On Kindness

In a world that feels increasingly off-center, how do we findour footing? In this episode, global diversity and leadership expert Andrés Tapia joins us to explore the one thing we can always control, ourselves. We dive into the role of character as an anchor in turbulenttimes and why grounding yourself isn’t just good for your well-being, but foundational to effective leadership. Andrés shares how...

What does it mean to truly define kindness, not just asan action, but as a feeling? In this episode of On Kindness, Julia Mize, a brand strategist and leadership advisor, joins Nicole to explore kindness as an essential feeling that cultivates welcome, clarity, and psychological safety in both personal and professional environments. Julia shares her insights from three decades in the corporate wor...

How can we move from understanding kindness to actually practicing it in our daily lives and work? In this episode of On Kindness , Balaji Venkatraman, a product management and marketing leader known for driving innovation and transformation, joins to explore how the principles that guide great engineering can also guide more human leadership. The conversation unpacks how respect, empathy, and gra...

In this episode of On Kindness , leadership coach and founder of The Human Summit, Kevin Huntting, joins to explore how kindness, curiosity, and confidence intersect to shape how we live and lead. The discussion dives into the idea that kindness begins with awareness, of ourselves, others, and the systems around us, and it thrives when it’s put into action. Together, we examine how curiosity feeds...

What if leadership wasn’t about titles, but about how we show up for one another? In this episode of On Kindness , we explore kindness as an essential element of leadership — not just as an act of care, but as a deliberate choice in how we engage, connect, and help others thrive. We unpack what it means to activate the soul, heart, and mind of leadership , and how true leadership begins with the i...

What does it mean to redefine kindness in a fast-paced, performance-driven world? In this episode of On Kindness , Alessandro, serial impact entrepreneur and founder of Wholegrain Wisdom, joins Nicole to explore the evolving definition of kindness, shifting from a logical, mind-centered approach to one rooted in the heart, love, and compassion. Alessandro shares his personal journey from the &quot...

What if kindness isn’t a soft skill — but a strategic one? In this episode, Nicole is joined by educator and leadership researcher Jeff LeBlanc, who breaks down why true kindness in the workplace goes far beyond being nice. They explore Jeff’s Engaged Empathy Leadership model, which reframes kindness as a combination of emotional connection, structure, and fairness—especially relevant in today’s m...

What if being “nice” wasn’t small - it was everything? In this joyful and heartwarming episode of On Kindness , Nicole chats with Jane Canepa - publicist, event legend, teacher, tap dancer, and all-around force of kindness. From teaching thousands of students to planning city-wide events, Jane has built her life and legacy on the simple idea of showing up with a smile, remembering people’s names,...

What does true kindness look like when no one’s watching—and when nothing is owed in return? In this episode of On Kindness , Pete Kadens, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and impact leader, joins Nicole to explore the difference between surface-level niceness and deep, authentic kindness. From paying off a mentor’s mortgage to sending hundreds of families to college, Pete shares why kindness is most...

What if kindness isn’t just a personal value - but a habit that shapes the legacy we leave behind? In this episode of On Kindness , Michael Neece, keynote speaker and workplace culture advocate, joins Nicole to explore kindness on a cosmic scale - why it’s not just about niceness, but a daily practice rooted in awareness, courage, and our shared human experience. They discuss why kindness at work...

What if kindness wasn’t just a nice-to-have - but a real competitive advantage? In this episode of On Kindness , Zach Blumenfeld, Co-Founder of CultureCon, joins Nicole to unpack the powerful intersection between kindness and company culture. They explore why kindness fuels innovation, how small acts of generosity can shape entire careers, and why real culture change doesn’t start at the top - it...

How can kindness transform the way we lead? In this episode, leadership expert and author Aaron Mikulsky explores why kindness is often misunderstood in the workplace - and how it can actually be a catalyst for stronger teams, better decisions, and lasting impact. Drawing from decades of experience in corporate America and the inspiration behind his books Love 2 Lead and Monday Motivation, Aaron s...

How can kindness be a leadership superpower? In this episode, we sit down with Tauna Dean, Founder of Kind World Collective, to explore how radical humanity, empathy, and courage shape careers, businesses, and personal growth. Tauna shares her journey from social work to corporate leadership at Adidas to launching a purpose-driven recruiting firm. We discuss why kindness is the new currency, how v...

