coaching for authenticity, clarity, and skillful change
I Work With
leaders
pursuing clarity, steadiness, and authenticity in work and life
founders
navigating shifting responsibilities, relationships, and expectations
mission-driven professionals
seeking resilience, insight, and ease in demanding roles
anyone
ready to reconnect with what feels true
About Me
I’ve spent much of my life and career helping people navigate complexity and messiness by helping them look closely. My background spans corporate strategy, leadership advisory, organizational development, and community organizing. I have a BA in Biology from UChicago and an MBA in Leadership from WashU. The thread through all of it is a deep interest in helping people grow, find meaning, and make wise decisions.
I came to coaching because I care about clarity, authenticity, and the kind of inner steadiness that lets people move skillfully through life. My perspective is shaped by mindfulness, psychology, and systems thinking, and I bring a grounded, honest, and curious presence to the work. My broad base of experience and knowledge across business, science, and social systems allows my work to be highly customized, tailored to clients’ unique contexts and needs.
My style is direct, warm, and challenging in a thoughtful way.
I’ll listen and notice closely, and I’ll tell you what I see. More importantly, I’ll ask you questions to help you see for yourself. My questions aim for the root of what’s going on, and I’ll push you when it matters.
If you’re looking for someone who simply listens or nods along, I’m not the coach for you. But if you want depth, honesty, and real movement, let’s talk.
My Approach is…
Solution-focused
Together we imagine a future state for your life, and we work through the messiness of moving toward that future state
Authentic
I create a space where you can be honest with yourself and explore what’s true without pressure or judgment
Empowering
I believe you already have the wisdom you need — my role is to help you access it and move with greater clarity and skill
Testimonials
“Gain clarity”
Michael is a fabulous and very helpful coach. His calm presence and attentive listening combined with the powerful questions he has asked have helped me gain clarity and take intentional action to achieve goals that previously felt very challenging. I highly recommend him.
Robyn Graham
/
Business Consultant
“Met me exactly where I was”
As one of Michael’s first clients—and a founder navigating the early stages of building my own business—I found tremendous value in his coaching. Michael helped me integrate spiritual insight with practical guidance, supporting me through challenges in my work, relationships, and personal growth.
As a coach myself for over a decade (in the world of competitive soccer), I understand the power of having someone in your corner. Executive coaching is one of the most consistent recommendations I’ve seen from seasoned leaders and business books alike, and I’m glad I listened. Michael met me exactly where I was, and we’ve grown together since.
I highly recommend his consulting and coaching work to any founder or professional ready to step into their next level.
“Transformative experience”
Working with Michael has been a transformative experience. When I first started, I was stuck—trapped by my own limiting beliefs, fear of change, and resistance to growth. I didn’t realize how much I was holding myself back until he helped me confront those barriers.
Through thoughtful guidance, deep listening, and unwavering support, Michael created a space where I felt safe enough to be honest with myself. He challenged me when I needed it, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and celebrated every small breakthrough along the way.
Thanks to our work together, I’ve opened up in ways I never thought possible. I’m not just more confident—I’m more me. I’ve learned to embrace growth, welcome change, and trust in my own ability to create a life that reflects who I truly am.
I am deeply grateful for Michael and would recommend him to anyone who is ready to move past what’s been holding them back and step into a fuller version of themselves.
Dani Taylor
/
Educator
What Is Coaching?
Coaching is a collaborative, thought-provoking, and creative process that inspires clients to maximize their personal and professional potential. The aim is to facilitate a client’s ability to self-lead their learning and growth toward a future state, while respecting they already have the resilience, resourcefulness, and competence to build upon on their road to success.
Coach, Counselor, Consultant: What’s the Difference?
Coaching
…helps you move forward. It’s a client-led process focused on goals, growth, and insight. A coach helps you clarify what matters, navigate change, and take action. While we a coach cares about how your past shaped you, they don’t dwell in the past. Coaching works in the present to shape your future.
Consulting
…brings in expertise to provide advice and solutions. While consulting is directive and might tell a client what to do, coaching is always collaborative and client-led. I offer consulting services through Rooted Insight.
Counseling
…tends to look backward and typically works with clients who struggle with their mental health. Also called therapy, counseling is often used to heal emotional pain or trauma, and it’s led by a licensed mental health professional. Coaching is not therapy and isn’t a substitute for mental health care.