The Kind Leader

Gino Degregori

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 Hidden Cost Of Employees Feeling Unseen

    5d ago

    The Hidden Cost Of Employees Feeling Unseen

    60% of employees feel unnoticed by their manager. Most leaders think that's an engagement problem. Sally Mildren believes it's a biological one. In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Gino Degregori sits down with marketing strategist, leadership educator, and author Sally Mildren to explore why feeling seen isn't just good leadership, it's a fundamental human need. Drawing from neuroscience, healthcare leadership, and decades of executive experience, Sally explains why our brains are wired for connection, how loneliness quietly impacts performance, and why leaders who create psychological safety unlock stronger, healthier teams. Together, Gino and Sally explore: Why feeling unseen activates the brain's threat response How human connection improves trust, collaboration, and performance Why clarity is one of the greatest acts of kindness a leader can offer The critical role middle managers play in shaping culture Why psychological safety drives better leadership How curiosity helps leaders uncover what motivates people Why communication matters more than generational differences The biological reason employees need to feel seen and valued This conversation goes far beyond employee engagement. It's about understanding that people don't thrive because they're managed. They thrive because they feel seen. Because connection isn't a leadership luxury. It's part of how we're wired.   Connect with Sally Mildren: LinkedIn: Sally Mildren Common Well Marketing: commonwellmarketing.com The Leadership Cafe: theleadershipcafe.com   Resources Mentioned: Leading Real People: A Guide to Human-Centric Leadership for Today's New and Middle Managers by Sally Mildren Work and Love  by Marcus Buckingham   Connect with The Kind Leader Podcast: Website: TheKindLeaderPodcast.com YouTube: Kind Leader Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Kind Leader Spotify: The Kind Leader Email: thekindleader@bravocg.com

    45 min
  2. The Hidden Cost Of Being The Nice Leader

    Jun 17

    The Hidden Cost Of Being The Nice Leader

    Everyone wants to work with the nice leader. The patient one. The supportive one. The one who always says yes. But what if being nice is quietly holding you back? In this episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Gino Degregori sits down with technology executive and longtime colleague Eric Schrier to explore a challenge many leaders face but rarely talk about: The tension between being nice and being kind. After more than 30 years leading teams across industries and cultures, Eric has learned that constantly saying yes, avoiding disappointment, and carrying more than your share may feel helpful in the moment. But over time, it can leave leaders overwhelmed, overstretched, and unable to create the impact they want. Together, Gino and Eric explore: The difference between kindness and niceness Why some leaders struggle to say no The hidden cost of always being the reliable one How self-reflection improves leadership How leaders become overstretched without realizing it Why being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others This conversation goes far beyond leadership styles. It's about the tension between keeping the peace and telling the truth. Because niceness keeps the peace. But kindness keeps the truth.   Connect with Eric Schrier: LinkedIn: Eric Schrier Email: eschrier@bravocg.com Connect with The Kind Leader Podcast: Website: TheKindLeaderPodcast.com YouTube: Kind Leader Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Kind Leader Spotify: The Kind Leader Email: thekindleader@bravocg.com

    44 min
  3. The Traits That Make You Successful May Be Burning You Out

    Jun 10

    The Traits That Make You Successful May Be Burning You Out

    What if the traits that helped you succeed are the same traits quietly pushing you toward burnout? In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Gino Degregori sits down with executive coach, author, and founder of Gem Consulting Solutions, Julien Godbarge, to explore why some of our greatest strengths can become our most dangerous blind spots. After experiencing a full burnout while leading as a CEO, Julien discovered something many leaders never see coming: The habits that fuel success often disguise themselves as the warning signs of burnout. Together, Gino and Julien explore: Why burnout is often caused by hidden blind spots, not workload alone How high achievers unknowingly turn strengths into liabilities The danger of the "no pain, no gain" mindset Why leaders find safety in constant momentum The hidden cost of ignoring stress and emotional processing How mindfulness helps leaders interrupt unhealthy patterns Why sleep may be the first warning sign leaders overlook How isolation makes burnout worse Why success should never come at the expense of your humanity This conversation goes far beyond burnout. It's about recognizing the patterns that drive achievement while quietly pulling you away from the life you're trying to build. Because the goal isn't just to succeed. It's to build a life and career you don't have to recover from.     Connect with Julien Godbarge: Website: TenBlindSpots.com LinkedIn: Julien Godbarge   Resources Mentioned: Crash and Burn: How To Identify, Manage, and Prevent Burnout by Julien Godbarge The 10 Blind Spots Assessment: TenBlindSpots.com   Connect with The Kind Leader Podcast: Website: konect.to/thekindleaderpodcast YouTube: Kind Leader Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Kind Leader Spotify: The Kind Leader Email: thekindleader@bravocg.com

