Mike Cobb is a visionary and results-oriented leader with a track record of successfully steering schools towards organizational excellence. With over 35 years of experience, he has served in various roles, including accomplished classroom teacher, division head, admissions/enrollment leader, and Head of School. He is also an international speaker and was a key education leader in the forward-looking NEOM project in Saudi Arabia.

As the Head of NEOM Community Schools and Senior Manager of NEOM Baccalaureate in Saudi Arabia, Mike led the NEOM Education, Research, and Innovation sector through strategic vision work, resulting in plans for the Baccalaureate program, Centers for Excellence, and future campuses. He created and implemented a professional development program for leadership, faculty, and staff, successfully launching programs for the Centers of Excellence, including AI & Robotics, Sustainability, NEOM X, Entrepreneurship & Leadership, Oceanographic Studies, and Teaching & Learning.

Previously, Mike served as the Head of School at All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler, Texas. Under his leadership, the school underwent strategic vision work resulting in new North Star documents: Mission and Core Values. He led a successful Enrollment Management program, achieving unprecedented growth and sustainability. Mike also successfully spearheaded a capital campaign and led over 30 construction projects, including nationally recognized learning spaces such as the Center For Innovation, The Collaboratory, Outdoor Learning Center, Lower School Learning Villages, Learning Farm and more.

Mike is also a co-founder of the Sandbox, an Innovative Think Tank where thought leaders share visions in a grown-up sandbox setting. Inspired by the unstructured nature of playground sandboxes, the Sandbox provides a space for leaders nationwide to engage in spontaneous, fruitful conversations about their passions. This network emphasizes the value of unscripted dialogue between thought leaders fostering authentic exchanges and innovative ideas in the realms of education and leadership.

During his 20-year tenure at The Oakridge School in Arlington, Texas, Mike held various roles during his educational leadership journey, including Director of Admissions and Enrollment, Head of Middle School, and Director of Summer Programs. He led strategic initiatives in admissions, developed innovative admission assessments, and restructured admissions programs and the Oakridge Ambassador program. As Head of Middle School, he successfully launched a 1:1 laptop initiative (Learn 21), emphasized character education and wellness, and organized comprehensive programs for authentic learning and student agency.

Mike career reflects a dedication to transformative education, organizational excellence, innovative leadership, and continuous learning with participation in programs such as Dare to Lead Trainer Certification, SAP Certified Associate in Design Thinking,  the NAIS Aspiring Heads Fellowship, NAIS New Heads Institute, Vanderbilt University's Peabody Fellow in the Institute for Independent School Leadership, and more.

Mike's work as the Futurist in Residence at Forsyth Country Day School and the Senior Innovation and Organizational Excellence Strategist at Mission & Data is shaping the future of education and organizational strategy. At Forsyth Country Day School, Mike's role involves anticipating future trends and integrating innovative practices to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. His insights help the school adapt through trend spotting, scenario planning, and roadmapping to preferred futures. Concurrently, at Mission & Data, Mike's strategic expertise drives innovation and excellence within organizations, ensuring they remain competitive and efficient in a dynamic market. His dual roles enable a cross-pollination of ideas between education and industry, fostering a holistic approach to innovation that benefits both sectors. Through his work, Mike is not only enhancing current practices but also laying the groundwork for sustainable progress and success in education and business.

Mike's unique blend of expertise in futurism, innovation, and organizational excellence. As the Futurist in Residence at Forsyth Country Day School, he is helping to revolutionize the educational landscape by integrating forward-thinking strategies and cutting-edge technologies to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. His work ensures that education remains relevant and impactful in an ever-evolving world.

As a public speaker, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective that captivates and inspires audiences. His compelling presentations are rich with actionable insights, real-world examples, and forward-thinking ideas that leave a lasting impact. Whether addressing corporate leaders, educators, or innovators, Mike’s engaging style and thought-provoking content equip his audience with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and uncertain future.

Hiring Mike means gaining access to a profound depth of expertise and a proven track record of success. He offers invaluable benefits, from enhancing organizational excellence to pioneering agile frameworks. Mike’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and translate complex concepts into practical strategies makes him an invaluable asset for any event or organization seeking to embrace the future with confidence and creativity.