Narrative Leadership for Social Change

About

About MJ

As a creative leader in the social impact space, I’ve worked with changemakers in climate science, health equity, racial justice, trans rights, and what I’ve learned is that the only way to good storytelling is through good story listening. That philosophy has helped me grow agencies and drive returns, financial and otherwise. I give myself over to the ins and outs of my clients efforts, the lives they’re trying to improve, and the audiences they need to reach. It’s not always easy. True understanding requires my full emotional range, and I travel its distance daily. But given the state of our society, the draconian conservative gains that once seemed inconceivable, letting up is not an option. As my grandmother would much more stoically put it, “Needs doing.” So, here I am.

 
A portrait of the writer by her son at age 8.

A portrait of the writer by her son at age 8.

MJ Deery

2021-2023, Director of Story, Matter Unlimited

2017-2021, Director, Purpose Practice, Duncan Channon

2014-2016, Creative Director, Mekanism

2011-2014, Freelance ACD

2005-2011, In-House Editorial, GAP

MFA Creative Writing: Emerson, Boston