Cliff Nellis, President & CEO of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC), is on a mission to transform the justice system through kindness, restorative justice, and holistic legal support for youth. With over 14 years leading LCLC, Cliff shares his journey - from biking across the U.S. with a Bible to pioneering Chicago’s first Restorative Justice Community Court. Join us as we dive into th...

✨ When Kindness is the Core of Your Life Blend ✨ In this episode, Kevin Roberts and Bex Waugh share their take on how kindness is not just a value, but the core ingredient in blending all parts of your life - work, family, friends, and self. 🌿 They dive into how this mindset creates happier teams, stronger relationships, and personal fulfillment. Here’s what you’ll learn: 🌟 Make Kindness a Cho...

✨ Creating Your Culture ✨ Tune in as Ross Greenstein, founder of Brand Sauce, dives into the power of kindness in building a thriving company culture. In this episode, discover how to: 🌱 Foster Connection: Simple acts of kindness create stronger relationships. 🏆 Boost Employee Engagement: Recognition and pride lead to happier, motivated teams. 🔑 Lead by Example: Set the tone for your workplac...

✨ When Kindness Meets Hollywood✨ Join us as we explore the science and power of kindness with Steven Sawalich, CEO of Articulus Entertainment and director of the critically acclaimed documentary Case for Kindness. This documentary on Kindness features interviews with Ben Affleck, Lady Gaga, and more.  In this episode, you will learn about: Happy Teams means Productive teams: Kindness fosters a p...

✨ Kindness: More Than Just Nice, It's a strategic advantage for businesses✨ Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, a leading expert in organizational behavior, joins us to discuss the surprising link between kindness and business success. Professor Pfeffer argues that kindness is not just a feel-good notion but a strategic business advantage. In this episode, you will learn about: Build stronger teams t...

Ted Rubin is an international keynote speaker, strategic relationship advisor, and author of the book Return on Relationships. In this week’s episode, we discuss the intentional practice of Kindness and how it is something that doesn’t always come easily but is something we can all work at every day.  By inserting small reminders to ourselves and by being conscious of how our own behaviors affect...

Cheryl Mason is a TEDx speaker, author and CEO and Chief Catalyst of Catalyst Leadership Management. As the fourth presidentially-appointed, senate-confirmed — and the first woman and military spouse — to serve as the CEO/Chairman of the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals, The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason has a proven track record of leading with an impactful morale-boosting, trust-based, people-centric a...

David Johnson is the founder and managing partner of Abraxas Group, a boutique advisory firm focused on providing leadership and support services to companies in need of transformational change. He is an accomplished thought leader with multiple articles and speaking engagements on the topics of business transformation, change management, performance improvement, restructuring, turnaround, and val...

Jill McDonald is a senior media thought leader, professor, and mentor who leads with the belief that Kindness is your greatest asset.  Jill has more than 20 years of agency experience working across multiple industries and has been recognized for innovative and quality work through multiple awards.  She coaches her students and mentees to always ask why, be curious and bring kindness into their li...

Cecilia Pinzón an international speaker and executive coach in talent development, leadership strengthening, and diversity equity and inclusion.  She offers an incredible perspectives about how leadership and kindness go hand in hand and need to be applied to the 3 aspects of leading today: Leading self, leading others, and leading organizations. ‘Understanding that organizations also are changing...

Andrea Sanche is a commercial litigator who brings humor, kindness, and passion into all aspects of her work and life.  She is the co-managing partner at Ricketts Harris LLP where she has led the work to define ‘thoughtfulness’ as core to their beliefs as a law firm.    ‘I’ve had clients tell me that.  You don’t always tell me what I want to hear.  But you’ll be kind in delivering….There is a way...

In this episode, Nicole talks to Dan Horwich. Dan discusses his perspective on Kindness, highlighting its distinction from mere niceness and emphasizing Kindness as a genuine investment in others. He shares impactful stories from his life, including a transformative family experience that illustrates the profound impact of Kindness. Dan Horwich is the President and Executive Director of CAMP IT Co...