The Mike Method

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: LinkedInVancouver FoundationViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mike is sitting down with Jen Murtagh, the co-founder of Maturn, to chat about the challenges mothers face in the workplace, focusing on the motherhood penalty—the financial and professional disadvantages women often encounter after becoming mothers. Jen shares her personal experiences and her motivation for founding Matern, an organization that supports women through motherhood, menopause, and beyond. With over two decades of experience spanning both corporate and non-profit, heart-centred leadership has been the guiding star of Jen Murtagh’s career. An award-winning and values-based C-Suite leader, Jen has successfully led and raised millions for national campaigns on anti-bullying, vulnerable youth, and advanced gender equity through her work with a variety of women’s organizations. As an ICF accredited leadership coach, Jen supports women to live and lead bravely through her 1:1 coaching, workshops, speaking and signature Brave Leadership for Women program. Jen is a Business in Vancouver ‘Forty Under 40’ Award Winner and Greater Vancouver Board of Trade ‘Women of Promise’.In this conversation they discuss how maternal bias impacts not just mothers but all women, often leaving mothers unfairly perceived as less competent while fathers experience a fatherhood bonus. Organizations frequently underestimate the unique challenges mothers face, from delayed postpartum effects to the need for tailored support programs. Leadership plays a crucial role in creating workplaces where mothers feel valued, and fostering psychological safety is key to encouraging open conversations about these issues.Mike and Jen envision a future where the motherhood penalty is eradicated, emphasizing that supporting mothers is not only morally right but also an economic necessity. Along the way, they highlight the importance of allies—both men and women—in driving systemic change and remind us that even small steps, like purpose-driven initiatives and empathetic leadership, can make a big difference. This episode is a must listen!Episode Resources:Jen Murtagh: LinkedInMaturn: WebsiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful conversation, Mike Desjardins chats with Jayson Gaddis about navigating conflict and communication in relationships. Jayson is an artist, author, podcaster, speaker, executive coach, CEO, founder, human behavior specialist and relationship expert. He is the creator of Interpersonal Intelligence® and Present Centered Relationship Coaching® and has trained over 200 coaches in 11 countries. His book Getting to Zero: How to work Through Conflict In Your High Stakes Relationships was voted Editors Choice, Best non-fiction, and Best Leadership and Business book in 2021 on Amazon. He’s been married to his amazing wife since 2007 and has two beautiful kids. They live in Boulder, Colorado. When he doesn’t live and breathe this relationship stuff with his family, he pretty much gets his ass handed to him.In this conversation explore why conflict is inevitable—and how handling it with empathy and understanding can strengthen connections. Jayson shares powerful insights on the importance of validating each other’s perspectives, understanding our nervous systems, and practicing conflict repair. They also touch on how early attachment shapes adult relationships and why good communication skills are key to relationship health. Packed with practical tips and relatable stories, this episode offers tools to help you build stronger, more connected relationships.Episode Resources:Jayson Gaddis: Website/ Instagram The Relationship SchoolGetting to Zero: How to Work Through Conflict in Your High-Stakes RelationshipsViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpMiroOura Ring Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Brian Doyle to chat about the power of pricing and how it plays a huge role in B2B success. They dive into value-based pricing and how it helps businesses charge what they're really worth. Brian is the President and CEO of Holden Advisors, and has helped clients add over $2B in new business, double their market share, and cut costs by 20%. Before all that, he was a US Air Force pilot, leading combat missions in Kosovo and even transporting the Presidential motorcade around the world. Brian also teaches at Rutgers Business School and is a recognized expert in leadership, pricing, negotiation, and crisis management.In the conversation, they talk about the importance of understanding customer insights to get pricing right and how sharp negotiation skills help maintain pricing integrity. Brian stresses that building trust with clients is key to lasting relationships, and being a trusted advisor can open up more opportunities down the road. They also dive into the world of RFPs and the procurement process, with Brian sharing his experiences and how feedback after submissions can be a game-changer. Shifting to leadership, Brian draws from his military background, talking about how the best leaders balance mission with team well-being, provide clear context for their teams, and know when to pause and make thoughtful decisions in high-pressure situations.Packed with practical advice, this episode is full of insights on pricing strategy, building client trust, and leading effectively in tough environments. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!Episode Resources:Brian Doyle: LinkedInHolden AdvisorsViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpDay OneFly Kitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joey Gibbons, CEO of Gibbons Whistler, shares his journey in conscious leadership and community commitment. He emphasizes the evolving nature of leadership and the crucial role of organizational culture in business success. The discussion spans the power of feedback to foster trust, insights from influential books, and the shift from a drama to an empowerment mindset. Joey reflects on balancing happiness and productivity, offering wisdom on health and relationships that underscores the essence of fulfillment in leadership and lasting impact on the community.

