— About Us —
More Than a Class.
A Transformative Experience.
Discover who you truly are and what you are capable of becoming.
Our Mission
Excellence Is a Mindset,
Not a Destination
Passion For Excellence is more than a class. It is a transformative experience created to help people discover who they truly are and what they are capable of becoming.
We believe excellence is not about being perfect. It is about holding yourself to a higher standard. It is a mindset, a way of showing up, and a commitment to growth, discipline, and leading with purpose in everything you do.
What We Stand For
Three pillars that drive everything we do inside and outside the classroom.
Growth & Discipline
We believe real growth comes from consistent action, honest self-reflection, and the discipline to show up every day — even when it’s hard.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
Leadership is not a title. It’s a standard you hold yourself to. We teach people to lead with clarity, conviction, and care for others.
Mentorship & Community
You don’t have to figure it out alone. We create an environment where real mentorship happens and where people rise together.
Our Story
Built by Leaders.
Created for You.
This course was created by a team of leaders from different backgrounds, including business, sports, media, and the creative industries. Although we come from different walks of life, we are united by one shared mission: helping people grow.
We understand what it means to take risks, to fail and rise again, to lead through uncertainty, and to build the kind of confidence that only comes from real experience.
That is why we created Passion For Excellence — to pass that experience on and give people the tools, mentorship, and environment they need to grow into the best version of themselves.
Meet the Instructors
The Minds Behind
Passion For Excellence
Four leaders from different worlds, united by one mission.
Mike Panaggio
Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Founder of DME Academy and more than sixty companies. Mike brings unmatched experience in entrepreneurship and philanthropy, risk taking, and long-term vision. His life’s work reflects a powerful legacy of giving back and helping others rise.
Max Van Auken
NBA Media & Podcast Host
A credentialed NBA media member for the past seven seasons. TV and radio personality and host of the This Is How I Made It podcast. Passionate about helping others turn ideas into action and building things that last — a business, a brand, or a better version of yourself.
Joshua Akinbiyi
Director & Entrepreneur
Joshua began his career covering the NBA and creating films for Adidas and the NFL. Now a mentor to young leaders and Director of the This Is How I Made It podcast, he empowers students to think boldly, act intentionally, and grow with purpose and discipline.
Mike Mitchener
Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Former professional baseball player with the Chicago White Sox and a business leader for over three decades, Mike understands pressure, accountability, and what it takes to stay grounded and consistent in every stage of life.
Ready to Begin?
Become the Best Version
of Yourself
Join Passion For Excellence and gain access to the tools, mentorship, and community you need to grow into who you were meant to be.