Living Unfiltered with Mike Millard
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In this season finale of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life, we’re joined by Mike Millard, a man whose titles barely begin to scratch the surface: venture capitalist, mentor, triathlete (with an interesting finish), and creator of "Pitch A Kid," a program that might just redefine how we look at pitching and learning.
If you’re picturing Will Ferrell telling you about the highs and lows of strategy and humility, you’re not far off.
Mike’s story is a balancing act of vulnerability and unshakable determination.
From dreams of being a professional tennis player to becoming a leader in venture capital, his journey serves as yet another reminder that life doesn’t follow a straight path. To thrive, we need to stay open to its curveballs, embrace the messiness, and adapt as we go.
“I think success is about impact. We’re here to love, to learn, and to create something meaningful.”
For him, that “something meaningful” has taken many forms—mentoring entrepreneurs, guiding startups, and even completing a triathlon where he finished dead last in every category. “
And I still crushed it,” he laughs.
But it’s not all victories for Mike. In venture capital, failure is a familiar companion.
“Venture is humbling. You can do everything right—find a great team, sound technology, solid IP—and still fail. It’s messy, just like life.”
Mike draws a parallel between nurturing startups and raising children, emphasizing the importance of discipline, guidance, and allowing room for growth.
“You’re not necessarily their best friend, but you’re their guide, their advocate.”
It’s a relationship that requires tough love and patience, but like any good parent, Mike knows heartbreak is inevitable when things don’t go as planned. Yet, he approaches these moments with humor and pragmatism—qualities that have also shaped his innovative Pitch A Kid program, where entrepreneurs present their ideas to panels of candid, fearless children.
For Mike, it’s all about fostering growth, whether in startups or young minds, and embracing the unpredictability of the journey.
Mentorship is another cornerstone of Mike’s life.
“Early on, I didn’t realize they were mentors, it was just someone saying something profound that stuck with me. Now, I intentionally surround myself with people who make me better.”
Mike’s story is much more than what we uncovered in our podcast, but this episode didn’t stop at spotlighting his insights.
It also brought in the voices of Gen Z, sharing real questions and reflections from today’s youth. Their fresh perspective added depth to the conversation, offering a sharp clarity to topics we adults often overcomplicate.
Take Edwin’s definition of success:
“Success is just personal development. As long as you work hard to develop yourself—even to the tiniest things—that’s success.”
The power of self-growth—it takes time to truly understand its significance in one’s life, and even more effort to practice it consistently. It’s a journey of learning to focus inward, resisting the urge to fixate on external measures of success, and finding fulfillment in personal progress instead.
Mike reflected:
“Success is about impact. You’re here to love, to learn, and to create something meaningful. It doesn’t have to be grand—maybe you’re just a great son or a great mentor—but it’s meaningful.”
Edwin’s reflection on success as personal development set the stage for another profound question, this time from Xavier:
“How do I not get lazy? How do I stay consistent and disciplined?”
His words echoed a challenge many of us grapple with—the ongoing effort to stay motivated and focused while navigating life’s demands.
Mike’s answer was both practical and philosophical:
“Sometimes, the question isn’t about discipline; it’s about alignment. If you’re struggling with something every day, maybe you’re trying to fit yourself into a mold that isn’t yours. Start by asking, ‘What motivates me?’ Figure out what works for you—not what someone else says should work.”
Co-host Leon chimed in with an engineering metaphor:
“It’s like tuning an engine. You don’t know what it needs right away. You tweak it, test it, and eventually, it starts running smoother. Life is like that—you have to figure out what you’re tuning for.”
Natalie emphasized the crucial role that rest plays in the process:
“Have you scheduled an hour for yourself? It’s not lazy; it’s necessary. Turn off your phone, step away, and give yourself the space to figure out if something’s working for you.”
As Mike reflected on his career and shared his stories, one thing became clear: mentorship is a two-way street. Whether it’s learning from seasoned professionals or answering pointed, unfiltered questions from kids in his Pitch A Kid program, Mike understands that growth comes from listening as much as teaching.
“We’re all a work in progress. If you want real confidence, just go do something hard.”
So, what hard thing will you do today? And how will you embrace the lessons that come with it?
Listen to Mike Millard on Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life – Episode 12, Season 2
Mike Millard: Mike is a seasoned professional with 25+ years of experience in Fortune 500 divisions and venture capital, specializing in creating value at scale. He has worked with industry leaders like Dell, HP, AT&T, Ascension, and Austin Ventures, focusing on corporate strategy and commercializing solutions in hardware, software, and consulting.
He has extensive expertise in due diligence across industries such as AI, IoT, social media, and mobile, identifying investment and acquisition opportunities.
Mike led the first U.S. expansion of MassChallenge in Texas, accelerating nearly 300 startups, and spearheaded innovation and commercialization efforts in healthcare at Ascension/Seton.
Mike is also a Certified Patent Valuation Analyst, showcasing his expertise in intellectual property strategy.
Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program. If you would like to listen to her work, here it is: Snoriezzz
Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.
Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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