In this episode, we're joined by Mike Nellis, founder of Authentic and executive chairman of QUILLER. Mike shares his journey from early political engagement to founding a values-driven digital agency and a pioneering AI platform. He opens up about overcoming personal mental health challenges and emphasizes the importance of empathy, leadership, and responsive government.

What We Discuss:

• How Mike Nellis turned a toxic workplace experience into a successful values-based company.

• Why mental health and workplace culture are core pillars of Mike’s leadership.

• The strategic role of AI in political campaigns and how it’s changing the game.

• Insights on effective fundraising, the current political climate, and what the Democratic Party needs to do differently.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:00 – Mike’s introduction and political fundraising background

• 02:00 – Leaving a toxic workplace and founding Authentic

• 04:00 – Mike’s personal journey through mental health and weight loss

• 07:00 – His daily mental health “toolkit”

• 12:00 – From Republican household to Obama rally

• 19:00 – Mike’s evolving political values and client strategies

• 27:00 – Firsthand experience confronting political abuse of power

• 35:00 – Diagnosing what went wrong in the 2024 election

• 48:00 – Navigating AI ethics and strategy

• 53:00 – Endless Urgency: Mike’s life motto and Substack

Featured Quotes:
“Every day, you should do something for your mind, your body, and your spirit.” – Mike Nellis
“Politics is a game of addition, not subtraction.” – Mike Nellis
“I want a government that shows up when people need it—and then gets out of the way.” – Mike Nellis

Resources Mentioned:

• QUILLER.ai – https://www.quiller.ai

• Authentic – https://authentic.org/

• Endless Urgency Substack – https://endlessurgency.substack.com

• @mikenellis.bsky.social | www.threads.com/@mike_nellis

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