What happens when God asks you to make a move that looks like career suicide? Michael Wozniak, business leadership coach, author, and former global NBA executive, said "yes" and it changed everything.
In this episode, we explore Michael’s remarkable journey of obedience, risk, and faith. After a meteoric rise at Pepsi and completing graduate school, he felt called by God to pivot into international sports marketing by taking a job without pay and in a country where he didn’t even speak the language. Mike’s courage and trust led to a dream role with the NBA, leading the launch of its global expansion during the 1992 “Dream Team” Olympics in Japan.
God later asked Mike to lay down his “Isaac” (his love for sports) and step into ministry. Through unexpected connections, he helped launch “Kid’s Games,” a Bible-based global sports outreach now in over 140 countries.
Today, Mike coaches leaders and teams, focusing on culture, communication, and self-awareness. Drawing on tools like the Five Voices of Leadership, he equips others to lead with humility and courage.
This episode is a masterclass in what it means to trust God when the path makes no sense. Mike reminds us: “When ‘good and faithful servant’ is your mantra, your path will not be linear. When you're walking in obedience, never trust your eyes, because it’ll never look the way you think it should.”
EPISODE COMING SOON!
More about Mike:
Michael Wozniak is a Business Leadership coach fighting for people’s highest good unlocking leadership potential at every level. He believes strongly helping owners and leaders grow themselves, grow their people, and grow their business. A relational intelligence expert, his focus is on culture, communication, relationships, alignment, and execution driving performance and profit. Prior, Michael worked at the National Basketball Association around the 1992 Dream Team and launched the NBA in Japan. He also helped launch Kids Games, a global children & sports movement, scaling it to over 150 countries reaching millions of children annually. Michael has owned multiple businesses and currently owns a volleyball club along with his consulting agency. He is an author of the book “Employee Drift” sharing how to lead people purposefully in support, clarity & trust. Employee disengagement doesn't happen overnight. It's a gradual process, a drift, often caused by a lack of effective leadership. However, when employees feel valued, supported, and inspired, they show up differently. They stop working for you and start working with you. Michael and wife Beth have been married for 32 years and have four adult children, a daughter-in-law, and one granddaughter. He lives in Grand Rapids, MI.