Empowering founders to thrive since 2010
I'm Michael Costuros, a tech startup founder with 6 years operational experience. Since leaving my company I have conducted more than 15,000 hours of coaching sessions with investor backed co-founders.
I know what you’re going through now and the problems that will blindside you after each round of funding.
My team and I will help you solve the most gut-wrenching issues you face as you rocket toward your big exit. Co-founder conflicts, toxic board dynamics, underperforming key hires and worse. You name it, we have coached our clients through to the best possible outcomes.
I want you to know what sets me apart from other coaches.
- I was an investor backed SaaS startup founder for 6 years
- I am an advisor to seed through C stage companies
- I have more than 15,000 hours of coaching experience
- I work with 10 clients or less to ensure you get the attention you need
- I am a behavior change expert
- I am a conflict mediation / communication expert
- My team is extraordinary and my network is vast
Whatever your challenge, we will leverage it to develop new leadership and management skills that will get you to the next stage and beyond.
If your ready to take a quantum leap, shoot me an email or schedule a call now. – Michael
Testimonials from Startup Founders and Executives
Recommendations from Michael's LinkedIn page
"As COO of Toca Boca I am confronted with the typical challenges all fast growth startup leaders face. I shared the most sensitive issues with Michael and could trust him to coach me in an honest and objective way, challenging me to think with new perspectives and to grow as a person. I am very grateful to have worked with Michael and would highly recommend him to any executive who wants to grow as a leader."
“I began working with Michael as I was considering hiring a CEO to bring our company to the next level and scale quickly. As founding-CEO, this was no easy decision! Michael proved to be both a compassionate thought partner and effective advisor. I decided to hire a CEO, and I have continued to work with Michael to help ensure a smooth transition, effective partnership, and continue my personal growth as an executive and leader.”
"I've had the pleasure of being coached by Michael as Co-founder & CEO of a 1000 person company. Michael sees the situation from multiple perspectives and provides you with clear vision on what and how to communicate your message for optimal results. He possess a vast set of skills within management consulting that provides you with tangible tools you can use again and again."
"Michael's style is the perfect balance of empathy and being able to challenge you on your less-than-productive implicit assumptions. Being coached by Michael will not only improve effectiveness at your job, but will make you reflect in new ways on your relationships outside of work as well. He draws from his breadth of knowledge in coaching, personal development, and Eastern thought to effectively tailor the coaching experience to the individual. I would heartily recommend Michael."
"What I like about Michael's style is that he really gets into the psychological stuff with you. What I found most helpful is that he would help me look under the hood in my brain and emotions so I could understand WHY I was making the decisions I was making or why I felt the way I did. What I appreciated most is that he is an advocate for YOU, not just for your company's bottom line. He taught me to work in a much more sustainable way and I'm much happier and healthier now."
"Michael has really helped Taulia’s C-team up-level our leadership skills by teaching us improved communication and innovative collaboration practices and transforming any unhealthy personality traits. Leading a company that grows 2-3x year over year puts a lot of stress on the team. Since starting with Michael two years ago I see how much more high functioning we are as a team, despite the stress. Personally I appreciate how Michael has helped me increase my emotional intelligence and as a result I believe I may have become a better CEO."
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“When searching for a coach, it was important to me that I found someone who had experienced what it was like to be a startup founder, as opposed to a traditional executive coach or a therapist-turned-coach, because of the unique dynamics at play that must be lived to be learned. I have been working with Michael for over a year now and continue to find his insights valuable and supportive, especially as navigating the rapidly changing world and markets we currently face. The fact that he has lived through the ups and downs of the founders’ journey makes a big difference, and I continue to get great value out of our sessions together.”
Jamie Knowlton
“Michael's experience as a startup founder enabled him to truly understand the challenges I faced. His personal and professional dedication to my success really came through in his actions. Last-minute changes or requests for meetings were never a problem, and Michael was always very good at adapting our coaching sessions to whatever challenge was top of mind for me. Throughout our time working together, Michael was a reliable sounding board and an insightful thought partner - I would definitely recommend other startup founders to work with him!”
Brian Chen
"Developing leadership skills is difficult and takes practice. It requires learning how to deal with myriad personalities and understanding the best techniques to use at each turn. Michael can quickly get at the core of issues and has an extensive set of actionable recommendations. Working with him has amplified my strengths and lessened my weaknesses. Michael is an incredible mentor that I recommend for anyone looking to hone their leadership skills."
Andrew Hoag
Executive Coaching for Startup Founders
I specialize in…
- Co-founder conflict resolution
- Dealing with toxic board members
- Rapid leadership and management skill development
- Bad habit and personality quirk change
- C-team alignment off-sites
- Co-founder alignment off-sites
- Remote team building and productivity programs
The Awake Forward Method
The Awake Forward Method is a totally new approach to executive coaching. It combines best practice executive coaching with psychological change work designed to eliminate the deeply rooted bad habits that hold you back.
Throughout your 6-month program you will be working with your executive coach as well as behavior change experts. The Awake Forward Method will create breakthrough awakening insights that free you to be the best version of yourself at work and in life.
To learn more about The Awake Forward Method, schedule a call now.
Thriving Founders Mission
Thriving Founders provides accelerated professional, emotional, and spiritual development for business leaders, executives, and founders who truly want to realize their full potential as human beings.
We prioritize working with leaders who want to maximize the positive impact they have on the lives and ecosystems they touch.
We are proud to donate 1% of our gross revenue to Amazon rainforest protection and indigenous tribal support through the PachaMama Alliance. We donate another 1% to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society who are protecting our oceans from illegal commercial fishing.
Working together we will do our small part in creating a global culture that is thriving, sustainable, and just for all.
