Going Deep: The Heartbeat of EO

By Mick Mullins, Longest-standing Member of the EO Queensland Chapter (28 years and still counting)

As the last remaining founding member of the Queensland chapter of EO, I’ve witnessed countless changes that have enriched our organisation and many personal transformations that have defined my journey.

My journey with EO began in 1996, during a time when a new breed of young entrepreneurs was emerging—an agile, idea-driven group eager to learn from one another. Over the years, I’ve collected numerous stories, but there’s one that stands out, encapsulating the essence of why I’m still a proud EO’er today.

In 2000, I found myself in Sydney, invited to a member dinner hosted by the Sydney Chapter. Twenty strangers gathered around a large dining table, united by our shared identity as EO members. Our host initiated a round of introductions, asking each of us to share a story about ourselves. Positioned to speak last, I listened as the discussion grew deeper, each member baring their vulnerabilities.

I had a safe story prepared, but I also had a ‘meaty’ one that I hesitated to share. As my turn approached, I knew I needed to dive deep.

I joined EO around the same time my eldest son, Michael Junior, was born. Not long after he was diagnosed with leukemia and experienced a brief remission. However, around the time my second child was born, Michael relapsed. To say those times were tough would be an understatement.

My EO forum knew about Michael’s health struggles and offered constant support. When I shared that his treatment was failing in an emergency forum meeting, my EO family sprang into action. Though they couldn’t cure him, they found a way to “fix it”.

Overnight, timber arrived at our home. By morning, a group of EO members were there, co-ordinating the extension of our deck. Michael spent his final days joyfully zooming around the deck on his scooter, and it was where we held his wake. To some, it might have been just a deck, but to me, it was an enduring testament of love and respect that I carry with me to this day.

Sharing that story over dinner was incredibly difficult, but it forged a deeper connection with everyone at the table. For one individual, the bond became even more profound.

A few years earlier, I had responded to a fellow EO member seeking advice about his niece with leukemia. I shared coping mechanisms, like organising the type of support people offered, so the family didn’t end up with an overwhelming number of lasagnas. That night, I discovered that this person was one of the twenty strangers at the table. Knowing my advice had made a difference, was deeply humbling.

Moments like these, and many others, illustrate why I remain an active EO member after 28 years.

I’ve shared my ‘meaty’ story many times, including at an EO Global Leadership Conference in front of thousands of members when I was the Global Chair. By going deep, I grant others permission to do the same. This vulnerability unlocks the true power of EO membership.

When you bare your soul, revealing your true self, it’s incredibly powerful. It fosters genuine connections and opens your heart to others. Thank you, EO, for helping me embrace this vulnerability and for profoundly impacting my life.