The Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we feature Audree Grubesic, an ambassador for offsite construction and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. As a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Audree opens up about the pressures women face to adopt masculine energy to succeed — and the burnout that often follows. She also takes us inside the world of modular homebuilding, where factory-built homes can be assembled onsite in under 30 days, dramatically increasing access and efficiency. Audree shares how her team is embracing artificial intelligence to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and drive innovation across every phase of construction. Tune in for a powerful conversation on reimagining leadership, reshaping the building industry, and creating more sustainable ways to live and work. Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we speak with Emily Cordes, Lead Physician at Root, Inc. and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. With a bold vision for the future of healthcare, Emily is challenging the conventional “pill for the ill” mindset and advocating for a more holistic, sustainable approach to well-being. Emily shares how she helps individuals build long-term health systems that work in the context of real life — not just ideal conditions — and why personalization, practicality, and prevention must be central to modern healthcare. She also offers insights into the true potential of wearables like smartwatches and health monitors: tools for awareness and accountability, not anxiety. Tune in for a refreshing and actionable take on how to reclaim agency over your health, one habit at a time. Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we're joined by Laina Greene, CEO of Angels of Impact and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. A passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs and impact-led businesses, Laina is reshaping how funding works — and who gets access to it. She shares why women often face more barriers when raising capital, and how Angels of Impact steps in not just with funding, but with partnership — helping organizations build strong financial systems and plan for long-term success. Tune in to hear how Laina is transforming investing from transactional to relational, helping underrepresented founders access the resources they deserve, and proving that when you invest in women, you invest in lasting impact. Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

Join us for an important episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast featuring Jyl Feliciano, Vice-President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Highspot and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. With extensive experience in shaping inclusive cultures, Jyl candidly addresses the misconceptions surrounding DEI and emphasizes the necessity of working with organizations genuinely committed to ethical action. Discover why she believes inclusion is fundamental to workplace belonging and how embedding DEI principles into operational models creates lasting, impactful change. Jyl also shares innovative approaches to reteaching DEI through storytelling and explores the potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate cultural transformation. Tune in to gain actionable insights on fostering genuine inclusion, combating misinformation, and building organizations that authentically embody diversity, equity, and belonging. Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

Join us for this inspiring episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast featuring Geoffrey Roche, a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree and proud son of a nurse. Geoffrey once planned a career in politics on Capitol Hill but found his true calling in healthcare, where he leads with compassion and dedication. In this candid discussion, Geoffrey shares how his mother's influence shaped his commitment to serving others and how mentorship has been a pivotal force in his personal and professional life—benefiting both mentors and mentees alike. He also reveals why self-care is the cornerstone of effective time management and sustainable leadership. Don't miss this chance to learn from Geoffrey's journey, gain insights into the future of healthcare and workforce transformation, and get a sneak peek at the upcoming 2025 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards. Tune in and discover how empathy, purpose, and community can drive lasting change.

In this special Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast episode, Laurel Donnellan speaks with 2024 Compassionate Leader Circle Awards honorees Comfort Dondo and Asia A. Pope.  Comfort Dondo narrates her impactful journey from overcoming domestic violence in Zimbabwe to establishing Phumulani in Minnesota—a beacon for culturally tailored support for survivors of gender-based abuse. Her initiative ensures that women and children of African descent find a space that resonates with their cultural and safety needs. Asia A. Pope, the Inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Buckeye Ranch, discusses her pivotal role in nurturing an inclusive organizational environment. Asia's extensive DEI expertise is reflected in her leadership over innovative projects like "Diversity Field Trips," designed to foster a new level of empathy and engagement among team members. Her strategies for keeping the workplace connected and engaged are essential listening for anyone looking to enhance team dynamics and inclusivity. This episode explores the vital themes of empathy and inclusivity, illustrating how deep connections and understanding can bridge societal gaps. Join us to hear how these honored leaders craft pathways toward a more inclusive and empathetic society.

