Episode 26

Mike Mack: The Journey of a Transformational Executive Coach | EP 26 | Pathfinders Podcast

Published on: 31st August, 2025

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Mike Mack shares his journey from a small-town farm boy to the founder of X5 Management, emphasizing the importance of aligned teams, effective communication, and leadership qualities. He discusses his early career in banking, the evolution of leadership over the years, and the significance of soft skills in today's business environment. Mike also reflects on the purpose behind his work, the role of writing in his journey, and the impact of influence versus persuasion in leadership. In this conversation, Mike Mack and Vijayan Swaminathan explore various aspects of leadership, including the significance of influence, the concept of servant leadership, and the five levels of leadership. They discuss the importance of soft skills, especially for the Gen Z generation, and how to teach patience in a fast-paced world. The conversation also touches on the loneliness that leaders often face and the importance of finding purpose in life. Finally, they delve into the role of technology in leadership and how it can be used for good.

Follow Mike Mack

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemackalberta/

Website: https://x5management.com/

Takeaways


Mike Mack emphasizes the importance of aligned teams for real success.

He believes in the power of effective communication in leadership.

Mike's journey reflects a commitment to helping others get unstuck.

He values humility, hunger, and smartness as core leadership qualities.

The evolution of leadership has shifted towards a greater focus on people.

Mike's experience in banking shaped his approach to coaching and consulting.

He highlights the significance of soft skills in today's corporate landscape.

Purpose is a driving force behind Mike's work and daily motivation.

Mike's writing journey began as a reflection of his experiences in coaching.

He advocates for leaders to be influencers rather than just persuaders. Influence is about guiding others without direct commands.

Servant leadership is a valuable approach but can be misinterpreted.

The five levels of leadership provide a framework for growth.

Soft skills are essential for success in the modern workplace.

Patience is increasingly important in a fast-paced world.

Leaders should not navigate their journeys alone.

Finding purpose can drive motivation and fulfillment.

Technology can enhance leadership but must be used responsibly.

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Spotlight 26.1


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Books by Mike Mack

Weekend Wisdom by Mike Mack: Weekly Reflections of Lessons Learned

https://amzn.to/3UUW2uC


Lunch with Leaders: Real Stories of Pivotal Moments for Today's Executive

https://amzn.to/45YEW46


Relationship for Keeps: How to build powerful relationships in business and life

https://amzn.to/4g2vu4g


How to Stop the Revolving Door: 5 Strategies That Will Positively Impact Your Employees and Business Results

https://amzn.to/3UTTI6Y


Remarkable Service: How to Keep Your Doors Open

https://amzn.to/47i2nYk


Book referenced in the episode

The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential

by John C. Maxwell

https://amzn.to/4mZJ4It



Follow our host Vijayan Swaminathan on: @vijswam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayanswaminathan/

X : https://x.com/vijswam

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/vijswam


Follow XaddWell on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xaddwell/

Website: https://xaddwell.com


Follow Pathfinders on: @pathfinders_hq

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PathfindersHQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pathfinders-podcast/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GGJGFyPST8HG22zNsnDRP

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/pathfindershq


Created by: Nova Media 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nova-media


#leadership #executive #coaching


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About the Podcast

Pathfinders Podcast
Pathfinders with Vijayan Swaminathan!
In this podcast, we dive into the personal stories of remarkable individuals who have blazed trails through uncharted territories. Our guests share the raw, unfiltered narratives of their travels to success. But it's not just about the destinationβ€”it's about the resilience, the setbacks, the unexpected turns, and the moments of real human emotion along the way.

Join us as we explore these inspiring stories, Pathfinders is here to remind you that every journey, no matter how daunting, begins with a single step.

Tune in and let's find our paths together.

Pathfinders with Vijayan Swaminathan!

About your host

Profile picture for Vijayan Swaminathan

Vijayan Swaminathan

Deliver Value for Business | Technologist | Founder | Strategist | Consultant | Host

On a mission to Deliver Value. A Passionate entrepreneur, technologist, and strategist. Founder & CEO of XaddWell driving global software engineering, Co-Founder of Recruitt scaling staffing & recruitment with AI and Founder and Host of Pathfinders Podcast. Expert in AI, enterprise architecture, and digital transformation with leadership experience across America, Canada, and India.