Michael T. Astolfi is a dynamic leader known for creating award-winning products and driving exceptional user outcomes. With extensive experience in product management, compassionate leadership, and innovative design, he has consistently delivered groundbreaking digital experiences throughout his career.
As the VP of Product at Outlier.org, Michael has impacted online higher education by introducing cutting-edge instructional design principles and game design elements, resulting in superlative student performance. Under his leadership, Outlier.org's educational products have powered a cost-effective online Associate's Degree program in partnership with Golden Gate University and underpinned student courses accepted by over 600 higher education institutions.
Prior to his role at Outlier.org, Michael played a pivotal role at CTRL-Labs, contributing to the development of an A.I.-powered EMG-based neural interface and designing applications and games for VR/AR controllers. His innovative work led to the acquisition of CTRL-Labs by Meta in 2019. Michael's career also includes contributions at Carnegie Corporation of New York, where he managed digital strategies and drove significant growth in its social media following.
He holds a master's degree in The Design & Psychology of Video Games from New York University and a bachelor's degree in Evolutionary Psychology from Boston University, along with numerous other accomplishments, including creating the award-winning audio-only game, BlindSide, and being awarded two U.S. patents. With a rich skill set that spans executive leadership, product management, game design, and UX experimentation, Michael continues to be a driving force in the creation of innovative and impactful products.