Finding Your Inner Mister Rogers

Todd Faber

Those who lead with kindness, compassion and empathy build the most successful teams. This podcast will explore this topic and you will get to meet incredible leaders from across the country who we all would love to work for, and with.

  1. 2d ago

    Angelo Santinelli: The Mindful Mentor

    The most effective leaders I’ve known don’t lead with certainty. They lead with trust. On this week's episode of Finding Your Inner Mister Rogers I talked to Angelo Santinelli about mentorship, leadership, and what it really takes to build a culture people want to stay in. One line stayed with me: "Nobody cares what you know until they know that you care." That’s not soft leadership, that’s the foundation. Angelo made a point I think a lot of leaders miss: Trust isn’t built by having the answer to everything. It’s built through care, competence, consistency, character, and yes, vulnerability too. But not the kind that disappears under pressure. The kind that can say, "I don’t know yet, let’s figure it out." That balance matters: Too much certainty and people stop telling you the truth. Too much uncertainty and they stop trusting you. What stood out most was how he connected leadership to values. Not just what people say they value, but what they actually choose when things get hard. Because in the real world, that’s where leadership shows up. In the hard conversations, the trade-offs and the moments when the easy choice is usually the wrong one. Worth thinking about.

  2. Aug 11

    Jane Steinmetz: The Catalyst for Potential

    The best leadership lesson I know is simpler than we make it Jane Steinmetz said something that stuck with me: When she tried to lead like the people already at the top, it didn’t work. When she stopped performing and started being herself, everything changed. That’s not just a career lesson. It’s a human one. Jane was the first woman to lead a Big Four office in Boston. She’s also helped build EY’s Neurodiverse Center of Excellence, because she sees neurodiversity for what it is - not a problem to work around, but a competitive advantage. That same mindset showed up again when we talked about mentorship, housing, childcare, and even environmental stewardship. The thread was always the same: Leadership is not about looking impressive. It’s about making more room for other people to thrive. Maybe that’s the point.

  3. Aug 4

    Steve Gross: The Playmaker

    “If you don’t have time to play, you don’t have time to BE. Play isn’t what you do, but rather it’s the spirit and intention with which you do everything.” Steve Gross In my latest episode of Finding Your Inner Mr. Rogers I sat down with a man I like to call "Mr. Rogers in a hoodie", Steve Gross, Founder & Chief Playmaker at the Life is Good Playmaker Project. Steve is a clinical social worker who has spent over 30 years using the discipline of play to restore safety and joy for children surviving unimaginable adversity, from post-earthquake Haiti to Newtown, CT. In this episode we dive deep into: -Why play is a prerequisite for resilience, creativity, and leadership -How to sit with people in their pain without letting it crush your optimism -The difference between authentic support and "toxic positivity" -How to practice my "95% Rule" in high-stress environments 🎥 Watch the 30-second snippet below for a preview of our conversation! 🎧 Listen/Watch the full episode now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube (Link in comments/bio)! #FindingYourInnerMrRogers #Leadingwithkindness #LifeIsGood #Playmaker #95percentrule

  4. Jul 28

    Larry DiCara: The Historic Peacemaker

    In this deeply reflective conversation, Todd Faber sits down with Lawrence S. DiCara, longtime Boston civic leader, attorney, and author, to explore what it means to lead with empathy during moments of conflict and change. Larry shares firsthand memories from the busing crisis, Boston’s financial struggles in the 1970s, and the challenges of navigating public life while staying grounded in service to the community. At the heart of the discussion is a powerful theme: shared humanity. Larry explains how listening, face-to-face conversation, and finding common ground have shaped both his legal career and his decades of public service. He reflects on the mentors, teachers, and family members who influenced him, and why history matters so much when confronting today’s divisions.From Boston politics to workplace culture, from civic memory to the importance of treating everyone with dignity, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that real leadership is not about titles, but rather it’s about connection, humility, and showing up for others.

  5. Jul 24

    10 Episodes In: What I’ve Learned So Far

    10 episodes in, and I’m just getting started. 🎙️ Celebrating a milestone this week and reflecting on the powerful lessons these first ten episodes have revealed about leading with heart. When I set out on this journey, I wanted to find the real leaders walking among us. The ones in our own neighborhoods who lift others up, acknowledge their victories, and sit with them in their defeats. Turns out, true leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about empathy that takes courage. This milestone isn’t just about publishing episodes. It’s about the stories, the hard-earned lessons, and a daily reminder that kindness can shape whole communities. Thank you to everyone who has tuned in, shared an episode, or joined the conversation. Here’s to the next thirty that are coming soon! #10Episodes #PodcastMilestone #LeadWithHeart #95percentrule #KindnessMatters #FindingYourInnerMisterRogers

  6. Jul 21

    Pam Garramone: The Catalyst for Joy

    How do tiny daily habits shape a happier life? In this episode of Finding Your Inner Mr. Rogers, I’m joined by Pam Garramone, M.Ed., the award-winning positive psychology speaker, life coach, founder of Thrive Now Boston, and author of Be Happier — to explore the science of happiness, micro-habits, self-compassion, and why kindness is still one of the most powerful forces we have. Pam shares practical, science-backed ways to reduce stress, build resilience, and create real emotional well-being without toxic positivity or massive life overhauls. We talk about everything from tiny rituals and self-care resets to identifying your signature strengths and using them to show up better in work, relationships, and daily life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by change, burnout, or the pressure to “have it all together,” this conversation is a reminder that small, intentional steps can create meaningful change. #FindingYourInnermisterRogers #95percentrule #leadingwithempathy #PositivePsychology #MicroHabits #leadingwithkindness

  7. Jul 14

    The Chief Helper: Tim Garvin, United Way

    The most radical thing we can be right now? Kind. Here's why leads a community helper to truly connect. Drop a 💙 if you agree kindness is the secret to real leadership. Fred Rogers taught us that leadership isn't about control-it's about service to others' dignity. Tim Garvin exemplifies this daily. As the CEO of United Way, he's not just managing statistics; he's mobilizing neighbors, building trust, and transforming complex problems into human-sized solutions. Whether responding to a crisis or inspiring volunteers, he shows that when we unite resources and hearts, there's no stranger, only a neighbor we haven't helped yet. It's simple but powerful: kindness is a leadership superpower. Think about it: are we leading with compassion enough? What small act could you do today to be the helper? 👉 Click the links in the comments below to listen to how Tim talks about the power of community #FindingYourInnerMrRogers #95%rule #CommunityLeadership #LeadWithKindness #SocialImpact #UniteForGood

  8. Jul 7

    Dave Harmon: The Truth Teller

    Ever wonder what honest, empathetic leadership really looks like? It’s simple: tell the truth, treat people like humans, and build trust. Drop a 🙌 if you believe kindness and honesty can change the workplace. In a world obsessed with policies, true leadership is about seeing people deeply, to recognize their struggles, celebrate their wins, and be transparent even through tough times. Dave Harmon shared stories from leading Fortune 500 teams where honesty forged loyalty and resilience.He reminds us: People aren’t numbers, they’re individuals with stories, struggles, and strengths. When leaders walk the floor, ask about hobbies, or send a note of thanks, they build a family, not just a workforce.Worth thinking about: How can you bring more honesty and kindness into your own leadership today? #LeadershipWithHeart #RealPeopleRealStories #HumansFirst #AuthenticLeadership #MentalHealthMatters #findingyourinnermisterrogers

See All (15)

About

Those who lead with kindness, compassion and empathy build the most successful teams. This podcast will explore this topic and you will get to meet incredible leaders from across the country who we all would love to work for, and with.

Information