Our newest Man Of The Week is somebody who has gone through a decade-long journey of evolution, realization and change. Starting off as a personal trainer over 11 years ago, Mike Campbell knew one of his strengths was in helping men. Being an astute observer, Mike noticed an opportunity to help beyond just the physical aspect as many of his clients shared their personal struggles in life. Mike saw a trend where men often pose as the biggest obstacle to their own success by accepting mediocrity as the hand dealt to them. A born problem solver, rather than stand idly by, Mike decided he was going to “be the difference [he] wanted to see in the world.” From being a bestselling author, to coaching and hosting workshops for men around the world, Mike makes a conscious decision to encourage men globally to become the best versions of themselves by showing men their true potential.
Age – 33
What do you do? (Work)
I’m a Man Coach. I help men get off the ‘Mediocre-Man Treadmill’ and become their own perfect mix of James Bond, Nelson Mandela and Batman. Well, that’s the snappy pitch that does the trick of creating the kind of questions that lead to meaningful conversations and work.
I do this via coaching and workshops based around what I call ‘Masculine Attraction’, essentially doing the work to uncover who you really are as a man, what drives your behaviours and what it is you really want your life to be.
Why do you do it?
I started as a personal trainer about 11 years ago, and being naturally curious, observant and quite practical, I soon figured out that not only was there more to helping people than just the physical, but the issues that were coming up were the same. It was also in men, who I largely worked with. So I dug deeper and uncovered an overwhelming conclusion; we’ve forgotten how to be men – and a strong fire in me; to help men realize their potential and actually love their life.
I couldn’t understand how so many men just accepted mediocrity as if it were “their lot”, so the natural evolution of myself as a man as well as a coach just led me to solving these problems for men.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
As stated above, I am passionate about helping men become their best. To gain clarity and direction in their life so they can actually work out what is important to them and then go about making that part of their everyday life. So every part of my business is geared towards this. Now I know that I can bring every guy into my workshops or coaching, which is why my book: “Unleash Your Alpha – eat like a man, train like a beast, operate like a gentleman and become a legend” is such an important part of what I do, because it can reach anyone.
Outside of that, I truly believe that we are all a constant evolution, and I work to continually be a better man in every area of life; as a partner, a son, brother, mate, uncle. A big aspect of this for me is to practise what I preach and lead by example. I want to ‘be the difference I want to see in the world’.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
Because I reflect and assess myself and my life a bit, I would say that I have moments that were defining in at the time, and then those that were defining upon reflection with more awareness. Having said that, a combo probably does the trick.
– The first isn’t a moment but a big selection of them. Undoubtedly my upbringing has been hugely influential in how I have turned out. My parents, sisters and the situations that became my earlier years provided the clay that eventually molded me into who I am today.
– A second more specific one would be my previous relationship and engagement ending about 5 years ago. I think I was improving as a man then, which opened me up to really take a look at myself when this happened. It wasn’t bitter or anything, it just made me really look hard at who I was and what I needed to work on.
– Three would be losing my mother to lung cancer (as a non smoker), which was around this time too. Always having had a high importance on health, watching her live with more balls for four years after being diagnosed than most do their entire life, really rammed home to me the importance of health, knowing what you want out fo life and doing your best to live it.
What is your life purpose?
I consider my purpose to be two fold; both holding up a mirror to the men of today that forces them to assess themselves and their lives, and then helping them to realize their potential.
How did you tap into it?
It was a process, a long one! One that involved my own work, allowing clarity in my head around what was important to me. From here I looked at who I was and what I am skilled at, best suited to do and what really lights me up.
I can now say wholeheartedly that I believe every man was born with the potential to be a real masculine leader in our society, and it is my mission to help them realize that potential. It took time though, I had to keep working on it, digging, uncovering, refining. Trial and error. But the work is worth it, this gives my life purpose.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
I have had a few of both. My father was very present as I grew up, in fact he coached my rugby teams until the age of 17, so this was very influential as both a role model and mentor of sorts. At the same time my mother helped mold the feminine aspect of me. However, as an adult and entrepreneur I’ve had a few mentors, one that stands out to mention would be Daniel Priestley (author of Entrepreneur Revolution)
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
My days can be quite different, but on the whole, yes. I try to meditate in the morning for 20 minutes first thing. Phone hasn’t been turned on. I then make breakfast, sit down to it and read a few pieces from a (big) book called ‘1001 ideas that changed the way we think’.
I try to move every day, be it training or just playing around on the ground with some bodyweight work or walking.
I love to cook, so usually make dinner and listen to music. And always aim to have some quality time with my partner.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When my partner and I are only talking about work/business (we both work from home a lot), when I haven’t seen my sister and my nieces much, or seen my mates.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us
Yes, this is one of my biggest messages to my clients/readers; vulnerability is courage – so happy to share. Long story shortened; I was at home in NZ with Nardia (my partner) at her brother’s place with all her family. Sitting round her father asked “So Mike, what are you intentions with our Nardia?” Everyone turned to stare at me expectantly. I put my hand on her leg next to mine, looked him in the eye and said “I’ll continue to love Nardia with all my heart and do whatever I can to make our lives together as good as they can be.”
What did you learn from it?
This was another thing to reinforce saying what feels naturally right, listening to my gut. But also to be vulnerable and show my strength.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
I am and I have many pieces of advice… ha. But one of my main would be to “Drop the ego and get out of your own way, so that you can break out of what’s comfortable in order to grow and become your best”
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
I do this by trying to truly understand her; what love language she speaks, when she needs attention/love and when she needs space. I do this by allowing her to be herself and do what makes her happy. I do this by being the best man I can be and creating a life that is meaningful for us.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
Yes I’m involved with ‘Project Futures’ whose mission is to end human trafficking. I see modern slavery and in particular the sex trade as something that starts and stops with men. I want to have more men having conversations about this issue, not just ignoring it. I’m passionate about men being their best/sorting their shit out, so this hits home with me. This year I’ll be participating in a cycle tour through Cambodia for this, visiting rehabilitation centres and raising funds/awareness.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Shine on you crazy diamond. Not much because of some of the darker lyrics, but the concept of knowing your ‘crazy diamond’/weird and shining on as yourself.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Married, one kid and thriving in this small family unit, supporting all of us, including Nardia to be living her passion as well. I see myself having authored one more bestselling book, delivered my 2 day workshop to 1000 men globally and started a movement for a new manhood, inspiring men every day to get off the mediocre-man treadmill and realize their potential.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I talk about legacy a lot in my workshops as I believe it’s important for every man to think about this for himself. For me I want my legacy to be around continually becoming your best, in all areas of life. Don’t accept the status quo, but search out what is right for you and make it happen.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
Why my own of course! I say that part in jest, part not. I wrote this book to simplify the information around health, fitness and manhood in order to help men get in great shape, not just physically, but in all areas of their life. I sincerely believe there are messages in there for a large proportion of men who are looking to get more out of life.
That said, I’d also recommend ‘The New Manhood’ by Steve Biddulph. A great look at masculinity and manhood for the 21st century.
If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]
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