Citi

Led projects that help Citi become a more dynamic and integrated organization. Work with partners across Corporate FP&A, Capital Planning, and Risk to improve financial forecasting and governance by modernizing processes and changing how individuals do their jobs.

Key Achievements:
- Automated the firm’s forecasting model back-test calculation and reporting process, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency. 
- Through process modernization, improved the quality and integration of the operational planning process—as well as its speed—by 15%. 

Specialties:
- Process modernization and implementation
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Communication

Senior Vice President (SVP), Finance Transformation

New York City Transit

McKinsey-like internal consulting group for a $12 billion public transportation network

Execution expert and thought partner to senior leaders, driving digital transformation, optimizing operations, and elevating user experiences through data-driven strategies. 

Achievements:
- Saved $2.3 million/year through a retention strategy which increased the rate by 23%.
- Increased a shop's productivity by 12% through a new production model. 
- Avoided excessive overtime utilization with the development of a real-time information tool.

Specialties:
- Business and process modeling
- Data analysis and visualization
- Hypothesis testing via simulation
- Project management

Tech-stack:
- Data query/data management (SQL, SSIS, Access, Excel Array Functions)
- Data visualizations and dashboards (Power BI, Tableau)
- Data analysis (Excel pivot tables, solver, multiple regression, trend curves)
- Communication (PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Word)

Project Leader, Strategic Initiatives

Fashion Institute of Technology

For over 12 years, I had the privilege of teaching in an entrepreneurial education program aimed at helping students unlock their career potential in university settings.

Spearheaded the development and implementation of a hands-on New Venture Development course, equipping students with practical knowledge of opportunity evaluation, business creation, and management strategies. 

Achievements:
- Designed and delivered curriculum focused on product/service development and customer acquisition strategies.
- Increased student engagement by 30% through interactive learning exercises.
- Guided students in launching 10 successful business ventures

Adjunct Professor / Lecturer, Venture Development & Entrepreneurship

McMichael Group, LLC

Directed strategic initiatives to support Founders, Presidents, and Business Development Heads of emerging businesses in enhancing operations by reducing uncertainty and complexity through prototyping, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative methods.

Achievements:
- Designed, stood up, and managed the back-office functions, including accounting and governance controls, for a consumer-facing internet concern.
- Produced a compelling story (financial and outcome) for a media-powered consumer engagement platform that secured partnerships with a top consulting firm and a package goods concern.

Specialties:
- Proficient in Advanced Microsoft Excel (power pivots, what-if analysis, v-lookups), PowerPoint, and Apple Keynote.
- Experienced in SQL, Power BI, and data visualization techniques.

Management Consultant | Finance and Operations

National Urban League

Directed the transformation of a for-profit business concept into a successful reality by designing and executing the right social enterprise model. 

Achievements:
- Effectively managed and empowered a dedicated team of five that successfully realized the vision of a business advisory service (social enterprise) within a year. 
- Developed strategic partnerships with two Global 100 firms generating $1.5 million of consulting fees.
- Advised entrepreneurs on scalable business practices and participated as a broker on $50 million of hard asset acquisitions.

Tech-stack:
- Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Apple Keynote

Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Business Development

Showtime Networks Inc.

Directed strategic finance initiatives, including framing complex problems, conducting investment analysis, due diligence for partnerships, acquisitions, and derivatives, and developing financial models for a $1B division of Viacom. Specialized in long-term investment planning, deal analysis, and modernization efforts.

Achievements:
- Extracted $54 million of value from an unprofitable, declining business by negotiating an asset sale/marketing partnership with a strategic buyer.
- Delivered $172 million of strategic projects, better positioning Showtime in the evolving market.

Specialties:
Long-term investment planning,  deal analysis, and modernization

Vice President, Strategic Financial Management

Promoted by the EVP of Finance and Operations, after serving as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis (6 months), to modernize the company’s finance and accounting operations. 

Achievements:
- Formulated the $30 million capitalization structure that ensured the creation of the Sundance Channel. 
- Developed the financial strategy that allowed Showtime to produce 50 original movies per year.
- Developed the financial model for TV Land; rejuvenated fully depreciated content assets.

Tech-stack:
Microsoft Excel (financial modeling), Word, and PowerPoint

Director Corporate Development

Honeywell

Honeywell International, Inc.  (formerly AlliedSignal)

Directed financial operations for a $50 million business unit including forecasting, annual budgeting, and financial cycles, achieving cost efficiencies and strategic financial planning milestones.

Achievements:
- Captured $400,000 annual cost avoidance by restructuring the division’s transportation practices.
- Implemented streamlined financial processes leading to increased profitability.

Tech-stack:
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook)
- Proprietary accounting system and controls

Financial Analyst, Financial Planning and Analysis

Imagine embarking on a journey where every decision you make not only enhances your bottom line but also propels your teams forward, ensuring that every move aligns with your core values and delights your customers. That's the future we're building together—a realm where profitability and purpose harmoniously coexist.

