Love in Action

Episode recap: Whether you’re a programmer, mother, executive, teacher, or an entrepreneur, this episode is for you if ... 1. You feel like you need five more hours in your day. 2. You are being pulled in a million directions with no end in sight. 3. Your life is BUSY instead of BIG. Erik Qualman, author of "The Focus Project," discussed strategies for improving focus and productivity in a digitally connected world. He shared insights from his personal focus experiment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing big goals, developing focus as a habit, and implementing systems to maintain concentration. Qualman provided practical tips for enhancing focus, including the “20/20 Rule” for taking breaks, setting clear success metrics, and starting with small, manageable goals to build discipline and achieve significant results. Want to take control of your life and master self-management in the digital age? This is the episode for you from a global authority.Bio:Erik Qualman is a #1 Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker who has performed in over 55 countries and reached 50 million people. He was voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling. He is the host of the popular Super U Podcast and his work has been used by the National Guard to NBCUniversal to NASA. He is the author of "The Focus Project." Quotes: "Focus is really hard, but it can be learned—it can become a habit." "If it's not a hell yes, it's a hell no." "Focus on big things, not busy ones. Life is very short, and most of us think we'll have more time tomorrow to do something—but attack your dream today, even if it's just for a minute. Don't hold it off for tomorrow."  Takeaways: Start a one-minute daily focus ritual on your most important goal, whether it's writing a sentence, playing a guitar chord, or working on a passion project. Audit your daily tasks and identify the single most impactful activity that, if done well, makes everything else easier or unnecessary. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away, reducing eye strain and resetting mental focus. Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and Introduction [04:13] Introducing Erik Qualman [05:21] Why Focus Might Matter More Than Hustle [05:57] The Real Reason You Struggle to Stay Focused [09:22] What Happened When Erik Focused for 30 Days [13:31] Easy Focus Habits That Actually Work Daily [18:57] How to Stay Sharp When Tech Steals Your Time [21:29] What Leaders Can Do to Cut Noise and Prioritize [23:10] Focus on Big Things, Not Busy Ones  Conclusion: Focus isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill that can be built with practice, even in a world full of distractions. People who achieve meaningful results often do so by creating clear systems that help them avoid busywork and stay centered on what matters most. Learning to say "no" to lesser tasks makes space for bigger, more important progress. And it doesn’t require massive effort—starting with just a minute each day can lead to lasting improvement. Small, steady actions often make the biggest difference.  Links/Resources: Website: http://www.equalman.com Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:Peter Bregman joined Marcel on the podcast to discuss the themes of emotional courage and leadership in today’s society, exploring how these concepts apply to current challenges around empathy and fear. Peter and Marcel discussed the importance of acknowledging and understanding one’s own shadow side to prevent insidious behavior and damage. Peter shared his thoughts on the dangers of categorizing people with negative labels, which can lead to a loss of curiosity and closed-mindedness. He emphasized the value of wisdom, which resides in uncertainty, and the need for emotional courage to take action in the face of uncertainty. Peter also highlighted the importance of humility in seeing all sides of an issue and avoiding the tendency to write off others as evil. The conversation concluded with insights on leadership decision-making and personal growth, highlighting the value of service, learning, and taking risks in pursuit of emotional courage and wisdom.Guest Bio:Peter Bregman helps successful people become exceptional leaders and stellar human beings. Global Gurus have ranked him as one of the top 30 best Coaches in the world and one of the top 30 best leadership speakers/trainers in the world. He is the award-winning, best-selling author and contributor of 18 books, including Leading with Emotional Courage and most recently, You CAN Change Other People: The Four Steps to Help Your Colleagues, Employees—Even Family—Up Their Game.Quotes: “If you’re willing to feel everything—hurt, shame, anger, and passive aggressiveness—then you can do anything.” “Clever is certain, but wise is actually uncertain. I’ve seen lots of people take action they feel is 100% for the good that turns out to be wrong.""There’s nothing that projects strength more than vulnerability, and nothing that projects weakness more than projecting invulnerability.” Takeaways: Face one hard conversation you’ve been avoiding—commit to having it this week.Ask for honest, forward-focused feedback from a colleague or team member.Reflect on your leadership: Are you showing vulnerability and curiosity to your team?Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and Introduction [03:31] Introducing Peter Bregman [06:12] Lessons from A Wild Leadership Workshop [09:56] Why Feedback Triggers So Many Leaders [13:38] Curiosity Is a Shortcut to Growth [17:47] How to Give Feedback Without Conflict [22:33] Make Feedback Forward Focused [25:40] Seeing Yourself as the Enemy [30:26] Why Division Makes Us Cruel [40:51] How to Help People Actually Change [42:32] Leading with Love Means Serving First [44:28] One Lesson Every Leader Should Remember  Conclusion: Emotional courage is the willingness to face discomfort to grow. Strong leaders stay open, ask questions, and prioritize learning over image. By leading with honesty and care, they build trust, stronger teams, and better results.Links/Resources:Website: https://bregmanpartners.com/Book: https://bregmanpartners.com/books/leading-with-emotional-courage/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbregman/Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:This week’s guest is psychologist and author Dr. Caroline Fleck. Our conversation focused on the concept of validation as a leadership tool, exploring its importance in building connections, resolving conflicts, and fostering emotional well-being in both personal and professional settings. Dr. Fleck shared her experiences and insights on validation skills, emphasizing their transformative potential across various domains and their role in creating a culture of acceptance and belonging. The discussion also touched on how the adverse effects of technology will potentially affect empathy and communication. Marcel and his guest also touched on the importance of mindfulness and self-compassion in leadership and personal growth.Bio:Caroline Fleck, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, an adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University, and a business consultant. She received her doctorate in psychology and neuroscience from Duke University and holds a BA in English and psychology from the University of Michigan. She is an expert in evidence-based treatments for individuals, couples, and parents, including DBT and cognitive behavioral therapy. She is renowned for her ability to help people make critical but challenging changes and is one of Silicon Valley’s most sought-after psychotherapists.Quotes: "Validation shows that you're there, you get it, and you care. It is a way of communicating mindfulness, understanding, and empathy, so another person feels accepted—so they feel seen and heard." "The greatest gift that comes from knowing how to validate others is the opportunity to find meaning in suffering. "  Takeaways: Pause before responding to someone's issue and ask: "Should I validate their experience or immediately try to solve the problem?" Practice the two basic validation skills: attend to others by understanding their point, and copy their language/body language to build connection.  Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:26 The Power of Validation03:33 Introducing Dr. Caroline Fleck05:47 Dr. Fleck's Personal Journey09:27 Understanding Validation13:54 The Importance of Validation in the Workplace20:48 Validation vs. Praise26:27 Practical Validation Skills28:34 The Importance of Dialogue in Today's Society29:09 Effective Communication: Do You Want to Be Right or Effective?30:37 Mindfulness Skills: Attending and Copying33:30 The Power of Validation in Building Trust36:25 Self-Compassion Through Validation37:56 Techniques for Reducing Conflict in Collaborative Workplaces42:05 The Impact of Technology on Empathy and Validation45:52 Validation in Corporate Culture: Advice for CEOs48:36 Speed Round: Personal Insights and Reflections52:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Conclusion: Validation is a simple but powerful way to strengthen trust and connection in both work and personal relationships. When we listen to understand rather than fix, we make space for honesty and closeness. This shift encourages better communication and helps people feel respected and safe. In a world that often moves too fast, taking time to truly hear someone can make all the difference. It’s a skill that builds stronger teams, deeper bonds, and more thoughtful conversations.  Links/Resources: Website: https://www.drcarolinefleck.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drcarolinefleck  LinkSend Marcel a text message!

