McLEOD BUTLER
What is Political Navigation?
Political navigation is both an art and a science — the ability to move with clarity through the shifting tides of government administrations, policies and processes. At McLeod Butler, we are political navigation experts — uniquely equipped to help you understand, decode, navigate and master complex, changing political dynamics.
Who We Help
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Women choosing to create lasting impact in any arena
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Executives navigating complex, political landscapes
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Corporations and Non-profits seeking to build relationships
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Institutions and Individuals facing high-stakes challenges
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Advocacy groups pushing bold policy agendas
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Candidates & Incumbents looking to level-up their leadership
What We Do
We specialize in guiding you and your organizations through the
high-stakes, high-pressure, hyper-partisan world of modern politics.
From custom strategies to navigational tools, our work is rooted in unparalleled experience and insights that lead to real-world results.
Let us help you:
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Understand Political Landscapes
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Identify Political Motivations & Agendas
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Assess & Mitigate Political Risks
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Develop Strategic Insights, Communications & Adaptations
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Build Relationships & Alliances with Political Operatives
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Engage Key Internal & External Stakeholders
Call Us Today
Decode internal
and external politics
Avoid political
landmines
Leverage
opportunities
Anticipate challenges before they happen
Build custom roadmaps to achieve your boldest goals
Understand complex political people and processes
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About Us
Founded in 2003, McLeod Butler is a certified, woman-owned business that began as a boutique public affairs firm and is now repurposed for today’s complex political terrain. We don’t just offer advice — we specialize in equipping you with the tools and strategies to effectively navigate the internal and external politics at play in any arena.
Since its inception, McLeod Butler has been trusted to help leaders, organizations and changemakers move with precision through the toughest political terrain. Founded and led by trailblazer Mia McLeod — a fearless navigator of both the legislative and executive branches — our firm understands how and why power moves… and how to move with it.
Now, with decades of business and government experience and a passion for meaningful impact, McLeod Butler is raising the bar again — offering Political Navigation Services for clients who can’t afford to get lost in the chaos. Whether you're leading in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, influencing public policy, advocating for yourself and others or running for office…we’ll help you move strategically, so you can navigate successfully.
Meet Your Chief Navigator
Mia McLeod is no stranger to breaking ground — or breaking barriers. She’s more than a consultant — effectively navigating difficult political landscapes is one of her super-powers. She brings a unique vantage point and understanding of how political systems work — and how to challenge them effectively. Mia’s legacy is built on resilience, results and a deep commitment to people over politics.
In the face of serious opposition, Mia never lost a House or Senate election. The first black woman to launch a statewide gubernatorial run in South Carolina…she understands the political challenges facing women in general and black women in particular. As a global Public Leadership Fellow— Mia knows first-hand how to lead with vision and clarity within systems that embrace the status quo and are resistant to change. As Founder and Chief Navigator of McLeod Butler, she brings decades of bipartisan political experience, bold leadership and strategic insights to help you navigate tumultuous political terrain with the same passion, preparation and precision that have defined her public service career.
In 2023, Mia and her Sister-Senators received the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award®…a global distinction fewer than 100 people worldwide received before them. She didn’t just survive the political arena — she learned how to move through it, win within it and create lasting impact in the midst of it.
McLeod Butler | Est. 2003 | Certified Woman-Owned Business
Public Affairs + Political Navigation
© 2025 McLeod Butler. All Rights Reserved.
Connect with us:
Because You Can’t Afford to Get Lost...
Navigating internal and external politics takes more than connections, it takes courage, clarity and strategy. At McLeod Butler, we bring a wealth of:
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Firsthand Knowledge
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Earned Credibility
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Strategic Foresight
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Unparalleled Access
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Uncompromising Values
Don’t just follow the blueprint. Create it.
Real Voices. Real Results. Real Impact.
McLeod Butler | Est. 2003 | Certified Woman-Owned Business
Public Affairs + Political Navigation
© 2025 McLeod Butler. All Rights Reserved.
Connect with us:
Ready to Navigate with Us?
Let’s build a custom roadmap for your boldest goals.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, bracing for public policy impact, advocating for
change or leading others through it — we’re here to help you navigate successfully.
Interested in Executive Leadership Coaching?
Visit FearlesslyMia.com to learn more
Thinking about running for office? Are you a female Candidate or Incumbent?
Check out LeadHers Hub!
BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL
McLeod Butler | Est. 2003 | Certified Woman-Owned Business
Public Affairs + Political Navigation
© 2025 McLeod Butler. All Rights Reserved.
Connect with us:
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Political Navigation & Public Affairs Expert
Executive Leadership Coach
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Mia S. McLeod, 2023 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ® recipient, is a fearless truth-teller, barrier-breaking political pioneer and purpose-driven force for change. The first woman to shatter multiple glass ceilings across South Carolina’s executive and legislative branches, Mia blends faith, courage and authenticity to lead in high-stakes arenas where few dare to stand alone.
As CEO of McLeod Butler, a certified, woman-owned public affairs and political navigation firm she founded in 2003, Mia is the “go-to” expert for individuals and organizations who must effectively navigate the toughest political terrain. Known for her bold voice, values-driven messaging and uncanny ability to influence both public opinion and public policy, Mia is the ultimate resource for those who want customized navigational tools and proven executive leadership strategies.
With over two decades of public and private sector experience—Mia is a Master Strategist and globally recognized leader—guiding her clients through the complexities of politics, power and principled leadership. Featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, People, Black Enterprise, Time and Glamour and seen on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CBS News, Today Show and Good Morning America, Mia is an award- winning, disruptive force for good, whose influence is as far-reaching as it is impactful.
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