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.
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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.
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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..
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: LinkedIn
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Most founders want two things: to raise their next round and to exit. Few will say it out loud, but Brian Wong will.
In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Brian Wong, a prodigy who graduated from UBC’s Sauder School of Business at 18, raised more than $40 million in venture capital, and builtKkiip, one of the world’s largest mobile advertising platforms, before selling it in 2019. Now based in New York City, Brian leads Ascii Ventures, a next generation fund redefining what it means to be truly founder friendly.
Together, they explore what makes great founders fundable, how humility and curiosity strengthen leadership, and why the future of venture capital is being shaped by people who have lived the startup experience themselves.
Brian also shares how Ascii's founder focused model aligns incentives, creates a flywheel for liquidity, and helps early stage companies build culture, confidence, and sustainable growth. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of crypto and stablecoins, how mainstream adoption is already underway, and why this shift matters for leaders and investors alike.
If you have ever wondered how top founders think or how investors identify the qualities that predict success, this episode offers both insight and inspiration.
Episode Resources:
Brian Wong: LinkedIn
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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Most people think nervous system regulation means being calm — it doesn’t; it means not getting stuck. In this episode, Mike Desjardins talks with Anna Brooks, a guide in deep transformation whose work blends somatics, nervous system regulation, and “soul truth.”
They explore how your nervous system shapes every experience and how flexibility—not calm—is the real goal. Anna shares simple tools like the one-breath hum and butterfly taps, plus the ABC path: Awareness. Breathe. Choose. This conversation is a deep exhale and a practical guide to feeling steady in motion.
A wonderful resource from Anna, discussed in this episode:
Shift & Integrate:
Respond vs. React.
Moving in choice and with more aliveness.
1) Notice and attune: slowing down, settling...
2) Meet the feeling/expression/experience etc. exactly as it is, not trying to change it, shift it, make it something else, exactly as is it.
*The truth of how it is for you and then actually believe yourself.
3) Of course
That makes sense
I feel ______ and that’s ok
4) Expand: a call to extend your capacity to hold things/parts of yourself → meeting the vastness of who you are!
*This is also often one of the things that actually helps shift states.
In meeting and honouring the vastness of who you are, what might you want/need to expand (shift) back into ventral (if that's the desired state)?
5) Integrate (wholeness - opposite of fragmented and constricted): by meeting all your parts you step back into your power (Truth) and "the things you want to shake off they get transmuted into power, because they’re [actually] integrated."
6) Choose: again and again, and again.
At every stage → processing, metabolizing, releasing, and weaving/integrating through movement!
Episode Resources:
Anna Brooks: Website / LinkedIn / Newsletter Signup
Power of the Pause (free resource!)
A special playlist that tends to Nervous System soothing
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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What if the moments that knock you down are the very ones that set you up for what’s next?
In this week's episode of the Mike Method, Mike sits down with Carly Moir, founder and CEO of White Canvas Design, a powerhouse design agency rooted in heart and led with purpose. A former national softball team captain turned entrepreneur, Carly shares how resilience, vision, and a triple-threat mindset helped her turn creative passion into impact.
Together, Mike and Carly explore the emotional intelligence behind great branding, how misalignment can shape team culture, and why learning to use AI well might just be the next creative superpower. They dive into what it means to stay authentic in a world of change, and how lessons from sports, leadership, and life remind us that even our hardest moments can become our greatest teachers.
This conversation is about creativity, authenticity, and the courage to keep showing up, both in business and in life.
Episode Resources:
Carly Moir: LinkedIn
White Canvas Design: Website / Instagram
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“We didn’t know when our lessons would arrive, but they did. And for us, they came when everything was falling apart.”
In this episode of The Mike Method, host Mike Desjardins sits down with Zach Berman, co-founder of The Juice Truck, Canada’s first cold-pressed juice bar.
Zach shares how he and his co-founder, Ryan Slater, transformed a global crisis into a moment of reinvention—pivoting from brick-and-mortar shops to a thriving wholesale business now found in over 300 stores across Canada.
From backpacking through Nepal and India to pioneering a movement around health, community, and conscious consumption, Zach’s story is one of heart, hustle, and perspective.
Together, they explore:
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone navigating change, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the biggest disruptions become the clearest invitations to evolve.
