The Kind Leader

Gino Degregori
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Navigating Business with Empathy! This podcast is to inspire and equip current and aspiring business leaders to incorporate kindness and empathy into their leadership styles. By presenting real-world examples, interviews with thought leaders, and actionable strategies, the podcast aims to shift the paradigm of leadership from merely transactional to more compassionate and ethical, but most importantly transformational. We want to also serve as a platform to encourage strong, kind leadership that not only enhances corporate performance but also makes a generational impact by transforming organizational cultures for the better. The target audience includes corporate executives, managers, small business owners, and tech leaders who are interested in nurturing more humane, sustainable work environments while driving business success.

  1. The Audacity to Choose: Hussein Hallak on Responsibility, Trust & Human-Centered Leadership

    2D AGO

    The Audacity to Choose: Hussein Hallak on Responsibility, Trust & Human-Centered Leadership

    What if true leadership isn't about control, certainty, or flawless execution, but about responsibility, choice, and human connection? In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Hussein Hallak tech entrepreneur, author, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience building companies across technology, education, and emerging innovation. Born in Damascus and shaped by life across cultures, Hussein brings a rare perspective on leadership, failure, and what it truly means to live a successful life. He shares raw stories from his entrepreneurial journey, including losing over a million dollars, navigating shame, rebuilding from nothing, and the mindset shift that ultimately saved his life and reshaped how he leads. Together, Gino and Hussein explore leadership as a collective responsibility, not a transactional role. They dive into the difference between efficiency and effectiveness, why kind leadership requires courage, and how honoring agreements, whether in business or family, can transform relationships and culture. This conversation also introduces Hussein's powerful concept of family and workplace agreements, a human-centered alternative to rigid rules that empowers trust, accountability, and psychological safety for everyone involved. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn how to: Lead through uncertainty without losing your humanity Make difficult decisions while honoring their impact on others Shift from transactional leadership to transformational relationships Redefine success beyond money, titles, or external validation Build trust through agreements instead of control Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, parent, or simply navigating a season of uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that leadership begins with responsibility, presence, and the courage to choose again. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation that will challenge how you think about success, failure, and what it truly means to lead a meaningful life.   5 Key Takeaways Leadership starts with responsibility, not control. True leadership isn't about enforcing rules or chasing certainty. It's about taking responsibility for the impact of your choices and having the courage to lead with awareness, even when outcomes are uncertain. Failure can be a teacher or a prison. The difference is honesty. Avoiding shame and telling the truth about our failures allows learning, healing, and growth. When leaders face mistakes with humility instead of denial, trust and resilience follow.Ep.79 Agreements build trust where rules create resistance. Replacing rigid rules with clear, human-centered agreements empowers accountability while preserving dignity. Agreements invite ownership, clarity, and psychological safety in families, teams, and organizations. Success without alignment is empty. Money, titles, and external wins mean little if they come at the cost of broken relationships, integrity, or inner peace. Sustainable success comes from living and leading in alignment with shared values. Kind leadership requires courage, not comfort. Leading with kindness doesn't mean avoiding hard conversations. It means having them with honesty, care, and respect, while staying grounded in long-term impact over short-term ease. Resources & Book Recommended 🔗 Connect with Hussein Hallak Website: www.husseinhallak.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/husseinhallak/ 🏢 Organization Next Decentrum A global leader in digital innovation, helping organizations transform how they engage audiences through immersive storytelling, advanced technology, and seamless digital experiences. ✍️ Blog The Streetlight Exploring the human condition, tech hallucinations, and finding meaning in times of chaos. 📚 Books The Dark Art of Life Mastery – Hussein Hallak A bold and reflective exploration of responsibility, choice, and personal transformation. Hallak challenges conventional ideas of success and invites readers to reclaim agency, meaning, and integrity in both life and leadership. The Speed of Trust – Stephen M. R. Covey A practical and compelling guide showing how trust accelerates results, lowers costs, and strengthens relationships. Covey reframes trust as a measurable leadership competency that directly impacts performance, culture, and long-term success.   Chapters 00:00 Control, Choice, and the Hidden Cost of Leadership 02:57 From Syria to Entrepreneurship: Hussein Hallak's Journey 06:09 Redefining Leadership Through Kindness and Responsibility 12:02 Making Hard Decisions Without Losing Your Humanity 15:02 Rethinking Success Beyond Titles and Achievements 18:50 The Courage to Choose: Reinventing Your Path 24:53 Taking Responsibility When the Future Is Unclear 28:07 How Mindset Shifts Change Everything 29:35 From Rules to Agreements: A Better Way to Lead Families 34:15 Building Trust and Accountability Through Agreements 37:29 Lessons from Leaders Who Lead with Care 45:06 Closing Reflections on Meaning, Leadership, and Life

