Who was the biggest inspiration you met during the making of the show?
I was very affected by how selfless people can be; giving so much of themselves and their time to the causes. Most of the volunteers and employees I met could have earned much more with their skills and experience but their respective causes clearly mean so much to them and offer non-monetary rewards that outweigh a higher income. Giving money is easy; giving time, emotion and dedication is a far greater gift.
Has being on the programme changed your outlook on life?
I wouldn't say that it has changed my life as such, but it did remind me of my own upbringing and background. The tough times made me stronger when things didn't go so well and gave me the mental and physical strength not to give up. Also, it's given me appreciation of all that I have now, especially the ability to give something back. I have decided to reduce the number of days I work in my business to allow me to spend more time with Julia and the girls, but also to just slow down a bit and enjoy life. As the saying goes, "All work and no play makes Mike a dull boy!"
Do you feel that businesses have a role to play in helping charities?
Absolutely, and not just financially: allowing employees to spend some paid time supporting charities can have a profound effect on them and makes them appreciate their jobs and incomes so much more. It also shows that the business is willing to give something back and is not just bottom-line focussed all the time. Since making the programme, my business partner Tom and I have discussed sponsoring a local charity each year - not just to make donations, but so that the whole team can get involved and benefit from supporting them.
What are your favourite memories of making the programme?
I have great memories from each of the charities but some that stick out are: - Playing football with the guys from Time-stop. I don't even like football, but on the pitch we were all equal. Money was irrelevant; we were just playing for the sport and fun of it, for them to make me feel included, and to be able to connect at a really personal level. It's left a lasting memory. - Rolling down the hill in a Barrel at New Ark with the kids, hearing their screams of laughter. Some of them are from very challenged families but for a couple of hours a day New Ark makes them feel special and allows them to be free of the problems at home.
How do you know who your friends are and that they're not taking advantage of your generosity?
As a researcher and certified behavioural profiler I find myself naturally reading people. They say that 70% of communication is non-verbal and so it doesn't matter what people say, you can sense their integrity or lack of it if you take the time to look and listen. I am also a great believer in Karma and believe that people who 'use' others or exploit them negatively will get their payback in time. What goes around, comes around.
What involvement or contact have you had with the charities since the making of the show?
I was honoured and humbled when New Ark asked me to be the president of their charity. I hope to draw on my business experience and share ideas on how they can raise money and market the place more effectively. My wife and daughters have also visited and loved the place and we hope to go again soon. My brother Leroy has also been working there a couple of days a week, helping with gardening and general maintenance. I have been mentoring at Time-stop two evenings a month, helping people write CVs, job-hunt, build a more positive attitude and understand what employers look for in new recruits.
