Michael Zipursky offers the perfect example of how one can step up and be the best version of himself simply by choosing to do so. In a world where many are tempted by distractions, Michael learned that being of service to the world and having a profound impact is determined by nothing more than consciously choosing to stay committed to one’s purpose and taking action. Everyday, Michael chooses to be the best businessman and father he can be, and as a result he’s been able to create several successful businesses that connect people to each other, and in turn help fulfill their dreams. Today he is the Co-Founder of FreshGigs.ca and the CEO of ConsultingSuccess.com
Age: 34
What do you do? (Work)
I’m the co-founder of FreshGigs.ca, a job site specializing in Marketing, Media and Design jobs in Canada. I’m also the CEO of ConsultingSuccess.com where I work with consultants all around the world to help them create marketing systems to consistently attract their ideal clients, increase their fees and position them as authorities and experts in their industry.
Why do you do it?
With both businesses my passion is to help people and make a difference. With FreshGigs.ca it’s connecting qualified marketing and design professionals with employers. It’s a great feeling when an employer is thankful that they were able to find a great fit for their company quickly and easily. And we love hearing from job seekers that have landed their dream job.
I love the work I do with consultants at ConsultingSuccess.com. In the last year alone consultants that have gone through our coaching programs have added $4.63M in new client business. It’s great that they are making more money, but what really gets them excited, and us too, is what that does for their confidence and how they are able to take care of their spouse or family, or contribute more to their community.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
I start by caring. Having a clear intention of what impact I can make in the lives of my clients, my friends, family and the global community. Rather than attempting to DO many things I focus on what impact and result my ACTION will create. I have a young daughter. My love for her and how I want to support and raise her is also one way I believe I can make a difference in the world. My role in a lot of the work I do, whether it’s with coaching and consulting clients, giving keynotes and presentation or raising my daughter, is to teach. To share what I’ve learned and to help others.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
– I lived in Israel as a young child. When my family returned to Canada I had to learn how to speak English and to integrate into the society and culture. Looking back I have amazing memories of that time. It’s a gift to come from another country because it opens your eyes to see things in different ways. To hold a unique perspective. In my case it left me with a deep appreciation of different cultures, languages, religions and life styles.
– I took a business that my business partner and I had started in Canada and grew it in Japan. I lived in Japan for five years and had the privilege of working with clients like Panasonic, Financial Times, Omron, Nissha, and many other billion dollar companies. This all happened in my early and mid-twenties. I wrote about this experience in “How a 20 year old works with a $70 Billion Consulting Client”. It was an amazing experience that came with many challenges. From pitching ideas and strategies in Japanese to CEOs and executives to hustling between university courses and boardrooms.
– The birth of my daughter felt and continues to feel very natural. Some people describe the experience as life altering and how things are never the same. I agree with aspects of it, but I haven’t found it to feel like a big change. It’s what I expected. It does bring a whole new level of meaning and appreciation to life. It puts things in perspective and really makes what is important in life clear.
What is your life purpose?
I believe your life purpose should evolve as you do. Right now my focus is on serving my clients and being the best father and husband I can be.
How did you tap into it?
By making a choice. You can choose to be a sufficient husband or father, or a good one, or a great one. We all have these choices. I made mine, to be the best I can be, and constantly ask myself how am I doing and can I do better?
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
I’ve had many mentors over the years. Anyone serious about growing their business or craft should have one. There’s a reason the best of the best, the top CEOs, Olympians, and singers have a coach or mentor. I’ve experienced the greatest leaps in success, both on a personal and business level, by working with coaches.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
A 6am morning workout. My wife makes me a smoothie everyday that looks like a massive salad – it’s amazing. I try and make time to read and learn something new every day. I work hard. Some would call me a workaholic. I don’t look at it like that. When you enjoy what you do and love the process of it, why wouldn’t you work. It doesn’t mean I don’t make plenty of time to travel, enjoy time with family and friends, go for weekend getaways, and most importantly spend time with my daughter everyday.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When you’re tired and stressed. Each of these on their own can tell you something about how you’re working. Or an event you’re dealing with that day. If you’re feeling both at once and it continues over several days or weeks it’s likely that your work and life balance is off kilter. That you don’t have your priorities straight.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
I’ve built several businesses over the years and have made mistakes throughout each one of them. I don’t focus on negative experiences and choose rather to move right past them. I’m happy to share the lessons I’ve learned and certainly have a stack of them. Whether it’s the time that a client was very unhappy. It wasn’t our companies fault, but that didn’t matter. I had to catch a bullet train up to Tokyo. Have a 4 hour meeting with the client. Then take another bullet train back that day, meet my sister and step-mother who were flying in. When you read this it might sound like no big deal. Because in hind-sight most of the big challenges we face don’t seem that big or challenging looking back at them. I can tell you that this specific experience for many reasons was extremely stressful. It tested me. Ultimately, you learn from these experiences and keep moving forward. That’s what defines you and leads you to success.
What did you learn from it?
See my answer above.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
In one word: Commitment. Be committed to what you really want. Whether it’s to your family, your health, your business, your integrity – all of them – be committed.
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)?
Be present. Make time. Listen. Love. Don’t take the time you have with your loved one for granted. Make every moment count. Seriously. We can all make more money. You can’t get back your time. Cherish it.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
My step-father has Alzheimer’s. It’s incredibly sad to see what this disease does to people. How it affects him, my mother and family. For the last several year’s I’ve supported this cause. I’ve also supported many other local charities and give to Kiva – helping entrepreneurs in developing countries.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Different songs for different stages. Our lives are like a movie and every soundtrack has more than one song.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Doing more of what I’m doing and higher and better levels. Continuing to serve our clients and make an impact on their businesses and lives. We have a strong plan that we are continuing to work and I have no doubt we’ll get there and continue to reach the goals and targets we set.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I’m not interested in being known for one single achievement. I’m not working towards a single legacy. On the business front I’m focused everyday on helping our clients achieve results and success. Every bit of that comes together and adds to the fabric of my over legacy and how I want to feel about my role and impact in the world. On the personal side my legacy for my daughter and family is to provide for them, to care for them, and to love them with everything I can.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
Straight-line leadership by Dusan Djukich
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]
