Love Lead Change

Summer Sparks: Beyond Words - Leading with Heart

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their episode with Julie Schreiber

Listen to the full episode: [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ikNDtC89qajF68VLRmLtY?si=a634c0c6d3504d69]

What if the secret to better leadership isn't in what you say, but how you feel?

Simon and Renée explore a game-changing insight from Julie Schreiber, laughter yoga therapist and Center for a Loving Workplace board member: sometimes we need to get out of our heads and into our hearts.

The Gibberish Revelation

Julie's couples therapy technique is brilliant in its simplicity: have arguing partners communicate in gibberish. Why? Because gibberish strips away the details we get stuck on ("you forgot the milk!") and gets straight to the emotion underneath ("I feel unheard and unimportant").

As Simon reflects: "It's not always about articulating something - it's actually communicating how you feel about it."

The George Floyd Moment

Renée shares a powerful radio interview where a community organizer poured out his heart about fear and injustice, while a police representative responded with cold facts and logic. The officer completely missed the human need being expressed - and the opportunity for real connection was lost.

Change Leadership's Emotional Blind Spot

Simon reveals a critical leadership mistake: "Leaders go through an emotional journey to make tough decisions, then try to communicate those decisions purely logically." The result? Staff feel unheard and unsupported.

The solution? Create space for people to have their own emotional journey. As Renée puts it: "It is love to recognize that people deserve the respect and space to have their own emotional experience."

The Laughter Prescription

Julie's "laughter yoga" isn't about jokes - it's intentional laughter that oxygenates your body like "internal jogging." Renée experienced this firsthand when a belly laugh literally shifted her out of post-travel depression: "I physically felt the shift in my body and emotions."

Simon calls it "emotional contagion in reverse" - deliberately spreading good vibes instead of catching bad moods.

Your Joy Challenge

This week's hot tip: Ask yourself "What brings me joy outside of work?" Then actually schedule it. We're often stuck on the home-to-work treadmill, missing opportunities to refuel our emotional tanks.

The Bottom Line

Great leaders tune into tone, voice cracks, and emotional undertones - not just words. They create space for feelings to flow naturally, knowing that when people feel heard, they can move through change faster.

Ready to lead with your heart, not just your head?

Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message.

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Julie Schreiber - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: The Power of Seeing People as Humans

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Rick Gage

Listen to the full episode: [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ram6ZbCEjaHJ8INt0vRhM?si=e3fa78376bf44a63]

What happens when you stop seeing colleagues as problems and start seeing them as people?

In this powerful summer episode, Simon and Renée explore a game-changing leadership insight from Rick Gage (Center for a Loving Workplace): how to transform team dynamics through loving leadership.

The 90-Minute Meeting That Changed Everything

Rick inherited a team drowning in blame and finger-pointing. His solution? Weekly 90-minute meetings where half the time was spent on personal check-ins - not just work stuff, but real life. What's happening at home? What challenges are you facing?

The result? When team members began seeing each other as three-dimensional humans instead of two-dimensional work personas, the blame naturally disappeared.

The Hidden Truth About "Difficult" People

That stubborn colleague driving you crazy? They might be dealing with a parent's cancer diagnosis or struggling with family challenges. Simon reminds us: "It's so easy to judge and blame others... but if you take time to get to know those people, you might just bump into someone whose mum's in hospital."

From Fear to Love: The LACE Way

When fear hits, we dehumanize others (and ourselves). But Simon's LACE framework offers a better path:

• Listen with curiosity instead of judgment
• Accountability means taking responsibility for people's growth
• Collaborate by asking "How can we help?" not "You fix this"
• Empathy creates psychological safety through zero judgment

Rick's Golden Question

When 150 leaders gathered to discuss team members, Rick's approach was revolutionary: "What do they need to continue to learn and grow?" Not judgment. Not ranking. Just genuine support for human development.

Your Challenge This Week

Spend 10 minutes learning something non-work related about one team member. Ask: "What's bringing you joy or challenge right now outside of work?"

The Bottom Line

True leadership transformation happens when we "hold precious what it is to be human" (Toyota's respect philosophy). As Renée clarifies, this shift from fear-based to love-based leadership unlocks team potential and creates psychological safety.

Ready to transform your team dynamics? Start with one conversation.

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these loving leadership insights.

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Rick Gage - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Love Lead Change podcast, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith engage with Chris Hirst, CEO of Bespak, discussing the importance of love in leadership and workplace culture. Chris shares his journey from laboratory work to CEO, emphasizing the significance of trust, care, and values in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation explores the impact of a loving workplace on employee engagement, loyalty, and overall company success, highlighting the need for leaders to prioritize their own well-being while nurturing their teams.