Over my 20-year career, I've honed a unique skill set that hinges on integrating business processes, technology, and, most importantly, the ability to forge meaningful, impactful relationships. It all began with a deep-rooted passion for engineering, where I mastered the art of crafting innovative solutions that push boundaries at UVa. Strengthened by an MBA from Duke, this passion has driven me to consistently deliver impactful results for organizations seeking growth and transformation, such as Honeywell, Paramount Global, and Citi.

In my collaborations with leaders, I have witnessed a transformative shift—where:
   • Clarity of purpose illuminates the path forward
   • The right initiatives are executed with precision
   • Results are not just met, but exceeded 

Through structured problem-solving, data-driven analysis, and strategic planning honed over countless projects, I've enabled businesses to unlock their full potential and navigate complex challenges with confidence.

My expertise encompasses:
   • Identifying value creation opportunities
   • Facilitating end-to-end project execution
   • Ensuring decisions are backed by actionable insights and measurable outcomes

I bring a unique blend of analytical rigor and strategic vision to every endeavor.

If you're ready to explore how we can collaborate to drive your business forward, or if you simply want to chat about the latest in technology or share cycling tips, I invite you to connect with me here on LinkedIn.

Let's inspire change together!

Donald McMichael

Knap

Use AI on your data without sharing your data.

Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer

Next Billion Advisors

Advising and investing in companies who are onboarding the next billion users.  nxtblln.com / @nxtblln

Founding Advisor

Stellar Development Foundation

Advising on go to market with a focus on Moneygram Access.

Advisor

Focused on extending financial services worldwide through digital currencies.

Vice President, Partnerships

PayJoy

Consumer finance for the next billion.  Responsible for revenue and international growth.

Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer

Skycatch

I came on as the first business hire and worked in operations and business development roles to refine the commercial model and scale.

Backed by premier VC's and used by some of the largest companies in the world, Skycatch is a platform for capturing data using small autonomous aerial robots. Since inception, Skycatch has been innovating in multiple different technology areas including photogrammetry, data analytics, and advanced aerial technology, and is now the fastest growing company in the autonomous aerial mapping market.

Skycatch's autonomous data collection platform is built for enterprise with safety, strength and reliability in mind.  It can cover large geographic areas, be equipped with different sensors depending on the customer’s needs, and operate in challenging weather conditions.  Our proprietary battery-swapping and autonomous landing technology gives our aerial robots the ability to scale and operate without human involvement. Construction, Mining, and other complex job sites around the world are turning to Skycatch to satisfy their need for accurate and real time data.

Executive Vice President, Operations & Business Development

Droptalk

Raised funding, built initial team, and released prototype for product pushing the boundaries on social photo editing.  Company then pivoted into workplace collaboration, and was acquired by Dropbox.

CEO & Founder

Facebook

Facebook everywhere for everyone.  Worked on programs to expand Facebook's penetration on mobile devices in emerging markets, social tv device integrations, and strategic partnerships with carriers, OEMs, and other folks in the device space.

Program Manager, Device Integrations

Google

Scaling content acquisition efforts worldwide through innovative concoctions of technology and distributed teams, with a particular focus on India and emerging markets.

Program Manager

Striking deals with content partners to enable them to get more exposure on what remains the most popular search engine by far.

Strategic Partner Development Manager

Electrobug Technologies

Co-founded and ran company which provided search technology and services to the retail and travel industry.  Helped companies ranging from Expedia to Amazon understand their competitive pricing position through advances search algorithms and an extensive data team based in India.  Ultimately sold company to Igentica and then eClerx, which then listed on the Bombay stock exchange.

Co-founder & Managing Director

Mark has led go to market in emerging markets for large and small companies, from Google’s initial push into maps in the mid 2000s to Facebook’s early mobile efforts and ultimately launching PayJoy, a Silicon Valley-based fintech, in 20 countries.  He served as VP of Business Development at the Stellar Development Foundation, and is currently pushing the boundaries of AI on the edge with Knapsack.

His focus has been on analyzing  markets, structuring transformational partnerships, hiring highly functional teams in market, and then producing revenue quickly with great unit economics.  He has also raised ~$100M in early stage VC, venture debt, and SPV debt financing across four companies he built, and advised companies on fundraising.

Prior to moving to Silicon Valley in 2006, Mark split his time between India and London, founding and running his first startup, Electrobug Technologies.  As this company had clients in 18 countries and 250+ staff in India through a wholly owned subsidiary, Mark learned firsthand of the challenges and opportunities of working in emerging markets, and is currently an advisor for a number of startups.

Mark graduated magna cum laude from Amherst College with a degree in Economics and History
His main drive is in building interesting products and making them ubiquitous, with a specific focus on access for the underserved.  Views expressed here are his own.

Specialties: business development, search, travel, content licensing, mobile, app development, android, indian outsourcing, offshore labor, social media.

taplio

The Battle

Donald McMichael

Mark Heynen 🎒

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