What if just 40 seconds of genuine compassion could tangibly lower a cancer patient's anxiety—and what if this "wonder drug" holds the key not just for healthcare, but for every leader who wants to create more fulfilling workplaces and customer experiences?

The impact of this question is profound. On this episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, I sat down with Dr. Stephen Trzeciak ("Dr. T"), whose groundbreaking research proves that compassion isn't just good for our conscience—it's scientifically measurable, essential, and transformative for both the receiver and the giver. Whether you lead a care team, a corporate department, or simply want more meaning in your professional interactions, Dr. T's work illustrates how compassion can drive loyalty, improve outcomes, and even keep your best people from walking out the door.

You should listen to Dr. T because his expertise bridges the gap between touching stories and hard data. With two acclaimed books—Compassionomics and Wonder Drug—plus clinical leadership at the front lines of healthcare, Dr. T demonstrates how compassion delivers ROI. He shares evidenced-based tactics any leader can use to operationalize compassion, strengthen teams, and create unforgettable customer moments—even in high-stress, time-pressured environments.

Here are three compelling questions Dr. T answers on this episode:

• How can business leaders operationalize compassion without losing authenticity or making it "just another initiative"?

• What simple, proven behaviors can leaders implement today to measurably improve compassion in their teams?

• What's the REAL ROI of building a compassionate culture, and how can you quantify its impact to win executive buy-in?

If you're ready to transform the way you serve customers—and keep your teams thriving—listen and subscribe to the Delighted Customers podcast now! Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We're available on all your favorite podcast platforms.

Meet Dr. Stephen Trzeciak ("Dr. T")

Dr. Stephen Trzeciak is a physician scientist, intensive care doctor, and the Chief of Medicine at Cooper University Health Care in Camden, New Jersey. He is Professor and Chair of Medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

With over two decades of clinical and research experience, Dr. T is renowned for his work in linking compassion with improved clinical outcomes and the science behind "Compassionomics." He's co-authored two widely acclaimed books: Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence that Caring Makes a Difference and Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways that Serving Others is the Best Medicine for Yourself. His TEDx talks and keynote appearances have inspired audiences worldwide, urging leaders inside and outside healthcare to harness the measurable power of serving others.

Dr. T's research focuses on the biological effects of compassion (on both patients and care providers), strategies for building compassionate cultures, and proven methodolgies for measuring and teaching compassion. He is passionate about helping organizations—from hospitals to global corporations—improve their outcomes by focusing on the human dimension of care and leadership.

Connect with Dr. T on LinkedIn.

Show Notes & References

• Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence that Caring Makes a Difference

• Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself

• Study: "The Power of 40 Seconds" and compassion intervention research (Journal of General Internal Medicine)

• JAMA Psychiatry study on compassion phone interventions for loneliness in elderly populations

• Gallup Report: What Followers Want From Leaders (2025)

• McKinsey & Company Research on Attrition in Healthcare

• Dr. T's LinkedIn

• Podcast on Apple

• Podcast on Spotify