Mike and I worked closely together for the nearly two years I was at Parkside Lending. His role (COO) required a great deal of organizational acumen given the number of different functions in loan operations. And in an inherently fast-paces and volatile industry, he also faced many business challenges that required quick but well-considered decisions and actions. Mike's grace under pressure is almost inhuman. He has an uncanny ability to think strategically in the face of any hurdle and share his rationale in an thoughtful but efficient manner that inspires confidence from his peers and subordinates.

Mike also has a deep and genuine commitment to the values and culture in an organization. He understands the inherent connection between employee engagement/connection and business success. More leaders are talking about this dynamic these days, but many fewer are walking the talk. Mike was a true partner in my efforts to create a culture of inclusion, respect and connectedness at Parkside. His ability to collaborate with confidence but no ego is a rare attribute that I appreciated at every turn. And maybe most importantly, working with Mike is fun!! 

I had the privilege of collaborating with Michael on successful large-scale change initiatives as well as leadership development and career path design projects. Michael operates with humility and empathy and inspires others to leverage their strengths. He brings many skills and years of experience while also being an approachable and inclusive leader. 

Mike is equipped with skills that double on the operations and credit risk side of the house. In my time with Mike, he exemplified the meaning of a true "leader" and "operator" in a company by consistently staying abreast of the overall mortgage industry, as well as credit and compliance changes, and effectively communicating those updates down through the organization. Mike is agile and quick to create solutions. He leads when collaborating with his peer group, executive team, and all other strategic stakeholders. He is polished and can effectively present at all levels and functions of a company, including its Board of Directors. Mike is approachable and offers his assistance always, even if it's not in his span of control. I hope that I am able to work with Mike again in the future. 

Not often do people get an opportunity to report to and/or work with a manager and colleague who is also a mentor and coach. I've worked with Mike in several companies and in all roles I've held whether they were directly reporting to Mike or working as a colleague, I've been blessed with an amazing opportunity to learn from someone who is extremely patient and genuinely desires to see people excel. He is incredibly hard working and knowledgeable in so many facets of business and shares that knowledge to help the team excel. 

Mike has a unique ability to communicate so clearly and effectively it immediately commands a room to get on board with ideas or to see the bigger picture. I've personally observed Mike take charge of multiple projects in a way that made a dramatic difference in productivity levels of our business. I has been an honor to know and work with Mike! 

I had the privilege of working with Mike over a four-year period early in my career, and I can’t say enough good things about him.

He is a great leader, a powerful motivator, and dynamic communicator with exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

His leadership abilities and professionalism gave me a blueprint to follow that continues to help me grow professionally to this day.

I can’t thank him enough for his continued friendship and professional support. 

I had the pleasure of working with Mike Burns for almost 2 years. As my leader he was professional, organized, and a great strategist.

We worked directly on many projects. He was a great mentor . 

His knowledge and leadership within all operational processes is a great asset.