The Mike Method

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

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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

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Taylor Hui

BeaYOUtiful Foundation

The Roster

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This week on The Mike Method, Mike and Cameron Herold dive into what makes the relationship between COOs and CEOs so important, especially when it comes to avoiding burnout and keeping a business running smoothly. Cameron is "the COO Whisperer." He is founder of the COO Alliance and the Second in Command podcast. By age thirty-five, Cameron had helped build his first two $100 million companies. By forty-two, he had engineered 1-800-GOT-JUNK?'s spectacular growth from $2 million to $106 million in revenue in just six years. An in-demand speaker, best-selling author, mentor, and coach, he has shown hundreds of clients globally how to double both their revenue and profit in three years or less. He is the top-rated lecturer at EO/MIT's Entrepreneurial Masters Program and a powerful speaker at entrepreneur and leadership events online and in-person globally.

In this convo Cameron shares how the COO Alliance came to life as a way to support COOs, a role that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential. They chat about how knowing your strengths (and weaknesses) is a game-changer for leadership, why healthy conflict between CEOs and COOs can actually help a company grow, and how adapting to AI and new technology isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Strong financial skills, great coaching, and building trust within a team all play a huge role in long-term success.

Cameron also shares what it’s really like to be a digital nomad, balancing the freedom of constant travel with its unexpected challenges. At the heart of it all, great leadership is about vision, adaptability, and investing in the people around you. This one is packed with insights that will make you change the way you think about leadership and the future of work! It's a must listen friends!

Episode Resources:

Cameron Herold: Website

Cameron's Books

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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The One Minute Manager

The Coaching Habit

Thinkific

Miro

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This week on The Mike Method, Mike is sitting down with Matt Bertulli to dive into the evolution of his personal brand and how it connects with his businesses. Matt is an active, in-the-weeds founder-CEO for 15+ years. He's also not your typical CEO. He's a category designer. He sold his first company after bootstrapping it to 100+ employees over 10 years. He is presently the co-founder and CEO at two companies -- Pela Case + Lomi. Both companies are B Corps like my company. They operate at the intersection of waste innovation & consumer technology. Have Jay-Z's Marcy Venture Projects as a notable investor, were named Top 10 in the Canadian Business Growth 500 ranking and are #1 in Deloitte’s Fast 50 for cleantech businesses in Canada. He's also the co-host of a popular "consumer" focused Podcast, The Operators.

In this conversation Matt shares why being the face of his companies matters and how podcasting and content creation have helped him build trust and authenticity with his audience. Along the way, we get into how peer groups shape leadership, why consistency in branding is often more important than authenticity, and how customers care more about a seamless experience than the personal details of the people behind a brand. They also explore the big shift happening in business—the idea that CEOs and founders are no longer just running companies; they are part of the brand itself. People want to connect with real humans, not just faceless corporations. And in a world moving fast toward AI, maintaining that human element is more important than ever. Empathy doesn’t work from a distance. If you want to build something meaningful, you have to be present for the people around you.

Storytelling plays a huge role in all of this. We’re wired to crave stories, both the good and the messy. The leaders who can tap into that—who can show up consistently and share their journey—will have the biggest impact. And when it comes to AI? It’s happening whether we like it or not. The key isn’t to master it overnight—just focus on staying afloat and finding your rhythm. Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple, Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Resources

Matt Bertulli: Website

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The Operators Podcast

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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Personal branding isn’t just about logos and color schemes—it’s about showing up as your authentic self in every interaction.This week Mike is sitting down with Laura Beauparlant to explore the deep connection between personal and business branding, especially for founders looking to build a lasting legacy. Laura is an award-winning speaker, author, founder and creative director of The Lab Creative and branding expert on a mission to help as many entrepreneurs as she can turn their magic into authentic, memorable and impact driven legacy brands.

They dive into the power of storytelling, curiosity, and intentionality in shaping meaningful connections. Laura shares how being present in conversations can open unexpected doors and why authenticity is the secret to standing out in a crowded space. They also discuss how every team member’s personal brand can amplify the business and why networking should be about sharing personal stories, not just job titles.

