From Skydives to Startups: Mikhail Markine on Performing and Leading with Intention

In this episode, I sit down with Mikhail Markine – software engineer, performance coach, and elite skydiver. 🎙️🔥

With over 13,000 jumps, 4 World Championship golds, 4 World Cup golds, and numerous national titles, Mikhail brings a world-class lens to everything he does. We recently met in person in San Francisco, where I got to hear his story firsthand.

Mikhail’s personality brings a rare mix of vulnerability, thoughtfulness, and ambition. From high-stakes teamwork to finding purpose through performance, this is a conversation about pushing limits and staying human. We dive into:

🚀 How stress, fear, and focus can unlock peak performance.
 🧭 What it takes to build trust—in the air and on the ground.
 🛠️ Why systems thinking, checklists, and mental preparation matter under pressure.
 🤝 The role of mentorship, humility, and community in long-term success.

Now reentering the world of tech and entrepreneurship, Mikhail is merging the precision of engineering with the depth of human leadership.

Follow Mikhail and his work here:

Website: https://feeltheairsports.square.site/about
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikhail-markine/

Podcast produced by Riti Suresh.