Michael Rossi was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Ivey Business School yet graduated without a job. As his classmates went on to highly respected companies, Michael wanted to pursue his passion and find a role in sports and business. After stints with the NHL and Nestle Canada, Michael went on to have an 18-year career with adidas Canada, where he ultimately became President of adidas Canada before the age of 40.

After 15 years at adidas, Michael reflected and started to find a new passion for Coaching. He completed his Coaching Certification (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) and in 2020, he announced he would leave his post at adidas, the following year. Michael is an executive leadership coach, the founder of Voce Leadership, Speaker, and Board Member of the Terry Fox Foundation. He enthusiastically believes "Everyone has a voice, and truly discovering yours leads to a life of fulfillment and purpose."

Voce Leadership website
Michael Rossi LinkedIn

Show notes:

• 1:00 - Michael's job through high school was the Blue Jays batboy. He was there during the 1992 and 1993 World Series Championships
• 3:10 - The potential Michael saw in himself at a young age
• 7:00 - If you choose experiences and jobs where you can learn and grow... it won't backfire
• 7:40 - His corporate career - the first ~25 years
• 8:00 - Getting on board with change 
• 13:30 - The importance of culture
• 18:00 - Leaving Adidas and starting Voce Leadership, reflecting on 15 years, and connecting with his purpose
• 24:30 - Why Voce Leadership 
• 29:45 - The Terry Fox Foundation and what philanthropy means to Michael's life
• 36:45 - Purpose and why someone who has a "voice" and wants to give something to the world, must do it 
• 40:00 - Is there an impact you're focusing on for the remainder of 2022
• 43:30 - How do you regulate and keep stress and pressure "at bay"
• 46:00 - Where can people connect with you? 
• 48:00 - It's actually the name in front of the title that matters