How we work
Listen first
Make the path clear
Make the path clear
We start with your people, your context, and the problem you’re actually facing. No canned playbook before we understand the room.
Make the path clear
Make the path clear
Make the path clear
Together we pick a few priorities that matter, then turn them into next steps leaders and teams can use this week.
Actions people can feel
Actions people can feel
Actions people can feel
People don’t experience intentions. They experience actions. We focus on habits and conditions that show up in the work, not slogans on the wall.
Build and sustain
Actions people can feel
Actions people can feel
Turn priorities into repeatable habits, shared ownership, and progress that lasts.
What colleagues are saying
Gary Carey
I have had the privilege of knowing Mike as both a trusted friend and elected office colleague, and I have seen firsthand his ability to bring out the best in people and teams. He understands that meaningful leadership is not simply about setting direction. It is about developing people, building trust, and creating a culture where individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute. His thoughtful, practical approach helps organizations align their people, culture, and strategy around a shared purpose. I confidently recommend him to any organization seeking a leadership partner who can help create a workplace people genuinely want to be part of.
Gary Carey
Mayor, City of Walker, Michigan
Virgel Hammonds
Mike Burde is one of those rare leaders who has spent his career doing more than improving schools. He has challenged the assumptions underneath how schools are designed to work. What excites me most about Burde Leadership Group is that Mike isn't simply going to tell leaders what to do. He understands the messy, human work of leading change when the vision is bigger than the system's current reality.
Co-Chief Executive Officer, FullScale
David Richards, Ph.D.
For over ten years, I've watched Dr. Michael Burde lead with vision and expertise in change management, competency-based learning, and instructional design. A gifted facilitator with outstanding listening skills, he builds genuine collaboration among leaders across the state, making him one of the most effective and trusted voices in education today.
President, Core2Edge
Executive Director, Future of Learning Council
Jonathan G. Vander Els
Having collaborated with educators across the country in support of student learning, I've found Dr. Michael Burde to be among the very best at guiding teams to build the culture, mindsets, and actions needed for high-level collaborative work that serves students.
Partner and Lead Associate, V&S School Solutions
Author and Associate, Solution Tree