Truth, Lies and Work

207. What happens when leaders start being kind? With Jeff LeBlanc


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Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This week, we’re taking on a big leadership myth: that kindness is weakness.

Alongside guest Jeff LeBlanc — lecturer, Forbes-featured strategist, and creator of the Engaged Empathy Leadership Model — we unpack what kindness really means in a leadership context. Not just whether it works, but whether we’re defining it all wrong.

From setting boundaries to building trust, Jeff shares real-world examples and practical strategies to make kindness a powerful leadership tool — not just a feel-good slogan.


💡 Key Takeaways from Jeff LeBlanc

  • Kindness isn’t about being liked — it’s about being trusted. It’s structured, intentional, and deeply tied to fairness.

  • Avoidance isn’t kindness. Real kindness involves honest feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.

  • Clarity, consistency and compassion are the backbone of kind leadership.

  • Follow-through matters. Kindness without action breeds frustration.

  • Kindness is a practice — not a personality trait. You don’t need to be warm or bubbly to be a kind leader.


    🔗 Connect with Jeff LeBlanc

    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jeff-leblanc-93212510a

    Website: www.jeffleblancdba.com


    💬 Connect with Al & Leanne

    Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork

    Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
    Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
    Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat


    🧠 Support With Mental Health and Well-being

    – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

    – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
    – Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/


    🎧 If you found this episode helpful, please follow, share, or leave a review.

    And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical insights from real leaders — every Tuesday and Thursday.


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    Truth, Lies and WorkBy Leanne Elliott, C. Psychol.

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