What they are saying about Mike Bass

Sports Fan Coach

“Mike is a great listener and always asks good and pertinent questions to pull things out of you to get to the root of the problem in a painless and even enjoyable way. His many years in sports journalism makes him a good interviewer. He never tells you what to do but instead lets you come to the conclusion and realization yourself, of what you have to do to solve your problem.

“I’m a stock trader, but there’s no better investment than to invest in yourself. And with Mike’s help and his unbridled enthusiasm, you will make yourself a better person.

“When I watch my favorite sports teams now, I am better able to control my emotions, even my pulse rate and breathing, and stay calmer, due to Mike’s help. He helped me to focus on staying calmer throughout the game.

“I am better at dealing with the high expectations that frequently arise at the beginning of a new season, by managing and changing those expectations to more realistic levels, thus reducing any sports rage and anger that I used to feel. I no longer indulge in profanity laced tirades like I used to do, thanks to Mike’s help.

“Try him out today if you’ve ever felt like I used to feel. He will help you alleviate your anger and help put things in perspective. You will be glad you did.”

— Sanford Cherney, Day Trader

“Prior to seeing Mike Bass for Sports Fan Coaching sessions, Sanford would get really mad and swear if his team wasn’t winning. Thanks to Mike’s coaching, Sanford can now watch his games without any anger and foul language. Mike has been a great mentor and inspiration for Sanford.

— Frieda Feiger, Sanford’s Girlfriend

Sports Widow(er)s Coach

“Mike is a fantastic coach. He is thoughtful and intuitive, always asking just the right question to get me thinking. His love of sports and those who love sports coupled with his coaching expertise make him uniquely qualified to help those with concerns related to the impact sports are having on their lives. He helped me build empathy for my hubby's love (obsession) for all sports and find ways for us to have fun together. I highly recommend Mike!”

— Amy Dahn, Life & Leadership Development Coach

Youth Sports Parents Coach

“Mike is truly a fantastic sports coach! He helped me see my daughter's performance on the court in a different light giving me a much healthier perspective towards her and travel sports. I went from stressed-out and irritated while watching her games, to enjoying and appreciating her games. Mike is supportive, compassionate, knowledgeable, and a true pleasure to be coached by.  I'm fortunate to have been coached by one of the best!”

— Rebecca Maley, Nurse Career Coach and Consultant

Coach

“Mike has been incredibly helpful in helping me process some really big life choices that have weighed on me. I initially started our sessions with a very narrow scope in mind — wrestling with a decision that was right in front of me. Mike helped me step back from that decision and look at the bigger questions about how I see myself, what I value as a professional, in my family and my personal life.

“Talking with Mike has been really helpful in giving me the confidence to make the best decision for myself and my family, as well as reassure myself that those decisions are being made without the influence of other distractions and anxieties.

“Mike is a great listener, asks really engaging questions that have helped reframe my perspective, and lead to real epiphanies about what I want in life.”

— Chris Walljasper, Agriculture Reporter at Reuters News Agency

“Mike Bass has coached me for six months. He is a brilliant listener who helps me notice what I'm missing in situations. Creativity and fun are important to me in my work, and Mike brings these to our sessions in interesting and productive ways. I highly recommend Mike, even though I know nothing about sports! Mike and I work on my business development topics.”

— Rita Jupe, Principal at The Jupe Group

“Mike helped me through a difficult life transition when I was contemplating a job change for the first time in many years, one that would take me away from a rewarding journalism career. It was a wrenching decision, with many factors at play, and I was overwhelmed with stress. Mike helped me work through all of my conflicting emotions step by step - never directing but asking thoughtful questions that allowed me to reach my own conclusions. His caring, patient approach and expert guidance helped me zero in on what mattered most to me and my family, giving me confidence moving forward. I would highly recommend Mike to anyone facing a major life decision!”

— Julie Wurth, Communications Specialist for iSEE, University of Illinois

Writing Coach/Writer

“Mike coached me when I was writing my book. He is extremely knowledgeable as a writer, editor and reporter and provided me with very valuable insights on how to move forward while writing my book. His thoughtful and empathetic approach to coaching was extremely helpful to me at some critical junctures in my book writing journey. He is a great coach and I have a published book to prove it!”

— Terry McDougall, Executive Coach and Talent Optimization Consultant

“Prior to contacting Mike, I had a lot of thoughts about a project that I just couldn’t get down on paper. He effectively coached me to define my message and gathered information from me in an engaging way. He turned my thoughts into an amazing piece of writing that not only reflects the messaging I was striving for, but also one that I enjoy sharing with my clients. He is an amazing writer who can seamlessly capture your voice, mission, story, or an endless list of other possibilities!”

— Julie Prato, Speech Pathologist at ChatAbilities

“Mike is an incredible resource I highly recommend. We have worked together on a myriad of projects and his skillset seems to be limitless. He employs thoughtful questioning and seeks first to genuinely understand his clients which is reflected in the quality of the engagement and the deliverables. His unique combination of expertise across disciplines has helped me develop a variety skills in addition to my writing.” 

— Amanda Lubert, Director, Business Development at SAP

Journalist

“I worked with Mike at the St. Paul Pioneer Press for nine years. Mike is a proven leader and helped me become a better manager. Mike understands how to develop people, encourage their growth and is great listener. He understands what makes people tick and puts them in position to succeed. I would not be at ESPN if Mike hadn’t challenged me day in and day out to be the best I could be.”

— John Pluym, Senior Deputy Editor/NFL at ESPN

“Mike is a top-notch, well-rounded journalist. He grew up in the traditional newspaper business and still holds to those ideals, but he understands where the business is headed and is a leader — not a follower — in many of the innovations of digital media. His experience at Land of 10 helped him develop and hone new skills, and he can help you no matter what form of journalism you practice. Mike is a proven leader, is extremely organized and is both an idea generator and an idea developer. He also has a keen eye for talent and an ability to manage diverse personalities. Mike really understands how to empower his people, encouraging their growth and, in the process, improving the product.” 

 — Barry Forbis, former Assistant Managing Editor/Sports at Cincinnati Post

Adjunct Professor

“Mike Bass is an amazing writer, editor and mentor. His thoughtful counsel and deep knowledge of and connections in media have been of tremendous benefit to me and the scores of Northwestern students with whom he has worked. I personally have found his advice to be both sound and actionable. He is a great resource for anyone looking for solid life and career guidance.”

— Charles Whitaker, Dean, Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University