Mark C. Crowley: Beyond Engagement: Building Workplaces Where People Truly Flourish

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Episode recap:

In this powerful conversation with Mark C. Crowley, author of Lead from the Heart and The Power of Employee Wellbeing, we discussed the growing realization that employee engagement without well-being is hollow—and how genuine human connection, frequent feedback, and emotional awareness drive real performance.

 

Other highlights from the episode:

• Why belonging is the new foundation of well-being.
• How unresolved trauma shapes leadership—and how awareness leads to healing.
• Why resilient leaders embrace uncertainty and learn through “two-way doors.”
• How care and accountability together create workplaces people want to stay in.

 

Mark’s message is simple but radical: when people feel cared for, they thrive—and so do organizations.

 

Tune in to explore how leading with heart isn’t soft—it’s smart, strategic, and deeply human.

 

Guest Bio:

With twenty-five years in the competitive financial services industry, Mark C. Crowley rose to national roles, earning Leader of the Year for his emotionally connected, heart-centered approach that drove exceptional performance and employee growth. His book Lead from the Heart (2011, second edition 2023) disrupted conventional management with research proving that traditional methods undermine employee achievement. Now taught in eleven universities, it ignited a global movement for humane leadership. In his new book, The Power of Employee Well-Being, he advances this vision, demonstrating that thriving teams fuel organizational success. Mark’s Lead from the Heart podcast, ranked in the top 1.5 percent globally, reaches 175+ countries.

 

Quotes:

• Feelings and emotions drive behavior. Engagement is literally a decision of the heart."
• "If you don't know yourself, how could you possibly manage other people? You're not well-informed."
• "Belonging isn't just connection. It's emotional safety, respect, and the freedom to be who you are."
• "When you make decisions, think about how they'll make people feel. That's what it means to lead with love."
• "The work experience should not be something people dread. Create a culture where people want to belong."

 

Key Takeaways

• Know yourself before you lead others. Reflect on your upbringing and motivations. Hidden childhood influences often shape your leadership habits.
• Clarify your values. Define what you stand for, and let those values guide every decision—even when it costs you short-term success.
• Build belonging. Create environments where people feel safe, respected, and accepted for who they are.
• Lead with love. You don't need to say "I love you" at work. You show it by caring about how people feel and treating them with kindness.
• Embrace uncertainty. Replace fear with curiosity and experimentation—model calm confidence during change.

 

Timestamps

[00:02] The failure of the engagement industry

[02:29] Mark's return to the show and his new book, The Power of Employee Well-Being

[02:52] A childhood without love shaped a new kind of leadership philosophy

[07:13] The evolution of "heart-based" leadership and why it's now mainstream

[10:59] Why engagement hasn't improved in 12 years—and how companies got it wrong

[16:51] Moving from engagement to well-being as a leadership priority

[17:23] The first key drivers of well-being: Know thyself and know thy values

[24:03] Why values matter more than performance—and the courage to protect culture

[27:15] The most significant driver of well-being: Belonging and emotional safety

[30:41] How to lead through uncertainty with confidence and hope

[37:04] The link between childhood wounds and leadership behavior

[41:52] Why workplace change is inevitable—and how well-being is the future

[48:56] How to lead with actionable love every day

[51:17] Why work should never be something people dread

[53:13] Where to connect with Mark and explore his work

 

Conclusion:

Mark C. Crowley's message is clear: the future of leadership depends on humanity. Employee engagement may have stalled, but well-being is the key to unlocking performance, retention, and innovation. When leaders know themselves, honor their values, and build genuine belonging, they create workplaces where people thrive. Leading with love isn't soft—it's strategic.

 

Links/Resources: 

• Website – https://markccrowley.com/
• Book - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Employee-Well-Being-Engagement-Flourishing/dp/B0DRXGD4YK/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markccrowley/
• Podcast - https://markccrowley.com/podcasts/