Episode recap: Today’s show focused on workforce transformation and employee engagement, featuring lively discussions with Kristian Gaetano from Achievers and Janelle Jordan from GoDaddy. They explored the importance of recognition in driving employee engagement, the impact of AI-powered recognition tools on organizational culture, and strategies for creating inclusive work environments. The conversation covered personal leadership practices, successful recognition initiatives, and the transformative power of feedback in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.Guest Bio:As COO of Achievers, Kristian Gaetano leads all post-sales functions, ensuring customers receive exceptional experiences and long-term value. His focus is on delivering for customers, building a world-class team, and driving customer retention and growth As Sr. Program Manager, Employee Experience, GoDaddy, Janelle Jordan is passionate about building positive workplace cultures. In her current role, she leads efforts to boost engagement, recognition, and diversity, including GoDaddy’s global recognition program, Everyday Champions (EDC), and its employee resource groups Quotes:“What gets recognized gets repeated... Recognition doesn’t just help us feel good—it actually helps employees feel and contribute more to their organization.” – Kristian Gaetano“Feedback is a gift, and it's also a skill. It’s powerful for leaders and individual contributors to learn how to be better at giving and receiving feedback—both positive.” – Janelle JordanKey Takeaways:Practice daily recognition—even a simple message can have a big impact.Ask team members how they prefer to be recognized for more personalized appreciation.Reflect on your leadership style to identify triggers and lead with empathy.Make recognition more visible and meaningful within your team or organization.Start tracking the business impact of recognition on engagement, retention, and performance.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement00:47 Welcome to the Love in Action Podcast01:21 Today's Topic: Workforce Transformation01:53 Meet the Guests: Kristian and Janelle03:46 Janelle's Leadership Journey05:44 Kristian's Leadership Journey07:07 The Importance of Recognition09:30 Empathy and Leadership12:38 GoDaddy's Values and Recognition14:43 Challenges Faced by Managers20:46 Success Stories and Impact of Recognition27:20 The Role of ERGs at GoDaddy30:03 Leading with Humanity, Love, and Trust32:32 Final Thoughts and Takeaways35:23 Closing RemarksConclusion: Recognition isn’t just about feeling good—it’s a driver of performance, engagement, and retention. When people feel seen and appreciated, they’re more motivated, productive, and likely to support their peers. Empathetic leadership and consistent, meaningful feedback create the kind of culture where people thrive. Treat people like people—not just roles—and lasting success will follow.Resources:Achievers on LinkedInAchievers WebsiteGoDaddyGoDaddy Life BlogGoDaddy Life on InstagramKristian Gaetano on LinkedInJanelle Jordan on LinkedInSend Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:  Marcel highlights a growing trend of executives seeking coaching to align inner beliefs with outer success. He outlines steps to achieve congruence and invites listeners to explore congruence coaching—focused on inner alignment and purposeful leadership. A free discovery call is available for those wanting to lead from their core values and integrate purpose into work and life.   Book your free, 15-minute discovery call here: https://calendly.com/marcelschwantes/15-minute-discovery-call?preview_source=et_card&month=2025-06 Bio:Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.Key Quotes“Congruence is the experience of being deeply aligned, where your inner world—meaning your values, beliefs, deep emotions, and purpose—is in sync with your outer world.”“Authentic leadership isn’t about oversharing or emotional dumping. It’s about integrity—so your words and actions match your intentions.”“The most powerful leaders are not the loudest, the most exuberant, or the most polished—they are the most congruent.”  TakeawaysAudit your calendar: Remove tasks that don’t align with your top 3 priorities.Daily check-in: “Are my choices moving me closer to or further from my true purpose?”Set boundaries: Say no to requests that drain your energy.Spend 15 minutes each morning reflecting on your core values and checking if your actions match those values. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Love in Action Podcast00:40 Today's Topic: Self-Awareness and Limiting Beliefs02:18 Understanding Congruence in Leadership04:51 Steps to Achieve Congruence08:55 Aligning Inner and Outer Worlds13:09 The Importance of Congruence15:37 Invitation to Congruence Coaching18:19 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionConclusion Real leadership begins when your actions reflect your inner values—not just external goals. It's not about image or performance, but showing up with honesty and clarity. Congruent leaders build trust that can’t be faked, prevent burnout, and lead with deeper meaning and lasting impact. Alignment is more than a buzzword—it’s your leadership foundation.The book: Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass BossSubstack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantesYouTube: https://youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/Schedule a free callSend Marcel a text message!

