Michael is the CEO of KONU. His leadership development work draws on his experience as an entrepreneur, professional dancer, and educator.

Michael teaches leadership at NYU Wagner. He holds master's degrees in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School and in education from Marburg University, Germany. Michael earned his Leadership Coaching certification from Georgetown University.

He founded and developed several bilingual K-12 charter schools in Germany (Phorms Education) and is co-founder and board member of the Adaptive Leadership Network for which received the Julius E. Babbitt Memorial Volunteer Award.

Michael was the 2001 Silver Medalist at the European Championship in Rock ’n’ Roll Acrobatic Dance – and worked as a dance coach and choreographer for more than 15 years, with both beginners and champions.