Episode Resources:
Zach Berman: LinkedIn / A Little More Good Podcast
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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In this episode, Mike Desjardins sits down with Robert Glazer to explore the power of core values and how living in alignment with them shapes both leadership and life.
Robert is the founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, a global leader in partnership marketing, and the author of several Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling books, including Elevate and Friday Forward. He’s also the host of the Elevate Podcast, a top-ranked show on business and leadership, and a global speaker known for helping individuals and organizations elevate their performance.
Together, Mike and Robert discuss how clearly defining your core values can serve as a compass for decision-making, reduce burnout, and strengthen relationships. Robert shares how identifying your triggers can reveal what truly matters, and how the “core value compass” can help navigate life’s toughest choices with clarity and confidence.
They also explore how values evolve through experience, the essential role of community in reinforcing them, and why core values should be intrinsic rather than aspirational. The conversation highlights the ripple effect that occurs when leaders live authentically in alignment with their values, creating deeper fulfillment and meaningful impact in the world.
Episode Resources:
Robert Glazer: Website / Books
The Compass Within by Robert Glazer
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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We’re re-releasing one of our most listened-to and loved episodes! A timeless conversation that hits just as hard today as when it first aired.
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 truly sets high-performing companies apart. Spoiler: it’s not just about having a great product. It’s about clarity, believability, and staying connected to your company’s core brilliance — what Simon calls your “genius.”
Simon breaks down how that genius can fade as a company grows, especially when the founder’s original thinking gets lost across departments. He shares how complex ideas become instantly more persuasive when they’re visualized instead of just talked about — using frameworks, models, and even simple drawings to make the message stick.
Mike and Simon also explore why believability often matters more than trust in complex sales, and how showing (not telling) your story makes all the difference. The conversation offers practical insight into adapting to changing markets without losing your company’s soul.
Whether you’re leading a global team or refining your own message, this episode is a masterclass in clear communication, strategic positioning, and protecting what makes your business unique.
Episode Resources:
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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In this solo episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins breaks down the mechanics of being triggered and introduces the ABC Method, a simple yet powerful way to shift out of automatic reactions and into conscious choice.
Mike shares how awareness, a single breath, and a prepared choice can transform the way we respond in heated moments. With practical examples, he shows how this method can help us move from defensiveness to accountability, curiosity, and stronger connection.
Whether it’s at work, at home, or in everyday conversations, learning to pause and choose differently can change the quality of our relationships and improve our communication skills.
What you’ll take away:
A small shift in the moment can create big changes over time. Try it out and see how it works for you.
Episode Resources:
John Dwyer: LinkedIn / Website
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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What do free vacations, Jerry Seinfeld, and Happy Meals have in common? For John Dwyer, they are all part of a playbook that has helped businesses bring in billions in revenue.
In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with John Dwyer (JD), founder of the Institute of Wow and a direct response marketing legend. JD has worked with brands like Disney, KFC, 7-Eleven, Woolworths, and BP, and his campaigns have broken records while leaving competitors wondering what just happened.
JD shares how to use psychology, storytelling, and what he calls “artificial wow factors” to design irresistible offers. You’ll hear how he turned beer into currency, sold out turf farms, and helped a small bank grow by giving away free vacations. He also breaks down why most loyalty programs miss the mark, the biggest myths about branding, and how B2B companies can stay creative with incentives while keeping it ethical.
This conversation is creative, practical, and full of fresh perspective. Whether you are a marketer, entrepreneur, or just curious about what makes people say yes, you’ll walk away with plenty of ideas and inspiration.
Episode Resources:
John Dwyer: LinkedIn / Website
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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What does it really mean to be “driven”?
In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Dr. Doug Brackman, a psychologist, ultra-endurance athlete, and author of Driven. Doug brings both academic expertise and lived experience, sharing insights from his own journey and two decades of work with elite performers, entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, and world-class athletes.
Together, Mike and Doug explore the unique wiring of driven individuals, the pull toward chaos and innovation, and the hidden costs that often come with intensity and ambition. They dig into the neuroscience of drive, why the world feels designed for farmers but breakthroughs are born from hunters, and how to transform that restless energy into a force for purpose and impact.