    41 min
  2. Leading with Presence: Elysia Skye on Mindfulness, Intuition & Conscious Leadership

    FEB 4

    Leading with Presence: Elysia Skye on Mindfulness, Intuition & Conscious Leadership

    What if the foundation of kind leadership isn't strategy, performance, or productivity, but presence? In this deeply human and grounding episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Elysia Skye, mindfulness and purpose coach, speaker, and founder of Elysia Skye Wellness. Elysia is also the creator of The Brilliant Method, delivering corporate mindfulness programs for organizations like Google, Disney, YouTube, and L'Oréal, and a stage-three breast cancer survivor who brings lived experience into every aspect of her work. Elysia shares her powerful personal journey from creativity and storytelling in Hollywood to mindfulness, spiritual leadership, and corporate transformation. Through stories of resilience, intuition, and compassion, she reveals how presence is not just a personal practice but a leadership skill that shapes culture, trust, and sustainable performance. Together, Gino and Elysia explore how mindfulness helps leaders navigate pressure without burnout, why internal safety is essential for high-performing teams, and how spiritual practices can coexist with modern business environments in grounded, practical ways. 💡 In this conversation, you'll learn how to: Lead with presence instead of pressure Use mindfulness to reduce anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism Create internal safety before trying to fix external performance Set healthy boundaries without sacrificing results Listen to intuition as a legitimate leadership tool Whether you're leading a team, running a company, or simply trying to show up more fully in your life, this episode offers a powerful reminder: kind leadership begins by being present with yourself first. 🎧 Listen now and discover how presence, compassion, and intuition can transform the way you lead, work, and live.   5 Key Takeaways Presence is a leadership skill, not a luxury. Grounding yourself in the present moment, especially before high-pressure situations, helps regulate the nervous system and leads to clearer, calmer, and more intentional decisions. Not everything is an emergency and leaders must define the difference. Clearly naming what truly constitutes an emergency creates healthier boundaries, reduces burnout, and gives teams permission to disconnect without guilt. Intuition is data and it gets stronger when you listen to it. Tracking moments when your intuition proves right builds trust in your inner guidance and helps you recognize how your body communicates important information. Most leadership decisions come from love or fear. Fear drives scarcity, perfectionism, and overcontrol. Love drives clarity, compassion, and sustainable action. Asking "What's the loving choice here?" can immediately shift how leaders respond. Perfection blocks impact; presence unlocks it. The pursuit of perfection often creates anxiety and paralysis. Leading with heart, intention, and presence allows leaders to move forward with confidence and authenticity.   Resources & Book Recommended 🔗 Connect with Elysia Skye Website: www.elysiaskye.com/ LinkedIn: Elysia Skye 🎧 Podcast The Brilliance Method Podcast Conversations on mindfulness, intuition, leadership, and living with presence. 🔗 https://elysiaskye.com/podcast 📚 Book Recommended Into the Magic Shop – Dr. James Doty A powerful memoir that blends neuroscience, mindfulness, and compassion. Through a deeply personal story, Doty shows how cultivating the heart and mind can transform fear into clarity, resilience, and purposeful leadership.   Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Kind Leadership and the Power of Presence 08:58 Why Presence Is the Foundation of Great Leadership 20:15 Staying Grounded When the Pressure Is High 32:20 Bringing Mindfulness and Spirituality into Modern Leadership 40:04 Learning to Trust Intuition as a Leadership Compass 50:53 Leading from Love Instead of Fear: Closing Reflections

