Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This week, we’re taking on a big leadership myth: that kindness is weakness.
Alongside guest Jeff LeBlanc — lecturer, Forbes-featured strategist, and creator of the Engaged Empathy Leadership Model — we unpack what kindness really means in a leadership context. Not just whether it works, but whether we’re defining it all wrong.

From setting boundaries to building trust, Jeff shares real-world examples and practical strategies to make kindness a powerful leadership tool — not just a feel-good slogan.

💡 Key Takeaways from Jeff LeBlanc

Kindness isn’t about being liked — it’s about being trusted. It’s structured, intentional, and deeply tied to fairness.
Avoidance isn’t kindness. Real kindness involves honest feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Clarity, consistency and compassion are the backbone of kind leadership.
Follow-through matters. Kindness without action breeds frustration.
Kindness is a practice — not a personality trait. You don’t need to be warm or bubbly to be a kind leader.

🔗 Connect with Jeff LeBlanc

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jeff-leblanc-93212510a
Website: www.jeffleblancdba.com

💬 Connect with Al & Leanne

Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🧠 Support With Mental Health and Well-being

– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
– Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

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And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical insights from real leaders — every Tuesday and Thursday.

Episode 312: Lincoln's Return to Public Life (Writings 1855 to summer of 1858)