In this compelling episode of The Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we delve into the transformative journeys of Ish Orkar and Devon Henry, two leaders who are reshaping the landscapes of equity and social justice. Ish Orkar, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the ACLU, draws from her rich background in law, social work, and nonprofit leadership to champion inclusive environments and advocate for restorative practices in workplaces and communities. Raised under a dictatorship, Ish brings a unique perspective on fostering understanding and compassion in challenging settings. Joining her is Devon Henry, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO of Team Henry Enterprises. Known for his role in the removal of over two dozen Confederate statues across the Southeastern U.S., Devon is at the forefront of building new memorials that honor the previously unrecognized. His work extends into repurposing history through innovative projects like CryptoFederacy.com, which merges social activism with Web3 technology to support underserved communities. Together, they explore what it means to choose love amidst widespread hate, how to engage compassionately with differing viewpoints, and the common misunderstandings surrounding DEI initiatives. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leading through uncertainty and turning compassionate leadership into actionable change.

In this enlightening episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we delve into the impactful work of MedZed, a pioneering organization transforming healthcare for the Medicaid population. With a staggering 3-5% of this group accounting for up to half of all medical expenditures, MedZed's mission is crucial: "To inspire and enable better health." Join us as we explore how their hands-on approach reconnects individuals to primary care, fostering long-term self-reliance. We'll also hear from the dedicated Community Health Navigators, who are key to MedZed's success across Washington State, California, New Jersey, and Maryland. Their multilingual capabilities ensure they reach deep into the communities they serve, making healthcare accessible and personalized. Tune in to discover how MedZed makes a profound difference by ensuring the most vulnerable are not left behind.

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Laurel Donnellan sits down with Paul Angles, founder of Angles Inc., to uncover the secrets behind his expertise in leveraging LinkedIn for individuals and organizations. Paul shares how he helps companies connect with their most strategic partners, build impactful networks, and unlock the platform's full potential. Paul discusses his work with graduate programs at universities, empowering students and professionals to use LinkedIn as a powerful tool for growth and opportunity. He also dives into the importance of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards and their role in fostering meaningful connections between people and organizations. Curious about what's next for LinkedIn? Paul provides insights into potential trends and innovations coming to the platform. Plus, he shares his best tips for making LinkedIn work for you—whether you're looking to grow your career, expand your network, or find strategic opportunities. If you've ever wondered why LinkedIn matters or how to make it work for you, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.

In this insightful episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Laurel Donnellan sits down with Gar Grannell, CEO of Mohawk Global and a 2024 CLC Awards honoree, along with Rachael Marwood, Mohawk's Director of Marketing. Together, they share how Mohawk Global has become a model of compassionate leadership, prioritizing the well-being of both employees and clients alike. Gar and Rachael discuss Mohawk's unique no-layoff policy and their commitment to a workplace culture where employees feel valued and secure. They also highlight Mohawk's gardening program, a community-focused initiative that strengthens bonds within local neighborhoods and brings the team together in meaningful ways. Their dedication to cultivating trust, growth, and compassion within their organization exemplifies the core values of the Compassionate Leaders Circle. Tune in to hear Gar and Rachael's inspiring perspectives on building a workplace where people thrive, customers are prioritized, and communities are uplifted. This episode is a true testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership.

In this reflective and heartwarming episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, co-host Laurel sits down with Darryl to discuss his journey into what he calls "retirement"—a life chapter full of purpose, connection, and legacy-building. Darryl shares the transition from a demanding corporate career to prioritizing his most important role yet: raising his two remarkable sons. With a unique perspective as a black man coming of age in the 1960s, he contrasts his experiences with those of young black men growing up today, discussing both the potential and pitfalls of the internet and influencer culture. Darryl also reflects on the honor of serving on the board of his alma mater, Fordham University. He shares his insights on the advancements in diversity, equity, and particularly inclusion, and the ways his involvement continues to shape the campus community. As he looks forward to a new rhythm of life, Darryl expresses his excitement about spending more quality time with family and friends, staying connected to the values that have guided him. Join us for an inspiring conversation that redefines retirement, celebrates family, and highlights the impact of compassionate leadership across generations.

