We all Have a Story…
Michael Linke is a visionary innovator, dynamic executive leader, and transformational strategist with an extraordinary journey that began long before his professional accolades. He represented Australia in two sports and has risen to the highest executive levels working with Prime Ministers, Governor’s General and business leaders around the globe. In his deeply moving memoir, “Dear Mum,” Michael recounts how his vision-impaired childhood, profoundly shaped by the unwavering love and support of his mother, taught him the essence of resilience, compassion, and the importance of family.
These lessons shaped him as a leader, on and off the field. You can now work with Michael as you shape your career.
A Legacy of Love and Learning
Michael’s experience growing up as the only vision-impaired child in a family of four boys provided him with unique challenges and insights. With his mother at the helm, he learned early on the values of hard work, kindness, and the equal treatment of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
In “Dear Mum,” Michael expresses heartfelt gratitude for the ways in which his mother advocated for him, ensuring that he was given the same experiences and opportunities as his brothers. She taught him how to navigate a world that often presented barriers, empowering him to thrive academically and socially. Her relentless pursuit of solutions to any obstacle became a guiding principle in his life, inspiring him to explore every avenue despite his limited eyesight.
The Importance of Experience and Empathy
Through a series of poignant anecdotes, Michael highlights pivotal moments from his childhood that reflect his mother’s nurturing spirit. Whether it was taking him fishing on a whim or allowing him to experience the wonder of a helicopter ride, she instilled in him a love for life and a belief in his capabilities. These moments became stepping stones for Michael, who would eventually excel in blind cricket, leading to national and international recognition.
Michael’s commitment to understanding and compassion extended beyond his family life into his professional career. As CEO of both RSPCA and Recreational Aviation Australia, he has consistently advocated for those who cannot advocate for themselves, whether they be animals or individuals facing similar challenges. His work in these fields emphasises the importance of compassion, proactive problem-solving, and structural changes to benefit the community.
Navigating Grief and Celebration
“Dear Mum” is not just a tribute to a beloved mother; it is also a reflection on loss, resilience, and the act of mourning. Following his mother’s passing, Michael faced profound sorrow that he processed through writing. The book captures his conversations with her, his reflections on their shared memories, and how each day unfolds without her. Through this narrative, he offers readers insight into how he copes with grief while honoring the legacy she left behind.
His journey is interwoven with lessons learned from his mother—the importance of valuing relationships over material possessions and recognising the wealth found in shared experiences. Even in his mother’s absence, he feels her influence guiding him, prompting introspection and further strengthening the bonds within his own family.
A Vision for the Future
As Michael Linke shares his personal journey through “Dear Mum,” he invites readers to reflect on the influence of love, the irreplaceable role of family, and the enduring memories that shape our lives. His story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the power of connection amidst our greatest challenges. In a world that seems ever more disconnected, Michael’s narrative shines a light on how empathy and understanding can bridge the divides we encounter.
Michael envisions a future where every person is valued for who they are, regardless of their circumstances, and where acts of kindness pave the way for richer connections in both personal lives and professional endeavors. His journey invites us all to cherish our loved ones, appreciate the lessons they teach, and celebrate the lives we lead together, in both joy and sorrow.
Our careers are a melting pot of our life’s experiences; we are shaped before our first day at work and fully understanding ourselves helps unlock our career path.
Schedule coaching or purchase Dear Mum today.