Mike Searles shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Mike, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
These days, with so much noise and uncertainty out there, **integrity really stands out**—maybe even more than smarts or hustle. Being sharp and driven can get you far, sure, but if people can’t trust you, it all starts to fall apart. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one’s watching, and that kind of character builds real trust. And in a world that’s craving honesty and authenticity, that matters more than ever.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey there! I’m Mike Searles—travel advisor, entrepreneur, and the heart behind **Mike’s Travel Hub LLC**. I help people plan trips that feel personal, exciting, and stress-free—whether it’s a dreamy cruise, a bucket-list adventure, or a special group celebration.
What makes my travel business different? It’s not just about booking flights and hotels—it’s about listening, understanding what really lights you up, and making sure your trip reflects *you*. I bring a lot of heart to what I do because I truly care. I’ve been through my own journey (including a life-changing liver transplant), and it’s made me even more passionate about helping others live fully and travel well.
These days, I’m working on some amazing group trips, growing a fun line of travel-themed merch, and sharing helpful, honest travel tips—because let’s face it, planning a trip should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
When someone’s words and actions don’t line up, it creates cracks in the foundation of trust. You start to second-guess, pull back, and the connection fades. But the good news? Communication can heal that. When we’re *willing* to talk openly, own our mistakes, and really listen, it gives relationships a chance to feel safe again. It’s not always easy—but it’s how bonds are rebuilt, one honest moment at a time.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain the moment I realized that pretending to be “fine” was exhausting—and honestly, it wasn’t fooling anyone. Once I started accepting myself, flaws and all, and showed up as my full, messy, authentic self… something shifted. People didn’t pull away—they leaned in. There’s power in being real. That’s where connection lives.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
When I was a pre-teen, I genuinely thought relationships were easy—as long as two people got along, everything would just *work*. This was before I’d even been in one, of course. Now I know better. Real relationships take effort—communication, patience, humility, and a whole lot of learning and unlearning. “Getting along” is just the beginning. The real work is in showing up, even when it’s not easy.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I learned early on that praise feels good—but it’s fleeting. If I only did my best for the applause, I’d constantly be chasing something out of my control. So yes, I could give everything my best, even without recognition, because I’ve learned to find pride in *how* I show up, not who’s watching.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mikestravelhub.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mikestravelhub