    43 min
  3. Leading with Optimism: Josh Dorfman on Making Climate Solutions Human, Scalable & Enduring

    JAN 28

    Leading with Optimism: Josh Dorfman on Making Climate Solutions Human, Scalable & Enduring

    What if the path to sustainability isn't driven by fear or guilt, but by innovation, optimism, and kind leadership? In this inspiring episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Josh Dorfman, climate tech entrepreneur, sustainability strategist, and founder of Supercool, a media platform spotlighting climate solutions that are scaling right now. Josh shares his remarkable journey from living and working in China in the 1990s to becoming a leader at the intersection of business, climate innovation, and media. Along the way, he reflects on how early global experiences shaped his understanding of growth, consumption, and the urgent need to rethink how we build a high-quality life on a finite planet. Together, Gino and Josh explore why real change doesn't come from shame-based messaging, but from solutions that make life better while reducing environmental impact. They discuss how AI, systems thinking, and human-centered leadership are accelerating climate innovation, from smarter infrastructure and clean energy to more efficient transportation and consumer products. This conversation reframes sustainability as a leadership opportunity: one rooted in clarity, empathy, and collaboration, where doing the right thing is also the most compelling business strategy. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn how to: Lead sustainability efforts without relying on fear or guilt Use innovation and AI to scale climate solutions that actually improve everyday life Reframe climate action as a win for people, businesses, and communities Apply kind leadership principles to complex, global challenges Build cultures and companies that drive impact through optimism and possibility If you care about leadership, innovation, and creating a future where progress and sustainability go hand in hand, this episode will expand how you think about what's possible. 🎧 Tune in and discover how kind leadership can help power the solutions our world needs now.   5 Key Takeaways Sustainability works best when it improves quality of life. The most powerful climate solutions don't rely on fear or guilt. They win because they deliver better performance, lower costs, and more comfort, proving sustainability and quality of life are not opposites. Kind leadership is disciplined, not soft. Empathetic leadership means combining clear expectations with emotional intelligence. Leaders who understand what people need to succeed create high performance without toxicity. Climate innovation is a competitive advantage. Forward-thinking companies aren't just "doing the right thing." They're unlocking efficiency, customer preference, and market opportunity by embedding sustainability into their core strategy. AI accelerates sustainability at scale. When used thoughtfully, AI and machine learning can optimize systems in ways that reduce costs, improve service, and dramatically lower environmental impact, all at the same time. Adoption matters more than invention. The biggest challenge isn't building sustainable technology, it's getting people to say yes. Leaders who remove friction, simplify decisions, and communicate value clearly are the ones who drive real change.   Resources & Book Recommended 🔗 Connect with Josh Dorfman LinkedIn: Josh Dorfman 🌍 Organizations & Projects Mentioned Supercool A media platform highlighting climate solutions that are already working and scaling, focused on optimism, innovation, and real-world impact. 🔗 https://getsuper.cool/ Supercool Podcast Conversations with founders, leaders, and innovators building practical climate solutions for a better future. 🔗 https://getsuper.cool/podcast/ Planted A materials innovation company creating high-performance, plant-based alternatives that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing quality or durability. 🔗 https://www.plantdmaterials.com 📚 Book Recommended Jackdaws – Ken Follett A fast-paced historical thriller about courage, teamwork, and leadership under pressure. Through high-stakes decisions and trust in uncertain conditions, the novel offers timeless insights into resilience, collaboration, and human ingenuity.