Episode Recap:Tony Martignetti, a popular leadership coach, author and podcaster extraordinaire, joined Marcel to talk about his leadership journey. Tony talked about his book "Campfire Lessons for Leaders," exploring leadership topics such as curiosity, creativity, finding your purpose and embracing emotional courage. Both guest and host shared their personal journeys transitioning from traditional careers to leadership development roles, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in effective leadership. The conversation covered the transformative power of storytelling, the challenges of breaking free from traditional career paths, and the intersection of art and business in leadership development.Guest Bio:Tony Martignetti is the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners, a leadership development firm. Tony is a leadership advisor, best-selling author, podcast host, speaker, entrepreneur, idea generator, people connector, and a curious adventurer. Tony is the author of “Campfire Lessons for Leaders: How Uncovering Our Past Can Propel Us Forward.” He brings over 30 years of business and leadership experience and extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate through change and unlock their true potential. Quotes:"If you're willing to feel everything, you can have anything.""Leaders are shepherds for growth and the vision of the people around them, while also aligning them toward something bigger than they could achieve on their own.""Curiosity is not just about the question—it's about listening to what happens when we ask the questions." Takeaways:Spend 30 minutes identifying the parts of yourself you’ve hidden in professional settings. How can you integrate them into your work?Practice multi-dimensional curiosity: explore a completely unrelated field this month.Ask three people in your circle what hidden potential they see in you.Create a “focus and expansion” plan: brainstorm career experiments and test one within two weeks.Reflect on a past experience and extract one lesson to support your current growth.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement00:47 Welcome to the Love in Action Podcast01:22 Introducing Tony Martignetti02:56 Tony's Journey from Art to Leadership04:37 Finding Fulfillment in Leadership08:46 Defining Leadership and Service09:51 Campfire Lessons for Leaders20:16 Embracing Emotional Courage with Peter Bregman26:12 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership28:35 The Intersection of Art and Business31:25 Final Thoughts and Takeaways34:52 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationConclusion:Leadership is about more than skills—it’s about self-awareness, reflection, and the courage to show up fully. Growth often requires discomfort, but through curiosity, emotional honesty, and connection, leaders can inspire teams and create meaningful change. When leaders bring soul into business, they leave lasting impact.Resources & Links:Website: ipurposepartners.comLinkedIn: Tony MartignettiX: @TonyMartignett1Instagram: @inspiredpurposecoachSend Marcel a text message!

