Hi, I'm Mike
I didn’t come from privilege. In fact, leaving school
without qualifications was my first lesson in strategy.
I had to get strategic with my life quickly.
My Journey and Philosophy.
Over the last 30 years, I’ve launched startups, turned around businesses, and guided companies through rapid growth. My approach is simple: be predictive, not reactive, and focus on people first.
The tough times, like losing a $20M business and facing a life-threatening injury, taught me the value of surrounding yourself with people who truly care. Today, I apply those lessons to every client I work with.
As a Non-Executive Director, I help founders, leadership teams, and investors Navigate Every Stage, whether launching, scaling, or recovering with clear, actionable strategy.
"Without Mike’s non executive support, we wouldn’t have had the success, or be where we are today"
Joff Ward,
Managing Director
Today, I’m still navigating every stage
I believe that even the toughest situations can be transformed into positive outcomes.
My programs are designed to help you navigate every stage of your business journey, whether launching, scaling, or facing unexpected hurdles
Here’s to guiding you toward success…
I am committed to empowering founders and leadership
teams with the strategic guidance they need to confidently
tackle every phase of business growth. 
"I couldn’t have achieved a successful exit
without Mike’s friendship, support, and genius!”
Simon Doderer,
Managing Director of Northern Environmental
Rooted in Humility.
My successes stem from building strong strategies and surrounding myself with the right people, understanding that real achievement is measured by impact, not just milestones.
Grounded in humility, I see every challenge as an opportunity to grow, learning from both my professional and personal experiences. Whether in the boardroom or at home, I am always evolving.
I’m grateful for where my journey has taken me. 
Every step has shaped who I am today, and I’m excited to continue helping others navigate their own paths.
Investing for Impact
In 2019, I founded Growth Engine Ventures as an incubator to strategically invest in both our own companies and high-growth external opportunities.
By leveraging this dual approach, we create sustainable value and drive long-term growth across our portfolio, aligning each investment with a clear strategic vision for success.
Guiding Principles
Throughout my journey, a few guiding principles and core values have shaped how I approach business and life. These core values form the foundation of my leadership, decision-making, and relationships, helping me navigate challenges with clarity and purpose.
My Core Values
- Integrity: I do the right thing … always.
- Equality: Equality is for everyone … no exceptions.
- Humility: I place others’ interests before my own and prioritize listening, collaboration, and mutual respect.
- Passion: Doing what I love means I deliver my best work, driven by shared values and a commitment to meaningful impact.
- Strategic: Strategy precedes everything I do.
1. Integrity First
I believe in doing the right thing - always. Integrity is the cornerstone of trust, and I hold myself and others accountable to the highest ethical standards.
2. Human-Centered Leadership
I believe in putting people at the heart of everything. Leadership is about serving others with humility and empathy, guiding founders and teams through challenges with respect and care.
3. Equality for All
I believe in creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued - no exceptions. Diversity and inclusivity fuel innovation and success.
4. Unstoppable Curiosity
Every problem has a solution, but finding it requires relentless exploration. My curiosity drives me to uncover strategies that aren’t just quick fixes but built for long-term success.
5. Adaptability in Action
Business challenges can change in an instant, and being able to pivot is key. I adapt my approach to interpret and meet the moment while staying focused on the bigger picture and the best outcomes.
6. Passion with Purpose
I do what I love and love what I do, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and purpose to every challenge I take on. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to choose projects and assignments that align with my values, allowing me to support people and professionals who share a similar drive for making a meaningful impact. This alignment is what fuels my passion and keeps me motivated to deliver my best.
7. Excellence Over Everything
I live by the belief that nothing but the best is good enough. In every decision, I hold myself and my teams to the highest standards, driven by a relentless commitment to achieving the objectives. This dedication fuels unwavering effort and focus, ensuring that results are not only exceptional but grounded in integrity and the highest quality of work along the way.
8. Navigating Every Stage
Whether launching, scaling, or adjusting course, I guide leadership teams and their businesses through every phase of growth with confidence, clarity, and strategic insight.
9. Resilience in Leadership
Challenges are inevitable, but resilience is what drives lasting success. I embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn, grow, and lead with strength.
10. Strategic Focus
Strategy is the foundation of everything I do. Clear goals and purposeful action ensure every effort drives meaningful impact.
"Mike’s strategic recommendations for structuring our growth
were so successful, that I now use the same technique for
closing every sale."
Jeff Grody,
President and CEO of EasyExport
Keynote Speaking
Tailored speaking engagements to equip leaders with strategic insights and actionable steps for navigating growth, scaling, or turnaround challenges. Designed to inspire decision-makers and teams with real-world, battle-tested strategies.
Moonshot Thinking
Turning Strategy into Success.
Moonshot thinking isn’t just about having a bold vision, it’s about aligning that vision with a strategic roadmap that turns high risk ideas into real-world success.
Chameleons
& Rivers
Navigating Growth & Change.
Scaling a business is like navigating river rapids, and success requires the adaptability of a chameleon, constantly adjusting to change while staying aligned.
The Phoenix Strategy
From Crisis to
Comeback.
Most businesses can rise from the ashes with the right strategic approach. The Phoenix Strategy empowers organizations to turnaround and transform challenges into new opportunities.
