Michael Blackard
Your Friendship Coach
Who’s Michael?
I am a Video Game Producer and now Friendship Coach! I have been in the games industry for about 15 years. I worked at all sorts of studios, big and small, including Blizzard Entertainment, Cloud Imperium Games, Certain Affinity, Volition, Airship Syndicate, and Firaxis Games. I have been credited on numerous games and uncredited on a few others.
Why am I telling you about my video game background? Because making video games requires a highly collaborative team of people to be successful yet these same teams struggle to connect fully with one another - And I get hired because my specialty is bringing people together!
I have helped scores of people see their strengths, learn new ways to solve old problems, and add new tools to their toolkits. I typically do this by sitting down with people and laying out the issues they see. Together, we strategize ways to soar to new heights.
What are Michael’s goals?
My goal is to help people develop a stronger sense of self, which in turn helps make new connections more easier - and sustain them! I love people and I love seeing people grow. There is nothing better than watching people start shining brighter because they are coming into their own truths, leaning into their own strengths, and knowing they are not alone!
The cherry on top of all of this is that so many other parts of life get easier when you’re shining bright. Generally, people are warmer to you. Creativity flows and new ideas are born. Frivolous problems become easier to solve leaving more time to tackle the bigger and more impactful problems life throws your way. I have personally helped facilitate this positive build up of momentum for so many people and it is always so exhilarating- for me and, more importantly, for my friend/team mate.
You have a Super Power?
Yeah Kinda so really the “Super Power” is having high energy, being animated, and knowing the right things to ask to get to “big talk.” Sometimes, it is even less than that. In the process of writing this section, a friend and I were co-working at a local coffee shop. I was smiling to everyone like I normally do and a lady was approaching the shop. I smiled at her and gave her a nod. She smiled back and went inside. I’m neurodivergent so any movement makes me immediately take note of it. When the lady came out of the shop, I noticed her and smiled again. She walked over and thanked me so much for the smile and giving everyone such warmth. The three of us ended up having a whole conversation about connections, cultures and culture shock, and how difficult it is for people to get past their own anxieties and defenses.
That all said, I do have a uniquely Michael way of conducting business. It is very Michael to go some place, unplanned, and run into someone I know or get everyone involved in my fun antics. I will not be, and cannot, teach you all my super power but I hope to help you find yours!