About Us
We Help Leaders Transform Themselves—and Their Businesses
At Metamorphosis CCT, our mission is simple: to grow better leaders who build better businesses. We deliver leadership training and leadership development that equip practical leadership skills to reduce COGS, improve profits, and grow business without chaos.
Whether it’s an insurance agency in Michigan, a manufacturer in Wisconsin, or a construction company in Minnesota, we help organizations like yours:
- Communicate more clearly
- Reduce COGS and improve profitability
- Retain top talent
- Create healthy, accountable cultures
We believe leadership development isn’t a buzzword—it’s a bottom-line strategy. Our approach blends behavioral science (DISC and EQ) with hands-on leadership training, coaching, and workshops that stick. The result: real leadership skills that show up in daily behaviors, measurable KPIs, and decisions that grow business.
Who We Serve
We specialize in executive coaching, leadership training, and leadership development for service-based organizations ready to grow business across:
- Construction & skilled trades
- Healthcare & wellness
- Insurance & financial services
- Manufacturing & logistics
- Small business, family-run companies & nonprofits
- Primarily located in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin
Why “Metamorphosis”?
Real business transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It takes guidance, intentional practice, and the courage to change. Our name reflects our commitment to helping people grow—becoming more self-aware, confident, and effective through leadership development that ties directly to outcomes. We link business metrics to leadership training because leadership skills must drive results in the workplace. If improvement isn’t showing up on the floor, in the field, or on the P&L, either the wrong skills are being trained—or they aren’t being applied consistently.
That’s why we recommend ongoing coaching to turn ideas into habits. Our cadence helps your team apply what they learn in leadership training and leadership development, track impact, and iterate quickly. Over the years, we’ve honed a focused set of leadership skills that reliably grow business in measurable ways.
Our Approach: The Karnowski Method™
Clients tell us, “This isn’t like any leadership training we’ve done before.” That’s the point. We combine clarity, accountability, and practice:
- KPI & Culture Audit: Establish baselines for COGS, labor efficiency, retention, and engagement so you can see progress tied to specific leadership skills.
- Hands-On Leadership Training: Short, practical drills that leaders can use the same day with their teams—no fluff.
- Leadership Development Plans: Role-specific behaviors and checkpoints that align with KPIs to grow business quarter over quarter.
- Coaching & Reinforcement: 1:1 and team sessions that turn leadership training into consistent habits.
- Real-world results, like increased profit, retention, and communication flow
Everything we do is built to make leaders better—and businesses stronger.
Michael Karnowski
Co-Founder | Strategic Advisor | Coach | Trainer
Michael combines sharp analytical thinking with steady leadership. A former physical therapist and engineer (practicing since 2011) turned executive coach and systems strategist, he helps clients diagnose root causes, design systems, and apply leadership skills that grow business with intention. His coaching connects leadership development directly to numbers leaders own every week.
Nicole (Nikki) Karnowski
Co-Founder | Coach | Speaker | Trainer
Nicole brings contagious energy, deep empathy, and a gift for connection to every room she enters.
As a certified DISC and EQ consultant and leadership coach, she equips teams and individuals with practical tools for clarity, confidence, and culture transformation.
She loves creating unique and memorable experiences for our clients and is an expert in human dynamics and relationships.
Additionally, she has extensive experience in healthcare systems in various cities around the U.S.
Other Qualifications
- Training and coaching leaders across industries since 2015.
- Voted “Best Consulting Firm” by the Duluth News Tribune (2022–2025) and featured for enhancing workplace dynamics and leadership skills.
- Frequent media features, including “The Lift” on WDIO and Life 97.3; former weekly TV segment “Eye on Lifestyle.”
- Founders recognized as local business thought-leaders and trusted media experts
- Founders recognized as local business thought-leaders and trusted media experts
- International training in Lithuania (2019) and Paraguay (with John Maxwell, 2017).
- Professional speaking for ATD, Enbridge, UW-Superior Business School, RSM, American Family Insurance, regional Chambers, and PEN.
- Baldrige Performance Excellence evaluators applying proven leadership and management practices.
Why Clients Work with Us (And Stay with Us)
- Improved top-line growth & bottom-line profitability
- Reduced COGS, employee turnover, & improved engagement
- Stronger leadership pipelines and accountability
- Clearer communication and ownership across teams
- Tangible impact across teams, departments, and culture
Ready to build a stronger, more aligned team? If you want leadership training that moves the needle, leadership development that sticks, and leadership skills your people can use tomorrow to grow business, let’s talk.
As Seen On WDIO “Eye On LifeStyle”, The Lift, & in the Duluth News Tribune
Nicole & Michael Karnowski are leadership experts and trusted voices in the business community. They are frequently featured by regional and national media for their insights on leadership development, communication, employee engagement, and business growth.