Darryl Brown interviews Laurel Donnellan in a deeply personal and reflective conversation in Laurel's powerful conclusion to the "Meet the Co-Hosts" series on the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast. Laurel opens up about her father's declining health and the emotional complexity of anticipating grief while continuing to build a life of purpose. She shares how the profound experiences of love, loss, and reflection fueled her passion for creating Compassionate Leaders Circle, an organization that has become her life's work. Laurel delves into the people who inspired the birth of Compassionate Leaders Circle and discusses the incredible gift of running her own company. As the founder and CEO, she has fostered compassionate leadership in organizations worldwide, all while staying true to her values. This episode is a touching exploration of the intersection of personal and professional growth, the resilience needed to lead through difficult times, and the inspiration that comes from turning pain into purpose. Tune in for an emotional and inspiring episode that offers a window into Laurel's heart. Laurel's story is a testament to the strength we find in embracing life's challenges and the incredible power of leading with compassion. Laurel's father, Gene Donnellan, passed away two days after this was recorded. This episode is dedicated to him.

In this captivating episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, co-host and founder Laurel Donnellan sits down with Darryl Brown to explore the remarkable journey that took him from an aspiring basketball player to an influential media professional. Darryl shares his unforgettable experience trying out for the Boston Celtics, a dream moment that showcased his dedication and passion for the sport. When the path led him overseas, he embraced the adventure of playing basketball in Europe, including stints in Italy and Sweden, broadening his horizons both on and off the court. Returning to academia, Darryl pursued a graduate degree in Communications at Fordham University. His first job out of grad school found him at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, a humble beginning that paved the way for greater opportunities. Thanks to a connection with a Fordham alumnus, Darryl landed a role as Manager of Special Projects at ABC. It was here that he got his big break interviewing the Bee Gees, marking the start of an exciting career in broadcasting. Recognizing a gap in the market, Darryl was instrumental in bringing programming catered to Black and Latino listeners to ABC in the 1980s. His innovative approach not only diversified the content but also proved commercially successful. He wisely notes, “Once I showed them where the green was, there was no black or white.” Throughout his journey, Darryl acknowledges the incredible women he hired to be part of his team, emphasizing that he couldn't have accomplished his achievements without their talent and support. Join us for an inspiring conversation highlighting perseverance, innovation, and the power of inclusive leadership. Darryl's story is a testament to the impact one can make by staying true to one's values and uplifting others along the way.

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, co-host Darryl Brown sits down with other co-host Laurel Donnellan to uncover other chapters of her life that have shaped her into the leader she is today. From her high school days of bringing people together to her transformative years at Cornell University, Laurel shares how she thrived in a global culture different from her small-town roots in Upstate New York. She discusses the lasting bonds she formed during her college years and how these relationships continue to influence her life and work. Laurel also opens up about her professional journey, highlighting her impactful work at Medallion Hospitality, where she honed her skills and commitment to excellence. A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to her personal struggles, leading up to a pivotal moment at 31 when she embraced sobriety. This beautiful wake-up call marked a turning point, inspiring her to lead with even greater empathy and resilience. This episode delves into the themes of strong relationships, inspirational leadership, and the courage to face mental health struggles head-on. Join us as Laurel shares her journey of overcoming challenges and embracing a path of sobriety that has profoundly shaped her compassionate approach to leadership.

