Mastering the art of storytelling to drive change.

Bio

A national award-winning journalist, author, publisher and social entrepreneur.

Author and Journalist 

Michael Golden is a bestselling author who is addicted to investigating complex subjects and uncovering the deeper stories within them. His books include:

  • Ethical Tribing
  • Write Or Die
  • Unlock Congress 

Long before writing books, Michael worked as an investigative and public affairs reporter for CBS and NBC-TV affiliates. His documentary, “Behind the Crime,” and political coverage earned him honors from:

  • The Edward R. Murrow Awards
  • Society of Professional Journalists
  • National Headliner Awards
  • Associated Press
  • National Academy of Television Journalists

Today an opinion journalist, Michael’s social commentary and political analysis are featured at The Golden Mean and in various other media throughout the country. In 2023, he founded JEWDICIOUS, a digital publication featuring the writing of an international team of Jewish opinion columnists. 

Strategic Communications

Michael has served as a campaign manager and communications strategist on races for the White House, US House and Senate, and Chicago Mayor. The re-election campaign he managed for US Rep. Melissa Bean was ranked by The Washington Post as one of the top 10 in the country.   

Through Golden Mean Strategies LLC, Michael works with leaders and organizations to optimize their communications performance and impact.

Social Enterprise

Michael has launched numerous social enterprises geared toward boosting educational achievement and creating opportunity in underserved communities. He knows for a fact that when given a shot — every single person has the potential to convert dreams into reality.

Michael is a co-founder of:

  • One Million Degrees
  • Newsbound
  • Complete The Degree
  • Spark Chicago
  • The Fulcrum

Based on his work in community college empowerment, Michael was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to the State Commission to Eliminate Poverty.

Elections and Government Reform

In 2015, Michael authored the book Unlock Congress, a non-partisan diagnosis of the breakdown afflicting our federal government — and prescriptions to heal it. Since its publication, he has served in Senior Fellowships at the Center for American Progress and the Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy.   

Unlock Congress has been adopted in college curricula around the country and Michael has served as an adjunct professor at Arizona State University’s School of Politics and Global Studies. 

Michael earned his BA from Indiana University and his MS in Public Services Management from DePaul University.