Welcome to Key Coaching. I'm Konrad Michels, the founder and principal coach behind this practice dedicated to empowering tech professionals to navigate and thrive in their careers.
About Key Coaching
Empowering Tech Careers in Changing Times
My Journey
With 30 years in Tech, and over 12 years of experience at Meta (Facebook), I've witnessed firsthand the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the tech industry. I was the first technical hire outside the US at Facebook, starting in London in 2008 and building out the European SRE presence from scratch.
I've held multiple roles - Lead SRE, Manager, Production Engineering, TPM, and Product Manager. I've led major initiatives like Project Sandstorm (the first-ever planned datacenter shutdown without user impact), managed cache infrastructure serving tens of billions of requests per second, and built enterprise video conferencing systems.
This journey has given me a unique perspective on what it takes to build a resilient and fulfilling tech career. It's this experience that fuels my passion for coaching and drives me to help others unlock their full potential.
Why I Started Key Coaching
In my years in the tech industry, I saw too many talented professionals struggle with:
- Unexpected career transitions and layoffs
- Feeling stuck or undervalued in their current roles
- Navigating toxic work environments
- Uncertainty about how to advance their careers
I realized that my experience and insights could help bridge the gap between where tech professionals are and where they want to be. That's why I founded Key Coaching - to provide the guidance, strategies, and support that I wish I had earlier in my career.
My Coaching Philosophy
At Key Coaching, I believe that:
Unique Talents
Every tech professional has unique talents waiting to be unlocked.
Growth Opportunities
Career setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth.
Continuous Learning
Continuous learning and adaptation are key to long-term success in tech.
Right Guidance
With the right guidance, anyone can navigate the complexities of the tech job market.
My approach combines practical industry insights, proven career advancement strategies, and personalized coaching to help you achieve your professional goals.
What Sets Key Coaching Apart
- Deep Industry Knowledge: My FAANG background gives me insider insights into what top tech companies look for.
- Holistic Approach: I focus not just on job placement, but on overall career satisfaction and growth.
- Adaptability: My strategies evolve with the job market, ensuring you're always prepared for what's next.
- Empathy and Support: Having navigated career challenges myself, I provide not just strategic advice, but also the emotional support needed during transitions.
Who I Work With
I partner with a diverse range of tech professionals, including:
- Engineers, Program Managers, and others looking to level up their careers
- Tech leaders aiming to enhance their management skills
- Professionals facing unexpected career transitions or layoffs
- Those seeking to navigate away from toxic work environments
No matter where you are in your tech career journey, I'm here to help you clarify your path, overcome obstacles, and achieve your professional aspirations.
Let's Connect
Ready to take the next step in your tech career? Whether you're looking to advance, transition, or simply gain clarity on your professional path, I'm here to support you.
Book a 30-min Call - $25