Along the way, they cover:
If you’ve ever asked yourself, Why am I like this?, or wondered how to channel your energy into something meaningful without burning out, this conversation will give you new language, perspective, and tools to work with.
Episode Resources:
Dr. Doug Brackmann: Website / Linkedin
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Ever wondered what leadership sounds like through the eyes of a grade eight student? Mike and his daughter Lillie share their perspective.
This week on The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by his daughter Lillie for a special conversation about leadership. Their discussion is playful, honest, and thoughtful, exploring what leadership means from both a young student’s perspective and a parent’s viewpoint.
They talk about school, friendships, mentorship, and emotional intelligence, highlighting how leadership starts with guiding ourselves and showing up authentically for others. Along the way, their conversation is full of curiosity, laughter, and meaningful reflections.
The episode celebrates connection between parent and child, across generations, and in the ways we develop kindness, communication, and resilience in everyday life.
Episode Resources:
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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As we step into September, it’s a perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and bring more mindfulness into the way we lead and live. That’s why we’re bringing back one of our most listened to episodes of The Mike Method, a powerful conversation with Mo Jessa.
Mo has spent over three decades with Earls Restaurants, helping grow the company from 13 locations to more than 70 across North America. Along the way, he has become a sought-after voice on leadership, known for his ability to inspire people to see what’s possible in themselves and others.
In this episode, Mo opens up about his journey from humble beginnings to leading in the restaurant industry. He and Mike explore the role of mentorship in unlocking potential, the importance of promoting based on possibility rather than just experience, and how that approach creates more diverse and capable leaders. Mo also shares how presence, gratitude, and mindfulness have shaped his leadership and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters just as much as strategy.
It is a conversation about shifting limiting beliefs, building psychological safety, and leading in a way that not only drives results but also creates a fulfilling life.
Episode Resources:
Mo Jessa: LinkedIn
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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This week, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes of The Mike Method—a conversation with Dan Box, General Manager and Vice President of EA Ventures.
Dan and Mike explore how Electronic Arts (EA) is evolving from being purely a video game company into a community-driven organization. With over 700 million gamer accounts, EA is reimagining its future by investing in the creator economy, user-generated content, and new ways of connecting fans beyond the game itself.
Dan shares what it takes to lead through rapid change—emphasizing curiosity, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to ask better questions over sticking to rigid plans. Together, they unpack how leaders can spark innovation, navigate resistance, and create environments where creativity and adaptability thrive.
This episode isn’t just about gaming—it’s about the leadership mindset required to drive innovation, build meaningful communities, and stay ahead in a rapidly shifting world.
Episode Resources
Dan Box: LinkedIn
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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What if every young woman entered adulthood already knowing her strengths, her values, and the power of her voice?
That is the vision driving Lauren MacKinnon, executive coach, leadership development facilitator, and founder of superpowHER, a youth leadership movement equipping the next generation with the confidence, skills, and values to lead with authenticity and impact. With more than 20 years in senior leadership, including serving as COO of a leading engineering firm, Lauren has guided hundreds of leaders through transformation and cultural change. Today, she is channeling that expertise into preparing young leaders for the complex challenges of the future.
In this episode of The Mike Method, Lauren shares why courage is the true starting point for growth, how peer groups can provide girls with a lifelong network of allies, and the cost of conforming to outdated definitions of leadership. She also reflects on how this work is transforming not only the girls she teaches but also herself as she sheds old layers of corporate conformity to lead with authenticity.
Listeners will walk away with both inspiration and a blueprint for equipping the next generation of women in leadership and reclaiming their own voices along the way.
Episode Resources:
Lauren Mackinnon: Website / LinkedIn
Own It: The Power of Women at Work by Sally Krawcheck
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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GoMacro
Peloton
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One of the most listened-to episodes of The Mike Method is back — and it’s just as relevant today as when it first aired.
In this conversation, host Mike Desjardins sits down with Deborah Wong, Executive Leadership Development at General Motors, to tackle burnout, perfectionism, boundaries, and redefining success. They explore the lingering impact of the pandemic, the double-edged role of AI in productivity, and why vulnerability, balance, and a coaching mindset are essential for sustainable leadership.
