Michael Papanek

Michael has been a business leader, executive advisor and organizational change consultant since 1992, helping leaders build resilient teams which thrive during change and innovation.

Michael’s current and former clients include: Apple, BHP, Clorox, P&G, GE Capital, Gilead, Google, Verizon Media (Yahoo!/AOL/Huff Post), Cisco, Agilent, John Muir Health, eBay, HP, Levi Strauss, Wells Fargo, Kaiser Health System, SGI, Sutter Health, StubHub, Optum, and the National Academy of Sciences.

Michael is the author of the recently published book “From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Building Resilient Business Relationships in the Heat of Change” – based on in person interviews with top Silicon Valley leaders.

Prior to becoming an advisor and coach, Michael was a systems engineer and account executive for Electronic Data Systems (EDS). His eight years of experience there included major system implementations for General Motors Financial Division and Blue Shield of California. Michael was also a Partner, Board Member and General Manager for Learning Innovation at a global consulting firm, leading his team through the full cycle of product development, from initial business case and strategy through design, sales and implementation.

As an advisor and coach, Michael partners with leaders and their organizations to create high-performing, self-sustaining teams and productive, innovative work environments which achieve strategic outcomes in a sustained way. Michael has advised internal IT and other executives in large high-tech, healthcare and consumer products, as well as start-ups and other growth-driven organizations.

Michael helps leaders accelerate their results; improve their effectiveness with peers, team members, and senior leadership, while reducing stress and increasing resilience.

Michael helps leaders use cultural change to increase stakeholder satisfaction and achieve new business outcomes through improved self-awareness and strategic thinking. Michael uses an "action learning” methodology, which focused on real-life business outcomes as the vehicle for gaining new leadership skills and permanently increasing competency.

Michael is the grandson of Kurt Lewin, renowned social scientist and founding father of organizational development.Michael is also an avid sailor, theatrical lighting designer and amateur musician.