Mike Rolls

Where were you born?

Melbourne Australia

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve worked across the health and fitness industry and also work as a counsellor and mentor, supporting people who are navigating significant life changes and challenges.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Resilience, pressure, challenge, change, mindset, mental wellbeing and learning how to respond when things don’t go to plan.

I’m particularly passionate about helping young people unlock their resilience and understand that feeling stuck never equals failure. There is always an opportunity to change the direction you’re heading.

What have been the highlights of your career?

I think one of the biggest highlights has been presenting to more than 400 schools, working with thousands of students, teachers and parents across Australia.

Another highlight has been meeting students months or even years after a presentation and hearing them share a story, idea or insight from the session that has stuck with them. Those moments mean a lot to me.

What are you passionate about?

I’m fascinated by human psychology, and in particular, the different ways people respond when they find themselves in challenging situations. Why do we sometimes shut down, avoid things, blame others or convince ourselves that nothing can change? And what happens when we learn to pause, get curious and choose a different response? I bring this curiosity into my work with students, helping them recognise their own patterns and giving them practical tools they can use to navigate pressure, challenge and change with greater confidence.

Where have your works been published?

I write and speak regularly about resilience, mental wellbeing, mindset and navigating life's challenges.

I’m also the author of Ditch the Dead Weight, a practical exploration of letting go of the things that hold us back.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I’ve featured in some TV and magazine stories, and some advertising and news stories over the years, sharing insights around resilience and overcoming adversity.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m a proud husband and dad to two young children. I’m also a passionate golfer and have represented Australia in all abilities golf. These days, I spend my time doing what I love most, spending my time with my family, learning, sharing stories, laughing, and hopefully empowering people to step into their challenges with a little more confidence. 

Adolescence is one of the trickiest times in our lives, and being able to access our residence is important. I will never stand on a stage and pretend to have all the answers, but I will always share honestly and openly about the ups and downs of life - about feeling stuck, making mistakes, having absolutely no idea what to do next, learning some hard lessons. 

My aim is for all my sessions to be engaging, honest, thought-provoking and practical, giving students more than a story, ensuring they leave with ideas they can actually use.