    43 min
  4. You Can't Lead Others Until You Lead Yourself

    Jun 3

    You Can't Lead Others Until You Lead Yourself

    Most leaders think their biggest challenge is managing other people. Tinna Jackson believes it's managing themselves. In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Gino Degregori sits down with executive coach, bestselling author, and former U.S. Senate Deputy Chief of Staff Tinna Jackson to explore why self-awareness may be the foundation of every great leader. After a decade inside the U.S. Senate, Tinna learned a difficult lesson: The behaviors that limit our leadership are often the ones we can't see. Together, Gino and Tinna explore: • Why leadership begins with self-awareness • How childhood experiences shape the way we lead • The connection between ego, power, and influence • Why influence matters more than authority • How unexamined blind spots create chaos inside teams • Why asking for help is a leadership strength • The role of mentorship, feedback, and personal growth • How leaders can build stronger relationships through trust and authenticity This conversation goes far beyond leadership development. It's about having the courage to understand yourself before trying to lead anyone else. Because the hardest person you'll ever lead is yourself.   Connect with Tinna Jackson: Website: tinnajackson.com LinkedIn: E. Tinna Jackson Instagram: @iamtinnajackson Youtube: Tinna Jackson   Resources Mentioned: The Power Play Journal by Tinna Jackson   Connect with The Kind Leader Podcast: Website: konect.to/thekindleaderpodcast YouTube: Kind Leader Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Kind Leader Spotify: The Kind Leader Email: thekindleader@bravocg.com     Chapters 0:00 Why Power and Kindness Belong Together 1:51 From the U.S. Senate to Self-Aware Leadership 2:46 What Kind Leadership Really Requires 4:04 The Leader Who Made Everyone Feel Seen 5:41 Why Workplace Empathy Can't Be Optional Anymore 10:13 The Chaos Leaders Create Without Self-Awareness 13:09 How Childhood Triggers Follow Us Into Work 17:35 Power Isn't the Problem. Ego Is. 23:07 How Anyone Can Build Influence Without a Title 27:10 The Feedback That Changed Tinna's Leadership 34:34 Flip the Mic: Staying Kind When You're Burned Out 38:41 Rapid Fire Questions 43:09 Give Yourself Grace and Ask for Support

    48 min
  5. The 4 Habits That Feel Like Kindness, But Aren't

    May 27

    The 4 Habits That Feel Like Kindness, But Aren't

    In the first solo episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Gino shares one of the hardest leadership lessons he's learned: The things that make us feel like kind leaders aren't always kind at all. Avoiding hard conversations. Keeping the peace. Protecting people from discomfort. They may feel caring in the moment. But over time, they quietly erode trust, weaken teams, and create distance. Through a personal story and practical reflection, Gino explores: • Why kindness without accountability creates chaos • The difference between being nice and being kind • The four "near enemies" of kind leadership • Why avoiding hard conversations becomes a disservice • The hidden cost of conflict avoidance and toxic positivity • Three questions you can use this week to lead with more clarity and care This conversation goes far beyond leadership advice. It's about recognizing the habits that feel right in the moment but quietly create damage over time. Because great leadership isn't avoiding hard conversations. It's caring enough to have them.   Connect with The Kind Leader Podcast: Website: www.konect.to/thekindleaderpodcast YouTube: Kind Leader Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Kind Leader Spotify: The Kind Leader Email: thekindleader@bravocg.com   Chapters 0:00 Why Most Leaders Get Kindness Wrong 2:25 Kindness Without Accountability Creates Chaos 4:07 The Hard Conversation I Avoided for Too Long 7:01 The 4 Habits That Feel Like Kindness, But Aren't 9:12 Three Questions Every Leader Should Ask This Week 11:25 The CARES Framework: What's Coming Next