AS Seen On:
|
Outlet |
Title / Segment |
Date |
Type |
Summary |
|
WDIO – The Lift |
Improve Your Emotional Intelligence with Nicole Karnowski |
Aug 2025 |
TV Interview |
Meta: Learn how emotional intelligence drives leadership success and workplace engagement. Summary: Nicole Karnowski of Metamorphosis CCT shares actionable EQ strategies to help leaders communicate clearly and reduce conflict. ↗ As seen on WDIO / YouTube clip |
|
WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle |
The Myth of Work-Life Balance |
Jun 2025 |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole and Michael Karnowski discuss why balance is a myth and what true alignment looks like. Summary: The founders of Metamorphosis CCT reveal practical ways to lead with clarity and purpose while protecting wellbeing. ↗ YouTube |
|
WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle |
DISC Styles Series (Dominant, Inspiring, Supportive, Cautious) |
May 2025 |
TV Mini-Series |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski breaks down four DISC styles and how understanding them transforms team communication. Summary: Each episode highlights practical workplace examples leaders can apply today. ↗ Dominant, Inspiring, Supportive, Cautious |
|
WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle |
Best Tool for Decision Making: Six Thinking Hats |
Apr 2025 |
TV Interview |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski introduces the Six Thinking Hats technique used by Metamorphosis CCT to speed up decisions and gain team buy-in. ↗ YouTube |
|
WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle |
Goals and Accountability for Leaders |
Jan 2025 |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski shares simple goal-setting and accountability systems that keep leaders and teams focused. ↗ YouTube |
|
Channel 3 News |
Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers |
Sep 2024 |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski teaches empathy and boundaries to improve workplace culture. ↗ YouTube |
|
Duluth News Tribune |
Duluth Couple Improving Office Dynamics as Metamorphosis CCT |
Jun 2023 |
Print Feature |
Meta: Profile of Michael and Nicole Karnowski transforming leadership in Minnesota businesses. Summary: Highlights measurable ROI and cultural change from Metamorphosis CCT programs. ↗ Read on DNT |
|
Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce |
Leading Well: Building Strong Teams Through Communication |
Feb 2024 |
Speaking Event |
Meta: Chamber presentation by Nicole Karnowski on leadership fundamentals for managers and owners. ↗ Chamber site / YouTube |
|
Association for Talent Development (ATD) |
Appreciation in the Workplace Training |
Oct 2024 |
Professional Training |
Meta: ATD Minnesota hosts Nicole Karnowski for a practical session on recognition and engagement. ↗ ATD Minnesota / YouTube |
|
Clear Publicist / WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle |
Increasing Your Management Techniques |
Mar 2024 |
TV Segment + Online Article |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski of Metamorphosis CCT shares practical strategies for improving management and communication across service-based businesses. Summary: Actionable ideas to motivate teams and strengthen leadership effectiveness. ↗ Clear Publicist |
|
WDIO – The Lift |
Attitude in the Workplace |
2025 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski explains how leader attitude shapes workplace culture and productivity. ↗ YouTube |
|
WDIO – The Lift |
What Is a Coach? |
2025 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Michael & Nicole Karnowski clarify the value of professional coaching for teams and executives. ↗ YouTube |
|
WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle |
Self-Care for Leaders |
2024 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski shares physical and emotional renewal habits that prevent burnout in high-stress industries. ↗ YouTube |
|
WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle |
Physical & Emotional Self-Care for Teams |
2024 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole & Michael Karnowski show how to build healthy team culture through self-care and empathy. ↗ YouTube |
|
Channel 3 News |
Creating a Daily Vision |
2024 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski reveals how setting a daily vision keeps leaders focused and aligned. ↗ YouTube |
|
WDIO – The Lift |
Empathetic Listening in Leadership |
2025 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski teaches empathetic listening as the cornerstone of trust and collaboration. ↗ YouTube |
|
Channel 3 News |
Personal & Professional Development |
2024 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: How leaders who grow personally drive stronger professional results. ↗ YouTube |
|
Channel 3 News |
Productivity Tips for Leaders |
2024 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski shares time-blocking, focus, and delegation tools for busy leaders. ↗ YouTube |
|
Channel 3 News |
Mindset for Leadership Success |
2024 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski outlines mindset shifts that drive sustained growth and engagement. ↗ YouTube |
|
WDIO – The Lift |
Refocusing on Priorities |
2025 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Strategies to regain focus, reset expectations, and realign teams with mission. ↗ YouTube |
