Helping leaders thrive with purpose and precision.
At PurposeWay, we’re committed to coming alongside leaders as they grow in clarity, confidence, and purpose. Through strategic coaching, consulting, and executive insight, we equip leaders, boards, and organizations to create meaningful, lasting impact. With deep experience in governance, social impact, non-profits, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, we understand the complexity—and the opportunity—of leading with purpose.
“Purpose isn’t just a feeling—it’s a way of leading, living, and making a difference, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.”
Explore what we offer
Coaching and encouraging mission-focused leaders
Like a trusted running partner on the path ahead, we come alongside leaders navigating growth, transition, or change. We work with executives, emerging leaders, and founders who want to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. Our coaching approach is grounded in lived leadership experience, thoughtful listening, and a deep commitment to your personal growth. Whether you’re navigating change, seeking focus, or discerning your next step, we’ll run alongside you as a trusted guide.
Strategic support for effective teams and organizations
Organizations need more than good intentions—they need clear vision, actionable strategy, and trusted insight. Like a team crossing unfamiliar terrain, organizations often face moments of risk and opportunity. We bring decades of leadership experience to help mission-focused teams navigate complexity, align around purpose, and move forward with confidence. From short-term strategy to long-term transformation, we help you stay steady and focused—even when the path is high and narrow.
Strengthening governance for greater impact
Effective boards don’t just oversee—they empower. Like the cables of a bridge holding a structure in tension, effective governance supports mission while allowing movement and growth. We work with nonprofit, social sector, foundations, purpose-driven, and multi-stakeholder boards to build governance practices that are clear, collaborative, and impact-driven. From board development and strategic alignment to CEO support and renewal, we help boards make connections, lead with confidence and clarity.
About us
Michael Messenger, Principal
Michael is a seasoned executive, coach, and trusted advisor who has spent more than 35 years helping people and organizations lead with purpose.
He most recently served for a decade as President and CEO of World Vision Canada, one of the country’s largest humanitarian charities, where he led a team of over 400 staff, worked with global partners, served hundreds of thousands of Canadian supporters, and partnered with millions of vulnerable children worldwide. At World Vision, his leadership spanned strategy, advocacy, fundraising, governance, international development, and systems change—always grounded in mission, values, and impact.
Before returning to the social sector, Michael was a partner in a leading law firm with a degree from the University of Toronto. He also holds an undergraduate degree in economics and an MBA from the Ivey Business School, where he was the gold medallist and an Ivey Scholar. He brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, governance expertise, and heart-centred leadership. He has worked closely with boards, mentored emerging leaders, facilitated multi-stakeholder initiatives, and guided organizations through times of disruption and renewal. His work has been recognized across sectors for its clarity, integrity, and effectiveness.
Through PurposeWay, Michael offers executive coaching, consulting, and strategic advisory services tailored to the needs of leaders, boards, and organizations—from social impact sector organizations, businesses, charities, churches, and ministries to community organizations, networks, and foundations. Whether navigating complexity, renewing vision, or scaling impact, he comes alongside clients with deep listening, experienced insight, and practical tools. His work is rooted in the belief that purposeful leadership is not a luxury—it’s essential..
A sought-after speaker, teacher, writer, and mentor, Michael is an active member of a local church community and volunteers as a board member for local and global organizations. He has been a sessional lecturer in the Executive MBA program at the Ivey Business School and supports its programs on sustainability. A lifelong learner, he has completed a number of executive education programs at leading business schools and through the Institute for Corporate Directors in Canada, where he is completing his ICD.D designation. Originally from the Maritimes, Michael now lives near Toronto with his wife, Yvonne, a professor of education, and together they share a passion for mentoring, global engagement, and helping people of all backgrounds live out their personal and professional purpose.
michael@purposeway.org (416) 567-2382
Learn more about Michael’s professional experience on LinkedIn.
Contact Us
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