Speaker Spotlight: Brandon Consalvi, MBA

Brandon Consalvi, MBA: President & Owner, Bear Up Consulting & Bear Up Design

In this month’s Elevate Leaders Speaker Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce a leader whose journey blends authenticity, wisdom, and intentionality: Brandon J. Consalvi. With more than two decades of experience spanning faith-based leadership, nonprofits, construction, e-commerce, and business consulting, Brandon brings a refreshingly grounded and deeply human approach to leadership development. His story is one of growth, humility, and purpose - shaped by calling, refined by experience, and lived out with conviction.

Finding Purpose Through Leadership

Brandon’s career began in faith-based ministry, where he first learned what it meant to lead with a people-first mindset. Yet, as a self-described hyper-achiever and recovering perfectionist, he admits his early struggle: putting productivity over people.

It wasn’t until a few roles later, in his early 30s, that leadership took on a deeper meaning. He discovered the power of servant leadership, the importance of authenticity, and the value of helping others feel seen, heard, and valued.

“Leadership became less about achieving and more about loving the people around me - doing everything I could to make them successful.”

That mindset continues to define his work today.

Leadership Style in Three Words

Authentic. Knowledgeable. Intentional.

These three words not only describe his approach - they describe his character.

Leading With Vision and Values

For Brandon, staying grounded and motivated starts with clarity. He has built his leadership on a strong foundation of personal calling, vision, mission, and values—guiding not just his work, but his family culture, which he considers his most important leadership arena.

Everything flows from that foundation:
Why he leads.
How he leads.
Where he leads.
And who he allows to lead alongside him.

Wisdom That Sticks

One of the most transformative pieces of advice he received early on was Hanlon’s Razor:

“Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by ignorance.”

This reframed his assumptions about others - especially helpful for someone naturally inclined toward high standards and perfectionism.

Later, a second insight layered on top:

“Everyone wants to succeed.”

Together, these principles remind him that most mistakes stem not from laziness or ill intent, but from gaps in communication, capability, or leadership - problems good leaders can solve with clarity, grace, and intentionality.

Today’s Leadership Challenge: Speed and Burnout

Brandon believes modern leaders are facing unprecedented pressure to perform at an unsustainable pace. The downstream effects - burnout, turnover, and organizational instability - create a cycle that puts even more strain on leaders.

Breaking this cycle, he says, requires healthier expectations, stronger communication, and leadership that supports capacity rather than stretches it thin.

Life Outside of Leadership

To maintain balance and joy, Brandon stepped away from social media and television years ago, creating space for creative, life-giving hobbies.

When he isn’t coaching leaders or building systems, you’ll find him:

• gardening

• woodworking or carving spoons

• playing music

• reading

• enjoying golf or chess with his son

• having coffee dates with his daughter

• or simply enjoying time with his wife

“My faith, my marriage, and my family are the ballast that keep me afloat.”

Before Taking the Stage

Brandon jokes that his pre-event ritual is simply trying not to throw up and surviving impostor syndrome. Despite countless successful presentations, the nerves never fully go away - something his therapist will eventually help him unpack, he says with humor.

Coffee helps too. Lots of it - preferably homemade decaf cold brew or a dry cappuccino from his $20 stovetop espresso percolator.

What Surprises People Most?

A few unexpected facts about Brandon:

• He’s an ordained minister and still performs weddings.

• He once played as a professional blues percussionist - for one unforgettable night in Hawaii.

What Excites Him Most About Elevate Leaders

As a natural developer of people, partnering with Elevate Leaders aligns deeply with who he is. Helping leaders grow and strengthening organizations from the inside out is, in his words, “soul-level work.”

His Message for Attendees

Six months from now, Brandon hopes leaders remember one truth:

“You are called and capable of the work in front of you - not because of new tools or tactics, but because you are uniquely positioned to influence the people you lead.”

What’s Next for Brandon

Brandon is currently growing his consulting business, Bear Up Consulting, supporting nonprofits and small businesses in their earliest and most transformative stages.

He’s also resisting (only barely) the pull toward writing - something he suspects he won’t be able to avoid much longer.

About Brandon J. Consalvi

Brandon Consalvi is the President and Owner of Bear Up Consulting and Bear Up Design, supporting nonprofits and small businesses through identity formation, logo design, process development, and essential business frameworks. With over 20 years of leadership experience across diverse fields - including ministry, construction, e-commerce, and product development - he brings a well-rounded, people-centered approach to organizational growth. Brandon is a husband of 20 years and father of two teenagers who are preparing to start driving soon - “pray for me,” he says.

Register Now