About

Multiple Ways to Transform Relationships.

Hi, I’m Michael Mascolo, Founder and Executive Director of Common Ground Institute, we know every organization is different, that is why one size fits all training and development never worked. It gave way to policies that made learning uniform and to compliance that limited development.

We begin every engagement with a personal discovery process that zeroes in on specific needs to which we can apply our model.

So whether you’re a CEO building a stronger organization, a superintendent reimagining professional development, a community leader bridging divides, or an individual seeking more fulfilling relationships, we provide customized experiences that help people transform conflict into collaboration and build lasting capacity for growth.

Executive Advisory & Strategic Consulting

Expert guidance for organizations, schools, communities, and leaders facing their most complex challenges.

We partner with executive leaders, school administrators, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and community coalitions to help navigate conflict, strengthen relationships, facilitate collaboration, and solve complex challenges that traditional approaches often fail to address.

Services include:

  • Executive Advisory
  • Leadership & Organizational Coaching
  • Community Facilitation
  • Conflict Management
  • Change Management

In-Person Workshops & Leadership Experiences

Learning that transforms people, not just policies.

We’re not huge fans of compliance-driven development. Our highly interactive workshops move beyond traditional professional development by helping participants build the relational capacity needed to solve complex problems together.

Programs are available for:

  • Executive Leadership Teams
  • Schools, & Teachers & Administrators
  • Community Organizations
  • Municipal Leaders

Virtual Learning and Online Workshops

Flexible learning for distributed teams and organizations.

Not every transformation begins in the same room. Our virtual workshops combine live facilitation, collaborative learning, and practical application to create engaging online experiences that produce meaningful change.

Available as:

  • Live Virtual Workshops
  • Multi-session Learning Programs
  • Cohort-Based Learning
  • Virtual Retreats
  • Webinars

Custom Learning Experiences

Every organization is different.  Your learning experience should be too.

We design customized learning programs around your organization’s specific goals, culture, and challenges.

We create custom learning experiences that are in-person or virtual, delivered as a workshop, course or seminar.

AI-Powered Learning & Digital Tools

Human First. AI Second. From the CGI Lab.

We develop customized AI-powered learning experiences that extend growth beyond workshops and classrooms.  We’re committed to the idea that AI-developed solutions must always have a human-in-charge to ensure integrity.

Solutions include:

  • Executive Leadership
  • Teacher Development
  • Relationship Coaching 
  • Community Engagement
  • Conflict Management


Every AI experience is built around one principle: Technology reflects and amplifies human wisdom.  It never replaces it.

Year Around Partnership & Support

Growth doesn’t happen in a single workshop, course or seminar. The most meaningful transformation occurs through continuous learning, coaching, and application. Our year-round partnerships provide ongoing support through:
  • Monthly/Quarterly Check Ins
  • Leadership Advising
  • Office Hours
  • Facilitated Team Discussions
  • Communities of Practice
  • Developmental Assessment

Because relationships continue to evolve. So should learning.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker, an executive advisor, a school partner, a community facilitator, or a long-term learning partner, we’d love to explore how Common Ground Institute can help. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.

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