I’m very sad to report that Mikey Trafton has died, unexpectedly and far too young.
Mikey was an extraordinary human. He was introduced to us by Jason Cohen at WP Engine who told me I should have him speak. Jason said Mikey was a brilliant story-teller with an exceptional ability to communicate and explain though definitely not one of those folk who are, ‘on the speaking circuit’. That was true, but Mikey was so much more than that. He was a delightful person who always left you happier and smarter after you spoke with him.
He attended 8 Business of Software Conferences and spoke at four of them. He was not only a brilliant speaker, people that spent time with him would often mention what a kind and generous person he was. He even made someone ‘like’ hiring.
I, and the BoS community, have lost a great friend.
Mikey’s BoS Talks have become classics and perhaps no surprise that every single talk was about people and teams.
How to Build a World Class Culture in 3 Easy Steps
A talk that started with Mikey describing how his entire team walked out on him which made him realize how important culture was. This talk helped techies to understand the framework underlying company culture and what you can do about it.
Recruiting a Bad-ass Team
As it sounds. How can you decide the kind of people that you want to work with and then make sure that they make the choice to work with you.
How To Manage Your Badass Team
Again, self-explantory but filled with super-practical advice and ideas about how to lead well.
Finding Your Super Powers
My personal favorite as it made me realise I had spent a significant part of my life worrying that I’m terrible at x or y and need to get better, when I really probably should have been thinking about how I can do more of the stuff I love and am great at, then find a way to work with people who love the stuff I am bad at.
Our deepest condolences to his parents, Dot & Jack, the love of his life, Charlotte, their two children Owen and Meredith, his family and all those who were proud to know him and consider him a friend.
Mikey, you will be sorely missed. Know that you have made a difference.