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Michael Sugihara - Headshot.jpg

MEET MICHAEL

Michael (he, him, his) creates opportunities to help others thrive holistically and live with purpose. Over the course of his career, Michael has had the privilege of teaching, coaching, and training diverse, global leaders to make an impact above and beyond themselves. Through various professional and volunteer roles, he has partnered with aspiring and established professionals, people leaders, local churches, students, institutions, and organizations to activate their potential and build their capacity to serve.

 

Michael holds a B.A. in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University and is a certified Positive Psychology coach. He is currently pursuing ACC credentialing with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Informed by his experiences in education, as a nonprofit co-founder, and as a Learning and Development professional at a Fortune 500 company, Michael sees each client as whole, creative, and resourceful. He approaches every session collaboratively, leveraging listening skills, powerful questions, values, strengths, solution-focused tools, and more to unlock breakthroughs and discover next steps. 

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When not working with clients, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, exploring new areas, and trying out fun coffee shops and restaurants. While he currently resides in central California, Michael was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and still cheers for Chicago sports teams and will gladly eat deep dish pizza (Lou Malnati’s) any day. A descendant of Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII, Michael is passionate about elevating the voices, stories, and lives of the historically underestimated and marginalized.

 

Michael may be a good fit for you if:

 

  • You're an aspiring or established leader desiring to grow your leadership alongside someone who thoughtfully listens, asks powerful questions, and connects with compassion.

  • You’re looking to make a career transition from the public/nonprofit sector to the private/corporate sector, but am not sure what it all entails.

  • You’re a nonprofit leader, startup founder, or board member who wants to make an impact, but finds themselves feeling overwhelmed or alone. 

  • You’re looking for a coach who can support and care for all of who you are, with experience navigating the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

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