    47 min
  4. Leading with Safety: Tom Krause on Psychological Safety, Systems Thinking & High-Trust Leadership

    JAN 21

    Leading with Safety: Tom Krause on Psychological Safety, Systems Thinking & High-Trust Leadership

    What if safety wasn't just a compliance metric, but a reflection of leadership, culture, and care for people? In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Tom Krause, globally recognized expert in organizational safety, leadership, and culture. With more than 45 years of experience transforming safety cultures across industries, Tom is a pioneer of behavioral-based safety, co-founder of Krause Bell Group, and a trusted advisor to organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies, including NASA following the Columbia disaster. Tom shares how his background in psychology led him to redefine safety not as a technical or procedural issue, but as a deeply human one. Through compelling stories and real-world examples, he explains why organizations that truly care about people create safer, more resilient, and higher-performing cultures. Together, Gino and Tom explore the connection between kind leadership, physical safety, and psychological safety. They discuss why blaming individuals is rarely the answer, how systems shape behavior, and what leaders must do to create environments where people feel safe to speak up, challenge decisions, and prevent catastrophic failures before they happen. 💡 In this conversation, you'll learn how to: Redefine safety as a leadership responsibility, not just a set of rules Understand the link between psychological safety and organizational performance Create cultures where upward communication is encouraged and protected Balance accountability with genuine care for people Turn kind leadership into measurable results across safety, quality, and trust Whether you're leading in government, industry, or a growing organization, this episode offers a profound reminder: when leaders put people first, safety, performance, and culture improve together. 🎧 Listen now and discover why true safety isn't enforced, it's led.   5 Key Takeaways Psychological safety is about truth, not comfort. Real psychological safety means people can challenge authority, admit mistakes, and raise uncomfortable truths without fear. It's not about being "nice," it's about enabling honest communication that prevents failure and drives learning. Most problems are system problems, not people problems. When something goes wrong, effective leaders look beyond individual behavior and ask what processes, policies, or cultural pressures made that outcome likely. Systems thinking builds trust and reveals fixable root causes. Upward communication predicts performance. Organizations where employees feel safe speaking up consistently outperform others in safety, quality, innovation, and retention. Silence is often the first warning sign of deeper cultural risk. What leaders do matters more than what they say. Culture is revealed through daily decisions, resource allocation, and how leaders respond when challenged or inconvenienced, not through mission statements or well-intended words. Safety culture reflects overall leadership quality. Teams that excel at safety tend to excel everywhere else. Strong safety cultures signal strong leadership fundamentals: engagement, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.   Resources & Book Recommended 🔗 Connect with Tom Krause LinkedIn: Tom Krause 🏢 Organization Krause Bell Group https://krausebellgroup.com/ A global consulting firm focused on improving safety, performance, and organizational culture through leadership and systems thinking. ✍️ Safety Leadership Blog https://krausebellgroup.com/articles-blogs/ Insights and practical perspectives on safety leadership, psychological safety, systems thinking, and organizational performance. 📚 Book Recommended Leading with Safety – Tom Krause Drawing on decades of research and real-world experience, Leading with Safety reframes safety as a leadership practice that shapes culture, performance, and trust. Krause presents practical frameworks for understanding human performance, systems thinking, and leader behavior, showing how organizations that truly lead with safety become more resilient, productive, and effective. Out of the Crisis – W. Edwards Deming A foundational work on systems thinking and management, Out of the Crisis challenges leaders to move beyond blaming individuals and instead improve the systems in which people work. Deming's principles laid the groundwork for modern quality, safety, and continuous improvement, making this a must-read for leaders serious about sustainable performance and cultural change.

    41 min
  5. Abundance Over Scarcity: Bernard Youngblood on Kind Leadership, Partnerships & the Future of Work

    JAN 14

    Abundance Over Scarcity: Bernard Youngblood on Kind Leadership, Partnerships & the Future of Work