With over 20 years of leadership and executive coaching experience, Deborah shares practical strategies leaders can put into action right now.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
Episode Resources:
Deborah Wong: LinkedIn / Website
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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In this episode, Mike sits down with Dr. Patty Ann Tublin, a world‑class expert in emotional intelligence, communication, and human behavior. Founder of The Relationship Toolbox, bestselling author, high‑performance executive coach, and host of The Dr. Patty Ann Podcast, she’s worked with leaders at the highest levels — from the co‑founder of Netflix to the president of Starbucks.
Together, they dig into the real conversations most leaders avoid:
Dr. Patti Ann shares how CEOs and COOs can stay aligned, the role emotional maturity plays in leadership, and why the best organizations aren’t “families” — they’re high‑performing teams that care for each other.
If you’re a founder, executive, or just someone who knows great leadership starts with great relationships, this one’s for you.
Episode Resources:
Dr. Patty Ann: Website
Book: How to Change the World
Learn more about Manager Essentials at ViRTUS
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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What does it really take to lead in a world that keeps shifting under our feet?
Mike Desjardins and Dr. Hilary Curry get into the real stuff of leadership—what actually matters now, and what’s going to matter even more in the future. They talk about how so many professionals are missing the mark on critical thinking, and how creativity (the kind AI just can’t touch) is becoming a serious competitive edge.
They reflect on how easy it is to miscommunicate when we’re not being intentional, and why emotional intelligence isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Adaptability comes up a lot too: how do we stay grounded and flexible when the pace of change is relentless?
Failure comes up—not as something to avoid, but as something to learn from. And there's a big reminder here that time and attention are our most precious currencies. When we use them to build deeper connections and choose collaboration over competition, that’s where real momentum happens.
This one’s a thoughtful, energizing listen for anyone navigating leadership, change, or just trying to show up better—for themselves and their teams.
Episode Resources:
Learn more about Manager Essentials at ViRTUS
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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What if your worst day was someone else’s dream come true?
In this powerful episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Spencer Lodge—a globally recognized sales leader, award-winning podcast host of Unscripted with Spencer Lodge, and founder of Make It Happen University—who shares the deeply personal journey that changed the way he defines success.
From building multi-million dollar businesses to helping rescue children from human trafficking, Spencer opens up about the shift from chasing status to living with purpose. You’ll hear how a conversation with a 14-year-old survivor changed everything, and how a chance meeting with a humanitarian sparked a new mission that now includes producing a documentary on human trafficking for Amazon Prime.
Spencer shares:
Episode Resources:
Spencer Lodge: Youtube / Website
The Unscripted Podcast with Spencer Lodge
Learn more about Manager Essentials at ViRTUS
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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In this episode, Mike sits down with Ahna Boley, founding member of Double A Labs — a platform designed to turn passive attendees into active participants. With a decade of experience building companies at the intersection of immersive events and gamified technology, Ahna brings a unique lens to the attention economy.
They dive into what it really takes to keep people engaged in a world full of distractions — from how our brains are being rewired by short-form content, to the power of intentional design in digital learning environments. Ahna shares how she blends creativity, tech, and human behavior to design experiences that don’t just capture attention — they build connection and belonging.
If you're designing anything — meetings, trainings, virtual events — this one’s packed with insights on how to make it matter.
Episode Resources:
Ahna Boley: LinkedIn
Learn more about Manager Essentials at ViRTUS
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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What if your strategic plan is actually holding you back?
In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with leadership advisor and author Kevin Lawrence for a no-nonsense conversation about the often-misunderstood difference between improvement and growth. Kevin brings powerful insight from his decades of coaching CEOs, and he doesn’t shy away from the hard truths — especially the ones leaders need to hear. Kevin’s career spans over 25 years, across a dozen countries and four continents. He’s worked with hundreds of CEOs and executives, helping them to break through business challenges, grow their companies and find personal success along the way.
He introduces the concept of spatial disorientation in leadership — a condition pilots experience when they lose track of direction — and draws compelling parallels to what happens when CEOs get too caught up in day-to-day operations and lose sight of what really matters.
They dive into:
Whether you're leading a startup or a seasoned organization, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach to growth — and inspire you to lead from a place of clarity, not chaos.
Episode Resources:
Kevin Lawrence: Website
Your Oxygen Mask First: 17 Habits to Help High Achievers Survive & Thrive in Leadership & Life
Learn more about Manager Essentials at ViRTUS
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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