The Mike Method

Mike Desjardins
The Mike Method

Welcome to the Mike Method, where we believe conversations with leaders matter. Join host Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS as he takes you on a journey through conversations with some of the most inspiring leaders he's had the pleasure of meeting over the past 25 years. In each episode, listeners get to be a fly on the wall as Mike chats with leaders who are more than just that—they're mentors, coaches, and true inspirations. Imagine having coffee with them, diving into their stories, learning about their triumphs and trials, and discovering the lessons they've applied to achieve real success. These aren't run-of-the-mill media personalities; these are leaders who make a difference behind the scenes, whose impact is felt by those they lead and work with every day. As a B Corp committed to the triple bottom line, ViRTUS cares about everyone involved in their journey—partners, vendors, customers, employees, families, charities, the environment, and communities. Join the exploration of how leaders who think differently show up differently. New episodes coming to your ears every Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Ep48 The Masculinity Shift with Connor Beaton

    1D AGO

    Ep48 The Masculinity Shift with Connor Beaton

    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 Instagram ManTalks Podcast The Alliance Book: Men's Work by Connor Beaton ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hub Spot Vega Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  2. EP47 Why Great Leaders Embrace Uncertainty with Justin McSharry

    MAY 6

    EP47 Why Great Leaders Embrace Uncertainty with Justin McSharry

    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 LinkedIn ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  3. EP46 Regulation, Leadership, and High Performance with Lisa Dion

    APR 29

    EP46 Regulation, Leadership, and High Performance with Lisa Dion

    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 Lisa Synergetic Play Therapy ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  4. EP45 The Secret to Scaling Your Business Without Losing Its Genius with Simon Bowen

    APR 22

    EP45 The Secret to Scaling Your Business Without Losing Its Genius with Simon Bowen

    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 on Episode Resources: Connect with Simon The Models Method ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Leadership Circle Peloton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  5. EP44 The Future of Learning with Greg Smith, CEO of Thinkific

    APR 15

    EP44 The Future of Learning with Greg Smith, CEO of Thinkific

    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 Learning 03:12 The Role of AI in Enhancing Community Engagement 06:25 Building Authentic Connections in a Digital World 09:04 Leveraging AI for Personalized Learning Experiences 12:23 Innovative AI Applications in Learning and Community 15:02 The Future of Marketing in Learning Communities 24:18 The Impact of AI on Social Media 29:24 The Shift Towards Personal Growth and Learning 39:16 The Evolving Role of CEOs in Branding 45:12 Advice for Future Leaders Episode Resources: Connect with Greg Smith Thinkific ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  6. E43 The Power of Real Conversations with Adrienne Giffen

    APR 8

    E43 The Power of Real Conversations with Adrienne Giffen

    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 Decade 03:04 The Power of Top Grading in Leadership 05:57 The Journey of Writing a Book 11:52 Now You're Talking: The Importance of Conversation 18:00 Core Values: The Foundation of Intentional Living 28:07 Influential Mentorship 30:56 The Role of Mentors in Leadership 32:17 The Game of Connection 35:41 Building Trust Through Conversation 39:53 Navigating Adversity and Growth Episode Resources: Get in touch with Adrienne on LinkedIn Family Enterprise Canada - Arienne Core Values Worksheet ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Cross Fit Sonos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  7. E42 Understanding and Preventing Burnout with Dr. Sherry Walling

    APR 1

    E42 Understanding and Preventing Burnout with Dr. Sherry Walling

    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 Walling ZenFounder ZenFounder Podcast Book: Exit Strategy: The entrepreneur’s guide to selling your business without regret Dr. Sherry Walling's Books Oura Ring Vega Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  8. E41 Mentorship & Turning Passion into Impact with Taylor Hui

    MAR 25

    E41 Mentorship & Turning Passion into Impact with Taylor Hui

    In this episode, Taylor Hui shares how she’s built a meaningful career by following her passions and staying rooted in purpose. She talks about launching The Beautiful Foundation, a national charity that creates safe, supportive spaces for young girls and non-binary youth. Taylor is the founder and executive director of the BeaYOUtiful Foundation, The Roster and also a fashion model. Many businesses are founded in response to a challenge, but Taylor Hui’s inspiration for the BeaYOUtiful Foundation is more personal than most. In high school, several of Hui’s friends were living with eating disorders, and Hui herself experienced cyberbullying. “I saw patterns of girls not being able to love themselves or really embrace all that they were, and it made me start questioning what was stopping that kind of education,” she says. She didn’t wait for an answer: in her senior year, Hui launched a six-week pilot program meant to foster self-confidence in young girls. That 2013 pilot program grew into the BeaYOUtiful Foundation. In 2018, it became a B.C. society, and in 2019 a registered charity. Mentorship is the backbone of Bea­YOUtiful—the roster of volunteer mentors is diverse, from university students, teachers and counsellors to lawyers, firefighters and professional athletes. What began as a response to a real need has grown into a movement centered on empowerment, self-worth, and community. In this conversation Taylor reflects on the power of mentorship—not just as something we offer others, but as a reciprocal experience that helps us grow, too. She encourages women to recognize their ability to guide and uplift others by simply being the support they once needed themselves. Taylor also opens up about her modeling career and fashion brand, both of which she uses as platforms to challenge beauty standards and advocate for authenticity. She talks candidly about the struggles of dealing with cyber bullying and the pressure to maintain a certain image, while also juggling the demands of running a nonprofit and a business. Despite the challenges, she’s driven by a clear sense of purpose and a desire to make an impact. Her story is a thoughtful reminder that when you stay aligned with your values and lead with heart, your work can become something much more than a job—it becomes a reflection of who you are. Episode Resources: ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Taylor Hui BeaYOUtiful Foundation The Roster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

About

Welcome to the Mike Method, where we believe conversations with leaders matter. Join host Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS as he takes you on a journey through conversations with some of the most inspiring leaders he's had the pleasure of meeting over the past 25 years. In each episode, listeners get to be a fly on the wall as Mike chats with leaders who are more than just that—they're mentors, coaches, and true inspirations. Imagine having coffee with them, diving into their stories, learning about their triumphs and trials, and discovering the lessons they've applied to achieve real success. These aren't run-of-the-mill media personalities; these are leaders who make a difference behind the scenes, whose impact is felt by those they lead and work with every day. As a B Corp committed to the triple bottom line, ViRTUS cares about everyone involved in their journey—partners, vendors, customers, employees, families, charities, the environment, and communities. Join the exploration of how leaders who think differently show up differently. New episodes coming to your ears every Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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