Welcome back to the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast! In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I, Laurel Donnellan, have the pleasure of interviewing my co-host, Darryl Brown, as we continue our "Meet the Co-Hosts" series. This time, we delve into Darryl's transformative college years at Fordham University in New York City. Following up on his earlier reflections about childhood, Darryl highlights the importance of friendship during his formative years and how these bonds continued to shape his college experience. At Fordham, Darryl was recruited to play basketball, a journey that honed his skills on the court and developed his leadership abilities. He shares the excitement and challenges of playing at a collegiate level and how these experiences contributed to his growth as a compassionate leader. In this episode, Darryl also opens up about falling in love during his college years, sharing the joy and profound impact of this relationship on his life. He reminisces about the thrill of discovering his passion for journalism, a field that allowed him to combine his love for storytelling with his desire to make a difference. Darryl's appreciation for receiving a Jesuit education is evident as he reflects on the values and principles that Fordham instilled in him. He talks about how the Jesuit emphasis on self reflection, service, and holistic education deeply influenced his personal and professional life. Join us for a cozy, intimate conversation as Darryl takes us through his college days, filled with friendship, love, passion, and growth. His journey is a testament to the power of education, the importance of community, and the enduring impact of compassionate leadership. Tune in to this episode for a warm and inspiring look at how Darryl's college experiences shaped the leader he is today. Listen now and be inspired.

Join us for a beautiful journey into Laurel's life as she shares pivotal moments that shaped her into the compassionate leader she is today. In this special series, the podcast delves into personal narratives that illuminate the essence of leadership through compassion. In this first chapter, Laurel unfolds her path, beginning with the transformative inspiration that led her to Cornell University's School of Hospitality. She reflects on how this experience sparked her passion for nurturing others and fostering inclusive environments. However, life's journey also brought profound challenges. Laurel bravely navigates through moments of deep grief and loss, revealing how these hardships sculpted her empathy and resilience. Through intimate storytelling, Laurel invites listeners into her world, where warmth and inspiration abound. Her tale embodies the podcast's ethos of compassionate leadership, illustrating how personal growth and understanding can shape impactful leadership. Tune in to the podcast as Laurel's narrative unfolds, offering insights and encouragement for leaders and listeners alike.

CLC Podcast is kicking off a series where we dive deep into our lives, sharing the pivotal moments that have molded our paths. I'm your host, Laurel Donnellan, joined by my co-host, Darryl Brown. In today's heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Darryl as he opens up about his childhood in a predominantly black neighborhood in a predominantly white town just outside of NYC. Darryl's story is one of resilience, community, and the powerful influence of family. From the earliest memories to the challenges and triumphs of his formative years, Darryl reflects on the experiences that have shaped his compassionate leadership style.  Growing up, Darryl found strength in the close-knit bonds of his community. He shares poignant memories of family gatherings, neighborhood events, and the unwavering support of those around him. These moments, filled with love and solidarity, laid the foundation for his deep sense of empathy and commitment to others. Despite facing hardships and navigating the complexities of a divided town, Darryl's spirit remained unbroken. He recounts the lessons learned from overcoming adversity and the determination it instilled in him to rise above challenges. Through it all, Darryl discovered the joy of new and exciting experiences, from becoming a widely recognized athlete to embracing opportunities that broadened his horizons.  Join us as we journey through Darryl's early years, uncovering the profound impact of his upbringing on his leadership philosophy. This episode is a testament to the power of community, the importance of family, and the resilience that defines compassionate leaders. Tune in for a warm, intimate conversation that will inspire and uplift, reminding us all of the enduring power of compassion.

This is our fourth Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards Ceremony. The CLC Awards celebrate the brightest and boldest in their respective fields. Our Honorees acknowledge our universal interconnectedness and use their influence to make a positive impact on people and the planet. These leaders are courageous, contemplative, collaborative, and care about the world they will leave behind. The honorees this year are: Gar Grannell, CEO, Mohawk Global Comfort Dondo, Founder, Phumulani Minnesota, African Women Against Violence Laina Raveendran Greene, CEO, Angels of Impact Ish Orkar, Deputy Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, ACLU (find out more here) Jyl Feliciano, Global Vice President of DEI&B, Highspot Devon Henry, CEO & President, Team Henry Enterprises Geoffrey M. Roche, Director of Workforce Development (North America), Siemens Healthineers Audree Grubesic, Founder, Offsite Dirt Media Asia Pope, Director of DEI, The Buckeye Ranch Listen to this episode to learn more about our amazing honorees! This awards ceremony is sponsored by Angles, Inc, who do incredible work in content marketing.

