Mike Young

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

Toronto

915-95 Wellington Street West
Toronto
Canada

Case Studies

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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.

Strategic Turnaround: A CFO’s Role in Rebuilding Culture and Financial Leadership

Boyden supports a major charter school network with the recruitment of the right CFO to bridge strategy, execution, and collaboration.

Elevating IT Excellence: An Ivy League University’s Search for Top Talent

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