Mike W.

Certified coach and artist-entrepreneur helping leaders thrive; ADHD and LGBTQ+ affirming
• Available this week
Certified NLP practitioner
Licensed and practicing medial professional
Experience supporting clients through major life transitions
5.0
About Zola
Coaching Approach
Michael brings a beginner’s mind to every conversation, helping clients slow down, see clearly, and lead with steadiness and curiosity. His coaching blends leadership experience, cross-cultural insight, and spiritual grounding to support people navigating complexity, identity, and meaningful life transitions.

Profile

My career began on the opera stage, where I spent two decades learning how deliberate practice builds presence and peak performance. Detours to rural China and Denmark deepened my understanding of culture, context, and how to notice and cultivate what's ready to emerge rather than force change.

I brought this perspective into entrepreneurship as co-founder and COO of a talent acquisition agency serving early-stage startups, then into advising founders and executives on team growth and dynamics. These paths converged into executive coaching, where I help leaders cultivate presence, navigate transitions, and replace self-imposed limits with grounded possibility.

Background

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"Working with Michael has been a really interesting and surprising experience that has provided me with a clearer vision of my role and enhanced my leadership and communication skills. His insightful approach, especially in guiding me to discover solutions through thoughtful conversations, has been transformative."
Charlie, Executive Director of Non-profit

What clients say

What our clients are saying

Join professionals from Google, Amazon, and more who’ve transformed their careers with pathalign.

Dhivya

L&D leader, ex-Google

"Working with Michael has been a really interesting and surprising experience that has provided me with a clearer vision of my role and enhanced my leadership and communication skills. His insightful approach, especially in guiding me to discover solutions through thoughtful conversations, has been transformative."

Debo

Director, Educate Nigeria

"My sessions have been really helpful. Sometimes I leave surprised at how clearly I now understand something I had been struggling with or been oblivious to for a long time."

Nicole

Principal, McKinsey

"I have been navigating a stressful career change, and my coach has been a lifeline throughout the process, helping me rebuild my confidence and lean into my strengths."