“I’m big on the idea of being a creator. I’ve got this belief that we’re all made in the image of a creator.”
When it comes to entrepreneurial wisdom, few possess as much hard-won experience as Mike Calhoun. As a serial founder focused on innovating brands and platforms, Mike has weathered his fair share of ups and downs.
At the core of his approach lies a steadfast belief in the power of relationships and prioritizing investments in people. In this interview, Mike recounts his journey to founding the esteemed business leadership community, Board of Advisors (BA).
Emerging from his early days of training large companies on systems, Mike sought to unite top decision-makers to collaborate, streamline processes, and achieve greater collective success.
Rooted in long-standing relationships, some predating BA’s inception, this invite-only group offers leaders a haven to be themselves, seek assistance, and give back.
With membership longevity and continuity spanning over a decade, BA stands as an unparalleled assembly of traditional, private, highly successful leaders dedicated to solving each other’s challenges.
Looking ahead, Mike envisions BA evolving into a widely recognized, prestigious media brand that shares inspirational stories from members on the cusp of success.
By spotlighting real experienced leaders who shun the spotlight and continuing to empower eager risk-takers, he believes BA’s role as a innovator in shaping the future conversation will remain unyielding.
To kick things off, could you introduce yourself? Tell us about your background and your experiences before joining the Board of Advisors.
Mike Calhoun: I’m Mike. I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. I’m all about family, being a dad, and diving into the world of entrepreneurship. Before landing on the Board of Advisors, I wore many hats.
I’ve been a founder and CEO, always with an eye on eventually being the owner again. You know how it is, juggling all those roles to build something from the ground up. I’m big on the idea of being a creator. I’ve got this belief that we’re all made in the image of a creator.
Being an entrepreneur is all about tapping into that creative spark.
As life moves on, though, you’ve got to make choices. I’ve had to weigh the options: career paths, professions, the whole deal. I’ve got mad respect for folks in fields like medicine and law — those who put their time and energy into making a difference. That’s me, Mike Calhoun, in a nutshell — family man, entrepreneur extraordinaire, and a believer in the power of creation.
Some of us just have this innate ability to create, innovate, and develop. We’re the ones who put ourselves in positions where we hire individuals who share that same drive. Take Elon Musk, for example. When he’s building out Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, he needs top-notch professionals by his side.
There’s a certain kind of person who does that. It doesn’t always mean they’ll achieve Elon Musk-level success, but they’re out there, giving it their all. And count me in as one of them — not just trying, but giving it everything I’ve got, for myself, my family, and my team, all at once.
I’m fully committed to that. So, when you ask who Mike is, well, I’m all about being fully committed to those around me and doing what’s best for them. I aim to be a positive influence and to make a positive impact. Now, what did I do before and how did I get to where I am now? Let me take you back to a pivotal moment.
Fresh out of tech school, I found myself in a professional environment, training the Air Force, Chase Bank, and other big entities on the latest Y2K transitional operating systems for businesses. There was this one memorable comment from a gentleman that stuck with me.
He said, “If you’re ever going to do anything, always prioritize preserving established momentum.” At first, it sounded cryptic, but what he meant was, that once you get something moving, keep it going. We stayed focused, honing in on the decision-makers, and maintaining our value in the market.
Even today, I’ve got members from that time still with me on the Board of Advisors. Those years from 2009 to 2012 were pivotal. Every phase had its challenges, but we built relationships that still stand strong today. Within BA, we have active members who are currently part of our initiatives, but they also played a role in our past endeavors.
This continuity, for me, instills a deep sense of confidence in what we’re doing today. It’s rooted in our long-standing track record of not just performance but also relationships. If we had to start from scratch and had nothing else, those relationships would still be our most valuable asset.
What are your thoughts on social capital, and how do you perceive your differentiation from others in terms of leveraging and utilizing it?
Mike Calhoun: Social capital often gets associated with influencers on social media, where the ability to direct attention can be self-serving. However, what I’m focused on is relationship capital. It’s about being there for others, building up that bank of trust and support so that when you need it, it’s there for you.
For us at BA, that’s been our primary focus over the years — delivering exceptional value, investing in others, and building lasting relationships.
When someone joins our organization, they instantly benefit from all the relationship capital we’ve accumulated over the years. It’s not about selling memberships; it’s about providing tangible value and leveraging those relationships for the long haul.
Now, not everyone excels at this. It’s a skill that takes time to develop — not just in who you meet, but in how you nurture and leverage those connections for mutual benefit in the long run.
Let’s dive into the members of BA. Who are they, and how do you connect with them?
Mike Calhoun: Interestingly, many of our oldest members had never been part of an organization like BA before. They embody the essence of what we stand for — real, competent individuals who aren’t just event-goers or community hoppers.
Despite their lack of social media presence, they’re power players in their respective fields, managing hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate, technology, wireless mobile, and renowned brands.
Just imagine if they did embrace social media! Now, about some of the most fascinating members that our audience might be curious about. There’s a major benefit to being active both in social and traditional media. Balancing both can amplify your presence and influence.
