Michael Bruce, Class of 1989, was voted Most Likely to Succeed by his senior classmates. His peers predicted correctly as Mike was the Chairman of Ambleside School, a Christ-centered K-8 school based in Northern Virginia, ran a national security and defense company for two decades, and is currently the President and CEO of Sirius Talent, a national workforce management company with 600 employees across 40+ states.
While facing the challenges of managing people in a multi-generational workforce, meeting needs, supporting development, and handling grievances, he strives to stay mission-focused, profit-driven, and people-oriented. Mike has been able to pursue what he feels is his true vocation throughout his career — bringing faith into the marketplace through his technology and leadership gifting, always striving to show mercy, love justice, and walk humbly.
Let’s hear more from Mike about why he believes that TCS set him up for success.
What do you love most about TCS?
It has remained steady in a culture that continually drifts. I’m encouraged reading newsletters and seeing social media posts of an institution that knows who it is and what it stands for.
What is one word that best describes the school? Why?
Essential. TCS both sows the seed and develops good soil in its students.
Describe one of your favorite memories of TCS.
So many! I attended K-12 and remember much of my experience throughout the years. I could easily point to gym class, choir concerts, our senior class trip, field day, the brook overflowing, the middle school building construction, superthons for the bus and the gym, grandparents day, PTF open houses, talent shows, math basketball, teen arts festivals, sports championships, racing up front before school, home room hot lunch announcements (beefburger, cheeseburger, toasted cheese, torpedo lol), and on and on. To pick one? The entire school holding hands as we made a ring around campus and prayed for more space to expand. He heard and He acted.
From your own experience, why do you believe it was important for you to attend TCS?
I was given a firm foundation. I learned how to think, reason, communicate, listen, love, and have empathy, traits that are essential for living and for life.
How are faith and learning integrated at TCS?
It’s presented as a cohesive whole. God is Author and Creator of all that is good. TCS reveals His wisdom, creativity, and excellence across the sciences, arts, and technical fields.
In what ways did TCS prepare you for college and beyond?
TCS taught me Truth so that I could navigate with discernment. It taught me skills so that I could explore and discover. It taught me compassion so that I could engage without judgement.
What would you tell a friend to encourage them to send their child to TCS?
Heart and mind: both must be developed skillfully and with intentionality. Much of today’s educational system is not geared toward personal and professional development, it emphasizes personal freedoms and culture assimilation. TCS provides building blocks for life within a framework of growth and preparedness.
Mike (left), his father Albert (middle), former TCS Trustee, and brother Bert (right) (Class of ’85)
Mike and his family at his daughter’s recent wedding.