Michael is Chief Legal Officer at YUM! Brands, the conglomerate that owns and operates the KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut banners. With almost ten years of industry experience and an executive position at one of the world's most recognized CPG-brands, it can be easily assumed that he made the right career decisions. However, this is not exactly the case.

Back in 2006, Michael completed a Bachelor of Life Sciences, expecting to enter the medical industry and suddenly realized that he did not want to go through medical school. So he consulted with family and friends on what he should do and shifted to business. He entered an MBA program and graduated in 2008... just as the market crashed. Instead of getting down, he pivoted again and applied for law school and graduated from the Osgoode School of Law. Third time seemed to be the charm! Fast forward ten years and multiple stints at various positions and he now serves as the chief legal officer at KFC Global and as legal counsel for Pizza Hut International.

Michael’s story is one of true determination and will that led to him being a Swiss Army knife of sorts in education. Instead of succumbing to social norms and accepting an unfulfilling position, or allowing external factors to decide his fate, he was able to adjust, pivot, and re-learn in order to succeed. So we talked to him about how he managed all the changes in his career direction, the stress that came with all these changes, and his insights on chasing passion for success. This conversation was insightful and eye-opening and will definitely resonate with any age group!

GHP #5 - How to Change Your Career Direction & Chase Success with Michael Nilevsky!