Lynne Golodner
Hi there! I’m Lynne Golodner, mother of four, Waldorf school alumni parent, lover of the written word, and energetic entrepreneur who sees strategy and story as pieces of a puzzle that we can build together.
I keep a corduroy-covered journal from the 1980s behind my desk, reminding me why I do this work: because through word and story, I figure out what makes sense and what is meaningful. That’s what I do for my clients, too.
Whether it’s a Waldorf school seeking to increase enrollment, or a university aiming to stand out from the more than 3,000 higher education institutions in America, or an entrepreneur excited to hang a shingle and help people, I begin with the words, incorporate the “why,” and figure out what to do next to expand reach.

I’ve worked with a variety of organizations and people since I founded Your People in 2007, including my first niche of yoga-related businesses, then a spate of years focused on nonprofits, and now I aim to empower Waldorf schools with the tools they need to expand their enrollment, increase exposure of Waldorf education and philosophy, and generally make the world better through this unique and powerful mode of education.
I’ve spent more than 20 years as a self-employed entrepreneur and author, after 15 years as a nationally-celebrated journalist, living in New York, Washington, D.C., and Detroit. I have written about education, home, architecture, design and real estate, food, faith and family, and I’ve been fortunate to produce eight published books. I also speak widely on marketing, meaning and finding your voice, and I teach writing classes through University of Detroit Mercy and Writing Workshops Detroit/Dallas.

When I became a single mother of three young children in 2007 and the economy was in turmoil, I put my communication skills into a new role at Your People – offering marketing and public relations with a focus on purpose and story that revolutionizes how we build brand awareness and grow revenues. Since 2013, I have specialized in working with schools, universities and education-focused nonprofits.
Today, I am a 2020-21 member of the Forbes Agency Council and I’ve received awards for my innovative leadership in marketing and public relations. In 2019, I was recognized by MichBusiness as a Marketing & PR Prophet, and in 2018 Crain’s Detroit Business named me a Notable Woman in Marketing.
I also host the Make Meaning Podcast, which I launched in 2018 on my father’s 80th birthday. He was my first guest, too. Inspired by his lifelong leadership and our close relationship, I wanted to record his insights and stories and share them with others. My dad was an entrepreneur and my best advisor, and other guests have shared how they build meaningful lives and work driven by purpose.
A Fulbright Specialist from 2017-2020, I graduated from University of Michigan (BA, Communications/English) and Goddard College (MFA, Writing). In 2018, I completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Entrepreneurship Certification. The mother of four teenagers, I live with my husband and children in Huntington Woods, Michigan.
Other places you’ll find me: www.makemeaning.org, www.lynnegolodner.com
Contact Lynne
(248) 376-0406 | lynne@yourppl.com

Testimonials
Vickie Thompson-Sandy, CEO, The Buckeye Ranch
“Lynne and I worked together for several years in Michigan. She brought that organization to a new level of recognition as an expert in their areas of focus. I would highly recommend working with Lynne and her team!”
Lisa Diggs, Founder of the Buy Michigan Now campaign
“Lynne is that rare business professional who is as talented at what she does as she is conscientious about how she does it. She is a gifted writer, a creative thinker, and a caring individual. Lynne consistently uses her abilities to enhance the productivity and image of her clients, while also tending to the betterment of her community.”
Ronald Jasgur, President at Woodward Asset Capital
“I’d almost prefer not to tell anyone about the extraordinary results we’ve had working with Lynne for fear that too many people might find out what we already know…she’s the best at what she does. If you have the opportunity to work with her, don’t waste a minute thinking twice.”
Emily Barnes, Interim President, Cleary University
“Lynne is so amazing! She made my fire hydrant of a response sound like poetry. Lynne makes herself available early mornings, late nights, weekends, often without notice, to ensure we send the right message to those we serve. We cannot thank Lynne enough for her wisdom during this time of uncertainty.”

Articles by Lynne

At Passover, Remembering My Grandma, and Her Chicken Soup
Hadasssah Magazine | March 2022
How I stay close to my son while arguing over Israel and Palestine
The Jewish Forward | February 15, 2022
Swimming: A Meditation by Lynne Golodner
The Good Life Review | Winter 2022
Waiting For My Father To Die
The Jewish Literary Journal | December 23, 2021
How To Find A Mentor And Maximize The Relationship
March 19, 2021 | Forbes
Oysters
Porridge | September 25, 2021
Building A Solid Business Foundation Begins With Story — What’s Yours?
Forbes | January 22, 2021
Opinion: Business is increasingly political; here’s how to embrace it
January 22, 2021 | The Detroit News

Press

Author Q & A with Lynne Golodner
The Good Life Review | March 30, 2022

Podcasts

Painted Pomegranates and Needlepoint Rabbis
Make Meaning in Marketing
Ending 'Period Poverty' with Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth
Lynne Golodner on The Caretakers Podcast about being authentic
by: Rebecca Jefferys
Navigating Complex Feelings Around Pandemic Nostalgia
Storytelling Marketing with Lynne Golodner
Setting Goals & Measuring Success
The Power of Storytelling with Lynne Golodner
How to build brand exposure by understanding your story
How Moms Can Have Meaningful Careers
The Importance of Strategic Storytelling
Finding Meaning That Fuels Your Business
Make Meaning
How to Make a Purposeful Shift In Your Career
How to Pivot to a Meaningful Career
What's Your Story?
A Quest for Purpose & Meaning
Finding Meaningful Work
THINK Business
The Art of Storytelling
Lynne on Defy & Hustle
Interview with Lynne

LinkedIn Live

Storytelling Marketing and Defining Your Brand Story
Communication Strategies During a Pandemic
