Bridging Performance & Purpose
My work is dedicated to improving results in the social sector.
I partner with nonprofits, foundations, and community organizations to strengthen their strategy, communications, and digital infrastructure, to deliver results that matter.
Let’s chat.
I’d love to hear what you and your team are working on. Shoot me a message and we’ll set up a call.
How I Work
I partner with nonprofits, foundations, and community organizations that want to strengthen their strategy, improve their communications, and build digital systems that support impact.
My work focuses on 3 core areas that help organizations grow their funding, expand their reach, and operate more effectively.
Strategic Planning
I work with leadership teams and boards to clarify priorities and develop strategies that translate mission into measurable results. Through interviews, workshops, and facilitated planning sessions, I help organizations move from ideas and ambition to clear goals, priorities, and implementation plans.
Typical engagements include:
• Strategic planning processes
• Leadership retreats and facilitation
• Organizational alignment and goal-setting
• Defining priorities and measurable outcomes
• Building implementation roadmaps
Communications
I help organizations communicate their mission, impact, and needs clearly and powerfully.
Areas I support include:
• Organizational messaging and positioning across platforms
• Donor and fundraising narratives, grants, email, and direct campaigns
• Website and content development
• Engaging stakeholder communications through email campaigns
• Storytelling and data-driven communications that strengthens support
Digital Infrastructure
I build systems that help organizations grow.
Behind the most effective organizations is a set of digital tools that support communications, fundraising, and community engagement. I help organizations design and build the digital infrastructure that allows them to operate efficiently and track their work.
This includes:
• Website development and redesign
• Email and newsletter systems
• Data strategy and systems integration
• Tools that support fundraising and engagement
Past Partners
MIT
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TED | Ideas change everything
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Mastercard Foundation
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Harvard
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U.S. Department of State
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George Mason University
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Amazon
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Accenture
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Gates Foundation
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Unsettled
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Johnson & Johnson
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MIT • TED | Ideas change everything • Mastercard Foundation • Harvard • U.S. Department of State • George Mason University • Amazon • Accenture • Gates Foundation • Unsettled • Johnson & Johnson •
About Michael.
Michael Youngblood is a facilitator, strategist, and expert on the future of work and social innovation. Over the past decade, he has built and helped organizations and teams align around purpose, culture, and strategy. His work centers on how people find meaning and direction in times of uncertainty and change.
Michael is the co-founder of Unsettled, an award-winning global travel company recognized for innovation in travel and experiential design. He has advised Fortune 100 companies on remote work and leadership development, taught entrepreneurship and globalization on behalf of the U.S. State Department, and served as Managing Editor of Innovations Journal, a publication about entrepreneurial solutions to global challenges co-hosted by MIT, Harvard, and George Mason University.
His work and ideas have been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Outside Magazine, Entrepreneur, TED, MIT Press, and more. He is a member of the inaugural TED Residency, a member of Sandbox, and a speaker and workshop leader on purpose, innovation, community, and the evolving nature of work.
How To Get In Touch
I love to hear what you and your team are working on. Shoot me a message at the link below, and we’ll set up a call to meet.
Let’s Do Big Things Together.
Strategic Planning
I help teams rediscover their why and translate it into a clear, actionable strategy. My approach blends purpose and performance. I take a human-centric approach to strategic planning. First, we rediscover your organization’s True North by listening to your leadership, stakeholders, team, and community. Then we co-create a plan. Next, and this is where I excel, I facilitate quarterly meetings with your leadership to set, track, and learn from mission-aligned goals.
Communications & Marketing
I help organizations communicate their mission in ways that inspire people to care, engage, and give. My approach blends storytelling and strategy. I take a human-centered approach to communications. First, we listen to your leadership, donors, and community to understand what truly resonates. Then we refine your core message and narrative. Next, we translate that story into practical communications tools—from websites to newsletters—that strengthen engagement and support for your work.
Facilitation & Convening
I help teams create the space for meaningful conversation, alignment, and progress. My approach blends thoughtful facilitation with practical outcomes. I take a human-centered approach to group dialogue. First, we identify the conversations your organization needs most—whether around strategy, leadership, or collaboration. Then I design and facilitate workshops, retreats, or key gatherings that bring the right people into the room. Next, and this is where I add the most value, I help translate those conversations into shared understanding, clearer priorities, and forward momentum.