Bio:
Mike graduated with a degree from California State University at Chico, where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Construction Management.  After over 5 years of success as an engineer and Project Manager for Rudolph and Sletten, Inc, a few Life Coaching calls with James, founder of OPEX (Formerly OPT), highlighted his true values. Then his vision became clear.  It was helping others fulfill their lives through fitness.
He found his true passion in health and fitness becoming an OPEX certified coach.  In 2013, he transitioned from his engineering role and started coaching athletes all over the world with various levels of fitness. Most notably, co-coaching Valerie Voboril who won third place winner at the 2013 CrossFit Games.
Here’s what Val has to say of working with Mike,
“He is an amazing coach because of his dedication and investment in his athletes as a whole; not just the techniques, conditioning, and programming, but the caring, knowledge, compassion, and thoughtfulness he brings to every single one of my workout/training sessions and competitions. I have been truly blessed to have him in my life.”
Growing up a water polo player and swimmer, fitness has always been an enormous part of Mike’s life. With his engineering background, he utilizes a scientific approach to fitness for proven results. He enjoys being a guinea pig, testing performance variables, pushing health to new extremes and coming up with innovative ways to sustain performance, wellness and longevity with any individual.
Mike believes in continuing education and constant learning. He has completed all 5 modules of OPEX CCP Level 1. He spent years training under USAW certification Coach Sean Waxman. Current aspirations in 2013 have him becoming an OPEX Level 2 Coach, Catalyst Athletics certified Weightlifting Coach, obtaining the American Council of Exercise – Functional, Nutrition and Sport Specialist certification and completing his USAW coaching certification.
 
Show Notes:Websites and Social Media Links:
OPEX.comOPEX Facebook
OPEX Instagram

Books Mentioned:
 
Mike’s Book Recommendations
Periodization 6th Edition
Maps of Meaning
Being Mortal
Mindset
Skill Acquisition in SportNon-Linear Pedagogy in Skill Acquisition  
The Values FactorHow Good do you Want to Be?
 
Books Mentioned by Robbie
The Celestine Prophecy The 4 Agreements7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Legacy
Essentialism
 
Movies Mentioned:
Good Will Hunting

Podcasts Mentioned:
Waking Up with Sam Harris
 
Time-Line:
0:00 – 0:12 – Robbie’s Intro0:12 – 2:01 - Mike gives us his background2:02 – 3:33 - Robbie asks Mike – How he got involved with OPEX3:34 – 5:22 - Robbie tells the story of how he met Mike for the first time and how James’ missionwith OPEX is one they both knew they wanted to be a part of5:23 – 6:19 - Mike discusses the atmosphere that James has instilled at OPEX – which is seeingeverything opportunity as one to learn and grow6:20 – 7:40 - Robbie speaks about how we can always learn something from every interaction wehave in our lives7:41 – 8:19 – Mike talks about why trying to understand your athletes’ perceptions are vital when itcomes to communicating optimally with them on a moment to moment basis8:20 –10:03 - Robbie shares a great example taken from CCP’s consultation module, delivered bySharon Prete, that demonstrates the power of perceptions and why clear communication betweenthe coach-athlete/ client is critical in building trust10:04 – 12:18 - Robbie asks Mike to tell us more about his role at OPEX, and how he buildsrelationships with his athletes and clients12:18 – 13:14 - Robbie mentions how Marc Strickland (Sports Psychologist for the Oakland Raidersand ALTIS) had stated that trust is the most important factor in success when it comes to everythinginvolving relationships13:14 – 14:21 - Mike mentions that he loves the book Legacy by James Kerr (no dickheads ), andgoes on to discuss why getting to know your athletes/ clients ‘why’ is crucial in relationship buildi