I am beyond lucky and honored to have the friends I do!

  • “INCREDIBLE. Michael is an unstoppable force of positivity and compassion. As a friend, he is fun to talk to, and as a coach and former colleague, he is an excellent conversationalist and adept at distilling issues down to their roots. He will support you wholeheartedly and also challenge or encourage you to to be better than you think you are or can be. ”

    — @lightningfused

  • “Michael is a breath of fresh air in my life. I know this sounds a bit trite, but in a world full of people staring at their smartphones while on the bus, while on a park bench, while waiting in line at the grocery store (and this list is endless), completely oblivious to the lives being lived right around them, having people who will strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel like the most important person in the world at that very moment is truly priceless. It seems like the art of genuine conversation is being lost to "wryd" and "lol," and being on the receiving end of Michael's deliberate investment in our conversations and friendship has taught me to slow down, ask the questions, HEAR the answers, and invest in the people who mean the most to me (as well as the random strangers whose eyes I love to see brighten when I genuinely acknowledge their presence, even if it's only for a brief shared moment). ”

    — Katie

  • “I've known Michael for the majority of my life, and it fill me with great joy to call him my friend. We have celebrated the highs and endured the lows of life together that have formed into a comfortable, stable, and fun friendship. Michael is a supportive, kind, and honest individual who is there when you need him.”

    — Brian

  • "Michael graced me with a mentorship talk. I highly recommend his motivation. He is infectious! He is knowledgeable and knows his content. The briefest of conversation can ignite a fire in you to keep pursuing your path."

    — Marlo

  • "Michael is the world's greatest hype-man that you never knew you needed. He is a constant source of joy and encouragement in my life."

    — Michael’s Friend

  • "It has been one of the greatest pleasures to be friends with Michael! In the time of gaming and talking to each other, the friendship evolved to be a strong bond that is hard to find elsewhere. Michael is someone that will always consider and listen to your side. With that Michael very much connects and understands you as he conveys his thoughts in very accepting and friendly criticism and advice. He works with you and breaks it down so that you feel supported every step of the way. He has been a great friend and gives great advice that brought a positive impact in my life."

    — Michael’s Friend

  • "Michael Blackard is the friendship guru we all need in our lives! He is a fun and active guy, always available to chat and always genuinely interested in how you're doing. He's got an awesome blend of creativity and practicality that makes him a master at helping you make new friends and keep the old ones close. Seriously, if you're looking to level up your friendship game, Michael is your go-to coach. He's the guy who can help you connect with people without any awkwardness. You won't find a more friendly and helpful advisor around."

    — Q

  • "Michael is the best type of person to be friends with; he regularly reaches out both to hang out and also just to say hi, which as someone who for a while didn't have a friend like that, it meant a lot to me when he did. He's incredibly easy to talk to, a joy to hang out with, and will be your biggest supporter. You couldn't find a better person to help you learn how to make friends better than Michael, or even speaking from experience, help you be a better friend in existing friendships."

    — Esteban

  • "Michael is, without a doubt, one of the most outgoing individuals I've ever known. His vibrant personality and zest for life are infectious, creating an atmosphere of positivity whenever he's around. He has a unique talent for making everyone feel like they matter. In his company, you're not just a friend; you're an essential part of the conversation. His inclusive nature and genuine interest in people create an environment where everyone feels welcome and appreciated. There's a particular memory I have of Michael that never fails to bring a smile to my face – Michael, armed with a hand fan, unfolding it with a flourish and a sassy twirl that could rival any seasoned performer. But Michael's talents don't stop at impromptu fan routines. He once took it upon himself to choreograph a dance routine based on a funny song that holds a special place in my heart. In conclusion, being friends with Michael has been a truly enriching experience. His outgoing nature, empathetic heart, and the ability to make each moment memorable make him a friend like no other. I feel fortunate to have him in my life, and I can confidently say that anyone who has the pleasure of calling Michael a friend is undoubtedly blessed."

    — Jeremy Pantoja (@jeremypantoja)

  • "Michael is super nice guy and really easy to talk to!"

    — Zachary K.

  • "I've known Michael Blackard for close to twenty years now. I can tell you that he is a person who really cares. He cares about people. He cares about the quality of his work. And he cares deeply about making positive change. Michael is honest, kind, and hard working. He's wonderful inside and out. You couldn't ask for a better person to be on your side."

    — Heather E.

  • "Michael has such an amazing energy and genuine interest in you as a person. When i first met him, I couldn't help but feel that he had an air of compassion and eagerness to talk to me and learn about me, and to listen to me. In my experiences, he applies this same attention to everyone he meets. Working with Michael was great. He demonstrated a passion for ensuring everyone was heard and that their time and efforts were respected. He balanced the efforts of the teams, and the quality targets, but above all made sure to cut through the noise and nonsense to find solutions and lift his teams up."

    — Stephen Q

  • "Everyone should have a friend like Michael. He is a bright and exuberant individual that brings a lot of joy and positivity into my life. His zest for life is uplifting and his genuine interest in those around him is a rare find."

    — @TheLegendLarry

  • "Michael is one of the most genuine, enthusiastic, positive, and supportive people I have in my life. He's a great friend, always willing to do whatever he can to support the people he cares about. There's a reason so many people are constantly vying for his time - he greatly improves any situation he's a part of. I'm excited to see his new venture grow and succeed, and I can't think of someone more qualified to help people who struggle to make connections in our increasingly disconnected world."

    — Eric Sylvia

  • "Michael has been with me through several tough and chaotic times in my life. He’s very compassionate and emphatic to whatever is going on. He is excellent at listening and understanding how you’re managing, while offering tidbits of advice and support here and there. Most of all, encouraging you to be your best self, and cheering for you along the way!"

    — Adam Beardall

  • Michale Blackard is truly a firework of pure joy. I've had the pleasure of working with Blackard both professionally and personally throughout the last 5+ years that I've known him and he has helped me to believe in my self and my personal abilities. I highly recommend speaking with him if you are feeling any self doubt. Thank you Blackard!

    — @Trance104

  • It's been awesome to be friends with Michael. To be friends with him means you'll be blessed with open ears, good laughs, and real deal honesty from a dependable, kind spirit that genuinely wants you to succeed! You'll never feel left out in his presence!

    — @ccbmp

I am thankful to my friends and their willingness to share their experiences. I wouldn’t be the person I am without them. They all mean the world to me and I relish every new adventure I go on with them!

I hope these stories inspire you like these people inspire me everyday!

I want to help you make stories of your own!