Episode Recap:In this episode, we dive into Sabina Nawaz's new book You’re the Boss: Becoming the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need), which offers fresh insights for managers looking to thrive in today’s high-pressure world. Nawaz, a global C-suite coach, shares her 20+ years of experience coaching top executives at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and the United Nations. With proven strategies backed by thousands of 360° reviews, Nawaz reveals how pressure and power can derail even the most well-meaning managers. She explores key topics like managing yourself first, overcoming pressure pitfalls, the power of "Blank Space" for creativity, and why self-care is crucial for success. Tune in for actionable advice on how to be a more effective, balanced, and impactful leader.Guest Bio:Sabina Nawaz is the author of You’re the Boss: Becoming the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need). She’s an elite executive coach who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. Sabina teaches faculty at Northeastern and Drexel Universities. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company’s executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly. She has written for and been featured in Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, among others.Quotes:"It is not power but pressure that corrupts—where we act out, raise our voice, yell, and scream under pressure.""I am sufficient. Not all the garnishes and varnishes. Just show up with the mindset that you are sufficient, and it will work."Key Takeaways:Micro-habits matter: Start small—one push-up, one minute of meditation, 0.1 miles of running—to build consistency.Invite perspective first: Ask “How do you think things are going?” before offering feedback.Talk less, listen more: Be the third or fourth person to speak in meetings to allow space for other voices.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement01:20 The Role of Managers in Today's Economy05:17 Sabina's Origin Story08:09 The Inspiration Behind 'You’re the Boss'11:51 New Rules for Modern Managers17:02 The Toxic Boss Myth21:11 The Power of Micro Habits24:58 The Danger of the Singular Story26:32 Pressure and Power in Leadership30:07 The Importance of Multiple Perspectives31:11 Effective Communication and Feedback37:12 The Shut Up Muscle38:55 Handling Pressure with Blank Space39:34 Speed Round: Personal InsightsConclusion:Modern leadership is less about control and more about clarity, care, and courage. Sabina Nawaz shows that managing well under pressure starts with knowing yourself, creating room for others to be heard, and leading with presence and empathy. The strongest teams are built on daily habits, honest conversations, and a leader who shows up with both confidence and humility.Resources & Links:📘 Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Youre-the-Boss/Sabina-Nawaz/9781668023181 🌐 Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/ 📰 Newsletter: https://growthroughpressure.substack.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinanawazSend Marcel a text message!

Episode recap: Elina Teboul joined Marcel to discuss her groundbreaking work, as featured in her new book, Feminine Intelligence. Teboul reveals how feminine intelligence is the key to running some of the world's most successful companies ― with greater joy, authenticity, purpose and profit. Drawing on exclusive interviews with billionaire philanthropists, unicorn founders, and happiness pioneers, Feminine Intelligence uncovers the most powerful, often-overlooked traits that are driving the future of business.  Bio:Elina Teboul is a leadership expert who coaches influential leaders globally. She is the author of Feminine Intelligence: How Visionary Leaders Can Reshape Business for Good. Elina holds advanced degrees in psychology and law from Columbia University. She specializes in helping leaders navigate challenges, cultivate authenticity, and lead with congruence and purpose. Quotes: "Feminine intelligence is about bringing in feminine values and principles and strengths into business leadership." "Powerful leadership isn't about efficient machines. It's about engaging our hearts, our souls, and our vision to create a better way of doing business." "You can only take other people as far as you've taken yourself."  Takeaways: Reflect on your leadership style: Are you balancing masculine drive with feminine qualities like empathy and intuition? Practice a loving-kindness meditation focused on self-love to unlock your capacity for authentic leadership. Explore how you can reshape your workplace culture by introducing more playful, relationship-driven interactions that encourage genuine sharing. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement00:47 Welcome to the Love in Action Podcast02:00 The Problem with Current Leadership04:36 Introducing Elina Teboul and Feminine Intelligence06:31 Elina Teboul's Personal Journey10:07 Defining Feminine Intelligence16:04 The Importance of Congruence in Leadership20:36 Examples of Conscious Leadership30:38 The Role of Purpose in Leadership33:18 Crafting Purpose in the Workplace35:34 Introducing Psychedelic Leadership36:11 The Psychedelic Renaissance and Mental Health38:27 Psychedelics and Self-Awareness42:37 Personal Experience with Psychedelics52:42 Feminine Intelligence in Leadership59:03 Speed Round and Final Thoughts Conclusion: Strong leadership today calls for a balance of qualities often labeled as both masculine and feminine—like clarity, empathy, and adaptability. Moving past rigid, results-only thinking allows leaders to create work environments that value people as much as performance. Skills such as emotional awareness, collaboration, and thoughtful communication are no longer optional—they’re essential. The leaders who stand out are those willing to grow personally and rethink old models of power and success. Real change starts with those who lead by example, not just by title. Links/Resources: Book: https://feminineintelligencebook.com/Website: http://www.elinateboul.