Mike Rhodes, Founder and Main Ideas Guy at Mike Rhodes Ideas, has a reputation for seeing what others don’t. From building and selling four businesses—including WebSavvy, one of Australia’s largest independent agencies recognised by Google as a top global performer—to co-authoring The Ultimate Guide to Google Ads, the world’s best-selling book on the subject, Mike’s career is a masterclass in innovation and execution. In this checkout chat, Mike opens up about his inspirations, the tools that power his life, and the wisdom he’s gained along the way.
Daily Fuel for the Idea Machine
Creativity doesn’t come out of thin air, and for Mike, it’s all about staying curious and cultivating habits that keep him inspired. “I’ve got a notebook that goes with me everywhere, but I’ve been using the ChatGPT voice app more and more. I’ll talk through ideas… like brainstorming this and bouncing back and forth. Help me decide which one to do first,” he shared. These brainstorming tools allow him to process ideas and find clarity quickly.
But creativity isn’t just about work. For Mike, balance is equally important. “Walking my daughters to school is a ritual. It grounds me. That and getting lost in the forest on my mountain bike,” he explained. These moments give his mind the freedom to wander, which often leads to his best ideas.
Wisdom from the Pages
Books have always been a source of inspiration for Mike, offering insights that continue to shape his thinking. One standout is Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick. “That is one of the best AI books I’ve read over the past year,” Mike explained.
It’s probably six months old, still very, very relevant… makes it super accessible, great examples.
He also recommended The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. “It’s a book that changes the way you think about problem-solving. I read it early in my career, and it’s one of those books you come back to again and again.” Its lessons about efficiency and finding bottlenecks in systems have deeply influenced the way he approaches challenges. Another favourite is The One Thing by Gary Keller, which has shaped his belief in focus and prioritisation.
Mike’s advice for book lovers? “Whenever anybody recommends a book, I buy it there and then… I certainly don’t read them all straight away… but I believe when the time is right, I will dip into the right book or you’ll pick it up and read those two chapters that matter.”
The Tools That Keep Him Ahead
As someone deeply invested in efficiency, Mike relies on cutting-edge tools to stay productive. One of his favourites is Cursor, a coding assistant: “It’s basically autocomplete for code. You think it, you start typing the first couple of characters, and it goes, ‘You mean this?’” This tool speeds up the process, letting him create “10 or 15 lines at a time” with ease.
While tools like ChatGPT and Claude power his technical work, Mike keeps things simple when needed. “I’ve got a notebook that goes with me everywhere,” he said. Sometimes, he even revisits pen and paper. “There’s something about the act of writing that helps you think more clearly.” For Mike, tools aren’t just about getting work done—they’re about creating space to think and innovate.
Inspired by Mission-Driven Brands
When it comes to brands that inspire him, Mike doesn’t hesitate to highlight those with a clear mission and a strong sense of purpose. “A couple of old clients, actually—Hailey from Sheet Society and Ben from Frank Green,” Mike shared. “The way they run their businesses with happy teams, clear missions, and great growth—it’s incredible. Love what they do.”
Mike admires their ability to create businesses that not only succeed financially but also resonate deeply with their customers and teams. Speaking about Hailey, he added
She’s been through so much, from being a mum in business to building a brand that people love. And she and Andy have done an amazing job running the business together.
For Mike, these brands aren’t just about selling products—they’re about building movements and creating genuine connections with their communities. It’s a reminder that great businesses are built on more than just great products—they’re built on purpose and people.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mike believes AI will have a transformative impact, but not in the way many expect. “There’s this great line from a Hemingway book… ‘How did you go bankrupt?’ ‘Gradually, then suddenly.’ I think that’s the impact of AI. It’s slow, slow, slow, slow, and then bang.”
While he doesn’t foresee dramatic changes to ecommerce in the next 12 months, Mike anticipates shifts in how informational queries are handled. “We don’t want 10 blue links. We want the answer,” he explains, pointing to the rise of tools like ChatGPT. For businesses, it’s crucial to prepare by ensuring their content is crawlable and accessible to AI tools. “If we go really far out… there’s going to be an awful lot of AIs talking to other AIs… APIs all the way down.”
His advice is clear: “The future isn’t something you react to—it’s something you prepare for.” Businesses that experiment with AI and adapt early will position themselves for success in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
The Checkout is a short snippet of our conversations.
