Curious some of the early day encounters of Mike Michelini? Some key decisions made in his early life to get where he is today? Then check out this interview where Dano interviews Mike and starts when Mike was 10 years old. We hope you enjoy this one The full show notes of this podcast can be found on defdevice.com.
Family Portrait – Snapshot in Time, Reflect What We Are Here For
Wendy and I were having an abstract chat the other day – about life, children, death – the circle of life. How fast life goes by. It is true what they say – having kids is really a timer to show you how fast flies by. Our children are 8 and 10 years old. Still feels like yesterday at the …
Visit to Little Forest Chiang Mai Retreat Center
Had a nice visit to Leah’s Little Forest retreat center. Some highlights: Learn more at Littleforestchiangmai.com Also, join us at Cross Border Summit Nov 3 -5! From Leah: I’m opening a little eco-retreat center near Hang Dong in November. We’re building sustainable clay houses and a permaculture farm where people can come and get out of the city for a …
2024: The Year Of Letting Go & Empowering
The screenshot in today’s blog choked me up. For years (I’d say since 2020 covid lockdown) been actively working to take our Shadstone agency and build leaders and managers that can grow and operate without my “pushing”. Our team members are code named “ninjas” – yes Shadstone ninjas. There is a whole story about it and even made custom hoodies …
Tunnel Temple Experience To Ring in 2024 (temple3)
We are pushing ahead into a new year – and felt it was a great time to (1) bring my father-in-law to the temple experience at the request of my wife, and (2) prepare my mind for 2024 and the Loadpipe transition. You can check out the 2 previous temple experiences I have had at temple1 and temple2. This one …
Transition Time: Temple Time
Temple, series 2. The last time was in November 2021 when the markets were so hyped up. This time the world is in a different position totally – and we are all evolving and changing. My supportive wife encouraged me to check in to the temple – this time in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to undergo some mindfulness and peace. Friday, …
Rollercoasters! Family Trip to Universal Studios Singapore
YOLO – had to take the kids to finally go on a ROLLER COASTER. Can you believe – no roller coasters in Thailand? So we are here in Singapore and just had to bite the bullet and do it. Kids are at a great age to go at 7 and 9 years old and will be a lifelong memory. Tip …
The Kids Made an NFT Collection: “I Love Mommy”
For the past few months, Miles and Maggie have been attending a Sunday afternoon painting class – and the artwork they bring back is top notch! They make them for various family members, mom, dad, grandma, etc. Now that some may be shipped to China – I frantically thought – we need to digitally scan these! And if we are …
2023 is the Year of AI – Re-reading Opportunity Book
Imagine a world where (Thoughts Become Reality) You think of something, and without even needing to type it onto a laptop – it becomes a reality. Up until 2022 – we had to go to google to search. Or sure use Google voice assistant to speak it. But AI is coming and it is clear 2023 is the year we …
Meeting 15 of the “Shadstone Ninjas” on the Philippines Company Retreat
Many who follow my blog don’t even know about our main “operations and creation” company Shadstone. Since 2007 it has existed as a B2B agency for Asia business and boutique marketing. Since Covid, we have really doubled down on BUILDING LEADERS. Janette Toral has been coaching us and we have made some hard adjustments but am proud of the team …
Experiencing “Sensation” in Mediation with The Living Crystal
Over the years on Mike’s Blog, we have talked about meditation, my temple experience, and diving deeper into productivity and focus with Pomodoro timers. Today, I got to experience what I am calling “sensation mediation” with a product my friend (and now business alliance in the upcoming crowdfunding campaign) John gave me in late November 2022. I only had 25 …
Planning Manila , Philippines Trip in December 2022
So planning my Manila trip – and will be there from Midnight Tuesday Dec 6 (so technically Dec 7, Wednesday) and flying out on Monday late afternoon December 12. Dec 7 to 9 I am 100% focused on our amazing Shadstone team retreat. Will drive up to Tagatay resort where as many our team are there will focus on team …
Putting Thailand Life Back Together Again
So made it back to Chiang Mai, Thailand – took over 48 hours end to end to travel from Shenzhen, China to Chiang Mai, Thailand – pre-covid would have been about 6 to 8 hour travel time. But it is what it is – I am recovering from days of travel with a family – and we are here. Kids …
10 Things I Learned From Reading “How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big”
As I pack up on my last day leaving China, it is bitter sweet to read the final chapter of Scott Adams’s (author of the Dilbert comic series) book “How to Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big”. I took highlights in my Kindle, and wanted to come back and type it out – hope this can help inspire …
Leadership Traits
People don’t follow people who are not confident. Don’t WAVER with your decisions. Be fair and respectful to retain the respect of others. If you cannot control yourself, how can you influence others? Plan your work and work your plan! Don’t move by guesswork, else your ship will end up on the rocks. Go above and beyond all the time. …