Mike Garde is a multifaceted professional whose journey spans from psychiatric nursing to IT and now to coaching and AI consultancy. With a deep-rooted passion for self-development and human psychology, Mike has carved a unique path that merges emotional intelligence with cutting-edge technology. Through his work, he empowers individuals and small businesses to unlock their potential, embrace automation, and lead with authenticity. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Mike to inspire our 5 million-strong global community of change-makers. His story aligns with our mission to elevate every voice—He for She and She for She—creating an inclusive world driven by growth, empathy, and innovation.
What sparked your journey as a coach and entrepreneur? Was there a moment, challenge, or person that pushed you to take this path?
I’ve always been deeply interested in self-development, a trait I credit to my mother. Growing up as a shy child, I had to continuously push myself out of my comfort zone just to interact and socialize. That curiosity about human psychology led me to start my career as a psychiatric nurse. After about four years, I transitioned into IT, where I spent nearly 30 years. It wasn’t until 2020 that I officially trained as a coach. And by 2023, I began exploring AI—something that’s now a big part of my business. My path evolved over time, and now I combine coaching with AI and automation to help others grow.
Tell us a bit about what you do now. What’s the purpose behind your work and how does it make a difference in people’s lives?
Today, my work has two main focuses. One is AI training for small business leadership teams—helping them understand how to integrate AI into their operations in a practical, approachable way. I simplify complex concepts so they’re easy to grasp and apply. My coaching background helps me connect with people and explain things clearly. The second focus is automation, which I believe is where AI is most powerful right now. It transforms how businesses function—making things more efficient and freeing up time for what truly matters. I still take on a few coaching clients too, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the growth they experience.
Thinking back, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career? How did you work through them?
Confidence and people interaction were major hurdles for me. I had to constantly push myself beyond my comfort zone, which wasn’t easy. But over time, I saw the results—both professionally and socially—and that reinforced my belief in the power of personal growth. Once I realized I could change and grow, it gave me the courage to take on even bigger challenges.
Is there a milestone or achievement you’re particularly proud of?
Yes, creating my first group course. It was a turning point because I went from believing I wasn’t creative to realizing I could build something from scratch that truly helped people. That experience opened up a new perspective for me—it taught me that creativity isn’t a fixed trait. Now, I believe anyone can create and innovate if they trust themselves.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
There’s still a lack of proper representation, and that needs to change. Historically, women in leadership roles often had to adopt more masculine traits just to be accepted or taken seriously. But I believe the real strength lies in embracing the feminine perspective. That energy brings empathy, balance, and fresh approaches to business. We should celebrate those differences, not suppress them. Women don’t need to emulate men—they should lead in their own authentic ways.
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Be authentically yourself. Don’t try to wear a mask or fit into someone else’s idea of who you should be. Not everyone will like you—and that’s okay. What matters is staying true to who you are. And don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That’s where real growth happens. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
“Some people will like you, some will not—but the power lies in being unapologetically yourself.”
Connect with Mike Garde
You can connect with Mike on LinkedIn
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