Author Archives: Mike Aviles

Activities & Events

ADVISORY & CONSULTING (Growth, Turnaround, M&A, BD, Sales & Marketing, Operations, Org Development…)

Over the past several years, Mike has worked across a wide range of industries including:

Consultant, Advisor and Executive Coach in Construction and Industrial Services

Consultant and Advisor to CEO and Board of Directors of a Consumer Packaged Goods company

Consultant and Advisor to President of an Outdoor Advertising business

Consultant and Advisor to Owners and Management of a Precious Metals business

Consultant and Advisor to CEO and Senior Management Team of a National Recruiting firm

Advisor to Managing Director of a Food Marketing company

Consultant and Advisor to CEO and Board of Directors of a Professional Services firm

Consultant and Advisor to Managing Partner and Board of Directors of a Commercial Real Estate company

Advisor to CEO and other C-level executives of an E-Learning company

Advisor to the Board of Directors and Executive Director for a Non-Profit in the education sector

Advisor to CEO of an Enterprise Software Company exploring a strategic sale

INTERIM C-LEVEL ENGAGEMENTS:

Served as a Senior Advisor and part of Executive Team of a Customer Experience SaaS business.  This led to developing a short-term plan around four key initiatives and the hiring of a new CEO for the business.

Served as a Turnaround Consultant and Advisor to the Board of Directors of a leading Social Software and Solutions firm that led to a strategic sale of the business

Served in a “Non-Exec” Chair capacity and Advisor to Board of Directors of a Vertical SaaS Company.  This led to a restructuring plan, a next round of financing and the hiring of a new CEO.

Worked with the Management Team and the Board of Directors of a Retailer of Automotive Services.  Served in a “Non-Exec” Chair capacity.  Challenge was to reverse the business trends by driving sales, profitability and customer satisfaction.  We were able to stretch the cash, stem the declines, recap the business and hire a go-forward full-time CEO

Served as an Interim CEO for a Consumer Products Distributor in the health and beauty space resulting in the refinancing of the business and the hiring of a full-time, go-forward CEO

C-LEVEL COACHING

Coaching several C-Level executives around leadership, general management, personal productivity and career transitions

Coaching C-Level Executives on growth, strategy, business development, positioning and organizational effectiveness

Coached several C-Level executives in securing senior leadership positions at various companies

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

Recurring speaker at YPO MAST Seminars (Mergers, Acquisitions and Strategic Transactions).  Presented at YPO MAST Events in NY, San Francisco, LA, Boston and Dallas.  Lead two different sessions.   The first is called “Know Your Mind” and deals with the “why” of M&A.  The second is on how to take your company through the sale process.  Consistently rated among the top resources.

Keynote speaker at annual meeting of a tech company executing a turnaround.  Drove messages around leadership, change management, creativity and personal accountability.  Executive team commented that it was “perfect and spot on.”

Presented to YPO on the topic of “Transitions.”  For many people, transitions are something that happens to you, often with a negative connotation.  However, transitions are also about growth and many of them are predictable.  Therefore, we should view transitions in the context of our life journey and as a path to fulfillment because how we handle transitions can have broad and long-lasting implications.

Made a TED-type talk at the Stanford Business School called “No socks with sandals.”  It was a story about simple wisdom and guidance for moving forward.  It was also a story about relationships and being grateful.  One key message was about living a life that is free and unencumbered, with no excuses and no regrets.  As one attendee said, “who would know you could have so much impact on others in just six minutes?”

Presented “Go Big…in ALL Your Roles” at YPO Presidents’ Retreat in Montana.  The presentation discussed multi-dimensional goals unique to each individual and a journey of discovering what is right for you.  The central theme was around applying the principles of strategic management to your personal life and then supporting your strategy with specific and purposeful actions to help you achieve all your goals across your many roles.

Presented “Tales of a Hired Gun” to the Central TX Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth.  Highly rated session that shared lessons learned around growth vs. turnarounds, the buy-side vs. the sell-side of M&A, and working with Private Equity

Closing Speaker at LeadingAge Texas Leadership Conference.  Topic was “Leading Through Transitions” and was rated a 4.9 out of 5.  Feedback included “powerful presentation…infectious energy…inspiring…unique experiences made for a compelling perspective and one that no one in the room will soon forget.”

Presented at Austin Human Resource Management Association Conference covering the strategic role of HR, the CEO and HR relationship, and ways to deliver more value through HR.  The session was rated “Excellent.”  Feedback from the participants included “Great Energy!” and “probably the best presentation ever for AHRMA.”