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/elinateboul/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinateboul/Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:Known as The Drop In CEO™, Deborah Coviello, a respected leadership consultant, joined Marcel to discuss her journey of self-discovery that led her to write her seminal book, The CEO’s Compass. She emphasized the importance of peace of mind, humility, and investing in mentoring and coaching programs to develop essential skills.Guest Bio:Known as The Drop In CEO™, Deb’s superpower is lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a “Lift, Light, Lead” environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis. She is the author of “The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track” and “The NEW CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind.”Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, ranks in the top1.5% globally among Apple Podcasts.Quotes:"If something doesn't feel right, it's probably not right. And if your heart is telling you to go in a certain direction, trust it.""People are not transactions. We are humans. And when we can listen, show that we heard them, understand them, and see them for who they are, that is a way of showing practical love in the workplace.""Slow down to speed up. Get to know the people and what made them great."Takeaways:Ask your team members how your company's purpose translates to their specific role and daily work.Schedule monthly one-on-one meetings focused on personal development, not just project updates.Reflect on your leadership style: Are you creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued?Identify one external mentor or coach who can help you develop essential leadership skills.Timestamps:[00:11] How Deb Stepped into Leadership Her Way[03:22] The Wake-Up Call That Changed Deb’s Leadership Style[08:08] How Deb Defuses Conflict with Just Her Presence[10:52] Why The CEO’s Compass Starts with Peace of Mind[14:46] What Happens When Mentorship Is Missing at Work[16:42] Four Compass Points That Keep Teams on Track[32:13] Making Purpose Tangible for Everyone on the Team[35:35] How Humility and Curiosity Can Quiet Workplace Ego[36:17] Why Leaders Need Outside Eyes to Grow Their Teams[41:35] The Small Acts That Make a Leader Worth FollowingConclusion:Good leadership begins with truly understanding the people you work with—not just their roles, but also their goals, strengths, and values. When leaders invest in mentoring, thoughtful coaching, and a supportive work place, they open the door for better ideas and stronger dedication. A calm, clear mind helps leaders listen more fully and respond with care. This kind of leadership builds trust and skill across the entire team. Over time, it creates a work culture where people feel motivated, capable, and proud of what they contribute.Links/Resources:Website: https://dropinceo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahacoviello/The CEO’s Compass–Your Guide to Get Back on Track on Amazon:https://bit.ly/OrderCEOCompassSend Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:Marcel discusses the concept of kindness in leadership, focusing on empathetic interactions as one of two types of kindness that work well in the leadership trenches, backed by science. He explains that kindness can spread throughout an organization, creating a more civil work atmosphere. Marcel presents five practical ways to practice empathic leadership: active listening, showing genuine interest in team members, encouraging perspective-taking, maintaining open communication, and discussing empathy as a cultural value. For bonus content of his book not available anywhere else, subscribe at Marcelschwantes.substack.com.Bio:Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition. Quotes: "Empathy is a competency that can be learned. When it's displayed among teams, it helps bring people together." "When you interact with a colleague or a direct report, try to understand how the person is feeling, not how you would feel in the same situation." Takeaways: Practice active listening in your next three workplace conversations by focusing entirely on understanding the other person's feelings, not your own perspective. Map out your team members' individual goals and interests, then intentionally match their upcoming work assignments to align with those personal objectives. Conduct a quick self-audit: Ask your direct reports to rate your empathy on a scale of 1-10, and be prepared to hear honest feedback without becoming defensive.  Timestamps: [00:09] How Kindness Actually Shapes Better Leadership [02:35] What Gen Z Really Wants from Their Bosses [04:54] Five Ways to Lead with Empathy That Stick [07:40] Why Compassion Will Be the Next Big Topic  Conclusion: Kindness in leadership isn’t just a personal trait—it’s a practical skill that shapes how teams work together. When leaders show empathy and take time to truly listen, they help build trust and stronger connections across the workplace. This approach not only improves morale but also supports long-term performance and retention, especially among younger employees. By making empathy part of everyday practice, organizations can become more adaptable, supportive, and effective.  Links/Resources: The book: Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass BossSubstack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1 Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/ Send Marcel a text message!