    What if the biggest limitation in leadership isn't resources, competition, or technology, but scarcity thinking? In this insightful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Bernard Youngblood, Director of Partnerships at HotLogic, founder and CEO of Think Partners, and host of the podcast Unboxing the Office. Bernard brings a refreshing perspective on leadership rooted in abundance, trust, and purpose-driven collaboration. He shares how shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset transformed the way he leads, builds partnerships, and helps both for-profit and nonprofit organizations grow sustainably. Together, Gino and Bernard explore how kind leadership shows up in decision-making, negotiations, and everyday business interactions. They discuss why leaders who operate from abundance create stronger cultures, more resilient organizations, and deeper impact, especially during times of uncertainty and change. 💡 In this conversation, you'll learn how to: Shift from scarcity thinking to abundance-driven leadership Build trust-based partnerships instead of transactional relationships Lead with purpose without sacrificing business results Create cultures where collaboration outperforms competition Make decisions from confidence, not fear Whether you're leading a growing company, building partnerships, or navigating complex business ecosystems, this episode offers a powerful reminder: when leaders lead from abundance, everyone wins. 🎧 Listen now and discover how choosing abundance over scarcity can transform the way you lead, build, and connect.     5 Key Takeaways Abundance is a leadership choice, not a theory. Scarcity isn't an economic inevitability, it's a mindset. Leaders choose abundance when they organize people, resources, and decisions around shared success rather than fear and control. Kindness is a competitive advantage in the AI era. As AI increases productivity and transparency exposes bad behavior, organizations with poor cultures will struggle. Kind leadership becomes a moat that attracts talent, loyalty, and trust. Win-win thinking beats win-lose negotiation. The most sustainable partnerships start by asking, "What does a win look like for you?" Moving away from dominance toward mutual benefit creates longer-lasting value for everyone involved. Culture is visible, whether you manage it or not. In a world of social media and radical transparency, internal culture and external brand are inseparable. How people are treated inside the organization always shows up outside. Build for legacy, not exits. Organizations focused on purpose, beauty, and long-term impact outperform those built only for acquisition or IPO. Legacy thinking attracts purpose-driven people and creates enduring success.     Resources & Additional Information 🔗 Connect with Bernard Youngblood LinkedIn: Bernard Youngblood Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bernieyoungblood 🎧 Podcast Unboxing the Office - Conversations on workplace culture, leadership, and the future of work. 🤝 Organization Mentioned HotLogic - Known for The AI Oven, HotLogic is redefining how technology shows up in everyday life through simple, human-centered innovation. 📚 Book Recommended Unleashing the Killer App - Chungka Mui & Larry Downs A forward-thinking exploration of how disruptive technology reshapes markets and power structures. The book challenges leaders to rethink competition, embrace change, and lead with boldness in moments of technological transformation.

    40 min
  6. Kind Leadership Under Pressure: Russell "Haj" Ramos on Trust, Security & Human-Centered Technology

    JAN 7

    Kind Leadership Under Pressure: Russell "Haj" Ramos on Trust, Security & Human-Centered Technology

    What if kindness and clarity were your strongest defenses in high-stakes cybersecurity and technology leadership? In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Russell "Haj" Ramos, a seasoned IT and cybersecurity leader with over 34 years of experience across the federal and private sectors. Russell currently serves as CIO and Senior Vice President of Enterprise Data and Technology at Ginnie Mae, where he leads secure modernization and mission-critical innovation. Russell shares his journey from finance to cybersecurity, his early leadership experiences at the White House, and the mentors who shaped his philosophy of leading with empathy, integrity, and example. In a world where pressure is constant and mistakes can have serious consequences, he explains why kind leadership is not a weakness, but a strategic advantage. Together, Gino and Russell explore how leaders can balance security and innovation, navigate AI responsibly, and build cultures where people feel trusted, heard, and empowered. Through deeply personal stories about mentorship, family, gratitude, and presence, Russell reminds us that leadership doesn't start with titles, it starts with how we treat people. 💡 In this conversation, you'll learn how to: Lead by example in high-pressure, high-risk environments Balance cybersecurity, AI, and innovation without losing the human connection Build trust through empathy, listening, and empowerment Create impact by truly hearing people, not just managing them Lead at work and at home with authenticity, humility, and presence Whether you lead in technology, government, or any mission-driven organization, this episode offers timeless lessons on how kindness, clarity, and gratitude can elevate leadership in even the most demanding environments. 🎧 Listen now and discover why kind leadership is one of the most powerful forces in modern technology and cybersecurity.   5 Key Takeaways Kind leadership starts with presence, not position. You don't need a title to lead. Leadership shows up in how you listen, how you show up for others, and how consistently you act with intention, at work, at home, and in your community. Culture is built one connection at a time. Real culture doesn't come from policies or announcements. It's created through daily interactions, one-on-ones, and moments where people feel truly heard and valued. Cybersecurity and innovation can coexist. Great security leaders don't say "no because." They say "yes, and here's how we do it safely." Protecting systems, data, and people while enabling innovation is a leadership skill, not a technical constraint. Technology adoption must be human-centered. AI and emerging tools succeed only when leaders consider organizational impact, different learning speeds, and real human concerns, not just efficiency gains. Lead by example with empathy, trust, and empowerment. The most effective leaders model the behavior they expect, listen to understand, trust their teams' capabilities, and empower ownership, creating measurable impact and long-term resilience.   Resources 🔗 Connect with Russell Haj Ramos LinkedIn: Russell Haj Ramos 📚 Book Recommended "Leaders Don't Command: The Power of Leadership in a Changing World" by Jorge Cuervo – here is a short summation of the book: The book explores modern leadership principles that move away from traditional top-down, command and control styles. Focus on influence, empowerment (trust, ownership, accountability) and collaboration.

