About Us
As Seen On / Service Provider of Choice For:
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.
- Metamorphosis Coaching, Consulting and Training Co-owner
- Certified Human Behavioral Specialist
- DISC Model of Human Behavior Master Trainer
- John Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Speaker and Trainer
- Baldrige Process Excellence Certified Evaluator
- Bachelor’s in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy
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.
- Metamorphosis Coaching, Consulting and Training Co-owner
- Certified Human Behavioral Specialist
- DISC Model of Human Behavior Master Trainer
- John Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Speaker and Trainer
- B.S. in Broadcast News from Kent State University and has a background in Radio and TV News
- Baldrige Process Excellence Certified Evaluator
- Former News Producer at WKBN-TV in Youngstown, Ohio
- Board Certified Master’s In Life Coaching – Pursuing ICF certification (2023)
- Masters in Counseling
- Duluth and Hermantown Area Chamber Ambassador several years
- Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce President (2023)
- Former Business Networking International President (2022)
- Former Empowered Woman’s Network President (2023)
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 |
| WDIO – The Lift | Improve Your Emotional Intelligence with Nicole Karnowski | Aug 2025 | TV Interview |
| WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle | The Myth of Work-Life Balance | Jun 2025 | TV Segment |
| WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle | DISC Styles Series (Dominant, Inspiring, Supportive, Cautious) | May 2025 | TV Mini-Series |
| WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle | Best Tool for Decision Making: Six Thinking Hats | Apr 2025 | TV Interview |
| WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle | Goals and Accountability for Leaders | Jan 2025 | TV Segment |
| Channel 3 News | Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers | Sep 2024 | TV Segment |
| Duluth News Tribune | Duluth Couple Improving Office Dynamics as Metamorphosis CCT | Jun 2023 | Print Feature |
| Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce | Leading Well: Building Strong Teams Through Communication | Feb 2024 | Speaking Event |
| Association for Talent Development (ATD) | Appreciation in the Workplace Training | Oct 2024 | Professional Training |
| Clear Publicist / WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle | Increasing Your Management Techniques | Mar 2024 | TV Segment + Online Article |
| WDIO – The Lift | Attitude in the Workplace | 2025 (est.) | TV Segment |
| WDIO – The Lift | What Is a Coach? | 2025 (est.) | TV Segment |
| WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle | Self-Care for Leaders | 2024 (est.) | TV Segment |
| WDIO – Eye on Lifestyle | Physical & Emotional Self-Care for Teams | 2024 (est.) | TV Segment |
| Channel 3 News | Creating a Daily Vision | 2024 (est.) | TV Segment |
| WDIO – The Lift | Empathetic Listening in Leadership | 2025 (est.) | TV Segment |
| Channel 3 News | Personal & Professional Development | 2024 (est.) | TV Segment |
| Channel 3 News | Productivity Tips for Leaders | 2024 (est.) | TV Segment |
| Channel 3 News | Mindset for Leadership Success | 2024 (est.) | TV Segment |
| WDIO – The Lift | Refocusing on Priorities | 2025 (est.) | TV Segment |
| Channel 3 News | Applying Coaching Principles in Your Life | 2024 (est.) | TV Segment |
| Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce | How to Write a Compelling Press Release | Nov 2023 | Workshop |
| Business Networking International (BNI) | Givers Gain – The Power of Serving First | Aug 2024 | Keynote |
See all 20+ segments here:
Publications
| Outlet | Title | Date |
| Authority Magazine | Mindset Matters: Nicole Karnowski of Metamorphosis Coaching, Consulting & Training On How To Build Stress Resilience with a Positive Mindset | Aug 27 2024 |
| Authority Magazine | Nicole L. Karnowski of Metamorphosis CCT: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Launched My Business | May 23 2025 |
| John Maxwell Team Blog | The Leading Edge: Leadership Lessons from a Tracy and a Nancy – Which One Would You Follow? | ~2017 |
| John Maxwell Team Blog | The Leading Edge: The Powerful Law All Successful People Practice | ~2018 |
| John Maxwell Team Blog | The Leading Edge: Say Goodbye to Resolutions and Instead Be Resolute with Six Steps for Success in 2018 | ~2017 |
| John Maxwell Team Blog | The Leading Edge: Three Little Tips to Bring Big Results When Speaking to Your Next Audience | ~2018 |
| Duluth News Tribune | Duluth Couple Improving Office Dynamics as Metamorphosis CCT | Mar 31 2019 |
| Business North Magazine | Feature on Metamorphosis CCT’s Impact on Service-Based Business Leadership | ~2022 |
| The Duluthian Magazine | Chamber Profile: Nicole & Michael Karnowski of Metamorphosis CCT | Jul/Aug 2025 |
| Enterprise Podcast Network (EPN) | Why Everyone Could Benefit from a Coach | ~2018 |
| eHealth Radio Network | Choosing Joy, Gratitude & Good Thoughts Each Day | ~2018 |



