From crafting a clear message to maintaining consistency across platforms, this conversation is packed with insights on making your brand unforgettable. Tune in to learn how engagement goes beyond likes—it’s about recognition, trust, and real human connection.

Episode Resources:

Laura Beauparlant

Lab Creative

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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This week Mike sits down with Nogol Madani to dive into the world of psychological safety—what it is, why it matters, and how leaders can cultivate it within their teams. Nogol is a speaker, expert, facilitator, and the founder of Glee Factor, a company focused on transforming the way we work by helping leaders build high-performing, inclusive teams through psychological safety. Nogol has earned the trust of top organizations like Google, SAP, Rio Tinto, BeaverTails, C2 Montreal, Desjardins, and PhysioExtra, guiding them to unlock the full potential of their teams.

In this conversation they explore how creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and be themselves is the foundation of high-performing teams. Nogol shares insights on the transition from being an individual contributor to leading a team, emphasizing the importance of shifting from a "know-it-all" mindset to a "learn-it-all" approach. Leaders who model vulnerability and encourage participation through simple actions—like regular check-ins and thoughtful follow-ups—help shape a culture of openness and collaboration. They discuss how avoiding conflict can actually stifle innovation and why tackling difficult conversations head-on is key to building trust.

They also break down the four stages of psychological safety: inclusion safety (where people feel they belong), learner safety (where curiosity thrives), contributor safety (where individuals feel valued), and challenger safety (where questioning the status quo is welcomed). Small, intentional actions can transform team culture, but it takes consistency and real effort.

The conversation also touches on how organizational culture is shaped by everyday behaviors, values, and rituals. In today’s socio-political climate, words related to diversity and inclusion can sometimes feel polarizing, but at its core, psychological safety is about creating spaces where collaboration and innovation can truly flourish. And while understanding the concept is a great first step, the real magic happens when leaders put these ideas into action.

Episode Resources:

Nogol Madani

Glee Factor Website

Join "Glee Factor" free workshops or take the self-assessment to get your psychological safety score.

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Hub Spot

MUSE

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Ryan Benn’s journey is one of transformation—both in leadership and in life. In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Ryan to explore how he found his way into publishing, the power of community engagement, and how his leadership style has evolved over time. Ryan is a CEO & Group Publisher at Alive Publishing Co. He is also a

wanna be chef, family man, outdoor lover & multi award recognized CEO with a demonstrated history of business and board management. Growth focused, with an aptitude for the buying and selling of companies, international business, strategic planning, operational execution, legal, HR, and finance. An inspirational leader who has managed complex business structures including employee owned private businesses. Ryan is a go to adviser to his peers and gives tremendously to non-profit roles.

They dive into what it really means to build authentic relationships, why trust and respect are non-negotiable in leadership, and how ideological conflict can spark real innovation.But this conversation goes deeper than business. Ryan opens up about his personal battle with cancer, sharing the emotional and physical challenges he faced and how they reshaped his perspective on life, relationships, and resilience. He and Mike unpack the nuances of sympathy, empathy, and compassion—what it means to truly support others without losing yourself in the process. Drawing from insights by Brené Brown, Ryan reflects on the importance of maintaining strength, mindset, and perspective, especially in the face of adversity.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about self-awareness, genuine connection, and showing up fully, both in work and in life. Tune in to hear Ryan’s wisdom on navigating challenges, embracing growth, and finding meaning in every moment.

Episode Resources:

Ryan Benn

Peloton

Cross Fit

Heroic Journey with Cancer

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins sits down with Nicholas Ning to explore the world of AI and how it’s reshaping the way we live, work, and interact. Nicholas has worked for Fortune 500 companies around the world on multi-billion dollar projects in strategy, finance, design, and marketing is the Ceo of Farpoint, a global AI consulting firm with a focus on workforce transformation.

They kick things off by looking back at November 30, 2022—the day ChatGPT launched and AI became more accessible than ever. Since then, the speed of adoption has been nothing short of staggering, outpacing previous technological shifts and pushing businesses, educators, and individuals to rethink their approach to AI.

