EPISODE 19
Mike Bates on Lessons Learned Rowing an Ocean
In this episode, I caught back up with Mike Bates who recently returned from a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. Mike took on this incredible challenge to raise money for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Leeds General Infirmary. In our conversation, we discuss his dangerous journey across the sea, how to overcome constraints, the power of human connection, global issues facing middle aged men today, and much more.
If you are thinking about taking on a big quest in your life, this episode is sure to be full of advice to get you started. From the courage it takes to start your quest, to the strength to complete it, and everything in between - Mike shares his inspiring story that has raised over $225,000 for a cause that saved his son's life a decade ago.
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Episode Highlights
1. The power of human connection
“I unraveled emotionally very quickly, as did everybody on the ocean. And you realize very quickly and very profoundly that the connection between you and other human beings is actually what all that matters in.The money, the status, all those games you play, they don't matter. They don't matter at all. What matters is loving people, being loved by people, and accepting that love.”
2. Identifying lasting motivation
“When I talk about achieving any goal, I think the first thing you have to start with is the motivation, the why you're doing it. And that motivation needs to be deep. It needs to be intrinsic. I think where people fall foul here is, and they can't overcome pain and suffering more broadly is when they have an extrinsic motivation and they're just doing it to please others.”
3. Focusing on yourself
“I think that's the lesson for everybody out there. Far too often we compare ourselves with other people. You want what other people have got. You should be racing yourself. Each and every day. Because that's a game you can't lose.”
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Take me to more episodesFeatured in this episode
Mike Bates
John Gaiters is an entrepreneur and the founder of Trendsetters and the Arkansas Fashion Council. John was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to a U.S. Air Force family; but considers himself a native Arkansan, being raised nearby on Little Rock Air Force Base. John has a Masters in Business Administration specializing in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelors of Business Administration specializing in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Central Arkansas.
About Your Host
Andy Murray
CEO and Founder of bigQUEST
Andy is a highly effective senior leader with a passion for growth, creating cultures that unleash talent, and building capabilities through collaboration across functions. He has held leadership roles across retail (Walmart), CPG (P&G), start-ups (Mercury 11, Saatchi X) and global organizations (Asda U.K.). A creative problem solver, innovator, and marketer, he is known for building high-performing teams and delivering results.
Andy is a lifetime Honorary Board member of the University of Arkansas's Center for Retail Excellence where he helped developed the Center's presence and Innovation conferences. He is also an Early Board Member for the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics college. Andy was inducted into the Shopper Marketing Hall of Fame in 2013 for his pioneering work in developing best practices and industry leadership in the emerging field of Shopper Marketing. He currently serves as Chairman of Asda Foundation.
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