Purposeful Empathy with Anita Nowak

Watch this episode featuring Caroline Stiernstedt Sahlborn , Chair of the Inner Development Goals, to learn how you can get involved with the IDG movement. In this heartfelt conversation, Caroline discusses the significance of “Bridging Polarities” – this year’s IDG Summit theme, and underscores the importance of reflection and humility, especially as the IDG movement continues to grow rapidly. Sh...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Clementine Msengi, author of Spared , to learn how the IDG skill “Perseverance” helped her overcome unimaginable adversity and loss. In this deeply moving conversation, Clementine shares her harrowing — and miraculous — journey of survival during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. She also explores how faith and inner strength can lead to profound personal growth and inspi...

Watch this episode featuring Zoe Weil, co-founder of the Institute for Humane Education, to learn how the IDG skill “Optimism” can inspire hope and agency through the power of solutionary thinking. In this insightful conversation, Zoe shares her journey into humane education and introduces the framework behind her book The Solutionary Way , which empowers people to address systemic challenges with...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Asta Raami, a leading expert on the role of  intuition in creative processes, to learn how the IDG skill “Creativity” can fuel innovation. In this fascinating conversation, Asta shares insights from her book Intuition Unleashed and offers practical tools like the "archery" technique and the "traffic light" metaphor to help harness our innate capacity for intuition....

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Margie Warrell, author of The Courage Gap, to explore why the IDG skill "Courage" is essential for leading with integrity, making values-driven decisions, and taking action despite fear and uncertainty. In this compelling conversation, Margie shares her journey from rural Australia to global leadership, and offers strategies to overcome imposter syndrome....

Watch this episode featuring Nipun Mehta , Founder of ServiceSpace , to discover why the IDG skill "Mobilisation" is not just about organizing—it's a key to creating meaningful, transformational change rooted in kindness. In this engaging conversation, Nipun shares his journey from Silicon Valley to founding a global community focused on small acts of generosity. He also highlights t...

Watch this episode featuring Rose LeMay, CEO of the Indigenous Reconciliation Group and author of Ally Is a Verb , to learn how the IDG skill of “Trust” is essential to anti-racism work and how it can be repaired (when broken) through a process of reconciliation. In this engaging conversation, Rose describes the historical significance of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and outlines f...

Watch this episode featuring Paul Forbes, a Bias Awareness and Educational Equity Consultant, to discover why the IDG skill “Inclusive Mindset & Intercultural Competence” is not just about awareness—it’s a daily practice of bridging across differences with humility, empathy, and intention. In this deeply personal conversation, Paul shares his journey from the NYC Department of Education to lea...

Watch this episode featuring Alia Whitney-Johnson, Founder of Emerge, to discover why the IDG skill “Co-Creation” is not just a strategy—it’s a transformative practice when rooted in trust, equity, and our shared humanity. In this insightful conversation, Alia shares how her social impact journey—which began in Sri Lanka at the age of 19 —has been guided by a commitment to trauma-informed restorat...

Watch this episode featuring Catherine Cadden & Jesse Wiens-Chu, co-authors of The Ongo Book, to learn how the IDG skill “Communication” is practiced in Nonviolent Communication (aka NVC).  In this special conversation, Catherine and Jess describe the four components of the NVC approach (Observations, Feelings, Needs, and Requests) and offer relatable examples with children and between partner...

Watch this episode featuring Carson Kelly, Founder of Compassion 2.0, to learn why the IDG skill “Empathy & Compassion” is key to psychological safety- especially for high-performing teams. In this inspiring conversation, Carson shares how a near-death experience at the age of 17 set him on a path to understand the power of “Compassion.” He also discusses why businesses need to move from an ex...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Urs Koenig, leadership expert and author of Radical Humility , to learn how the IDG skill "Humility" can foster stronger relationships, enhance trust, and drive meaningful results through humble leadership. In this compelling conversation, Urs shares insights from his journey—from military service to executive coaching—highlighting how true leadership is...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Jessica Saniguq Ulrich, an Assistant Professor at The Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health to understand why the IDG skill “Connectedness”  isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life. In this heart-opening conversation, Jessica describes how “systems of disconnection” have eroded our wellbeing, especially among groups who have experienced i...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Christina Karns, a neuroscientist at the University of Oregon, to discover how the IDG skill “Appreciation” can rewire our brain, improve our relationships, and boost our well-being. In this enlightening conversation, Christina unpacks the fascinating science behind gratitude and describes how our ability to recognize and express appreciation activates neural pathw...

