Mike’s story:
Mike Kohn, USA Bobsled.
Mike Kohn was no stranger to the podium. As a decorated bobsled athlete, he had known the thrill of victory, the discipline of training, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. So when he retired from competition and stepped into a coaching role in 2010, it seemed like a natural progression — another chapter in a life built on speed, strength, and focus.
Starting point.
From 2010 to 2014, Mike served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Bobsled Team. During that time, the team found success on the ice, but behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding. Mike's coaching style — honed in the military and elite sport — was intense, unfiltered, and unrelenting. He was abrasive. Blunt, bossy and overbearing. While driven by high standards, his approach led to alienation, frustration, and strained relationships.
2002 Olympic Games
Team USA – Bronze 4-man Bobsled
Salt Lake City, USA
2014 Olympic Games
Assistant Coach
Sochi, Russia
2014 Olympic Games - Sochi Russia
2-Woman Bobsled - Silver /Bronze
2014 Olympic Games - Sochi Russia
2-Man Bobsled - Silver / 4-Man Bobsled - Silver
Mike Kohn
Promoted to USA Bobsled Head Coach in 2018
2022 Olympic Games - Beijing, China
Kaillie Humphries
Monobob - Gold
Elana Meyers Taylor
Monobob - Silver
Elana Meyers Taylor & Silvia Hoffman
2-Woman Bobsled - Bronze
What People Academy did.
Mike agreed to return to the team on one condition: he would undergo coaching education and leadership training. What began as a requirement became a mission. He studied coaching leadership, pursued a master’s in sport administration, and attended Officer Candidate School in the U.S. Army. But the real turning point came in 2015, when he began working with People Academy.
People Academy didn’t just teach Mike how to be a better coach — they taught him to reflect and think. They challenged him to be agile in his communication, intentional in his actions, and adaptive in his behavior. For the first time, he saw coaching as more than command — it was about connection and relationship-building.
USOPC National Team Coaching Leadership Education Program
People Academy - DISC / Emotional Intelligence / Leadership / Culture Change
The result.
Mike returned to the Olympic stage in 2018 a transformed coach — emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and deeply respected. His evolution caught the attention of leadership, and he was promoted to head coach. Under his guidance, Team USA thrived.
At the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Mike led the U.S. Bobsled Team to win three Olympic medals. But the most meaningful recognition came from Olympic gold medalist Kaillie Humphries, who presented him with the Order of Ikkos — an honor celebrating coaching excellence and impact.
Mike Kohn’s story isn’t just about podiums. It’s about the courage to change, the humility to learn, and the resilience to rise. Once a coach people avoided, he is now a leader others admire — not just for results, but for who he became. Today, Mike works for People Academy, helping others think critically about their behavior, communication, and approach to the people they interact with, both at home and at work.
