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What Makes an Effective Charitable Board in 2024 and Beyond?
Mike Young
Principal, Canada
With expertise in social impact and inclusive leadership, Mike Young works with mission-driven organizations in higher education, healthcare, and the non-profit sector to recruit leaders who drive meaningful change. Committed to the highest level of care and a deeply collaborative approach, Mike helps clients navigate leadership transitions with empathy, clarity, and integrity.
Professional Focus
- Experienced leadership, management, and HR consultant and educator
- Specialized expertise in the social impact sector, including not-for-profit and education, working with executives and boards within a range of public and private sector organizations
- Deep expertise in diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), corporate culture, workplace relations, board governance, team dynamics and program development
- Frequent public speaker and workshop facilitator on a variety of topics including compassionate leadership, DEI, change management, emotional intelligence, and mental health
Business Expertise
- Founder and Principal Consultant of The Empathy Institute, a consulting firm providing training and advisory services focused on corporate culture, DEI, leadership development, workplace relations, hiring and retention
- University Rector, Program Developer and Leader, Trainer, Facilitator and Media Relations Professional at Queen’s University
- Content Manager at a boutique digital marketing firm
- Communications Specialist at Kingston Literacy and Skills
- Director of Staff Development & Support at National Tennis School
Additional Expertise
- Social Impact
- Not-for-Profit
- Education
- Public Sector
- Board Services
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Master’s degree from Queen’s University
- Bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University
Affiliations & Awards
- Member, Program Advisory Committee, Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology
- Member, Board of Trustees, Queen’s University (former)
- Chair, Mental Health Advisory Board, Alma Mater Society of Queen’s University (former)
- Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award, Queen’s University (2017)
- Outstanding Student Award, Queen’s University Alumni Association (2017)
- Member, People and Culture Committee of Next Gen Men’s Board of Directors
Case Studies
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Driving Liquidity Strategy Leadership for a Transforming Private Credit Platform
Boyden partners with a leading private credit asset manager to appoint a Director of Fund Liquidity to support complex global fund structures and evolving investor demands.
Building Institutional Investment Operations Leadership for a Mission-Driven Family Office
Boyden partnered with a leading family office and its affiliated foundation to appoint a Head of Institutional Investment Operations capable of designing and implementing a scalable operational platform to support a growing investment portfolio and long-term philanthropic objectives.
Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership
With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.
Thought Leadership
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Boyden Report Series
As social impact organisations stir our conscience, where does your organisation stand?
Social Impact Report: Analysing the trends and companies reshaping the role of enterprise in society, with expert insights from Boyden's Global Social Impact Practice Members
Blog
The High-Stakes Season of Hiring
A clear-eyed look at today’s nonprofit hiring landscape, where heightened risk, talent shortages, and cautious candidates are reshaping how organizations approach retention, recruitment, and long-term workforce strategy.
Blog
Destigmatizing Coaching: A Call to Leaders
Explore how leaders can destigmatize executive coaching by reframing it as a strategic investment in growth, performance, and organizational culture rather than a signal of poor performance.
Blog
Middle Managers: The Untapped Growth Engine in Mid-Market Firms
Discover why middle managers are the hidden growth drivers in mid-market firms and how investing in their development can unlock strategic execution, team cohesion, and long-term performance.
News & Events
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In the Media
Canadian Recruitment Trends and Use of AI
Forbes named Boyden Canada the No. 5 executive recruiting firm in its 2026 rankings. Regional Managing Partner Brent Cameron highlighted the importance of human judgment, trust, and relationships in executive search, despite the growing use of AI.
Press Release
Calgary Co-op Proudly Announces New CEO
Boyden is pleased to share the appointment news of Andrew Clarke, a recruitment co-led by Catherine Van Alstine, Ron Burkholder, Nicole Bendaly, Glenn Eberth and Mackenzie Jones
Contact Mike Young today and let's get started