Watch this episode featuring Doug Good Feather, Executive Director of the Lakota Way and author of Think Indigenous, to learn how the IDG skill “Long-Term Orientation & Visioning” aligns with the Seventh Generation Principle. In this heart-opening conversation, Doug describes his personal journey from poverty, addiction, PTSD, and personal loss to becoming a Lakota healer and spiritual leader...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Elif Ku ş Saillard, a sociologist, methodologist and Founder of AN.LA (a research services firm that helps leaders make sense of complexity), to learn why the IDG skill “Sense-making” is key to helping us create meaning from our experiences and navigate complex systems. In this thought-provoking conversation, Elif explains how the integration of mental and somatic...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Emma Stenström, Associate Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics and author of Bubble Hopping, to learn how the IDG skill “Perspective” can spark innovation and is necessary for bridge-building across divides. In this illuminating conversation, Emma discusses the research behind her concept of “ Bubble Hopping, ” which promotes stepping outside silos and ec...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Jean Boulton, a theoretical physicist with degrees from Oxford and Cambridge, to learn how the IDG skill “Complexity Awareness” can develop adaptability, resilience, and a deeper understanding of human relationships. In this insightful conversation, Jean discusses the importance of integrative skills—combining heart and mind—and the concept of "Zin" in Chinese phil...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Tom Chatfield, a renowned British author and tech philosopher, to learn how the IDG skill “Critical Thinking” can help navigate the digital world and harness AI as a tool for deeper understanding and ethical decision-making. In this insightful conversation, Tom discusses the importance of developing critical thinking skills, embracing humility, and being aware of c...

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Kirk Warren Brown, a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, to learn how the IDG skill “Presence” can improve your relationships and wellbeing, and help you navigate life with greater clarity, connection and empathy.  In this insightful conversation, Kirk describes some of the research explored in the 2nd Edition of Handbook of Mindfulness, a book he co-edited....

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, author of Inner Mastery, Outer Impact , to learn how the IDG skill “Self-Awareness” can help you discover your “Inner Core” and lead in alignment with your deepest values and purpose. In this profound conversation, Hitendra explains why contemplative practices can lead to self-transcendence. He also emphasizes the power of inner development to fost...

Watch this episode featuring Jason Clarke, founder of Minds at Work, to learn how the IDG skill “Openness & Learning Mindset” can help you navigate change, drive innovation, and become a more effective leader.  In this engaging conversation, Jason shares his academic and professional journey from being the lowest-scoring student in his high school’s history to becoming Creative Director of Aus...

Watch this episode to learn how “Integrity & Authenticity” can strengthen workplace culture and create more inclusive, values-driven leadership. In this week’s episode, Anita explores ”Integrity & Authenticity” with Dr. Patricia Hewlin, a professor of social-organizational psychology. In this insightful conversation, Patricia sheds light on the pressures many employees feel to suppress the...

Watch this episode to learn how to develop your “Inner Compass” and become a leader capable of greater ethical decision-making. In this week’s episode, Anita explores "Inner Compass" with Dr. Mary Gentile, creator of the innovative Giving Voice to Values (GVV) program. In this compelling conversation, Mary describes how our values and inner compass can inspire ethical decision-making and...

In the face of polycrises, we need inner transformation for outer change more than ever! Watch this episode to learn about the Inner Development Goals - a framework of leadership skills (based on the science of personal development) to achieve a more just and sustainable world.  With an academic background in cognitive neuroscience and happiness research, Erik Fernholm is a sought-after speaker an...