Michael Davie | Big Dreams & Career Crossroads

Michael Davie is a QUT Alumnus who has recently been appointed as the new BYU basketball strength coach. He spent eight years with the Milwaukee Bucks and was part of the award-winning team when they won the NBA Championship in 2021.  Michael shared his insights with future and current alumni who have big career dreams or face career crossroads, as he did...

The journey to reaching the pinnacle of any career is often a rollercoaster of hard work and dedication, triumphs and failures, and unyielding passion. A career in the world of professional sport is no different. I have had the great privilege of being the senior strength and conditioning coach for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA which was a long-time dream of mine. My role with the Bucks was to ensure the physical performance of the team, guiding them to optimal health and performance or helping injured players make a triumphant return to the court. My journey is an example of how an eager young guy from Australia could experience a career of his dreams in America. I hope that some of the things I’ve learned might be able to help the big dreamers or the career changers among you…

As I look back on my journey, I realise that reaching the pinnacle of any career is a remarkable achievement. But it doesn’t stop there – it’s really just the opening paragraph for your next chapter.

So what’s my best advice:

Passion is the Catalyst

My journey began with an unwavering love for sport and especially basketball. My childhood dreams of working in the NBA were fuelled by the iconic Michael Jordan and the excitement of the 90s NBA era. I was quick to learn that when your career aligns with your passions, your goals become much clearer and it becomes a fulfilling journey, not just a job. In my story, this passion led me to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at QUT and to eventually work with some of the best elite athletes in the world. However, one thing I learned is that as we climb the ladder of success, our passion should remain steadfast but our goals can continuously evolve.

Building Deep Bonds

One of the remarkable privileges of my role as a strength and conditioning coach was the connections I was able to make with athletes, and the impact I could have on their lives. The ability to influence and nurture talent was a hugely rewarding aspect of my career, and I relished that. It drove me to want to make even more of a difference through my work and my advice is to find a role where you can use your time and talents to help people in some way. The mental and emotional benefits of a career that helps others and not just yourself, are huge, and can help fuel your passions to propel you upward.

The Power of Relationships

In every profession, including elite sports, people skills and relationship building are the keys to success. As humans, we are designed to be in community with others, and the importance of trust, clear communication, and collaboration with others is key. These relationships are the foundation upon which a successful career is built and I believe the people I have met over my career have been paramount it my professional journey. If you are dreaming of a big career, invest in people and relationships first and foremost.

Continuing Education

My goal is to find and create more opportunities for young enthusiasts to grow in the elite sports field. Advancements in technology continue to drive athletic performance and reduce injuries and the use of cutting-edge technology, often pioneered in Australia, holds great potential to positively shape the sports industry. Every industry is advancing in some way, and if you want to change your career or reach a career goal, you need to ensure your knowledge remains current too. For that reason, I see great importance of continued education, and I personally have learning goals which include completing a PhD or Master's degree, to further my expertise.

As we stand at the cusp of the next chapter in our professional lives, I hope my journey reminds you that enduring passion, evolving goals, quality relationships, and ongoing learning should be your starting points. And remember: success is not just about reaching the pinnacle but it’s about how you navigate the journey and continue to grow, learn, and make a positive impact on the world that truly measures success.

Do you have a question for Michael? Connect with him on LinkedIn.