Optimax Systems, Inc., is an optical components manufacturer, located in Ontario, N.Y. Founded in 1991 in the basement of a barn, the company, led by Mike as President, has grown to more than 350 teammates, of which, more than 300 are highly skilled technicians, engineers and scientists. A master optician himself, Mike has received numerous honors and awards over the years for his leadership and industry success. He holds associate degrees in optical engineering technology and engineering science from Monroe Community College and a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from Empire State College, as well as an Executive MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. An advocate for self-managed organizational structures that enable individual workers maximum control and ownership of their work domain, Mike has spearheaded the growth of this internationally renown organization. In this episode, Mike shares the concepts which have guided his leadership including treating all as their own best resource, identifying and building upon strengths, authentic interaction with others and a fundamental belief that people don’t need to be “managed.” He describes Optimax not as a company, but as a “society” that flourishes on transparency of decision making and complete respect for each individual member. Through his interaction with each team member, each team as well as the organization as a whole, Mike has fostered the creation of a societal culture that exemplifies many of the characteristics that are inherent in The Helping Conversation.