The Mike Method

Mike Desjardins
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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. EP96 Boundaries That Change Everything: Strength, Safety, and Letting Go of People Pleasing with Dana Skaggs

    HACE 5 DÍAS

    EP96 Boundaries That Change Everything: Strength, Safety, and Letting Go of People Pleasing with Dana Skaggs

    Setting and defending healthy boundaries saved Dana Skaggs’ life, and in this conversation, she breaks down exactly why. Mike Desjardins sits down with Dana Skaggs, therapist and trauma specialist known for her work on boundaries, to explore how anxiety, people pleasing, resentment, and emotional exhaustion are often rooted in one core issue: weak or unclear boundaries. Drawing from both her professional work and her own upbringing in a home shaped by unpredictability and emotional volatility, Dana shares how discovering boundaries changed not just her career, but her entire life. Together, they unpack what boundaries actually are, why they feel so difficult to set, and what really happens when you start to change the dynamic in your relationships. Dana introduces practical frameworks like the “yard” analogy, where your thoughts, feelings, and actions are yours to own, and explains why the pushback you receive after setting a boundary is not a sign you are doing it wrong, but often a sign you are doing it right. They also explore people pleasing, the fear of losing relationships, and the reality that if someone cannot accept your “no,” the relationship may not be what you think it is. This conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to move toward relationships built on strength, safety, and personal responsibility. Episode Resources Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend Learn more about Dana Skaggs: Website Connect with Dana: LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  2. EP95 Building Real Relationships in a Digital World with Janice Porter

    14 ABR

    EP95 Building Real Relationships in a Digital World with Janice Porter

    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 requested Episode Resources: Janice Porter: Website / Podcast / LinkedIn Generating Business Referrals by Stacey Brown Randall ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  3. EP94 From Autopilot to Alignment: Breaking Free from People Pleasing with Leslie Brown

    7 ABR

    EP94 From Autopilot to Alignment: Breaking Free from People Pleasing with Leslie Brown

    If you have ever felt caught between who you are and who the world expects you to be, this conversation will land. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Leslie Brown to explore what it takes to move from autopilot into alignment. Leslie is an embodiment coach, facilitator, and Director of Organizational Development who helps individuals and leaders reconnect with their inner wisdom and understand how their patterns shape the way they live, lead, and relate. Her work sits at the intersection of nervous system awareness, embodiment, and leadership, supporting people to stay present, grounded, and clear in moments that matter. Together, Mike and Leslie unpack how people pleasing patterns form, why we lose connection to ourselves, and where real change actually begins. This conversation offers a practical starting point for anyone ready to slow down, build self awareness, and choose growth over protection. Episode Resources: Leslie Brown: Website / Services #884 - Nick Pollard - How To Stop Being Such A People Pleaser Modern Wisdom ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  4. EP93 The Art of Communication: How We Listen, Repair, and Build Real Connection

    31 MAR

    EP93 The Art of Communication: How We Listen, Repair, and Build Real Connection

    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 most In 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 relationships Episode Resources: Ahna Boley Episode Milam Miller Episode Jayson Gaddis Episode Michael Bungay Stanier ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Oura Ring Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  5. EP92 Beyond the Hype: AI Literacy, Leadership, and Strategy

    24 MAR

    EP92 Beyond the Hype: AI Literacy, Leadership, and Strategy

    This special episode brings together some of the most meaningful moments from past conversations on AI, leadership, and the future of work, woven into one cohesive guide for building real literacy without losing the human side of how we think, decide, and create. Drawing from episodes with Kian Gohar, Dr. Hilary Currie, Carly Moir, Alex Brueckmann, and Nicholas Ning, we explore what it really means to move beyond the hype and work with AI as a thinking partner. Instead of approaching it as just another tool, this conversation invites leaders to engage with it as something that can expand perspective, challenge assumptions, and support better decisions. Along the way, we unpack how leadership is evolving alongside technology, why human capabilities like creativity and emotional intelligence matter more than ever, and how intentional learning and experimentation help teams move from hesitation to confidence. In this episode, we explore What real AI literacy looks like inside organizations Why treating AI as a thinking partner changes decision making The growing importance of creativity, presence, and emotional intelligence How leaders can design learning experiences that move teams from uncertainty to capability The role of experimentation in responsible and effective adoption How multimodal AI is reshaping communication, collaboration, and learning Reflection questions Where am I approaching AI as a tool instead of a thinking partner What human capabilities will matter most in my leadership as technology evolves How can I create space for experimentation without pressure for immediate mastery What would building real confidence with AI look like for me or my team Featured conversations include Kian Gohar on shifting from using AI as a search engine to engaging it as a collaborator that expands thinking Dr. Hilary Curry on the human skills that become more valuable as technology reshapes work Carly Moir on how people build confidence with new tools and what makes learning stick Alex Brueckmann on integrating AI into strategy with clarity, intention, and experimentation Nicholas Ning on workforce transformation and building AI literacy at scale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  6. EP91 The Success Trap: How Entrepreneurs Scale Without Losing Their Life with Allison Maslan

    17 MAR

    EP91 The Success Trap: How Entrepreneurs Scale Without Losing Their Life with Allison Maslan

    ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Sign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Oura 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 goal Episode 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.

    52 min
  7. EP90 The Gift of ADD, Daily Routines, and Sustainable High Performance with Nigel Bennett

    10 MAR

    EP90 The Gift of ADD, Daily Routines, and Sustainable High Performance with Nigel Bennett

    If you have ever wondered why some environments drain you while others bring you fully online, this conversation will land. Entrepreneur and author Nigel Bennett has spent decades building high performing companies while navigating ADD and dyslexia, challenges that many entrepreneurs quietly share. Over time, he discovered that the key was not trying to eliminate those traits, but building systems that allow their strengths to work in your favor. In this conversation, Mike Desjardins and Nigel explore what happens when identity, work, and pressure collide. Nigel shares a defining moment early in his career that forced a difficult decision: leave the path he was on or stay and risk losing himself in it. Nigel Bennett is the author of Take That Leap: Risking It All for What Really Matters. He has been a member of MIT’s Gathering of Titans for over a decade, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization for nearly two decades, and received the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Distinguished Alumni Award. His company has also received multiple innovation awards for breakthroughs in oil spill response technology. Together, they unpack Nigel’s GIFT model for ADD, Gratitude, Ignore, Focus, Test, and explore why confidence is often built through experimentation, repetition, and supportive routines rather than certainty. In this episode, you will learn: • A turning point moment that changed Nigel’s career direction • Why ADD can become a strength when you build around it • The GIFT model: Gratitude, Ignore, Focus, Test • How fear decreases through repetition and practice • Why rest is a performance strategy, not a reward • A morning routine that supports nervous system stability and better decisions Episode Resources: Nigel Bennett’s GIFT ADD model linkNigel Bennett’s book, Take a LeapBCIT alumni article featuring Nigel’s storyViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  8. 3 MAR

    EP89 The Journey Is the Goal: A Nervous System Guide to Purpose, Goals, and Leadership

    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 teams In 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 alignment Reflection 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 pressure If 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.

    18 min
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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.

Información

  • Creador
    Mike Desjardins
  • Años de actividad
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodios
    92
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © Mike Desjardins
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The Mike Method

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