Bridging Performance & Purpose
My work is dedicated to improving results in the social sector.
How I Work
I work with nonprofits, foundations, community organizations, and the sector as a whole tomove from fragmentation to coordinated action.
I do this by aligning people, clarifying priorities, and creating the structure needed to follow through.
Convening & Facilitation (cross-sector alignment)
I bring together people who don’t normally talk, and help them do meaningful work together.
Through thoughtfully designed and facilitated gatherings, I help:.
• Align (fragmented) stakeholders around shared priorities
• Surface opportunities for collaboration across organizations
• Turn isolated leaders into coordinated networks
• Move conversations toward clear next steps and commitments
Learning & Accountability (small groups + cohorts)
I design and facilitate group learning experiences where leaders develop new skills to improve their services.
Through structured conversations, peer accountability, and a clear rhythm of action, participants:
Learn from peers instead of working in isolation
Build practical skills and apply them in real time
Stay accountable to goals and priorities
Make measurable progress on strategic initiatives
Strategic Planning (organizational clarity + direction)
I help organizations turn mission into clear strategy—and strategy into action.
I work with leadership teams, boards, and cross-sector stakeholders to:
Gather and synthesize key insights through interviews and facilitated sessions
Define clear goals, priorities, and measurable outcomes
Align teams around a shared direction
Build practical implementation roadmaps
Typical engagements include:
Strategic planning processes
Organizational alignment and goal-setting
Defining priorities and success metrics
Building 12-month execution plans
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.
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.