Meet Mike Lee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea was born out of pain. 10 years ago I went through a horrific withdrawal process from an anti-depressant medication. Within a couple of hours, I’d shift from crippling anxiety to debilitating depression which disrupted my ability to focus on the work I wanted to do in the world. Luckily for me, I had a few people in my life who modeled true grit. Whether it was seeing my grandfather work a shift at the steel factory followed by a visit to his farm or the basketball coaches who pushed me until exhaustion, I know what it means to put in the work.

So I went on a mission to reclaim my ability to access presence through counter-cultural approaches, rigorous research, and massive leadership growth. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was building a simple and easy-to-implement methodology to help individuals and organizations unlock the power of presence. By merging strategies, habits, and belief systems of basketball’s elite with a deep dive into timeless, practical, and relatable Eastern philosophy I’ve created a toolkit to navigate the complexities of today’s era. It’s a HeartMind methodology that combines the heart of a spiritual leader with the mindset of an elite athlete, which I share through keynotes, workshops, and coaching.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Making movement and nutrition a priority each day. When most people think about mental health they think about mindset, but mental health is truly about the mind-body connection. Changing your physiology through movement – for me it’s yoga, Soul Cycle, running, surfing and lifting – impacts your neurochemistry and nervous system which allows you to deploy mindsets and focus your attention with more ease. Presence is not something we need to “do” it’s something we need to allow by removing the blocks to it like self-criticism, fear, guilt and shame. Making movement a priority helps get you out of your head and into the embodied present moment, which is where peak performance and creativity exist.

Building a business is not really about building a business — it’s a path of spiritual growth. I think we’re conditioned to believe that if we work extremely hard at something that disposes us to a higher level of control of the outcome. The truth is that there are so many invisible forces that influence our lives and business. Surrender is more powerful than control. Trust is more important than knowledge.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were visiting and wanted a real taste of what the city has to offer, I’d have a packed itinerary lined up. Starting with food, I’d definitely bring them to Manuela—it’s got this fantastic farm-to-table vibe right in the Arts District, blending Southern flavors with a modern twist. Another spot I’d recommend is The Butcher’s Daughter, especially if they’re into fresh, plant-based options. It’s the perfect casual brunch spot, and the vibe is just unbeatable.

For wine lovers, I’d take them to Melanie. It’s a charming place, and they host these incredible wine classes that are a fun, laid-back way to learn and taste. You get to try unique wines, and the sommeliers there are super knowledgeable.

As for places to visit, The Broad is an absolute must. It’s one of those places that mixes world-renowned contemporary art with free entry—what’s not to love? And the building itself is a work of art!

If we’re talking nature, a trip wouldn’t be complete without heading out to Malibu for some surfing or hiking. The coastal views are just breathtaking, and whether they’re up for catching waves or prefer a scenic hike, Malibu offers both.

When it’s time to get some work done, NeueHouse is ideal. It’s one of those spaces that inspires creativity and productivity, plus it’s filled with people working on amazing projects—definitely a spot to keep on the radar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends. I used to be inspired by what I saw others achieve. But, now I’m inspired by the people in my life, who I know intimately the journey that they have been on, and how far they have come. It’s not necessarily their outcomes, but it’s seeing how they navigate adversity and risk with self-compassion, empathy, and surrender. A level playing field is a fantasy. And, I think it’s inspiring to look at how someone has navigated their journey versus the outcomes they’ve achieved.

Website: www.mindshiftlabs.com

Instagram: @whoismikelee

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/whoismikelee

Twitter: mikeleewhois

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Image Credits
Christopher Brown Photos