About Me
Product and technology executive. Builder. Christian author. Keynote speaker. Husband. The same man in every room.
The Same Man in Every Room
I grew up with a love of mathematics and systems thinking — which is probably why I ended up building my career at the intersection of technology, strategy, and people. I hold a BS in Mathematics and an MBA in Technology Management, and I have spent more than two decades working at the executive level in enterprise IT.
Today I serve as Senior Director of Product & Engineering at Compassion International, where I own both the product roadmap and engineering execution for the fundraising platform ecosystem powering a billion-dollar child development mission. Nine Agile teams. Real products. Real donor outcomes at global scale. I am also currently building and managing multiple MCP servers and AI Agents — hands-on technical work I do alongside the executive role, because I believe product leaders who can still build make better decisions.
Before that, I built the Topgolf Swing Suite from scratch — as product owner, game designer, and the person accountable for making it real. I conceived the product, designed the complete game experience from mockups to specific game rules, and translated that vision into what the Unity engineers I hired actually built. I sat directly alongside those engineers through every development iteration and testing cycle, and flew to the first venue to personally oversee the launch. The game rules I defined are still how the product functions today. Over 125 Swing Suite locations operate across the United States.
I have also been a conference speaker, a writer, and a student of Scripture for many years. Those are not separate identities that I switch between depending on the audience. They are the same identity. My faith informs how I lead. My experience in technology informs how I teach. My love of research and language informs everything I write.
I live in the Kingwood area of Houston, Texas with my wife. Outside of work I ride my e-bike, dig into genealogy research, and volunteer in church media production. I am someone who reads with a yellow highlighter and asks too many follow-up questions.
My first book, Radical Provision, is currently in development and forthcoming in 2027. Learn more about Michael Rainwater's writing at radicalprovision.com. And if your conference could use a practical, executive-level conversation on AI or digital transformation, let's talk.
What Drives Me
Three convictions that shape everything I do — in the boardroom, on the stage, and on the page.
Faith that goes to work
I am an evangelical Christian, and I do not believe my faith stays home when I walk into a meeting room. Biblical principles — stewardship, integrity, servant leadership, long-term thinking — are exactly the principles that make organizations healthier. I integrate them honestly and without apology.
Technology as a tool, not a trophy
After 20 years in enterprise IT, I have a well-developed allergy to technology for technology's sake. I care about business value, measurable outcomes, and whether the people using the systems actually find them useful. AI is powerful. It is also frequently overhyped. I help leaders find the difference.
Stories are how truth travels
I became a writer because I believe the best ideas need to be embedded in story, not just stated as propositions. Whether that is a chapter in Radical Provision, a conference talk, or a leadership conversation, I am always looking for the narrative thread that makes an idea stick.
Builders over managers
The best technology executives I know can still get in the room and build. I designed the game experience for a 3D golf simulator that now operates in over 125 venues across the country. I am currently building MCP servers and AI Agents hands-on at Compassion. I believe the person setting product direction needs enough craft depth to make real decisions — not just delegate them. I have always been that person.
What Others Say
"Michael is a man of faith, character and integrity. He is a person who 'looks up when others are looking down.' Michael is passionate about serving disadvantaged people, and he willingly explores every opportunity to do so."
Lucy Smith, MEd — President, Texas HOPE Literacy
"The biggest thing I learned from Michael was that empathy for our customers was of utmost importance. Michael always put customers first and this always impressed me. It is important to have someone in IT who understands people the way Michael does."
Christopher Manning — Former Technology Lead & Direct Report
"Michael is a talented software engineer with the highest levels of energy, commitment and integrity. He is grounded in what is real, what is doable, what will perform, and what is pragmatic. Having Michael on a team is a significant asset."
Miles Lewitt — Vice President & Direct Supervisor, Intuit (2001–2008)
Find Michael Rainwater Online
Connect on LinkedIn, explore my reading list on Goodreads, verify my credentials on Credly, find me as a speaker on Sessionize, or view my published works on Academia.