About the Book
Leadership doesn't come with a map-but it might come with a quest.
Weird is the New Normal is not your average leadership book. Blending vivid storytelling with deep insight, this one-of-a-kind narrative follows Arcanus, a wizard navigating a turbulent, enchanted world that just happens to mirror the chaos of modern leadership. Along the way, he encounters strange allies, surprising challenges, and moments of clarity that illuminate what it really means to lead with purpose.
Through a cleverly woven tale filled with charm, magic, and adventure, readers uncover essential lessons on empathy, communication, accountability, and the power of diverse thinking. Each twist in the story reflects a real-world leadership challenge, offering a practical, thoughtful perspective on how to lead with authenticity-even in the face of uncertainty.
Whether you're a new leader finding your footing, a seasoned professional looking to reconnect with your values, or someone who simply thinks a little differently, this book invites you to reimagine what leadership can be. Forget rigid theories and dry frameworks-this is leadership through storytelling, where imagination and insight go hand in hand.
Because in a world that doesn't always make sense, the best leaders are the ones willing to be a little weird.
About the Author :
Most people chase leadership like it's a summit to climb-degrees, MBAs, frameworks, lanyards, acronyms. There's a roadmap for it, and a line to get in. I fell into it backwards, through a side door made of Lego, carrying a rally helmet, a server rack, and an armful of fantasy novels, movies, and dreams. There was probably a half-drunk coffee somewhere in the mix too-there usually is. I've never really been drawn to what's normal. Normal is what built the Industrial Era. Normal is what gave us hierarchy, control, and rigid systems that worked-until they didn't. Normal is what breaks under pressure in the Digital Era, where complexity, speed, and ambiguity rule. I believe weirdness-real, principled, intentional weirdness-is where progress begins. And I've made a career out of seeing what others miss. That's not marketing spin. That's just... how my brain is wired. Through M31 Consulting, I work with leaders and founders who accidentally lost control of their digital direction. They handed it off-sometimes to vendors, sometimes to internal teams, sometimes just to chaos-and now they want it back. Not to manage it line by line, but to lead it with clarity, confidence, and heart. I help them do that, not as a coach, not as a techie, but as a guide. A translator between the seen and the unseen. Between humans and machines. Between legacy systems and what's next. But at the centre of it all is a mission: to help people see what's been hiding in plain sight. Because in a world of dashboards and data, of automation and AI, the real leadership gap isn't technical-it's human. The Industrial Era taught us how to follow. The Digital Era demands we learn how to adapt. And when we embrace the weird, lean into imagination, and reclaim the parts of ourselves we were told to leave at the door? That's when the magic happens. If you're ready to lead from that place... I'm already on your team.
Review :
Mike's book is a richly layered work, guiding readers through a journey told in a charmingly mystical and quirky storytelling style, interwoven with established leadership traits and competencies framed for an emergent future. I recommend this book to all new or emerging leaders and current leaders who are challenged to think differently.Nicholas Bewick - JP, FGIA, FCG (CS, CGP), FCPA, CA
The characters (Arcanus and the committee volunteers) and their adventures showed the importance of purposeful leading. It explains that leadership isn't about the activity but the outcome. This book taught me valuable ideas about leadership, making decisions, and creating real impact.Jenalle Bushby - Canberra Branch Manager, Australian Computer Society (ACS)
I have never come across the blend that Mike has managed in his book. It takes courage to mix the world of management and speak with the language of a fantasy story.Dr Paul Roe - The Outback Historian
This is a bold and imaginative work that seamlessly intertwines professional insights with compelling storytelling. More than just a book, it's an immersive experience that challenges conventional leadership thinking while drawing readers into a richly crafted world.Shane Williams - Strategic Technology & Leadership Advisor
As a school principal, I found myself captivated and inspired by this narrative, which blends fantasy with practical leadership insights.Ella Meyer - Principal M.Ed., B.Ed., Adv.Dip.Counsel, MACE
Prepare to be transported to a realm where steam-powered water wheels become lessons in stakeholder value, and enchanted forests offer insights into strategic unity. This isn't just a story; it's a cleverly disguised masterclass in leadership, guaranteed to leave you both entertained and enlightened.Beau Dean - MBA Student
This mysterious blend of wisdom and storytelling is engaging, entertaining, and informative. If you take the time to mine it well, this blend of wizardry and leadership will leave you with many new skills.Dr Kenneth Meyer - Wired 4 Imagination
I highly recommend this book to those embarking on their leadership journey. It won't drown you in abstract concepts but will equip you with the knowledge to seek deeper understanding.Justeen Kirk - Founder & CEO
As an author, I deeply understand the passion and effort that goes into writing a book-it truly is a labour of love. I believe this approach will resonate with unique and diverse audiences, providing immense insight. I'm excited about the potential for this work to extend beyond the book format.Katrina Macdermid - Cofounder & Director @ HIT Global
As a neurodivergent IT professional turned business consultant, Meyer offers a unique perspective on leadership, making this book particularly valuable for those who don't fit the traditional corporate mould. Mike Parker - Founder @ Parker IT
Unlike many other books about leadership, Michael has cleverly blended pop culture and theory to give practical examples of how to read between the lines to develop emotional intelligence.Dr Vicki Gardiner - Associations Executive
This book will not be a once-read-only thing. It will be important to k
