In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, host Robin Bailey and guest co-host Cory Chadwick sit down with Mike Daser, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Pure Technology, to explore what it means to lead with heart, empathy, and inclusion in today’s evolving workplace.
With over 15 years of experience building cultures that balance people and performance, Mike shares powerful lessons from his time at Starbucks and Target, and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. Known for his belief that great leadership starts with empathy, Mike opens up about his passion for supporting newcomers to Canada, building trust-first teams, and creating cultures where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
From “Don’t move the mocha” to hiring for values over skills, this episode is packed with insight, authenticity, and heart.
You’ll hear about:
- Falling in love with people: How Mike’s early experiences at Target changed how he sees leadership and humanity.
- The “Don’t Move the Mocha” lesson: Why great leaders listen first, learn second, and lead through trust.
- Culture fit vs. skill fit: Why attitude and alignment matter more than résumés.
- Supporting newcomers to Canada: How employers can create truly inclusive, equitable workplaces beyond surface-level initiatives.
- The power of mentorship: Lessons from coaching newcomers through job searches, interviews, and cultural transitions.
- Storytelling as leadership: How humanizing yourself builds connection, trust, and belonging.
- Resilience and perspective: Why life goes on, and how setbacks can lead to new opportunities.
- Planting trees for the future: Mike’s vision for a global workforce where talent and potential transcend borders.
If you’re an HR professional, business leader, or anyone passionate about people-first leadership, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with empathy, purpose, and connection.
We talk about:
- 00:00 Introduction
- 04:00 Falling in love with people and stories
- 07:00 The “Don’t Move the Mocha” principle of leadership
- 10:00 Lessons from Target and values-driven hiring
- 13:00 Creating inclusive workplaces for newcomers
- 16:00 Bias, belonging, and the hiring gap
- 21:00 Supporting immigrants inside organizations
- 25:00 Mentorship, storytelling, and authenticity in leadership
- 30:00 Building trust through shared humanity
- 33:00 The trees Mike is planting for future leaders
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