After all, they say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. It’s all good media. In the realm of exposure, you’re getting noticed. Circling back to the longest-standing members, it’s ironic how those who initially resisted joining are still here eight years later, rarely missing a meeting. What keeps them coming back? Well, it seems they’ve found a rare gem — a place where relationships are valued over transactions.
As an owner or founder, it’s often a barrage of requests for raises, refunds, or more for what’s already been paid. Genuine interest in the individual, beyond mere transactions, is hard to come by. Within the BA culture, though, it’s about contribution, collaboration, and genuine interest in each other’s success, without the need for comparison.
Whether someone’s hitting their first million or their first hundred million, there’s a shared understanding and willingness to share insights gained from both successes and failures. These individuals have been through the cycles, felt the losses, and understand the value of paying it forward.
They know that tough times can be temporary, and it’s better to invest in people rather than things. So, who is Mike? Well, from the start, it’s been about investing in others. Back then, it was all I had to invest, and it’s a principle I’ve carried with me ever since. From the start, my focus has been on investing in others.
Back then, it was all I had to offer, and it’s a principle I’ve held onto passionately. Today, it’s evident that I’m on their side, and that resonates deeply with them, drawing them towards BA. BA offers a unique proposition — everything invested is available to members without obligation.
This can seem too good to be true, but it’s real, unlike many other organizations. Events are crucial for bonding and fostering connections that go beyond digital interactions. They create a unique environment where understanding and awareness thrive. The collective at BA is exceptional, composed of wildly successful individuals who value authenticity over fabricated realities found on social media.
Here, we focus on making each other better, driving real outcomes through innovative formats tailored to individual needs. At BA, it’s all about outcomes — tangible value that members gain from meetings and interactions. Speakers are great, but the real magic happens when leaders extract problems, perspectives, experiences, and contributions from participants, leading to commitments and resources being shared.
Let’s discuss some of the earliest members who were involved before BA became an organization. Can you provide some specific names of well-known individuals, perhaps public figures, that people might recognize?
Mike Calhoun: As for some notable members, we’ve had the privilege of supporting industry giants like Michael Gerber, Jay Abraham, Dan Lok, and Kevin Harrington.
These individuals, despite their immense success, have turned to BA for solutions to their challenges, and we’re proud to stand by them through thick and thin.
Speaking of collaboration, there’s been talk about Celsius’s origins being linked to BA, with Kevin Harrington’s involvement.
While I don’t have specifics to share, I can say that our support for Celsius aligns with our ethos of standing by our members through anything they face.
How can individuals who aspire to engage with the Board of Advisors, despite not currently being at the same level of success or influence, find opportunities to connect and participate in events or networking activities?
Mike Calhoun: At BA, our support is always directed towards our members, focusing on the individuals behind the brands and companies. Regardless of success level, everyone is on the same playing field at BA – the decision-maker level.
We emphasize the importance of being genuine and understanding that life is about balance, knowing when to push and when to rest.
The mindset that successful individuals are untouchable can be limiting. Success is often a result of collaboration and the people involved. Together, we can achieve more, faster, and with less risk.
It’s about embracing a different way of thinking and recognizing that there’s always room for growth and collaboration. In BA, we prioritize relationships over everything else because, ultimately, it’s the people that matter.
Money may not be real, but the impact we have on each other’s lives is tangible and lasting. Investing in others is key to success and meaningful existence.
How do you envision the future of BA, particularly regarding the lives it has affected and will affect, and its contributions or charitable initiatives?
Mike Calhoun: Looking ahead, BA’s future lies in attracting leaders who want to be part of our community, not just for personal gain but to represent and contribute to our mission locally. We’re seeking individuals with enthusiasm and a drive to win, much like me when I started.
Our focus remains on delivering value to our members, and our growth will be driven by those who share our commitment to building meaningful relationships and making a lasting impact.
As for giving back, BA’s contribution extends beyond charity – it’s about empowering individuals to succeed and positively impact their communities, creating a ripple effect that transforms lives for years to come.
BA’s vision is to serve as a platform for empowering decision-makers, whether they’re seasoned leaders or emerging entrepreneurs. We aim to connect with individuals who are ready to step into leadership roles, take responsibility, and drive positive change. We provide a supportive environment, offering resources, community, and mentorship to help them succeed in their endeavors.
As we continue to expand, I envision BA becoming synonymous with leadership, empowerment, and meaningful impact. Our goal is to cultivate a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence among decision-makers committed to making a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
What is your vision for the future of BA as a brand?
Mike Calhoun: I envision my business as a media brand and magazine from the very beginning, syndicating stories of inspiration, motivation, and advice on what to do and how to do it.
I believe relationships start inside conversations. I see my business coming full circle to where it started, being at the forefront of the conversation around “what’s next” by having people who have already done it provide that advice. I emphasize that the problem is never as persistent as you are – with persistence, you can find a way through any situation.
I conclude that you should always be reaching for something big and meaningful that will inspire others to support you. Defining any problem or vision in detail gets you halfway to the solution. Once you clearly articulate your vision and problems, solutions often become apparent.
This interview was originally published on ValiantCEO.
