In this episode of On Connection, Emma Rose Connolly and Roger Henderson are joined by Michele Pilibosian, a leader intentionally investing in her development and practicing what it means to let purpose lead. As leadership becomes less about control and more about influence, purpose can become a powerful anchor.
In this conversation, Michele reflects on the challenge of balancing her values of empathy and kindness with honesty, addressing tough conversations at “point easy”, and what it means to lead in spaces where you don’t have formal authority. Roger and Emma Rose talk to Michele about her experience working to integrate learning into her day-to-day leadership, and why the most effective leaders remain open, reflective, and perpetually unfinished.
About Our Guest
Michele is a seasoned lawyer with deep private practice and in-house experience leading legal, operations, regulatory and compliance teams; and more importantly, a demonstrated history of leading highly engaged teams.
After graduating from the University of Texas and the University of Houston Law Center, Michele worked in private practice as a litigation partner at a national law firm before becoming general counsel to several energy-industry businesses. For the last six years, Michele has run the business operations of Texas law firm Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, with three offices, 45 lawyers, and more than 120 other professionals.
When not working, Michele is herding literal and figurative cats, including actual cats, dogs, and teenaged daughters.
Resources
Explore our Leadership Insights for 2026 Report.
Learn more about Conversant’s Purposeful Leader program.