|
Channel 3 News |
Applying Coaching Principles in Your Life |
2024 (est.) |
TV Segment |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski shows how using coaching principles improves both life and leadership. ↗ YouTube |
|
Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce |
How to Write a Compelling Press Release |
Nov 2023 |
Workshop |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski teaches how to craft media-ready press releases that tell compelling stories. ↗ Chamber of Commerce |
|
Business Networking International (BNI) |
Givers Gain – The Power of Serving First |
Aug 2024 |
Keynote |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski inspires leaders to build success through generosity and connection in BNI. ↗ Business Networking International (BNI) |
See all 20+ segments here:
Full WDIO YouTube Playlist
Publications
|
Outlet |
Title |
Date |
Link / SEO Summary & Meta |
|
Authority Magazine |
Mindset Matters: Nicole Karnowski of Metamorphosis Coaching, Consulting & Training On How To Build Stress Resilience with a Positive Mindset |
Aug 27 2024 |
Meta: Learn how mindset and emotional intelligence drive leadership resilience and workplace well-being. Summary: In this Authority Magazine feature, Nicole Karnowski shares tools for building stress resilience, balancing life and leadership, and creating emotionally intelligent teams. ↗ Read on Authority Magazine |
|
Authority Magazine |
Nicole L. Karnowski of Metamorphosis CCT: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Launched My Business |
May 23 2025 |
Meta: Nicole Karnowski shares five leadership lessons for building a values-based, results-driven business. Summary: Nicole reflects on the journey of launching Metamorphosis CCT, highlighting lessons in personal growth, perseverance, and communication that led to measurable ROI in leadership development. ↗ Read on Authority Magazine |
|
John Maxwell Team Blog |
The Leading Edge: Leadership Lessons from a Tracy and a Nancy – Which One Would You Follow? |
~2017 |
Meta: Discover how servant leadership outperforms authority-based management. Summary: Nicole Karnowski contrasts two leaders to show that empathy, trust, and emotional intelligence build stronger, more productive teams. ↗ Read on John Maxwell Team |
|
John Maxwell Team Blog |
The Leading Edge: The Powerful Law All Successful People Practice |
~2018 |
Meta: Reflection fuels growth and sharper decision-making for leaders. Summary: Nicole Karnowski highlights John Maxwell’s “Law of Reflection” and explains how intentional pauses lead to greater clarity, accountability, and performance in leadership development. ↗ Read on John Maxwell Team |
|
John Maxwell Team Blog |
The Leading Edge: Say Goodbye to Resolutions and Instead Be Resolute with Six Steps for Success in 2018 |
~2017 |
Meta: Turn resolutions into results with clarity, accountability, and purpose. Summary: Nicole Karnowski shares a six-step system for setting SMART goals and building lasting success through disciplined leadership habits and coaching. ↗ Read on John Maxwell Team |
|
John Maxwell Team Blog |
The Leading Edge: Three Little Tips to Bring Big Results When Speaking to Your Next Audience |
~2018 |
Meta: Improve communication impact and connection with your team. Summary: Nicole Karnowski shares three practical speaking tips—know your audience, focus on them, and show passion—to elevate leadership communication and team engagement. ↗ Read on John Maxwell Team |
|
Duluth News Tribune |
Duluth Couple Improving Office Dynamics as Metamorphosis CCT |
Mar 31 2019 |
Meta: Transforming communication and culture through DISC training and leadership coaching. Summary: This DNT profile spotlights Nicole & Michael Karnowski’s impact on local businesses using behavioral science tools to improve teamwork, trust, and productivity. ↗ Read on DNT |
|
Business North Magazine |
Feature on Metamorphosis CCT’s Impact on Service-Based Business Leadership |
~2022 |
Meta: Business North highlights measurable ROI from Metamorphosis CCT’s leadership programs. Summary: A print feature outlining how DISC training and EQ coaching help blue- collar and service-based companies boost profits, engagement, and retention. (Print only) |
|
The Duluthian Magazine |
Chamber Profile: Nicole & Michael Karnowski of Metamorphosis CCT |
Jul/Aug 2025 |
Meta: Duluthian Magazine features local leaders transforming workplace culture and leadership. Summary: Highlights Nicole & Michael’s passion for building capable leaders through DISC and EQ training for Duluth’s business community. (Print only) |
|
Enterprise Podcast Network (EPN) |
Why Everyone Could Benefit from a Coach |
~2018 |
Meta: Coaching accelerates growth and self-awareness for leaders and teams. Summary: Nicole & Michael Karnowski explain why coaching transforms communication, leadership clarity, and results. ↗ Listen on EPN |
|
eHealth Radio Network |
Choosing Joy, Gratitude & Good Thoughts Each Day |
~2018 |
Meta: Positive mindset and gratitude improve leadership wellness and team morale. Summary: Nicole Karnowski shares wellness practices that align with emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. (Audio episode – eHealth Radio Network) |
“Our goal is to make leadership simple, practical, and people-centered — whether that’s in the boardroom, on a job site, or on morning television.”
– M&N Karnowski