Yannik McKie

Author | Speaker | Purpose Coach

Yannik McKie is a purpose-driven visionary, entrepreneur, and speaker who transforms adversity into impact. After losing both parents to AIDS as a teenager and facing life-altering challenges, he turned his pain into purpose, committing his life to helping others do the same. He authored Living in the Shadows: Adversity Creates Purpose and launched mentorship programs like “Brother to Brother” in Atlanta’s Bowen Homes community, inspiring countless lives through his story of redemption and resilience.

As the founder of Purpose-Fueled Leader and the Living in Purpose Foundation, Yannik equips individuals, teams, and organizations to lead with authenticity, transform culture, and achieve meaningful results. Recognized as a Change Maker of the Year and one of Georgia Southern University’s Top 40 Under 40, he brings over 16 years of leadership experience to his work with corporations, nonprofits, and churches—helping them discover their purpose, unlock potential, and lead with passion and peace.

AUTHOR

Yannik McKie shares how losing both parents as a teen nearly broke him but ultimately shaped his faith and purpose, proving that pain can refine rather than destroy you.

SPEAKER

Yannik McKie is a powerful speaker who uses his story of overcoming deep adversity to equip leaders and teams with practical, research-backed strategies to turn pressure into purpose, resilience, and high-performance results through his signature keynote, Purpose Under Pressure.

PURPOSE COACH

Yannik McKie’s purpose-driven business coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders gain clarity, strengthen leadership, and align their vision and decisions with long-term values for sustainable growth.

Yannikhas worked with...

As seenon...

★★★★★
“We brought Yannik in to speak to the football team and his talk was about having character, integrity & mental toughness. He is building a new legacy for families daily! ”
Thomas C. Settles III
★★★★★
“We brought Yannik in to speak to the football team and his talk was about having character, integrity & mental toughness. He is building a new legacy for families daily!”
UGA
Thomas C. Settles III
Chaplain, UGA Fellowship of Christian Athletes
★★★★★
"Author Yannik McKie was an excellent and informative key note speaking sensation!"
Nashia C. Whittenburg
★★★★★
"Author Yannik McKie was an excellent and informative key note speaking sensation!"
st john
Nashia C. Whittenburg
Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs, St. John's University
★★★★★
“We invited Yannik to be the keynote speaker at our Maximize Potential Conference and we were extremely pleased with the outcome! We would highly recommend Yannik for any event.
Nic Panghorn
★★★★★
“We invited Yannik to be the keynote speaker at our Maximize Potential Conference and we were extremely pleased with the outcome! We would highly recommend Yannik for any event.
Clemson
Nic Panghorn
Assistant Director Residential Programs, Clemson Youth Learning Institute
★★★★★
"We couldn't have had a better speaker! You were so genuine, relevant and clearly had done your homework. You knew this audience and raised the level of conversation versus talking down to them. Thank you for putting your head, heart and hands into our mission."
Nancy Hunter Denney
★★★★★
"We couldn't have had a better speaker! You were so genuine, relevant and clearly had done your homework. You knew this audience and raised the level of conversation versus talking down to them. Thank you for putting your head, heart and hands into our mission."
Lead365
Nancy Hunter Denney
Conference Director, Lead365 National Conference
★★★★★
Yannik didn’t just speak to our team; he spoke into them. His message gave our leaders renewed clarity, emotional strength, & alignment. It’s rare to find a speaker who can simultaneously elevate purpose, performance, and people. Our organization is stronger because of his time with us.  
DeeDee Henderson
★★★★★
Yannik didn’t just speak to our team; he spoke into them. His message gave our leaders renewed clarity, emotional strength, & alignment. It’s rare to find a speaker who can simultaneously elevate purpose, performance, and people. Our organization is stronger because of his time with us.  
Agape Care
DeeDee Henderson
Mission Officer, Agape Care
★★★★★
Augusta University Augusta University hosted its 6th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit and Yannik Mckie was an excellent choice as a keynote presenter. When we received our survey results 98% of respondents to our survey shared that Yannik Mckie offered thought provoking concepts and relevant examples to aid with enhancing diversity in their work or community. He open a number of eyes, hearts and minds during his presentation. His personal story is inspiring and was able to help our audience understand the part they play in creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We will definitely...
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Karen A. Mobley
★★★★★
Augusta University Augusta University hosted its 6th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit and Yannik Mckie was an excellent choice as a keynote presenter. When we received our survey results 98% of respondents to our survey shared that Yannik Mckie offered thought provoking concepts and relevant examples to aid with enhancing diversity in their work or community. He open a number of eyes, hearts and minds during his presentation. His personal story is inspiring and was able to help our audience understand the part they play in creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We will definitely be using his services again…
AU
Karen A. Mobley
Director of Academic Diversity Initiatives for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Augusta University
★★★★★
We invited Yannik in early this Spring to speak to our young men during our Bow ties and Blue Jeans mentoring matchup event. He delivered an inspiring message about finding your purpose in your problems! His message resonated with the entire audience, challenging us all to find our purpose and BE GREAT!
Kim Evans
★★★★★
We invited Yannik in early this Spring to speak to our young men during our Bow ties and Blue Jeans mentoring matchup event. He delivered an inspiring message about finding your purpose in your problems! His message resonated with the entire audience, challenging us all to find our purpose and BE GREAT!
BGC
Kim Evans
CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the CSRA
★★★★★
We brought Yannik McKie to speak at our two day Women’s Conference. He inspired and encouraged us to believe in ourselves, not to settle, and know our value! We tweeted almost everything he said. It was outstanding!
Alexandria Agee
★★★★★
We brought Yannik McKie to speak at our two day Women’s Conference. He inspired and encouraged us to believe in ourselves, not to settle, and know our value! We tweeted almost everything he said. It was outstanding!
Mercer
Alexandria Agee
Chaplain NCNW, Mercer University