In this episode, we interview Riley McCormack, President and CEO of Digimarc. Digimarc is leading the charge in digital watermarking and cloud-based product data. Part of what drives this incredible company is its incredible culture.  When it started out, Digimarc had over 50 to 60 corporate values. Riley found this to be hectic and unrealistic, so he leveraged his employees to help him narrow it down into three: collaborative, curious, and courageous. Collaborative—the company works well together and with all of its stakeholders. Curious—everyone asks the question “why?” at least a couple of times a day. Courageous—take responsibility to deliver what the company says it's going to deliver.  To help guide the company's employees as they embody these values, Riley has four principles: 1. Give employees cool things to do 2. Give employees the knowledge that they're applying that technology to change the world 3. Surround employees with good, smart human beings 4. Recognize that employees are human Learn more about Riley and Digimarc by listening to the full episode.

In this podcast, I explore the power of forgiveness with my dear friend Mark Anthony Lord. Mark's passion for spiritual awakening led him to ordination as a Minister and has founded two successful spiritual communities. The Bodhi Spiritual Center in Chicago grew from a handful of members to thousands under his leadership, and Living The Course, a virtual, global A Course In Miracles community that he transformed into a 7-figure business in under three years. What Mark and I discovered through this conversation is that forgiveness is critical for a leader to be compassionate. “The leader always has the potential to change the game and change the story,” says Mark. Listen to learn more about how leaders find and practice forgiveness.

In this emotional podcast, our host Laurel speaks with Marina Aksyonova and Andrii Bezverkhyi of SOC Prime, an American enterprise cybersecurity company with Ukrainian roots founded in 2015. The company builds technology to support collective cyber defense. With about half of the company still based in Ukraine, Marina speaks to the company's great ambition and values-based culture of strength during Ukraine's difficult times. The company has grown immensely in the last five years. They work with an incredible amount of transparency to prioritize trust in their client relationships. SOC Prime only hires individuals whose values match the company's values. We have a lot to learn about the power of compassion and curiosity from this incredible company.

KeyAnna Schmiedl has been asking the tough, uncomfortable questions all her life. Her interest in organizational behavior and organizational psychology started in college, where she was encouraged to ask those questions. Today, she advocates for one's work experience to be inseparable from one's life experience. She also stresses the importance of recognizing intersectionality in the workplace to drive the business forward. Her work as the Chief Human Experience Officer at Workhuman is a huge part of putting her personal and professional philosophies into practice. Learn more about her story and work in this episode.

Some key takeaways from this episode: -“Faith for me is knowing that I'm doing my part,” says Darryl Brown. It's a way to live in hope and not fear. It means downsizing your ego. -There is evil everywhere. It's better to focus on what you can do in your community than to try and act on things out of your control. -Reading and reaching out in the morning is essential. -You can't stop with gratitude. You have to love what you do. Finding that love, not just gratitude, means taking action.

In this special episode, our co-host Darryl Brown interviews our other co-host Laurel Donnellan about the Donnellan Method. The two co-hosts take a trip down memory lane as Laurel talks about how she came up with the Method and the importance of taking compassionate, intentional action.

Lindsay Junk went from being kicked out of her first yoga class to President at YogaSix, a nationwide yoga studio featuring a range of practices.  YogaSix is unique in that the company offers yoga in places where inhabitants may not fit the stereotypical “yoga types.” This allows them to help yoga reach as many people as possible in an accessible way. Lindsay speaks on her time with YogaSix as part of a long career with different leadership positions.  Listen to learn more about her keys to being a successful leader and this amazing company!

Three students, Aansha Sankla, Jessica Bryan, and Haena Kim join their professor Dr. David Corsun from the University of Denver to talk about their experience being a part of the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality, their time attending the 2023 Fritz Leadership Symposium with Compassionate Leaders Circle, and the future of hospitality.