    45 min
  7. Kind Leadership in the Age of AI: John Binks on Balancing Technology, Humanity, and Mission

    12/31/2025

    Kind Leadership in the Age of AI: John Binks on Balancing Technology, Humanity, and Mission

    What if leading through technology was really about leading through people? In this meaningful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with John Binks, technologist, author, and Senior Director of Business Development at Titan Technologies. John is a former DHS / FEMA executive who led IT modernization and national disaster response systems, and the creator of the Bots and Bosses book series and podcast exploring the intersection of AI, leadership, and humanity. John shares stories from military service, federal leadership, disaster response, and mentoring veterans, revealing a powerful truth: kind leadership is not about being nice, it's about being transformational. From volunteering at the USO and listening deeply to people's stories, to leading in crisis environments where titles disappear and humanity takes center stage, John offers a grounded and deeply human perspective on leadership in times of change. Together, Gino and John explore how leaders can navigate AI with clarity instead of fear, why change management must always center people, and how creating generational impact starts with everyday moments of connection and care. 💡 In this conversation, you'll learn how to: Shift from transactional leadership to transformational leadership Lead with kindness and empathy during crisis and uncertainty Create generational impact through everyday human connection Navigate AI adoption with clarity, purpose, and cultural alignment Lead change by focusing on people before process or technology Build trust by listening, serving, and showing up consistently Whether you're leading in government, technology, or any fast-changing environment, this episode will challenge you to rethink what effective leadership looks like in the digital era. 🎧 Listen now and discover why the future of leadership depends on how well we lead people, not just systems.   5 Key Takeaways Kind leadership is transformational, not transactional. Being kind isn't about avoiding hard conversations. It's about creating the conditions for people to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow within clear guardrails. Purpose creates deeper connection than titles or paychecks. When leaders share why they're personally connected to the mission, people understand the work at a human level, and engagement goes far beyond compensation. Small moments can create generational impact. Brief, authentic interactions often leave the deepest mark. A simple follow-up message or check-in can ripple through families, teams, and communities. In moments of change or crisis, hierarchy matters less than humanity. The most effective leaders set titles aside, invite contribution from everyone, and build psychological safety where ideas and solutions can emerge. Technology succeeds when culture leads the way. AI and digital transformation work best when they align with values and culture. Leaders must put people first, then integrate technology as a supportive teammate, not a disruptive force.   Resources & Additional Information 🔗 Connect with John Binks LinkedIn: John Binks 📘 Recommended Book Bots and Bosses  A book series and podcast by John Binks exploring the intersection of leadership, artificial intelligence, culture, and humanity in the digital age. 🎁 Special Offer Contact John Binks through BotsAndBosses.com mentioning "The Kind Leader Podcast" to receive a complimentary copy of Bots and Brilliance: 101 Things You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence.

