From Compliance to Conscious Growth: How Michi McClure and Consivian Redefine Leadership

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Episode Overview

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael speaks with Michi McClure, Founder of Consivian, about her transformation from an “accidental leader” to a conscious architect of human and organizational growth. Michi shares how her firm evolved from its compliance origins into a full-spectrum business consultancy helping leaders and teams grow through authenticity, systems thinking, and self-awareness.

Together, they explore what it means to build organizations that are not just compliant — but truly connected, conscious, and continually learning.

Key Topics & Insights Authentic Connection as the Foundation of Growth

Michael and Michi unpack how organizational health begins with authentic human connection. They discuss how leaders can create environments where people feel safe to speak openly, challenge ideas, and contribute meaningfully. Drawing inspiration from 3M’s innovation culture and Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety, the conversation highlights the power of balancing data-driven insight with genuine human empathy.

The Power of Inclusion in Leadership Decisions

Michael shares a story about a healthcare redesign initiative that excluded doctors from the planning process — a costly mistake that became a case study in why leaders must include all stakeholders. The story becomes a powerful metaphor for leadership humility, reminding us that sustainable change only happens when everyone’s voice is invited to the table.

Flexibility and Communication at Every Level

Michi and Michael discuss how leaders can move beyond rigid structures and instead create flexible meeting formats, adaptive communication rhythms, and spaces for real-time problem-solving. They emphasize that leadership today isn’t about following old rules — it’s about being present, reflective, and responsive to what teams actually need.

Visual Feedback and Leadership Awareness

Michi shares her creative experiment with a “visual thermometer” on her office door, where her team could anonymously reflect how they perceived her leadership presence each day. This tool became a catalyst for self-awareness and emotional intelligence — qualities she believes are essential to modern leadership. Michael expands on the idea, encouraging leaders to “take their own pulse” after key interactions to assess connection and tone.

Reflection as the Path to Personal and Organizational Growth

Both Michi and Michael underscore the importance of reflective learning — recognizing blind spots, seeking feedback, and embracing discomfort as a teacher. Michi connects this process to burnout prevention, explaining how reflection and feedback re-energize leaders by aligning them more deeply with purpose.

Creativity, Self-Care, and Sustainable Leadership

In a discussion that blends philosophy and practicality, Michi advocates for leaders to give themselves “space and grace” to recharge creatively. Michael introduces the timeless “sharpen the saw” parable, illustrating how sustainable productivity requires rest, reflection, and recalibration. Together, they explore how Consivian helps leaders move from burnout to balanced, consistent performance — like the steady pace of a tortoise rather than the burnout-driven sprint of a hare.

Navigating Organizational Change with Self-Awareness

Michi dives into the challenges of change management, noting that many leaders attempt to “fix” others before examining their own systems. She encourages a shift toward self-inquiry, using feedback loops and system mapping to uncover invisible barriers that hinder transformation.

Continuous Learning as a Business Imperative

To close, Michi shares how continuous learning shapes the culture at Consivian — each client engagement becomes a new opportunity for insight, innovation, and growth. She invites listeners to explore more about her work and resources at consivian.com.

Connect with Michi McClure & Consivian

🔗 Website: consivian.com 💡 LinkedIn: Michi McClure 📚 Blog & Coaching Resources: Consivian Leadership Insights