Summon Monster provides resources for shaping narratives that drive public opinion, government responsiveness, and organizational effectiveness. We specialize in strategic storytelling and executive coaching that achieves objectives inside organizations, espcially those that make a difference in the world. This work is rooted in strategic communications, feedback, and facilitation methods to develop a more certain voice.
We offer values-driven communications services on a sliding-scale, fee-for service basis. Our clients include elected and appointed officials, high-profile candidate and ballot measure campaigns, internationally-recognized nonprofits, and some of the biggest corporations on the planet. We charge a premium to the big names, to make our services accessible – sometimes even free – for startups and worthy causes. Our work has entered hundreds of millions of homes – likely including yours.
Our Pillars of Inspiration
Revolutionary Optimism – Change comes after stagnation. We operate from the belief that we are always on the cusp of sudden transformation, and that we will make it happen through our combined efforts.
Oral History – The best story travels by word of mouth. It’s not just what you say, but what the audience remembers and repeats. Honoring this tradition, we build stories from memorable moments.
Community Service – We believe in racial, social and economic justice. Getting there means we all have a part to play. Summon Monster exists to write the undeniable story of how we win a just and equitable world.
Radical Truth-telling – Doing right means saying what is simply, fully correct. The truth resonates with everyone, even when it’s complex or difficult. Anything less than the truth is just confusing.
Speculative Fiction – Imaginative stories alter reality. Science fiction inspires modern invention. Fantasy opens us to the magic and mysticism of our present and past. Futurism shows us a fantastic tomorrow.
Why “Summon Monster?”
Zombies are a metaphor for out-of-control pandemics. Werewolves provide us a language to discuss the dark, hidden nature of mankind. The kraken is one way early sailors interpreted and passed on tales of disasters at sea. Monsters in fiction help us understand forces beyond our control. The word “monster” has an ancient translation meaning something like “a message from God.” Summon Monster exists to conjure up the imaginative stories that help us describe, understand, and solve the complex problems of our time.
About Our Brand
Monster doodle by By Kate Maldjian, licensed under CC BY 3.0
Summon Monster brand design by Bess Meade
Website by Shawn Mulchin
Our Founder
Summon Monster is a conjuration of Shawn Fleek, a communications professional with decades of experience in progressive advocacy and crisis communications, and 18 years leading high impact writing projects for Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits. He created Summon Monster to tell the stories that drive progress.
Let’s Talk
We provide free hour-long video consultations to Black, Indigenous, and women-led efforts, and will happily talk business with anyone. If you’re interested in changing public narratives, contact us.