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Podcast / Mike Bates


Mike Bates is redefining modern masculinity with NXT45’s mission to revolutionise men’s health.

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"In any leadership role, people don’t care what you know until the know how much you care, so you have to start leading with empathy. People need to understand that you’re there for them first and foremost and not for yourself. It has to start with kindness, it’s not about you, it’s about them."

– Mike Bates

Mike Bates is an international keynote speaker, human intelligence specialist and a former covert counter-terrorism operations leader within the Intelligence fields of the MOD.  In 2023 Mike became the fastest Britain to complete the ‘Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge’, a 3000 solo row across the Atlantic ocean. In the process Mike raised £137,000 for the  hospital unit that saved his youngest son’s life.

Mike became the first officer in the history of the MOD to pass all relevant requirements to serve at the front line of the UK’s counter terror response, Mike's life undercover gave him a powerful and credible perspective on the human psyche.

Today Mike shares his unique experiences as a speaker, author and entrepreneur to help others. Rooted in his personal experiences of fighting terrorists, tackling mother nature at her most powerful and attaining his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, all while trying to balance ever-changing family life, Mike provides a powerful and credible perspective on resilience, leadership, humility and overcoming adversity.

Mike's 3 tips for wellness


Free, easy to access and rewarding

Read

I write a weekly newsletter - ‘The Journal’ for NXT 45. It covers psychology, health & fitness and mindset, have a read, it gives some good insights.

Movement

Movement is key. Be active. Go out there and move.

A book recommendation

The Second Mountain by David Brooks. When I read this book, it was everything I was thinking about. Stop chasing the things that you thought were giving you happiness, success and fulfilment. It's our vocation community our marriage, partnership, our faith, those are the pillars that are going to bring us the feelings that we're chasing.