Success is often born from struggle. For Mike Handcock, his path to becoming the Chairman of the Circle of Excellence Group and President-Elect of the Global Speakers Federation was anything but conventional.
From being orphaned at 15 to rising as a corporate leader by 27—only to be blindsided by a major professional betrayal—Mike had every reason to let adversity define him. But instead, he turned his challenges into fuel, building a global career in entrepreneurship, leadership, and philanthropy.
In this episode of the Second Chance Podcast, host Jeff Robertson sits down with Mike to uncover his remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and making an impact on a global scale.
A Journey Marked by Challenges and Triumphs
Mike’s story is one of true grit. As a teenager, he was left without family, forced to navigate life on his own. Despite these early hardships, he worked his way up the corporate ladder, becoming a top leader in financial services. However, his career came to a screeching halt when a corporate coup led to his firing—a betrayal that sparked a five-year legal battle.
Rather than letting bitterness consume him, Mike took this setback as an opportunity to bet on himself. He transitioned into entrepreneurship, leveraging his skills in leadership and business development to help others unlock their potential.
Turning Adversity into Opportunity
Mike’s reinvention didn’t happen overnight. It required:
✅ Resilience – Facing rejection and setbacks without losing focus
✅ A Growth Mindset – Learning from every challenge instead of dwelling on the past
✅ Building Meaningful Relationships – Aligning with people who share his vision
✅ A Commitment to Impact – Focusing on creating businesses that leave the world a better place
These principles became the foundation of Circle of Excellence, a group that helps conscious leaders play a bigger game in business and life.
A Global Mission: Leadership, Speaking, and Impact
Today, Mike travels the world, speaking, mentoring, and leading change. His work is centered around:
🌎 Helping entrepreneurs merge purpose with profit
🎤 Speaking on leadership, resilience, and personal growth
🤝 Connecting like-minded leaders across the globe
As President-Elect of the Global Speakers Federation, Mike now influences thought leaders in over 35 countries, shaping the future of professional speaking.
Lessons from Mike Handcock’s Journey
✔ Success is not about avoiding setbacks, but learning to navigate them
✔ Your network is your net worth—build relationships that align with your purpose
✔ Passion and persistence create opportunities, even in the face of failure
✔ Making money and making a difference are not mutually exclusive
Listen to the Full Episode
🎧 Catch the full conversation with Mike Handcock on the Second Chance Podcast!
👉 [Insert Podcast Link]
📌 Connect with Mike Handcock:
🔗 Website: https://www.circleofexcellence.biz
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehandcock
Mike’s story is proof that setbacks are not the end—they’re a new beginning. Whether you’re facing a career shift, personal challenge, or searching for purpose, his journey offers valuable insights on resilience, reinvention, and creating lasting impact.
