Sad news

I have known Mike since I first started in business when I was 25 years old. He had just started with Venture Capital firm, Nanyang Ventures, and I worked on the publicity surrounding his appointment and later on was invited to work from their very prestigious offices at the NAB Building in George Street, while I was getting my business off the ground in Sydney.

Working only metres from a man who was somewhat of a mentor to me on business and in personal life, was a privilege. He always gave me the time of day and would often come over to my desk if I was having a hard day and ask if I would like a coffee or a glass of wine.

We talked about everything imaginable and I was always in awe of his wisdom and the great advice he gave me. He was a remarkable man who achieved so much both personally and professionally. Many businesses in Australia would not be where they are today, if it had not been for Mike's influence, direction and business know-how.

I remember distinctly one day when we decided to go over the road for a glass of wine at the Establishment to talk about a business we both were working on, and he said to me "was I happy with my lot in life?" Of course, I wasn't... but I was only 25 or 26 years old. I wanted more. I was in a long-term relationship with an awesome person but we started to travel down different paths, my business was going through the roof but given that I was so ambitious - that wasn't enough and there were still so many things I wanted to do and achieve.

When I asked him the same question, he answered "yes". Mike was very happy with his "LOT" in life. At the time, I think he was in his late 40s and he had a very happy marriage to a woman he loved and adored. He had two step sons who he thought the world of and there would not be a week that went by that he didn't come to office and tell me about a proud moment he had had with the boys or that they had done something that made him laugh.

Career-wise he had achieved everything and venture capital was his next stage.

And he loved talking to people, getting to know them, sharing experiences and knowledge and giving the odd piece of good advice on my love life.

I will always treasure those times when we would sit for an hour or so and talk about business and life. He was an amazing mentor and a kind generous friend. Someone I will remember forever.