In this episode of Caddyshack to Corner Office, Kai sits down with Michael Bapis, Managing Director with Vios Advisors at Rockefeller Capital Management, to trace his journey from youthful caddie to thought leader in the financial services industry, regularly appearing on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Yahoo Finance. Michael reflects on his early days looping at Salt Lake Country Club, learning life lessons from local legends and PGA pros. He shares colorful memories from working with Jim Flick at Desert Mountain, golfing at the University of Utah, how sports shaped his leadership style, and the mentors who guided him on and off the course, like former Morgan Stanley CEO Philip Purcell. Their conversation spans grit, gratitude, and how caddying helped him build a people first approach to business and life.

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[00:00:00] Michael shares his path from college golf to Morgan Stanley and eventually to Rockefeller Capital Management.

[00:03:55] Reflects on early caddying experiences at Glendale and Salt Lake Country Club and what he learned from older members.

[00:05:35] Tells a memorable story about caddying for a U.S. Open qualifier and falling into a bunker.

[00:07:21] Recalls important etiquette lessons from early mentors that still influence his expectations today.

[00:12:33] Describes the powerful mentorship he received from legendary golf instructor Jim Flick.

[00:14:04] Shares a formative experience observing Flick coach Phil Mickelson and Tom Lehman in the rain.

[00:22:14] Talks about working at Desert Mountain and life lessons learned from the variety of people he encountered there.

[00:23:13] Recounts a humorous caddie revenge prank involving lotion and golf grips.

[00:28:26] Reflects on why he loved caddying and how it shaped his appreciation for people and hard work.

[00:36:06] Discusses how his past as a caddie shapes the way he treats caddies today.

[00:40:00] Talks about building teams and why he values hiring athletes for their discipline and grit.

[00:44:40] Explores the importance of mental toughness and how self-talk impacts performance.

[00:46:30] Pays tribute to his mentor Phil Purcell and the lessons he passed on about leadership and humility.

[00:48:55] Emphasizes the value of mentoring young professionals and giving back.

Links:

Kai Sato on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaisato

Michael Bapis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bapis-23a93127