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"For almost 20 years I lived an extraordinary double life. On one hand I worked as one of Australia’s leading survival instructors. It was my job to create pressure and duress for participants on survival courses. On the other hand I ran change projects in the disability service sector. It was the eve of NDIS, the biggest social policy reform in 40 years in Australia. It was changing everything about how organisations worked. To make effective change, I had to reduce the sense of pressure and uncertainty, and get us all pulling in the same direction. Both required a deep understanding of how people work under pressure. I now use those insights to build the capacity of leaders and teams to handle uncertain environments."
As a survival instructor Mike worked with groups as diverse as youth at risk, multinational corporations and television documentary crews on what has been described as the “world’s most arduous survival exercise outside the military” (National Geographic America 1999).
Mike has survived several life-threatening survival situations on the ocean, in tropical jungles, in raging white-water and extended sea kayak journeys.
As a birthday present to himself, Mike undertook a 12-day solo survival walk in one of Australia’s most hostile environments, taking 2 litres of water, a pocket-sized survival kit and the clothes on his back. Mike put his survival skills to the test sourcing all his food and water off the land – and loved the experience!
By observing and leading people in complex situations of extreme deprivation and duress, Mike has developed keen insight for how humans either panic and suffer or adapt and thrive. He sees the same behaviours in ordinary workplaces and shows people how to view their work, daily tasks, relationships and opportunities through new eyes.
It is that depth of experience and wisdom that makes working with Mike informative, colourful, deep and profound.
Mike is passionate about developing great teams, lead by inspiring people who thrive and adapt, regardless of the circumstances they face. He likes to leave a trail of “Raving Fans” and is passionate about understanding exactly what his clients need.
In his spare time, Mike is building a 2 seat open cockpit plane from scratch in his shed at home. He hopes to fly it as a present to himself for his next birthday milestone.
Fundamental survival instincts are hard wired into us as human beings and have a profound impact on our success in business, relationships, and change environments. Using insights from the natural environment, survival experience and psychology (both ancient and modern) and current leadership models and theories, Mike will introduce you to readily applicable knowledge and tools to transform your results, decrease your stress and bring a greater sense of wonder and joy into your business or personal life.
In a situation like being stranded in the outback or shipwrecked at sea, these skills make the difference between life and death. In business – the death may be metaphorical and take longer – but no less certain if you ignore the fundamentals. Don’t be content to merely survive –Mike can show you how to thrive.
Are you ready?
Phone: +61 423 193 196
Email: mike@mikehouse.com.au
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