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 explor

The Mike Method is a business podcast hosted by Mike Desjardins, with 108 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Mike Desjardins hosts The Mike Method, a business show with 108 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  The Mike Method

  EP113 How to Become a More Memorable Speaker with Stefano Cossalter

  Aug 18, 202651 min

  Whether you’re speaking to a thousand people from a stage or one person across a table, how you communicate shapes what people remember. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Stefano Cossalter, a seven-time public speaking champion, keynote speaker, trainer, master hypnotist, NLP master practitioner, and certified coach. Stefano has won more speaking competitions than anyone in the 90-plus-year history of Toastmasters in BC, but becoming a confident speaker was anything but automatic for him. Stefano shares how he went from freezing in conversations and avoiding networking to building a career around public speaking and helping others become more effective communicators. Mike and Stefano explore why public speaking is ultimately a leadership skill, how storytelling helps create connection and influence, and why humour is something people can learn and practise. Stefano also breaks down his simple four-part framework for telling a compelling story and explains why preparation gives speakers more freedom to be present when it matters. They also discuss how to personalize a presentation for an audience, why useful feedback can make such a difference, and how preparation can help speakers respond when things don’t go according to plan. In this episode: Why public speaking matters far beyond the stage Stefano’s journey from avoiding public speaking to becoming a seven-time speaking champion How communication skills can be developed through practice A four-part framework for telling more compelling stories How vulnerability can help create connection Why humour often comes from disrupting expectations Practical ways to bring levity into a presentation How to ask for feedback that helps you improve Why connecting with an audience can begin before you take the stage The difference between personalizing and completely rebuilding a presentation Why strong communicators prepare instead of relying on their ability to wing it How preparation helps you adapt when things don’t go according to plan Whether you regularly speak from a stage, lead meetings, present ideas, or simply want to communicate more effectively, this conversation offers practical ways to become a more prepared, connected, and memorable communicator. Episode Resources: Connect with Stefano: LinkedIn / Website Stefano TEDx talk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #112

  EP112 What Deserves Your Best Energy? with Antonio Zivanovic

  Aug 11, 20261h 1m

  What deserves your best energy today? Antonio Zivanovic has built his life around that question. An entrepreneur, tech founder, and one of Canada’s leading insurance advisors, Antonio has spent years developing practical systems that help him manage multiple businesses, family life, health, and the commitments that matter most to him. In this conversation, Mike and Antonio explore why managing energy can matter more than trying to fit more into the day. They discuss the hidden cost of saying yes, the microhabits that compound over time, and why high performance often depends on the systems and support we create around ourselves. Antonio shares how he has built household and business systems to protect time and energy, from food preparation and family support to routines that reduce the number of decisions competing for his attention. Mike also shares how he tracks his end-of-day energy and plans recovery between demanding conversations so that work does not receive all of his capacity. They also discuss deliberate practice, the role of recovery, and why the habits that support performance are usually built one at a time. A practical conversation about being more intentional with your energy, your commitments, and what receives your best attention. Episode Resources: Connect with Antonio elektrafi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Mike Method

  EP111 How AI Is Changing Business Value, Leadership, and the Future of Work with Mike McIsaac

  Aug 4, 202653 min

  AI is changing more than how work gets done. It's changing how businesses create value. In this episode, Mike is joined by Mike McIsaac, Chartered Professional Accountant, entrepreneur, and trusted advisor with more than 25 years of experience helping businesses navigate valuation, acquisitions, corporate structure, taxation, and growth. Together they explore how AI is influencing business valuation, why expertise has become even more valuable in an AI-enabled workplace, and how leaders can use these tools to help their teams learn faster and focus on higher-value work. They also discuss practical AI tools they're using every day, the importance of active listening in a world of automation, and the leadership lessons they wish they'd learned earlier, from surrounding yourself with the right people to investing in continuous learning. In this episode: Why AI is beginning to influence business valuations How productivity and efficiency create long-term value Why expertise still matters in an AI-enabled world Helping teams ask better questions and learn more quickly The balance between automation and active listening AI tools that are changing daily workflows Leadership lessons on learning, relationships, and growth Episode Resources: Connect with Mike McIsaac The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Mike Method

  EP110 How Great Leaders Use Stories to Build Trust, Culture, and Authority with Henry DeVries

  Jul 28, 202647 min

  What makes someone an authority in their field? According to Henry DeVries, it isn't simply expertise. It's the ability to share that expertise in a way people remember. In this episode, Mike sits down with Henry DeVries, CEO of Indie Books International, bestselling author, ghostwriter, publisher, and storytelling expert who has helped hundreds of business leaders transform their knowledge into books that build credibility, influence, and business growth. Together they explore why every successful book begins with the reader rather than the author, how powerful stories create lasting impact, why leaders shape culture through the stories they tell, and what separates books people finish from books they forget. Whether you're thinking about writing a book, growing your business, or becoming a more effective communicator, this conversation offers practical ideas you can apply immediately. In this episode: Why authority begins with serving a specific audience The biggest mistake first-time authors make How storytelling strengthens leadership and culture The eight story frameworks that make ideas memorable Why stories often outlast facts and data How a book can create new opportunities for your business Episode Resources: Connect with Henry DeVries Indie Books International Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Mike Method

  EP109 Leadership, Wellness, and Building Teams That Thrive with Lynae Schemenauer

  Jul 21, 202648 min

  Leadership leaves an impact long after a conversation ends. This week, Mike is joined by Lynae Schemenauer, an Executive Leader, wellness strategist, and founder of Healthy Living with Lynae. With 27 years of leadership experience in law enforcement and extensive expertise in clinical nutrition, mindset, and holistic wellness, she brings a unique perspective on what it takes to sustain high performance in demanding environments. Drawing from a career that has included major crimes, homicide, professional standards, and leadership roles across policing, Lynae explains why the people leading us often have a greater influence on our wellbeing than the work itself. Together, Mike and Lynae discuss why treating everyone the same isn't always effective leadership, how leaders influence team culture through their own habits, and why organizations that invest in wellbeing create stronger performance over time. Whether you lead a team, own a business, or want to build healthier ways of working, this conversation offers practical ideas you can apply immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why leadership can have a lasting impact on wellbeing • How healthy leaders influence healthy teams • The connection between wellness and organizational performance • Why consistency matters more than one-off wellness initiatives • Practical ways leaders can support healthier workplaces Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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