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!

05:20 Part 2: In Dark Moments

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

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

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

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

Gary DePaul’s website⁠

Gary’s books:

⁠What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?⁠

⁠Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership⁠

⁠⁠The 2022 HRBP Report

Lead on!