Keynote speaker at YPO Seminar entitled “Hired Guns – Your Next Opportunity Now.”  The seminar was geared towards CEOs who classify themselves as professional managers.   Participants were taken through the strategic and tactical process of finding the next career challenge and also gained valuable insight into the world of private equity.  The seminar was nominated for a Best of the Best Award and Mike’s workshop was rated 9.8 out of 10.  When asked what was the best part of the seminar, one participant wrote “Mike Aviles was flat out fantastic! I was blown away by his presentations.”  Another participant said “the best part of the seminar was Mike Aviles laying out a strategic roadmap for transitions.  His plan of attack was great!”

Other Events and Activities:

  • Co-Chaired several Stanford Graduate School of Business Reunion Campaigns
  • Served on the Racial Equity Task Force at the Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Emcee of Fundraiser for Breakthrough Central Texas.  Second time to lead “the ask” at a Breakthrough event.  Both times set a new fundraising record for dollars raised at an event
  • Facilitate formation and selected on-going meetings for YPO Forums and Retreats
  • Facilitated strategic planning meetings for various companies
  • Led YPO Forum Retreats to unique places like Iceland, Wales, Chile, Columbia
  • Wrote two books for clients: 1)  “A Magic Wand, 8 Principles for a Life of Success” and 2)  “More Than One” 
  • Judge, MBA Executive Challenge, Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Presented “A CEO’s Perspective on Human Resources” to Austin’s Strategic HR Forum
  • Presented the CEO’s Perspective of Trusted Business Advisors to an accounting, tax and consulting firm
  • Presented “An Entrepreneurial Career Track” to students at Pace University in NYC

In the Spirit of The Checklist Manifesto

Regarding Mike’s checklist below, one reader commented, “So much info in so few words.  Tostloy could learn a lot.”

Growth vs. Turnarounds

I have had the ability to manage through growth and turnarounds. Here are a few ways to make sure a growth story doesn’t become a turnaround:
  1. Understand the concept of sustainable growth
  2. Keep a sharp look out for market trends and changes
  3. Take appropriate risks
  4. Constantly rationalize and be brutally honest
  5. Chase the business
  6. Have contingency plans

Five Ways CEO’s Can Better Serve Their Organizations

  1. Practice servant leadership
  2. Listen well and exercise more EQ
  3. Be open and secure about your own developmental needs
  4. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable
  5. Accept criticism as part of the job spec

The Code on Life

I have cracked the code on life.  When people hear me say that, they perk up their ears and want to know the formula.  Well here are a few principles.  After all, wisdom isn’t what you know, it’s how you live.

  1. It’s simple but not easy
  2. Conquer your own mind
  3. Ignore the Joneses
  4. Don’t be fooled by the myth of tomorrow
  5. Less is more
  6. Be above it all

A Powerful Habit

Friends and Associates are often amazed at the things I have captured in writing.  However, it is what I do with it that makes it so special.  For example, of course I put my annual goals in writing but I also have in writing my lifetime goals, my definition of success, a list of high value added activities, valuable lessons learned and what makes me happy and unhappy, to name but a few.  Then I institutionalize it all through repetition, refinement and reinforcement.  Lastly, I take regular inventory (daily, weekly, monthly, annually) to make sure I am staying true to these goals and guiding principles.  Collectively, these very powerful habits have resulted in clarify, focus, easier decision making and high ROI over many years.

Creativity in Business

You can be creative with your right brain and your left brain.  To do so:
    1. Ask lots of questions, probe and brainstorm
    2. Dig deeper; challenge the status quo; explore the lunatic fringe
    3. Recruit others and fight the naysayers
    4. Beg, borrow and benchmark other industries
    5. Innovate by doing

Remember, it doesn’t have to be sophisticated to be industry changing.

A New Professional Challenge

I’ve been asked “what do you do when you walk into a new company?” Besides smile and shake a lot of hands, here are my top five when taking on a new professional challenge:
  1. Get a clear understanding of goals, expectations and timeframes
  2. Establish and build necessary relationships
  3. Maximize your objectivity and cover lots of ground over the first 90 to 180 days
  4. Build your plan (and think transition)
  5. Gain early momentum by addressing critical issues and the bang for the buck opportunities

Lessons on Work, Life and Community:

I wrote a book that I called “A Magic Wand, 8 Principles for a Life of Success.”  In it I try to share some valuable lessons that I have learned over the years.  The 8 principles are:

  1. You’re in Charge
  2. Life is a Series of Choices
  3. Think & Act Long-Term
  4. Apply Yourself
  5. Embrace the Powers
  6. Save, Spend & Invest Wisely
  7. Define Success Broadly
  8. The More You Give, The More You Get

From Turnaround to Growth

I’m often asked how I turnaround a company. Everybody wants to know the three things. Well it’s not three things, it’s 3,000 things.  However, as the turnaround starts to take hold, there are certain shifts that need to occur in your thinking and actions.  Some to be mindful of include:

  1. From inside-out to outside-in
  2. From crisis management to forward planning
  3. From cost cuts to strategic investments
  4. From dismantle to build
  5. From job elimination to job displacement

