Directorships,
Advisory & Coaching
Matt Elliott doesn’t just advise - he aligns, accelerates, and amplifies.
Whether he’s contributing to a board of directors, coaching senior leaders one-on-one or advising organizations at scale, Matt brings a rare mix of credibility, clarity, and conviction. His Power of & philosophy cuts through complexity to unlock progress, helping executives lead with both precision and purpose.
Explore how Matt’s partnership drives meaningful outcomes across industries, institutions, and individual leaders.
Where Strategy Meets Impact
“When Matt makes an introduction, it comes with weight. When he offers guidance, it moves the needle.”
-Alex Lassiter, Founder & CEO, Greenplaces
CASE STUDIES
Mackinac Policy Conference 2023 –
A Message That Moved
The Detroit Regional Chamber needed a unifying theme for its 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference—one that would resonate across sectors and stimulate constructive tension and dialogue, not just applause. The stakes were high: this was the Chamber’s flagship convening.
The Challenge
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As Conference Chair, Matt proposed a theme rooted in his core philosophy: the Power of &. The idea: we don’t have to choose between growth and equity, speed and stability, profit and purpose. We win when we hold competing truths and build something new – together. He opened the conference with a keynote that challenged either/or thinking and set the tone for a new kind of dialogue.
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The Power of & became more than a theme—it gave the event a distinct identity and became a mindset that shaped panels, sparked hallway conversations, and anchored the opening keynote. It unified policymakers, executives, and civic leaders around possibility—not polarity.
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Hard truths AND hopeful ideas.
“As the steward of one of the nation’s premier bi-partisan policy conferences, Matt Elliott’s theme of “The Power of &” resonated far more than any other prior theme. The “Power of &” theme inspired Michigan’s business and political leaders following the convening. Elliott’s compelling and confident stage delivery was a pleasure to not only hear – but to see the positive reaction from the leaders in the audience.”
Sandy Baruah, President & Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Chamber
Michigan State University–
Green & White Council
Launched in late 2024, the Green & White Council is a signature initiative of MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, designed to align the university’s strengths with the evolving needs of Michigan’s economy. The ambition: drive meaningful impact for students, employers, and residents across the state. While MSU possesses world-class talent, research, and partnerships, those assets need to be harnessed through a set of more coordinated, strategic programs.
The Challenge
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Tapped by the president to co-chair the council, Matt helped design and lead a group of senior business and civic executives from across Michigan. Beginning in fall 2024 and continuing into 2025, the Council has aligned around three bold goals: prepare students for in-demand work, connect Spartans to in-state careers, and catalyze economic innovation through MSU’s research and IP. The effort prioritizes shared wins, practical initiatives, and clear accountability—moving the group from dialogue to direction.
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As of mid-2025, the Council is advancing a set of keystone initiatives focused on transforming Michigan’s economy through stronger university-industry collaboration. What began as a convening is evolving into a strategic platform for long-term impact.
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Academic insight AND industry action.
“Matt brings strategic clarity, trusted leadership, and powerful connections to one of Michigan State University's most important initiatives. His Power of & mindset has helped position MSU as a model for collaborative, forward-looking leadership, bridging the needs of business and higher education, while uniting speed and rigor with innovation and tradition.”
-Kevin M. Guskiewicz, President, Michigan State University
Greenplaces –
Scaling With Purpose
Greenplaces is in the midst of a strategic expansion—entering new markets while broadening its product vision. Originally built to simplify sustainability reporting, the platform is evolving into a data utility capable of managing a wide range of compliance needs, with sustainability still at its core. The challenge: how to grow fast, stay credible, and speak to both mission-driven and operationally focused buyers.
The Challenge
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Matt advises the CEO on strategy, messaging, and market fit. He helps the team apply the Power of & to guide key decisions—balancing rapid product expansion with clarity of purpose, and pairing simplicity with substance. He also opens doors through targeted introductions and provides a sounding board for go-to-market strategy as the platform evolves.
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Greenplaces is refining its positioning to serve a broader set of customer needs while staying anchored in its sustainability mission. The team is penetrating new verticals, sharpening its messaging for business decision-makers, and evolving the product into a trusted infrastructure platform for sustainability and beyond.
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Business growth AND climate impact.
“Matt has been a game-changing advisor to Greenplaces. His clarity, credibility, and connections have accelerated our growth. By framing sustainability as an AND—not a tradeoff—he’s helped us position Greenplaces to scale with both purpose and profit. When Matt makes an introduction, it comes with weight. When he offers guidance, it moves the needle.”
-Alex Lassiter, Founder & CEO, Greenplaces
