Article
Professionals Train—Amateurs Wing It
August 4, 2025
Recently, I sat down with Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS, for a conversation about leadership evolution and the power of consistent development. ViRTUS specializes in helping organizations build great long-term leadership development programs that truly stick — and scale.
In my work with high-performing leaders around the world, I’ve noticed a clear pattern: the best don’t wing it. They train. Constantly. Not just when things go wrong — but especially when they’re going right.
Recently, I had a great conversation with Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS, who shared a refreshingly honest take on his own journey. For a long time, Mike didn’t think much of strategic planning or leadership development. It was too soft. Too optional. Too “extra.”
But over time, that mindset changed — and so did the results.
A True Professional Evolves
Today, Mike is one of the most prepared, intentional CEOs I have met. He invests time in quarterly resets, drives development conversations with his senior team, and walks into every session with clarity and purpose.
He didn’t always operate this way. But once he saw the impact of consistent development — on himself and his team — he made it a non-negotiable. As he put it, “When I saw how much alignment and traction came from regular planning, we just couldn’t ignore it anymore.”
Mike made the shift from talented operator to intentional professional. And that shift has had a ripple effect across ViRTUS — one of deeper alignment, better leadership, and higher performance.
Listen to Mike discuss the importance of continually developing as a leader.
The Difference Between Professionals and Amateurs
Amateurs rely on instinct. Professionals rely on preparation.
Amateurs make time for growth when it’s convenient. Professionals schedule it and protect it.
Amateurs say “I already know this.” Professionals say “What more can I learn?”
And here’s the kicker: it’s not about age or experience — it’s about mindset. Mike made the shift decades into a successful career. He’s proof that it’s never too late to evolve.
Watch the full interview with Mike below.
The Challenge
Are you showing up like a professional when it comes to your leadership — or just winging it on your past experience?
What’s one habit, rhythm or conversation you could introduce — or recommit to — this quarter to take your leadership from good to great?
Resources
- Double Your Personal Resilience
- Think You Know It All? True Professionals Learn Like Amateurs
- Quarterly Reset & Master Plan Tools
- Chapter 8 of Your Oxygen Mask First: “Learn Like Your Life Depends on It”
If you’re interested in exploring leadership development with your team and the programs ViRTUS offers, reach out and we’d be happy to facilitate an introduction.
About ViRTUS
ViRTUS is a Vancouver-based leadership development firm that works with growth-oriented organizations to build aligned, resilient, and high-performing teams. Through customized leadership development programs, ViRTUS helps leaders turn potential into performance — and strategy into results.
Lawrence & Co’s work focuses on sustainable and enhanced growth for you and your business. Our diverse and experienced group of advisors can help your leaders and executive teams stay competitive through the use of various learning tools including workshops, webinars, executive retreats, or one-to-one coaching.
We help high-achieving leaders to have it all – a great business and a rewarding life. Contact us for simple and impactful advice. No BS. No fluff.