132: Mike Bassett and Life Lessons from The Ditch

Unlabeled Leadership

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 100, Mike Bassett shares how his father influenced him, explains his almost career-ending experience, and shares three lessons from the ditch. He then advises us on how we can lead more effectively.

Prologue

How might someone describe Mike’s character? Hard-working, ambitious, and kind.

For more than 34 years, Mike has practiced civil trial law. He established a well-built law firm, the Bassett Firm. Before that, he experienced a dark period in his life, which reminds us that we are one left turn from being in The Ditch. Mike’s astonishing personal and professional struggles have tested him repeatedly. In Mike’s book, you’ll learn his story that illustrates his character and resiliency. As an attorney, Mike has embraced the hard path of grace and believes in second chances as much as he believes in honesty to his clients.

02:03 Part 1: Do It Right!

Mike shares something that his father told him that influenced how he approaches life. He then talks about handling challenges the right way.

05:20 Part 2: In Dark Moments

In this story, Mike shares what happened earlier in his career that almost ended his law practice. He talks about how learning happens in such situations.

14:15 Part 3: Teachings and Advice from the Bottom of the Muddy, Craggy Ditch

Mike shares three of the nine lessons he learned from his experience early in his career. He describes all nine in his book. Next, Mike advises us on how to be more effective in practicing leadership.

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Unlabeled Leadership is a free service for people to learn about leadership. If you want to support the show, you can make a $0.99 donation. Your support reduces production expenses. https://anchor.fm/unlabeled-leadership/support

Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

No transcript available (future enhancement)

Episode links

Mike’s LinkedIn Profile, law firm website, the firm’s blog

Mike’s podcast, Legal Grounds | Conversations on Life, Leadership & Law

Mike’s book, The Man in the Ditch

About Malcolm Muggeridge

About Cornel West and the quotable quote

About St. Francis of Assisi and how a quotation reflects his teachings

About Herb Kelleher

Background Music

You can find all the musical tracks at Envato Elements.

00:00 Theme music: Uplift Corporate Inspire by OlexandrIgnatov

01:45 The Upbeat Tech by iBroccoli

05:02 Inspire Uplifting by Alex_MakeMusic

13:57 Corporate Time by Alex_MakeMusic

22:55 Fun and Flirtyby BrownHouseMedia

Lead on!