Beyond the Title: 12 Questions with Josh Kosnick
Josh Kosnick
Leadership Coach, Kairos Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Josh Kosnick is a Bridge Builder, a leader forged through fire and guided by faith. As founder of Kairos Coaching and an EOS Implementer, he helps individuals and organizations align vision with execution and turn adversity into opportunity. Having built and exited three successful businesses, Josh brings firsthand experience in creating sustainable value and lasting impact. Through coaching, masterminds, and mentorship, he empowers others to embrace their calling, transform pain into purpose, and build lives and legacies rooted in authenticity, resilience, faith, and generosity of spirit.
01Built to Last starts with a strong foundation. What is the foundation your leadership is built on, and how do you return to it when things get shaky?
My faith. Biblical wisdom is what guides me, particularly the book of Proverbs, which I believe to be the best leadership book of all time.
02What's a piece of advice that has stood the test of time for you, the kind you still come back to years later?
Everything rises and falls on leadership. That means any problem in my company or my life, I had some role in playing, and I take 100% ownership. Without that, victim mentality creeps in. With that, I can control my actions after the event.
03What's a book, quote, lyric, or scripture that has stayed with you and shaped how you lead or live?
“Iron sharpens iron.” Proverbs 27:17.
We as humans are communal beings. We crave belonging. We also work better together. I form leadership teams and cultures that bring out the best in all of us, piecing together diverse mindsets that challenge each other to get the best out of each other.
04What's something you've had to rebuild after it broke or fell apart, and what did that teach you about building things that last?
My life. After my business was brutally ripped away from me, I had to rebuild everything from the ground up. I had a big choice to make: stay in the industry I was in and accept a multi-million dollar offer, or build something original with no guarantees. I chose the latter.
It taught me that I can do hard things. It taught me that sometimes the worst things that happen to us are the best things that happen for us. It taught me that sometimes God lets you hit rock bottom to learn that he is the rock at the bottom. And it taught me that your legacy isn't what you do, but rather what you leave in others. That's legacy.
05What's one question every leader should ask if they want to build something that outlasts them, and why?
Who am I doing this for?
If it's for me and selfish reasons, it won't last. If it's for others, and you're using your gifts in the service of others, then it will likely last.
06Who are you actively preparing to carry this work forward, and what are you doing to set them up to succeed without you?
Everyone on my team. Every client that we're privileged to serve.
07When leadership feels heavy, what do you turn to (music, travel, culture, faith) that restores you and keeps you feeling like yourself?
God, prayer, silence.
08When you think about the legacy you want to leave, what do you hope still stands long after you've moved on?
That we can do all things through Christ and the right focus on prioritization. That we were meant for a time such as this.
09What's a small daily habit or discipline that has compounded into something meaningful over time?
My gratitude journal. I started writing three wins at the end of each day before I go to sleep, and it's turned into an incredible habit. Reflecting back on all of those wins, growth, and gratitude at the end of each year is amazing.
10What's a moment in your life where the music playing in the background ended up meaning more than you expected, a song that showed up right when you needed it, or made an ordinary moment stick with you?
“Hardfought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll.
11What's a tradition in your life or family that you hope lasts for generations?
Yes Day! Each year we do a Yes Day with our kids where Mom and Dad can't say “no” (with parameters), and it's fostered so many great memories.