Samantha Thomas: Debunking Myths About Love in Business

Episode recap:

Samantha Thomas and Marcel Schwantes discussed Samantha's book on love and business and the broader role of love, trust, and faith in both personal and professional growth. They explored the importance of acknowledging others, fostering psychological safety, and balancing self-love with service to others. The conversation touched on trust’s role in relationships, the dangers of cancel culture, and the need for open-minded dialogue. They concluded with reflections on leadership, emphasizing the power of love over fear in shaping organizations.

Bio:

Samantha is a consultant, coach, and writer who has spent over a decade researching the motivators and barriers to love in human beings and exploring how these factors impact personal relationships and broader social structures.

Her work in love and the psychology of human behavior began with The Love Summit, a business and leadership conference she created while serving as Executive Director of Dream Change from 2012 to 2018. The event brought together business and government leaders to explore how love, as both an ethic and a practice, could heal the deepest emotional wounds of individuals and address society's most pressing social and economic challenges. Samantha was recognized as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum and featured in several prominent media outlets. She earned her MSc in Global Prosperity from University College London and a certification in Applied Compassion Training from Stanford University (2023).

Quotes: 

• "Love is about extending ourselves for the growth of ourselves or another, but it is really about going above and beyond the self."
• "Faith is what allows us to keep going. Faith is what allows us to continue creating life because we believe there is meaning, a future, and possibilities. Without that, we have nothing."

Takeaways:

• Reflect on past experiences and personal growth to better understand your purpose and how to lead with love.
• Explore ways to build trust and psychological safety in your workplace to create a culture of love and growth.
• Keep the faith and never give up - change and growth are always possible, even in difficult times.

Timestamps:

[00:05] Introduction
[03:50] From eco-fashion to leading a movement
[05:57] Writing a book on love, success, and purpose
[16:31] The hidden power of acknowledgment in work and life
[21:40] How mirroring love can change relationships
[37:51] Why faith and hope matter in leadership
[47:45] Trust and love—building a stronger workplace
[01:01:22] How leaders can remove fear from company culture
[01:12:20] Love vs. fear—the forces shaping leadership
[01:15:27] Practical ways to lead with love every day

Conclusion:
Love, when embraced as a guiding principle, has the power to shape both personal growth and professional success. It encourages resilience, strengthens relationships, and creates the foundation for meaningful change. Even in difficult times, choosing compassion and optimism can open new paths forward. Lasting progress begins with the belief that growth is always within reach, no matter the challenges faced.

Marcel Scwhantes' Substack

https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/

Links/Resources:
Website – www.justchooselove.com
Substack - https://justchooselove.substack.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovebyst/
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