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Michael Byrnes

Chief Growth Officer
Michael Byrnes brings strategic vision and relentless drive to Highwire as Chief Growth Officer, transforming disruption into competitive advantage for clients navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. With deep expertise across healthcare, tech, and high-growth sectors, he partners with organizations to build communications strategies that are both responsive and resilient, turning complex market shifts into opportunities for breakthrough growth.
Location Boston, MA
Social Media LinkedIn

Fun Fact
I Was Born During A Tornado. My Birth Included Full-On Sheltering In A Hospital Basement.
Business Strategy
In A World Shaped By AI, Media Disruption, And Constant Change—How Do You Help Clients Stay Ahead?
This field evolves at lightning speed, and that's exactly what keeps me energized. I've always been an early adopter—testing emerging tools, experimenting with new platforms, and helping clients cut through the noise to identify what's worth acting on. The pace of change creates unprecedented opportunity for those willing to move with purpose and precision. As someone who thrives on solving new challenges, I partner with clients who want to collaborate beyond the conventional, pressure-test what matters, and build communications strategies that are both responsive and resilient. The best breakthroughs happen when we transform disruption into competitive advantage.
Industry/Service Expertise
How Does Your Background Shape How You Lead In Fast-Evolving Industries?
My experience spans healthcare, tech, and high-growth sectors where standing still means falling behind. I've spent my career helping companies communicate through transformation—whether navigating market shifts, launching breakthrough products, or executing complete rebrands. This foundation has shaped my leadership approach: I stay close to emerging trends, ask the tough questions that matter, and move quickly from strategic insight to measurable execution. In fast-evolving industries, success requires balancing steady strategic thinking with adaptive execution—that's the sweet spot where I help teams and clients thrive.
Strategic Marcomms
What’s Changed Most About How Brands Need To Show Up And How Do You Help Them Adapt?
The biggest transformation is that brands can't rely on single messages or isolated moments anymore. They need to show up consistently across platforms with a clear, authentic point of view that cuts through the noise. Audiences are increasingly fragmented, attention is harder to earn, and trust is built through sustained authenticity over time. We help brands adapt by aligning their storytelling with what people genuinely care about, ensuring it's timely, authentic, and designed to move seamlessly across channels and touchpoints. True relevance requires speed, substance, and the courage to evolve.
Client Results
How Did You Help A Client Evolve Their Narrative–Or Shift Perception In The Market?
One of my most impactful projects involved guiding the merger of an established pharma leader with a fast-moving biotech—two companies with vastly different cultures and public identities. The newly combined organization had to do more than tell a new story; it had to become one. We worked closely with communications, marketing, HR, and talent teams to evolve both the corporate narrative and brand identity while supporting critical internal alignment. This meant helping leaders at every level connect strategy with culture, creating verbal, visual, and experiential expressions of the new brand that resonated with longtime employees and attracted top-tier talent. The result was a unified voice, shared purpose, and a foundation for sustained growth across the organization.
Our Culture
What Does Highwire's Culture Mean To You, And How Does It Shape How You Lead?
Highwire's culture is built on shared ambition and the belief that we do our best work when we're learning, challenging ourselves, and supporting one another. For me, that means leading with transparency and trust, creating space for bold ideas, and staying open to what's next. I model curiosity and continuous growth while fostering an environment where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead from wherever they are. The pace is relentless, but the culture is generous—that balance creates a powerful foundation for building careers and delivering breakthrough results for our clients.

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