In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike is sitting down with Tracey Ivanyshyn to tackle a topic that doesn’t get enough attention: grief in the workplace. As a corporate grief educator Tracey provides support for creating grief ready cultures at work, reimagining bereavement strategies and systems of support, grief education, coaching and on-line employee grief support group facilitation.Mike and Tracey explore how leaders can better support employees experiencing loss, create a compassionate environment, and rethink traditional bereavement policies.Tracey shares her insights on developing grief-friendly cultures, emphasizing that leadership isn’t about fixing grief but witnessing it with empathy. They discuss how acknowledging all types of loss—whether personal or professional—can build trust and belonging in the workplace. The conversation also touches on practical tools like legacy projects, visual cues to signal emotional states, and the importance of safe spaces for grieving individuals.This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that grief is a long-term process and that workplaces can be more human by fostering open, supportive conversations about loss. Whether it’s showing compassion through small acts, reimagining workplace policies, or simply checking in, the way we address grief can transform organizational culture. Listen now to learn how we can all show up better for one another in times of loss. Available wherever you listen to your podcasts.Episode Resources:Tracey: Website / LinkedInGrief Education SiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpOuraRingMuse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mike is chatting with Chantelle Krish, CEO of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland! With 15+ years in nonprofit leadership, Chantelle is a champion for gender equity, youth empowerment, and social change. Under her leadership, Big Sisters supports over 650 girls, young women, and gender-diverse youth, growing its impact and securing key funding.Mike and Chantelle dive into the power of mentorship, highlighting its reciprocal nature where both mentor and mentee grow together. They discuss the importance of accessible childcare, workplace equity, and the shifting dynamics of leadership in a post-pandemic world. Chantelle also shares tips for joining nonprofit boards, emphasizing passion, commitment, and the value of lived experiences.Tune in for insights on fostering community connections, creating sustainable programs, and leaving a legacy of positive impact. Catch the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!Episode Resources:Chantelle Krish: LinkedInBig Sisters BC Lower MainlandViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mike is chatting with the incredible TJ Schmaltz about the evolution of leadership, starting from lessons learned in places like the Air Cadets to the complex dynamics of corporate leadership. TJ Schmaltz is longtime executive, college instructor, board director and author. He’s a passionate advocate for people-focused management practices as an enabler to strategy and employee engagement. TJ believes in the power of servant leadership, driven by curiosity, lifelong learning, radical candour, humility and the principles of neuroscience. He currently serves as the Chief People and Legal Officer with one of Canada’s largest credit union’s with oversight for employee experience, communications, governance, ESG and legal affairs. TJ shares insights on what it means to be a servant leader—someone who empowers their team to think and grow instead of always providing the answers. They talk about the importance of leaders being okay with making mistakes and holding themselves accountable, emphasizing that credibility isn’t about having all the answers but about creating a culture of trust and collective growth. Throughout their conversation, TJ and Mike explore the value of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leading others. They reflect on how understanding reactions, like the “amygdala hijack,” can help leaders respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. With techniques like the ACE principle, TJ shares how leaders can manage change more effectively, showing that even challenging situations can be opportunities for growth.They both agree that leaders shouldn’t feel pressured to be the “smartest person in the room”—a mindset that can stifle innovation. Instead, true leadership is about creating the conditions for success, listening to the team’s ideas, and letting leadership qualities ripple through the organization. It’s an ongoing journey, where continuous learning and accountability not only build a leader but can transform an entire team.In this conversation you will get a sense of the deep impact a leader’s mindset and actions can have, not just on individual growth but on the collective success of everyone involved. We hope you love this one friends!Episode Resources:TJ Schmaltz: Website / LinkedInViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInLeadership Circle: WebsiteFathom: WebsiteSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mike is sitting down with Eric Termuende to dive into how leadership has shifted since the pandemic, especially around empathy and empowering employees. Eric is a workplace culture and leadership expert, a best-selling author and in-demand keynote speaker, providing leaders with a practical guide to building teams that thrive in the future of work!Mike and Eric talk all about the new work landscape, where hybrid models, changing workplace culture, and the rise of AI are all making waves. Leaders today need to be more self-aware and resilient, building teams that can adapt and thrive in these new realities. The pandemic really forced a change in what employees expect, and leaders have had to keep up. Flexibility is the name of the game now, and culture has never been more important.They also explore how AI is shaking up business models, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Through it all, it’s clear that collaboration and community are key to navigating this evolving work environment. Mike and Eric touch on how resilience in teams grows from strong support systems and connection, and how leadership post-2020 is all about showing up with more understanding and empathy. The future of work? It’s all about balancing technology with the human side of things and creating spaces where people can thrive together.Episode Resources:Eric Termuende: Website Vega: WebsiteMiro: WebsiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mike chats with Matt Christopherson, the Co-Founder of Opscotch, who shares the incredible story of running an ultra marathon from Vancouver to Whistler to raise money for his friend Krista, who’s battling cancer. Matt’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—he trained to run 125 kilometers in just 125 days, all while juggling the mental and physical challenges of such a massive undertaking.Matt opens up about how crucial it was to have a solid support team behind him, helping with everything from nutrition to morale during those tough moments on the course. He learned a lot about his body's needs through testing and found that fueling his body during the race was key—though palate fatigue made it hard to keep consuming food. The community effort behind the run is a big part of the story, and crossing that finish line was a huge moment of triumph. Looking ahead, Project 125 isn’t just about this one race; Matt hopes it will become a lasting legacy that supports athletes who are facing their own health challenges. Tune in to hear more about how Matt’s run came together and what’s next for Project 125!Episode Resources:Matt Christopherson: InstagramOpscotch: WebsiteViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedInSign up for our Newsletter: Sign UpProject 125 Fueled By:Reigning ChampMyodetoxHOKACanadian Sport Institute PacificLMNTMaurten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.