    13 min
  6. People Don't Want A Boss. They Want A Leader Who Gives A Damn

    May 20

    People Don't Want A Boss. They Want A Leader Who Gives A Damn

    People don't want a boss. They want a leader who gives a damn. In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Gino Degregori sits down with leadership advisor and Root & Regard founder Marion Kennedy to explore why great leaders don't choose between head and heart. They learn to lead with both. After decades leading teams in some of the most mission-intensive environments inside the intelligence community, Marion learned something many organizations still get wrong: High performance without humanity doesn't create stronger teams. It quietly creates disconnection. Together, Gino and Marion explore: What "giving a damn leadership" really means Why leaders should stop choosing between head and heart The connection between self-awareness and leadership Why people are not transactions or data points The hidden cost of leadership focused only on numbers How trust and belonging shape culture Why employees want to feel seen, heard, and valued This conversation goes far beyond leadership frameworks. It's about what happens when people stop feeling like metrics and start feeling like they matter. Because great leadership isn't choosing between performance and people. It's learning to lead with both, without sacrificing either.   Connect with Marion Kennedy: LinkedIn: Marion Kennedy Root & Regard: rootandregard.com Email: marion@rootandregard.com   Resources Mentioned: The Only Leaders Worth Following by Tim Spiker   Connect with The Kind Leader Podcast: Website: www.konect.to/thekindleaderpodcast YouTube: Kind Leader Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Kind Leader Spotify: The Kind Leader Email: thekindleader@bravocg.com   Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Why Leaders Should Stop Choosing Between Head and Heart 01:38 Marion Kennedy's Leadership Journey 03:29 What "Giving A Damn Leadership" Really Means 04:13 The Mentor Who Shaped Marion's Leadership Style 07:56 Root & Regard: The Framework Behind Better Leadership 10:29 Why Great Leaders Must Understand Themselves First 13:34 Why Leaders Should Stop Putting People In Boxes 15:29 Leading In High-Pressure, Mission-Critical Environments 18:40 Head vs Heart: Why Great Leaders Need Both 22:15 Leading With Humanity In High-Stakes Organizations 25:06 How To Build Culture With Distributed Teams 27:04 The "Be Accessible" Leadership Principle 29:16 Why One-on-One Conversations Matter 31:02 Building Trust Through Small Moments 32:28 Why Employee Experience Shapes Your Brand 34:38 Flip The Mic: Marion Asks Gino About The Future Of Leadership 35:12 Gino's Vision: Generational Impact Through Leadership 37:03 Rapid Fire Questions 38:21 Leadership Book Recommendation 39:49 Marion's Personal Mantra & Reflection Questions 40:42 The Leadership Message Marion Wants You To Remember 41:29 Connect With Marion & Closing Thoughts

    39 min
  7. The Biggest Lie In Cybersecurity: "People Are The Weakest Link"

    May 13

    The Biggest Lie In Cybersecurity: "People Are The Weakest Link"

    What if the biggest risk inside your organization isn't technology… but fear? In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Gino Degregori sits down with cybersecurity executive, TEDx speaker, advisor to Duke University's executive cybersecurity program, and director of cybersecurity policy for the Panamanian Banking Association, Juan Carlos Paris. For decades, the cybersecurity industry has labeled people as "the weakest link." But Juan Carlos believes that mindset may be one of the greatest strategic mistakes organizations continue to make. After decades leading cybersecurity in the banking industry, Juan Carlos explains why fear-based leadership quietly destroys trust, communication, and culture, while cybercriminals continue exploiting human psychology better than most companies do. Together, Gino and Juan Carlos explore: • Why fear creates silence inside organizations • How trust transforms people into defenders • Why kindness and accountability can coexist • The hidden dangers of fear-based leadership • How cybercriminals exploit human behavior and emotion • The Three Cs framework: Consciousness, Commitment, and Culture • How AI is creating hyper-personalized attacks • Why people are not the weakest link This conversation goes far beyond cybersecurity. It's about the kind of culture leaders create. The kind of trust people feel. And the kind of impact leadership leaves behind.   Connect with Juan Carlos Paris: LinkedIn: Juan Carlos Paris Balleza Instagram: @CoachInnovativo Website: www.deusuariosadefensores.com Connect with The Kind Leader Podcast: Website: www.konect.to/thekindleaderpodcast YouTube: Kind Leader Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Kind Leader Spotify: The Kind Leader

    40 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 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.