Morgan Massie: Building Leaders Through Connection

Morgan Massie always had a clear vision of the kind of leader she wanted to be. Along her career path, she worked with many strong leaders—but she also noticed gaps. At times, she felt boxed in or underutilized, her potential not fully seen or activated. Rather than becoming disillusioned, she used those experiences as fuel. “I had some incredible mentors, but I also saw what happened when people were overlooked or unheard. I made a vow to be the kind of leader who lifts others up,” she shares.

Today, she’s doing exactly that. As the Founder and CEO of Leadership & Training Concierge (LTC) and Co-Founder of Empowered Ventures, Morgan helps leaders and organizations grow through practical tools, human connection, and shared growth. With more than two decades of experience in talent and leadership development, her mission is to build spaces where people feel supported, seen, and empowered to lead in ways that work.

When Speaking Up Builds Trust

Morgan recalls a pivotal moment early in her career with a former manager. Each week during their one-on-ones, the manager sat across a polished table, eyes flicking between her laptop and a constant stream of notifications. “She was there physically, but not really present,” Morgan says. It left her feeling invisible.

At their next meeting, Morgan brought her own laptop and let the notifications roll. When her manager pointed out how distracting it was, Morgan responded with calm honesty: “I’ve felt that too in our meetings. I wasn’t sure how to bring it up, so I tried to show what it’s been like on my end.”

She reflects on the moment as a learning point in her leadership journey. “I’ve always had a tendency to be direct, but I’ve learned to pair that with thoughtfulness,” she says. “In that moment, I wasn’t trying to call her out—I was trying to call something in. Sometimes leadership is about creating clarity in a way that invites growth.”

That simple act of honest feedback didn’t just shift the dynamic—it strengthened it. From that point on, their conversations became more present, more productive, and rooted in greater mutual trust.

Building a Business Around People

Morgan eventually left corporate consulting and launched Leadership & Training Concierge (LTC), a firm that provides leadership coaching, development programs, and talent strategies for growing businesses. What began as a way to support her Ph.D. studies evolved into something greater.

“I wanted flexibility, but I also saw so many solo consultants struggling alone,” she explains. So, she built LTC as a collaborative business model that partners with others in the field. From assessments to coaching to team development, LTC creates custom experiences that pull from a wide network of expert partners.

The name “concierge” isn’t just for style. “It reflects how we work. We meet clients where they are and give them tailored support,” she says. That mindset also shapes the culture she’s created: open, connected, and focused on doing meaningful work with people who care.

A Leadership Model that Works

One of Morgan’s standout contributions is her co-authorship of Avion Consulting’s The Five Coaching Conversations, a best-selling book that became a leadership model used around the world. The idea was simple: what do leaders do to maximize the performance and potential of their people? After researching leaders across industries, they found a common thread: consistent conversations that helped teams perform well and stay connected.

The framework includes five core types of conversations. The first is Explain, which involves providing clear direction and setting expectations, so everyone understands their role and goals. Explore is about asking thoughtful questions that encourage team members to think through challenges and find their own solutions. Encourage focuses on recognizing wins, boosting morale, and keeping motivation strong across the team. Empower means being intentional with delegation, giving responsibilities to those who are ready to grow and develop new skills. Finally, Elevate centers on long-term career growth, helping individuals prepare for what’s next, even if a promotion isn’t immediately available.

These conversations build trust and accountability—in business and beyond. “They work with your kids, your spouse, your team—anyone you want to connect with and support,” Morgan says.

Building Meaningful Connections

At the core of Morgan’s work is the belief that connection drives everything—from culture to collaboration. Her approach to networking is refreshingly human. “Networking became so much more effective when I stopped trying to sell myself and just got curious about how we could help each other,” she says.

She shares a story about a leadership coach who partnered with a local café to host monthly mixers. The coach gained a welcoming venue to foster leadership conversations, and the café saw a boost in business. “It’s a reminder that connection often starts with generosity and shared value,” Morgan explains.

Morgan lives by the mantra: “Do what you love in service of those who love what you do.” Through her businesses, speaking engagements, coaching, and book projects, she continues to create spaces where leaders can connect, grow, and make a meaningful impact.