Michael Kass

Story & Spirit

Creating spaces for sacred reconnection & shift in times of transition, emergence, and change

How do we meet the times?

The way we've been approaching leadership and change isn't working. Over the past 15 years working inside and alongside organizations during breakdown and breakthrough, I've seen over and over again that strategy without soul often reinforces the challenges we’re trying to solve.

We and our communities deserve better.

Through this work with diverse organizations, leaders and teams—from grassroots community organizations to Fortune 100 companies—the Story & Spirit approach has evolved to bridge the sacred and the strategic, weaving together facilitation that honors the whole human, story-work that creates meaning, and practices that restore & energize rather than extract & deplete.

Welcome to Story & Spirit.

This work isn't for everyone. You already know if it's for you.

Let’s Work Together

Facilitation & Convenings

Holding Systems with Humanity
Strategic guidance, culture-shifting facilitation, and deep listening for mission-driven orgs & communities

Workshops & Training

Workshops That Feel like Ritual
Experiential sessions that transform how teams think, connect, and create together, from storytelling to strategy to culture shift

Campfire Sessions

1:1 Support for Mature Leaders
Transformational presence-based sessions for those navigating challenge, expansion

Testimonials

  • “As my coach, Michael is remarkable. He knew exactly how to temper his questions and hold the space in a respectful, sensitive way to bring out my confidence.

    Janet McIntyre, ML, CPCC

  • “I was referred to Michael for his coaching and by our second session, I had increased clarity and confidence in my work. I credit his one of a kind coaching for my success in pitching and fundraising.

    Rachel Sumekh, Founder Emeritus of Swipe Out Hunger

  • “While we may not know it, we all have the ability to be amazing storytellers. Michael's workshop teaches you the tactical skills to tell stories effectively while also building your confidence to embrace the authentic storyteller inside.

    Nonprofit Storytelling Workshop Participant

  • “This was such a thoughtfully-led experience. Michael created a sense of equality and openness in the room, and helped surface some important themes that need to be considered and addressed."

    Facilitation Client

  • What an unforgettable class we had with you yesterday! It was engaging and transformational, and they wanted to go on even longer.

    Dr. Kofi Osei-Kusi, President, Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI)

Field Notes: presence as practice, listening as leadership

Unscripted reflections in podcast form on what it means to lead with presence in times of change. Recorded simply, designed by the moment, and offered as an invitation to slower knowing.

Join the Story & Spirit e-list. . .

Check out the new workshop that combines imagination, play, and the magic of libraries to access guidance for troubled times.

‘I cannot recommend highly enough for anyone who wants to tune into their inner resources.’
(Caroline G., Founder, Sound of Dreams)

Get in touch.

. . .I’ll do my best to get back to you within 24 hours.

Without compassion, we will never know anyone or anything, not even our own story. Too much judgement, too many ideas and attitudes will stand in the way of the fundamental principle that we are similar to, connected with, and part of everything else.

— Deena Metzger