A big theme of the conversation is trust. AI isn’t just something people blindly embrace—it’s built through experience, one interaction at a time. And while many are excited about its potential, concerns about privacy and ethical governance remain hot topics. Nick and Mike unpack how organizations can navigate these trade-offs, emphasizing that the real winners will be those who take a proactive approach to AI adoption rather than resisting change. They also dive into how to get started with AI, from asking simple questions to mastering prompt engineering. Businesses, in particular, need to understand their workflows and experiment through pilot phases before fully integrating AI into their operations. Those who do will gain a competitive edge, as AI has the power to dramatically enhance productivity and efficiency.

One of the most exciting frontiers? Multimodal AI, which combines text, images, and more to create richer, more intuitive user experiences. With AI advancing rapidly, there’s an urgency to adapt. As Nick puts it, organizations that embrace AI now will leave those that don’t in the dust.

Episode Resources:

Nicholas Ning

Farpoint

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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Thinkific

Day One

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Mike Desjardins sits down with Alex Brueckmann to explore the evolution of strategy in business. Alex shares how he once dismissed strategy in business school—until real-world experience showed him its power. Strategy, he explains, isn’t just about planning; it’s about action. And without clear terminology, strong leadership, and cultural alignment, even the best plans can fall apart. Alex is the founder and CEO of Brueckmann Executive Consulting and is an impactful and collaborative strategist, with over fifteen years of consulting experience at the board and executive levels. He provides tailored, actionable approaches to tackle complex problems, enabling his clients to achieve their goals. Alex’s people-oriented approach made an impact across industries, including clients like BMW, Roche, Telefónica, and Tier1 Financial Solutions.

They dive into Alex’s Nine Elements Framework, which connects culture, strategy, and leadership to drive real impact. He also highlights a key misconception: revenue targets aren’t strategic goals—they’re outcomes. A great strategy is one that makes clients want to invest in your organization. The conversation also touches on AI’s growing role in business. While it may seem daunting, AI literacy is now essential, and organizations that embrace it will stay ahead. Whether through external facilitators or small internal steps, integrating AI into strategy is no longer optional—it’s the future.

Episode Resources:

Alex Brueckmann

Alex's books

9EOI Open Enrolment Course

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In this inspiring conversation, Mike Desjardins sits down with Praveen Varshney to explore the transformative power of impact investing and the values that drive meaningful change. Praveen shares his journey from traditional business to using entrepreneurship as a force for good, offering insight into how businesses can leave a legacy of positive impact.

Praveen has been a principal of Varshney Capital Corp., a Vancouver based family office, since 1991. He's also a Founding Director of Pyfera Growth Capital & a Founding Director of Humanitas Smart Planet Fund, both with a social impact focus. Mr. Varshney obtained his UBC Sauder BComm in 1987 and is a FCPA, FCA.  He has been a member of the Vancouver Chapter of EO since 1996 and a founding Director & Charter Member of TiE Vancouver since 2000.He has been a Co-Founder, Director or Officer of many publicly traded and private companies over the years such as one of Canada's first producing diamonds mines, Mogo and Little Kitchen Academy. He’s also served on numerous charity boards over the years including The Vancouver Foundation and Foundations for Social Change. Praveen is also a recipient of Business in Vancouver's 40 Under 40 Awards, the 2020 Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Wendy McDonald Diversity Awards Outstanding Mentor and 2021 inaugural, 2022 and 2023 Business in Vancouver Top 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in BC (Banking & Finance - Private Equity, Venture Capital & Hedge Funds category).

In this conversation they dive deep into the importance of raising a conscious family, highlighting how gratitude, responsibility, and sustainability can shape the next generation. From innovative solutions to homelessness and environmental challenges to the critical role of grassroots movements, this episode is a treasure trove of ideas for creating a better world. They also touch on the philosophy of money as a tool for impact rather than mere wealth accumulation, the importance of mentorship, and how genuine connections and networks can open doors for personal and professional growth. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about legacy, community, entrepreneurship and using business as a catalyst for sustainable change.

Episode Resources:

Praveen Varshney: LinkedIn

Vancouver Foundation

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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