This episode features an important discussion about mental health in the workplace. Amy Gilliland started a program called “How are you, really?” to address the mental health issues of the employees at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT). Gilliland works tirelessly to ensure leadership learns to become comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. She also works to provide employees with resource groups and benefits to support them in their potential struggles. Emily Rosado-Solomon, an Assistant Professor at Babson College, conducts research on mental health and examines the best practices surrounding employers supporting employees' mental health. Rosado-Solomon claims changing the workplace culture and ending the stigma is critical to improving mental health. Rosado-Solomon provides clear and tangible ways that organizations can prioritize mental health. In this episode, we also talk about the 4-day work week, remote work, and other important topics.  Take a listen to learn more!

Gunjan Aggarwal is the co-founder of Learn With Leaders, an organization that allows high school students to invest in and explore their future careers.  Gunjan and I talk about the purpose of intellectual crushes, what they are, and how they allow us to act on our curiosity and explore our spiritual paths. Gunjan believes wholeheartedly in the power of cold-calling your crushes and putting yourself out there without hesitation. The right intellectual crush leaves your soul with a very happy energy. It will make you a better salesperson, innovator, and change-maker. It will help you take the leap to embrace your fears and move through the world telling your story.  Take a listen to learn more!

Darryl and Laurel dive into a conversation on courage with their captivating personal stories and insights. Courage requires self leadership and communicating your vision while letting others develop their own dreams. Courage is personal. Darryl speaks to his college basketball days. Laurel speaks to her experience giving up alcohol while working in the hospitality industry. Courage requires confidence, which comes from commitment. Courage means intentional decision-making. Courage is the #1 ingredient in manifesting your dreams.

Learn about Martha Collard's gong practice which aims to elevate people's energies, helping them search within to find and live out their true calling. Martha is an executive coach, management consultant, and career counselor, and most recently she served as Vice President of Group Organizational Wellness for Lane Crawford Joyce Group.

In today's tumultuous climate, Christian Nunes, the President of the National Organization for Women (NOW), shares her experiences as a mother, mental health advocate, and intersectional feminist.

Formerly the VP of Global Customer Operations turned Head of Mindfulness and Compassion at LinkedIn, Scott Shute is an award-winning author, speaker, entrepreneur, photographer, and healer. Scott's mission is to change work from the inside out by mainstreaming mindfulness and operationalizing compassion. Tune in to our conversation with Scott to learn more about his story and endeavors.

This week, we speak with Wayne Turmel and Kevin Eikenberry about their most recent book, "The Long-Distance Team." In our conversation, these two experts provide evidence-based insights on achieving success and creating a good culture within virtual, hybrid, and even in-person work environments.

We at Compassionate Leaders Circle select six honorees from around the world to join us in a panel discussion on their most exciting work and advice for future compassionate leaders.

This past fall, Compassionate Leaders Circle partnered with Learn With Leaders, a global EdTech organization based in India, to run one of our Dream Labs for teens all around the world. In this podcast, you can hear from Raisa, Zaara, and Natalia on how our lab shaped their visions of their futures. 

Every fall, CLC partners with the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business to provide their seniors with a customized Dream Lab retreat. In this podcast, we speak with students Mireille Baxter and Kevin Pereira-Leon about their experiences surrounding last year's retreat and learn from director David Corsun about the school's unique opportunities for all of its students.

Kevin Oakes is the co-founder and CEO of Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp), a company looking to help other companies and their teams tackle the future of work. Oakes recently published a book titled “Culture Renovation,” in which he dives into “next practices” for corporations looking to improve or build their HR strategies and workplace cultures. Learn more about Oakes and his amazing work through our conversation.

Learn more about the first-ever global competition series and the inspiring stories it aims to tell.

Bernard Chiira, of Innovate Now, and Regina Kline, of Enable Ventures, have been nominated for the 2023 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards as key players within the global rise of disability technology. Learn more about their work and this movement in this episode of our podcast.

