explore how the right executive assistant can transform not only productivity, but how a leader shows up across work and life.This episode is for founders, CEOs, and executives who feel stretched thin, unsure what to delegate, or hesitant to hire because past attempts did not work.Key Topics CoveredWhy the opportunity cost of not hiring an assistant is often overlookedHow spiritual resilience supports sustainable leadershipReframing delegation as a skill that can be learned and refinedThe importance of effective onboarding for long term successThe Seven Yes Test for deciding what to delegate firstHow clear task design improves outcomes and trustWhat a strong hiring process actually looks likeWhy alignment and time zone matter more than cheap laborHow delegation creates a positive profit loopThe unexpected benefit of delegation including mental clarity and peace of mindIf you are ready to stop carrying everything yourself and start leading with intention, this conversation offers a grounded and practical roadmap.Episode Resources:Tim Francis: LinkedInGreat Assistant7-Yes Test Task Finder by GreatAssistant.comViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the most important measure of success is not what you achieve, but who you become along the way?In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Dr. David B. Wolf for a thoughtful and wide ranging conversation on self realization, leadership, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. David is a counselor, coach, and seminar leader who has been working in human transformation since the early 1980s. He is the founder of the Sat Phatov Institute, the creator of the Vedic Personality Inventory, a leader in mantra meditation research, and the author of Relationships at Work and The Power of Conscious Living.Together, Mike and David explore what it means to encounter ourselves honestly and remember who we are as timeless spiritual beings living a very human life. They unpack why so many high achievers find themselves chasing goals, approval, and validation only to feel empty once they arrive. The conversation challenges the familiar pattern of have, do, be and invites a shift toward be, do, have, where goals become an expression of joy and purpose rather than a way to prove worth.This episode dives into why comparison pulls us away from ourselves, how integrity and example form the foundation of real leadership, and why the journey itself holds more meaning than any finish line. David shares practical starting points for discovering purpose, including powerful questions to reflect on and questions to ask the people closest to you.If you have ever reached a big milestone and felt unsettled afterward, or if you want to stay ambitious without losing yourself in the process, this conversation offers a grounded and refreshing perspective on success, leadership, and trust in the unfolding journey.Episode Resources:Books by David B. WolfRelationships that WorkViRTUS: 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 Liz 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, Liz 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. Liz 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 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.