In this episode of the Curious AF Podcast, Luke sits down Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco  international business consultant and author of The Art of Compassionate Business. Bruno shares how his decades in traditional business strategy led him to a powerful realisation, people-first companies outperform the rest.

They dive into the practical ways leaders can build a more human workplace, think generosity, gratitude, forgiveness, and trust, and how these values can drive real business outcomes like profit, loyalty, and team performance. From handling appraisals and tough conversations to letting go of micromanagement, Bruno unpacks how to embed compassion into your culture without losing your edge.

He even challenges the way we see competitors, arguing that an abundance mindset can fuel collaboration, not just rivalry.

Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling a fast-growing business, this one will change how you think about leadership, culture, and success.

Key Takeaways: 

• Why compassion in business isn’t just ethical—it’s profitable
• How to build psychological safety and trust in teams
• Practical policies for embedding kindness into company culture
• Measuring compassion: can it be done?
• How to compassionately fire someone
• Shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset with competitors
• The link between fear and micromanagement

Guest Bio: 

Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco (PhD) is an international business consultant, TEDx speaker, author, and researcher with over 30 years of experience advising companies on international trade, marketing, and human-centred leadership. As a university lecturer and Senior Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy, Bruno blends academic insight with real-world strategy to help organisations lead with empathy and purpose. He specialises in compassionate business practices that boost both wellbeing and performance.

Bruno’s latest book, The Art of Compassionate Business (Second Edition), explores how kindness, trust, and connection can drive sustainable success - Get a copy here.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast