Mike Masserman

Lecturer, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs 
Former Head of Global Policy & Social Impact, Lyft

Mike Masserman has built a distinguished career at the nexus of public policy, technology, and academia. He holds a B.A. in Political Science with highest distinction from the University of Michigan and a J.D. cum laude from UC Hastings College of the Law. After practicing corporate and international law in New York and Sydney, he joined the Obama administration as Executive Director for Export Policy at the U.S. Department of Commerce. There he shaped strategies to expand American businesses abroad and worked closely with senior Cabinet officials on economic development initiatives.

At Lyft, Mike spent six years steering the company’s global policy agenda. He began as Director of Federal and International Governmental Affairs and ultimately served as Head of Global Policy and Social Impact. In that role he led cross‑functional teams to navigate regulatory challenges, launch sustainability programs, and promote equity and inclusion. He has advised numerous early‑stage ventures on regulatory strategy, invested in technology startups, and co‑founded a policy consultancy. Today he channels his experience into the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, where he is a professor and mentor, teaching the next generation of leaders how to bridge sectors, build inclusive systems, and drive positive change.

The Bridge Between Worlds

At Responsive Conference 2025, Mike Masserman will lead a session on the power and challenge of living between worlds. Drawing from his unique path straddling spiritual practice and public policy, Mike will explore what it means to serve as a bridge between seemingly opposing realms. He brings grounded insight into what it takes to hold integrity when others question your balance, and how being that bridge can drive meaningful change across organizations and communities.

This isn’t just theory, it’s lived experience. Through personal stories and practical frameworks, Mike will offer tools for fostering real dialogue across ideological divides, navigating identity in complex systems, and staying centered in the midst of competing demands. Whether you work in activism, business, or civic leadership, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how bridging worlds can strengthen resilience, unlock innovation, and create lasting impact. This conversation will be especially valuable for those doing quiet, integrative work behind the scenes – often overlooked, but absolutely essential.