    44 min
  8. Mental Wellness Is Leadership: Corey Hart on Empathy, Joy & Human-Centered Growth

    12/24/2025

    Mental Wellness Is Leadership: Corey Hart on Empathy, Joy & Human-Centered Growth

    What if mental wellness isn't a side note in leadership, but the foundation of it? In this thoughtful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Corey Hart, mental wellness strategist, startup mentor, educator, and Senior Director of Growth at Mentavi Health, where he's helped scale behavioral health innovation by over 800%. Corey shares his unconventional journey across music, hospitality, startups, education, and behavioral health, and how saying "yes" to curiosity, joy, and human connection shaped his approach to leadership. Together, Gino and Corey explore why self-awareness, mental wellness, and empathy aren't soft skills, but essential leadership competencies, especially in fast-growing, high-pressure environments. From building joyful cultures and leading with authenticity, to navigating AI in mental health with responsibility and care, this conversation challenges leaders to rethink how they show up for themselves and for others. 💡 In this conversation, you'll learn how to: Lead with mental wellness as a core leadership practice Create cultures of joy, empathy, and psychological safety Balance innovation, AI, and human-centered care responsibly Strengthen leadership by improving the relationship you have with yourself Show up as a kind leader without sacrificing performance or impact Whether you're leading a startup, a team, or navigating your own leadership journey, this episode offers a refreshing and deeply human perspective on what it truly means to lead well. 🎧 Listen now and discover why taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful leadership decisions you can make.   5 Key Takeaways 1. Practice self-grace to lead with resilience. Leadership starts with how you talk to yourself. Acknowledging your effort and progress, especially on hard days, builds the emotional strength leaders need to show up well for others. 2. Joy is a leadership strategy, not a distraction. Creating moments of laughter and celebration during difficult work boosts engagement, strengthens teams, and reduces burnout without sacrificing performance. 3. Lead with "How can I help you?" Shifting conversations from roles to support instantly builds trust. Leaders who lead with service create collaborative cultures where people feel seen and valued. 4. People's lived experiences matter more than policy. When leaders respond to individual circumstances with empathy, loyalty and commitment follow. Human understanding often achieves what rules alone cannot. 5. The next generation is wired for inclusion, learn from them. Younger workers naturally collaborate and lead with empathy. Forward-thinking leaders leverage this strength rather than trying to re-train it.   Resources & Additional Information 🔗 Connect with Corey Hart Website: www.coreythehart.com LinkedIn: Corey Hart 📚 Book Recommended:  Studs Terkel - Selected Works Through conversations with everyday people, Studs Terkel captures deeply human stories across all walks of life. His books are a powerful way for leaders to build empathy and understanding, especially when we can't experience that diversity firsthand.   Chapters 00:00 Why Mental Wellness Is a Leadership Imperative 01:28 Corey Hart's Journey: Saying Yes to Curiosity and Opportunity 06:10 What Kind Leadership Really Means in Practice 12:51 Empathy at Work: Lessons from Hospitality and Business 17:05 How the Next Generation Is Redefining Leadership 20:58 Self-Care, Self-Grace & Leading Sustainably 23:24 Rethinking Behavioral Health: Innovation with Humanity 24:28 Why Separating Diagnosis from Treatment Changes Everything 25:49 Faster, Smarter Diagnostics Without Losing the Human Touch 27:17 Navigating AI in Healthcare with Care and Responsibility 29:37 The Future of AI in Mental Health: Promise and Caution 33:25 Unpopular Opinions That Challenge Traditional Leadership 36:03 Final Leadership Insights and Personal Recommendations

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Navigating Business with Empathy! This podcast is to inspire and equip current and aspiring business leaders to incorporate kindness and empathy into their leadership styles. By presenting real-world examples, interviews with thought leaders, and actionable strategies, the podcast aims to shift the paradigm of leadership from merely transactional to more compassionate and ethical, but most importantly transformational. We want to also serve as a platform to encourage strong, kind leadership that not only enhances corporate performance but also makes a generational impact by transforming organizational cultures for the better. The target audience includes corporate executives, managers, small business owners, and tech leaders who are interested in nurturing more humane, sustainable work environments while driving business success.

Information

  • Creator
    Gino Degregori
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    The Kind Leader