Acquisitions

Here are a few reasons why some acquisitions get into trouble:
1.  The Winner’s Curse
2.  Poor due diligence that leads to surprises after the close
3.  Major shifts in the market
4.  Weak (or non-existing) integration plans
5.  Human challenges and social issues

Selling a Company

Selling a company can be like selling a house. That is, you have to prep the house, show the house and handle the home inspections. A few considerations if you are considering selling your company:
    1. Network with likely buyers well in advance
    2. Get your ducks in a row and don’t launch prematurely
    3. Corral the Broncos
    4. Create excitement around the story
    5. Keep it quick and protect the business during the sale process 

Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance

I have two distinguishing features:  a bald head and a big nose.  My mother gave me both.   They are easy to see and there is no use in denying they exist.  Now what is there about me that is not as easy to see?  Is there any use in denying they exist?  As an advisor once told me “you are not doing them any favors letting them believe you are something other than what you are.”  A great piece of wisdom that has helped me better lead others.

Career Transitions

When looking for your next professional challenge, there is a lot of upfront work required before you send out a resume or start making contact.  In fact, I believe  there are at least 10 things you should put down on paper before starting your search.  They include your career spec, your story, your pitch and your network plan.

Taking Time Off

Tips if you are considering taking some time off between challenging assignments:
1.  Get early alignment from your loved ones
2.  Have a written plan & a long list of things you want to accomplish
3.  Compartmentalize well
4.  Don’t expect others to drop what they are doing for you.  As my wife says “You came into our life, we didn’t come into yours”
5.  Control your mind

Mike Aviles honored with Stanford Latino Leadership Award

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“Aviles accepted the Jerry I. Porras Latino Leadership Award at a banquet hosted by the Stanford GSB Hispanic Business Students Association. It was the 15th time the association has honored an alumnus who has made a significant contribution to the business and Latino communities.”

STANFORD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS —Versatile, turnaround expert, energetic, personable. Those are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Mike Aviles. But if you ask him, Aviles, MBA ’90, would rather use the word “lucky.”

Don’t take too much risk … or too little, advises Mike Aviles, the 2011 Porras Latino Leadership Award winner. “Take what risk you’re comfortable with. The ones who distinguish themselves … figured out what to pursue and took appropriate chances”…

Read the full article.

Terry Ross, Activant Solutions

Mike is the best executive I have ever had the pleasure to work with. First and foremost, he is a natural leader who engages everyone on his team. He is highly intelligent, intuitive and decisive. His communication skills, financial aptitude and mastery of sales and marketing are outstanding. In addition, he is an excellent personal coach and mentor with strong business and personal ethics.

Terry Ross, Vice President, Product Development, Activant Solutions

From Danya Casey, Working With Grow2Day

Mike is an extraordinary speaker, facilitator and coach. His command of the Professional Manager mindset and skill set is based on a long run of highly successful Hired Gun assignments. Mike keeps it real using stories from the trenches to validate lessons learned. Then he converts this raw intelligence into a practical framework that inspires action and demands accountability. Mike’s career success principles are indisputable for the Professional Manager who wants to be a game changer and is willing to learn from a master.

Danya Casey, YPO-WPO International Seminars, Program Director

From Somesh Singh, Vignette Corporation

Mike is a high energy CEO with an uncanny ability to spot areas for improvement. He is supportive and nurturing of his team, yet demanding and results oriented. When he spots a persistent problem, he is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get involved.

Somesh Singh Sr. VP, R&D and Technical Operations, Vignette Corporation

From Don Roach, Footaction USA

Mike is a strong leader and executive with high standards for himself and his team. Mike takes on complex issues and develops solutions with his team that drive the operational and strategic goals of the organization, the needs of the customers and expectations of the stakeholders. Mike is unafraid to confront the “elephant in the room”. Mike makes those around him “step up their game”. He helped make me a better executive.

Don Roach, SVP CFO Footaction USA, Melville Corporation

From Erin Stevenson, Stanford Graduate School of Business

Mike has chaired three of his GSB reunion campaigns, driving strong results for funds raised and collective participation in the class campaigns. For his recent 20th reunion, Mike led a team of 20+ classmate volunteers in the outreach campaign that led to a best-ever $4.8 million raised with contributions from a remarkable 75% of the class.

These results are made possible by Mike’s terrific commitment, his apt strategic counsel and his keen attention to detail. Throughout the campaign, he provided sound advice about campaign pace, messaging and volunteer management. The respect that he commands amongst his peers led to the terrific success of the fundraising campaign. Mike has also lent his considerable talents to the GSB Management Board, a senior alumni advisory board on which he served 2003-2006.

Erin Stevenson, Associate Director of Development, Stanford Graduate School of Business

Grow2Day
Austin, Texas