The Mike Method

In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Milam Miller—keynote speaker, executive coach, and the real-life Ted Lasso—to explore the art of healthy charisma and how it’s reshaping leadership in today’s world.Milam spent 15 years in Sports & Entertainment, negotiating over $100M in deals before turning his focus to leadership. Now, through his company Be Confident and Kind, he helps leaders at Amazon, Google, Uber and beyond unlock their true potential through connection, warmth, and intentional kindness. His upcoming book, The Charisma Craft, available June 25th 2025, breaks down how anyone—introvert or extrovert—can harness charisma to lead with authenticity and drive performance.We talk about why charisma isn’t just for the spotlight, how to make people feel seen, and how leaders can reduce conflict, inspire followership, and influence without force. Milam also shares what makes healthy charisma different from performative charm, how to build your own ABCs of influence, and why kindness is a leadership advantage—not a weakness.🎧 Tune in and learn how to lead in a way that people genuinely want to follow.Episode Resources:Connect with Milam on LinkedInMilam Miller’s Company: Be Confident and KindUpcoming Book: The Charisma Craft: A Modern Leadership Guide to Enhancing Your “Rizz” Factor — coming June 2025Above the Line / Below the Line Framework: Watch the 3-minute explainer video on YouTubeDay One Journal App: https://dayoneapp.comCrossFit: https://www.crossfit.comVanessa Van Edwards – The Science of People: https://www.scienceofpeople.comOlivia Fox Cabane – The Charisma Myth: Book on AmazonViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up

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

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

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

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

What if the real reason your sales team isn’t closing deals has nothing to do with the market—and everything to do with your company’s diluted genius?In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with international business mentor and Models Method creator, Simon Bowen, for a deep dive into what really sets high-performing companies apart. Spoiler: it’s not just having a good product. It’s about clarity, believability, and a sharp understanding of your company’s core brilliance—what Simon calls your “genius.”Simon unpacks how that genius often fades as a company grows, especially when the founder’s original thinking gets lost in translation across departments. He explains how complex ideas can become instantly more persuasive when they’re visualized instead of just talked about. Think: frameworks, models, even drawing—yep, seriously.Mike and Simon also explore why believability trumps trust in complex sales, and how showing (not telling) your story makes all the difference. There’s a practical edge here too: how to adapt to changing market conditions without losing your company’s soul. Whether you’re selling consulting to Fortune 500s or pitching warships to the Navy, this conversation is a masterclass in clear communication, strategic positioning, and protecting what makes your business unique. It’s smart, visual, and refreshingly grounded—definitely one you’ll want to take notes onEpisode Resources:Connect with SimonThe Models MethodViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpLeadership CirclePeloton

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

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

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