The Duratus Mind - Mike Bates - Former Counter Terrorism Operations Leader

In this episode Gaz talks to Mike Bates who is a former Royal Marine, former counter terrorism covert operations leader, 2nd Dan BJJ Professor and is in training to row the Atlantic solo in Dec 2022.  Mike opens up regarding his formative years, the leadership opportunities he grabbed when they presented themselves to him, what principles he took away from the Royal Marines and how they helped him through his 16 years in his confidential MOD department career that followed.  

Mike now owns and runs Roundhay Leeds Gracie Barra BJJ gym which is the fastest growing in Europe.  A full contact sport and gym which he started in lockdown.  In his spare time he is training for the Talisker Atlantc ocean row event in Dec 2022 where he is hoping to raise over £100,000 for Leeds Children hospital.  

Gaz and Mike talk all things leadership, principles, goals, resilience...and life!