When I first met Fernando, he was working on the COVID crisis. Now, he's working in Ukraine and has been since days after the war broke out. Learn about his journey and his current work in Ukraine, where he is providing essential care.

Every year we honor a select group of individuals who embody compassionate leadership. In the 2022 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards, we celebrate 8 honorees who represent compassionate leaders everywhere. From a high school student battling malnutrition in India to an entrepreneur developing an animal-free meat industry, these inspiring individuals show it's possible to Lead with Love. Hear how these 8 leaders use Civility, Curiosity, Confidence, and other compassionate leadership traits to make a positive impact on people and the planet.

"Profit is just a means to an end." Listen to the CEO and Chief People Officer of a fast-growing logistics company discuss their corporate mission of enriching people's lives. From employees and suppliers to customers and partners, Mohawk Global is focused on helping people thrive. How they do it just happens to involve running a supply chain company. With staggering employee satisfaction scores, a Great Place to Work employee-driven engagement committee, and a CEO who literally tells employees he loves them, this company has cracked the code on creating lovable work.

Meet Gunjan Aggarwal, a brilliant education disruptor based in India, who we partner with to provide a Compassionate Leadership program for future leaders where they explored their dreams. Learn about our inaugural program that had 39 high school students from 9 countries and hear six final Soul Work presentations from the participants who were chosen by their peers to represent the class: Rhea Chadha, Mohna Chandra, Danica Aurelie Hartawan, Sofia Shcherbakova, Navya Kautish, Amara Oo.

Each fall, we partner with The Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver to provide their seniors with a Pivot with Purpose Career Development Retreat. Here students review the past, explore the present and create a future through a vision pitch project. Meet Dr. David Corsun, the compassionate leader of the school, and hear from three of his seniors who were chosen by their peers to represent the class: Julie Frost, David Reiss, Anthony Sorkin.

Learn how compassionate leaders with a passion for helping people recover from addictions have created a bold new approach. Jeffrey Vann, Gregg Champion, and Patricia Meyers talk about their own business and recovery journeys and how they created Start Up Recovery, where their clients learn how to shift addiction to passion. 

Lisa. S Jones is the founder and CEO of EyeMail Inc, a multi-communication platform that was founded out of her love for her mother, who unexpectedly passed away at 61. Join us as Lisa talks about her journey in building the company with her mother's influence and her dedication to bringing innovation and inclusiveness to the company. 

Ashley T Brundage is a pioneer in the world of bringing inclusion to workplaces and the founder of Empowering Differences and the author of the book by the same name. Every day Ashley demonstrates what it means to be a compassionate leader as she bravely shares her own struggles and helps others embrace their differences as strengths, not obstacles. Join us as Ashley shares her inspirational story from homelessness to bank executive and highlights of her new book.

Julienne is a native from Queens, NY, and is the author of “The Learned-it-in-Queens Communications Playbook” inspired by her roots and a passion for authentic conversations.  Join us as Julienne gives us the play-by-play on how to communicate effectively to others clearly despite digital distractions.

Brandon Scott Barney is the co-founder of Primary Ocean, a company that cultivates giant kelp, and Julie Allickson, the Chief Manufacturing Development Center Officer at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine whose team is helping critically ill people by creating viable organs for transplants in a laboratory. Tune in to hear how these compassionate leaders found their callings and are now developing cutting-edge innovations that help people and the planet.

Katherine Wells is a client of Compassionate Leaders Circle and a former participant of Pivot with Purpose. Last year, Katherine started her own decor store that featured work from many different artists from Brooklyn and beyond called Cain Sloan. Tune in to hear how she used her love for ceramics and turned it into a new vision for herself.

Jeff Potter is the Founder and CEO of Manifest, a high-end curated personal and professional travel company offering trips to change lives and hearts. Join us to learn more about how he became a CEO and then pivoted his career to help companies develop a more humane approach to growth as they consider people, the planet, and profit.