Mike's Story

Following Dreams, Not Plans

My Story: A Life of Saying Yes

How a simple mindset shaped a lifetime of adventure, purpose, and freedom.

I've had a blessed life, and I'm grateful for it every day. I share my story not to impress, but to inspire. Because the truth is, everything good in my life came from being willing to give things a go, to follow my dreams even when I had no idea how it would turn out.

The Mexico Adventure

Three friends, two wheels, and one unforgettable journey into the unknown.

In my early 20s, my brother, a mate, and I rode motorbikes from Northern California all the way down through Mexico, almost to Guatemala.
It was wild, unpredictable, and deeply freeing. We faced challenges, sure, but the joy and adventure made every risk worth it.

Building a Home by Hand

A donkey, a dream, and the surf break that started it all.

We stumbled upon a sleepy fishing village and met a local named Pablo, who showed us a beachfront block of land. There were no roads, no neighbours, and no electricity, just ocean and opportunity.

We built a home by hand, carrying cement in by donkey and making bricks on site. That house still stands today, run by our adopted local family we’re proud to call friends.

Those five years between Mexico and Lake Tahoe; surfing, skiing, and building, were pure freedom. They weren’t planned. They unfolded because we said yes to adventure.

It all happened because we gave it a go

We stepped outside our comfort zone.

Life's best moments don't happen in your comfort zone. They happen when you step into the unknown and discover who you really are and what you're capable of.

Meeting My Wife

I joined surf lifesaving for adventure. I found my wife.

Back in Australia for my sister's wedding — first time in five years — I caught up with some surf lifesaving friends. That's where I met my wife. She'd also been traveling, also home for her sister's wedding.

We've been married ever since and have three beautiful children

A Year Around the World

We decided to do it anyway.

Before kids, we knew life would change. So we made a decision: travel the world for a year together.

As a young couple saving for a home and getting ready for kids, it may have seemed impossible. But we just decided to do it anyway, because we knew whatever happened, no one could ever take that year back from us.

We took 34 flights, lived out of a dome tent for four months in Europe, stayed in each place for around three days. Simple. Free. Unforgettable.

It all started with that one decision

Career and Business Lessons

Failure is just experience in disguise.

Before my ICT career, I co-founded a phone installation business that eventually failed, not from lack of effort, but from too much growth too fast.

It was a tough lesson, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The business failed, but I grew. The experience, confidence, and perspective still serve me today.

My Father’s Story

The most powerful lessons sometimes come from loss.

My dad was a local chemist, social, kind, and loved by his community. But when he retired, his world became quiet. Without work, he lost connection, and within five years, he was gone.

It taught me that purpose, friendship, and passion aren’t luxuries they’re lifelines.

Finding Myself Again

Sometimes you need to step away to see who you really are.

After 15 years in ICT — long hours, midnight callouts, constant exhaustion. I knew I had to get out.

Lucky break: I'm a dual citizen (thanks Mum!). When my youngest was old enough for school, we moved to Canada for a year. Which became two.

We skied. We mountain biked. We swam in the lakes. And during all that, I started my coaching training and wrote my first book.

I found myself again. Rediscovered my passions. Sometimes it takes these big changes to see yourself from a totally different perspective.

What I Do Now

Doing what I love, helping others do the same.

It's been over 10 years since I left the corporate world. I never returned to ICT, and I've never regretted it.

Today, I support professionals who feel called to something more meaningful, who want to turn their dreams into reality. People who've built successful careers but know there's something more.

Watching people thrive doing what they love, is the most rewarding work I've ever done.

The Dream Lab Philosophy

Start while you're still earning. Less risky that way

Here's what I've learned: The successful ones don't quit their jobs and hope for the best. They start something while they're still earning an income.

Having that income when you're starting your business, especially a passion business, takes the pressure off. You can afford to stay true to what you believe in. Make decisions that align with your values.

You're not desperate. You're exploring. That's how people actually make this work.

The Big Lesson

Great things can start when you just decide.

I'm not suggesting you decide to leave your day job straight away. Decide you're going to explore this. Start looking at the options. Talk to people. Join our community.

That's when other opportunities open up. Because you're in the right mindset. You've started the journey.

Your journey can be rewarding, exciting, and full of the sort of freedom that's available to all of us if we're just willing to give it a go.

What Else I Do

Because life's never just one thing..

I facilitate a local group called Walk with Wisdom — over 2 years now of passionate entrepreneurs getting together to share ideas and learn from each other. Love that community.

I've been coaching for over 10 years, both one-on-one and in groups. Supporting people who feel called to something more.

And yeah, I've written three books: Make It Look Less Shit, Fast Track to a Kick Arse Life, and Happiness and Success.

Let’s Connect

Thanks for taking the time to know me better. If you want to chat, book a call, I'd love to get to know you too.

Every great story starts with a conversation.