Takeaways

• Love is central to effective leadership.
• A positive workplace culture fosters trust and care.
• Engagement and loyalty are results of a caring environment.
• Leaders should reflect on their own experiences to shape their approach.
• Celebrating small wins is crucial for team morale.
• Transparency and open communication build trust.
• Values-driven leadership attracts and retains talent.
• Creating a sense of belonging enhances employee satisfaction.
• Self-care is essential for effective leadership.
• Leading with love correlates with high performance.

Sound Bites

• "A loving workplace means trust and care."
• "I respond better to leaders who trust me."
• "It's a journey of everyone, not just me."
• "Celebrating small wins is important."
• "We owe it to people to make work a good place."
• "Leading with love drives performance."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Loving Leadership

02:48 - Chris Hirst's Journey to CEO

06:08 - Defining a Loving Workplace

08:56 - The Impact of Trust and Care

11:50 - Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership

15:11 - Practices of Loving Leadership

18:04 - Self-Care and Leadership Challenges

20:47 - Building a Positive Company Culture

24:03 - Values-Driven Leadership

26:55 - Creating a Fulfilling Work Environment

29:48 - Reflections and Insights

Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Chris Hirst - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Love Lead Change podcast, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith engage with Gary Keough, a former Global Marketing Director and a leader in psychological safety. They explore themes of leadership, kindness, self-love, and the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making. Gary shares his journey and insights on how to unlock potential in teams, the significance of creating a psychologically safe environment, and the balance between compassion and accountability in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to listen actively and to foster an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to share their ideas.

Takeaways

• Unlocking potential is a key leadership goal.
• Kindness in leadership is about empathy and honesty.
• Psychological safety allows for open communication.
• Diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making.
• Self-love is essential for effective leadership.
• Leaders should actively listen to their teams.
• Feedback should be constructive and supportive.
• Creating a safe environment encourages innovation.
• Compassion and accountability can coexist in leadership.
• Leadership is about empowering others, not just making decisions.

Sound Bites

• "Kindness is a level of empathy."
• "Self-care is a holistic view."
• "Stop guessing about your team's feelings."
• "Listen really, really well."
• "You can do compassion and accountability."
• "Be your authentic self."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Weekend Reflections

02:25 - Introducing Gary Keough: A Leader in Psychological Safety

03:50 - Unlocking and Igniting Potential in Leadership

06:46 - The Importance of Kindness in Leadership

08:09 - Experiences Shaping Leadership Philosophy

12:48 - Loving Your Team: Practices and Impacts

15:33 - The Role of Diverse Perspectives in Decision Making

18:22 - Launching a 60-Year-Old Whiskey: A Case Study

20:17 - Self-Love and Its Challenges for Leaders

22:42 - Measuring Psychological Safety in Teams

25:31 - Positive Feedback Loops in Leadership

27:56 - Pride in Leadership: Making a Difference

29:25 - Advice for New Leaders: The Power of Listening

33:46 - Balancing Compassion and Accountability in Leadership

36:30 - Final Thoughts on Authentic Leadership

Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Gary Keogh - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Love Lead Change podcast, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith engage with Kate Blackburn, the Director of Public Health for Wiltshire. They explore the essence of loving leadership, the importance of team dynamics, and the personal experiences that shape leadership philosophies. Kate shares her journey, emphasising the significance of love in the workplace, the challenges of self-love, and practical strategies for fostering a supportive team environment. The conversation highlights the transformative power of laughter, connection, and purpose in leadership, offering valuable insights for current and aspiring leaders.

Takeaways

• Purposeful people bring about change.
• Co-regulating with your team fosters connection.
• Love in the workplace is about respect and guidance.
• Personal experiences shape leadership philosophies.
• Development days can enhance team bonding.
• Celebrating small wins boosts team morale.
• Creating a safe space encourages open communication.
• Self-love is crucial for effective leadership.
• Finding joy in work enhances overall performance.
• People are the source of hope in challenging times.

Sound Bites

• "Listen to the way that Kate talks about her team."
• "It's not just the fluffy being nice to each other."
• "I think love is a tricky word, isn't it?"
• "People give me hope each and every day."
• "Keep changing your world by leading with love."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Loving Leadership

03:42 Kate Blackburn's Leadership Journey

06:37 The Importance of Love in Leadership

08:02 Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership Philosophy

10:23 Practices for Loving Your Team

16:54 Challenges of Self-Love in Leadership

20:42 Pride in Leadership and Team Growth

22:04 Advice for New Leaders

24:27 Finding Hope in Challenging Times

Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email

Connect with the Hosts:

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Love, Lead, Change podcast, hosts Simon Phillips and René Smith engage with Will Johnson, a changemaker and Chief DEI Officer for Snohomish County. The conversation explores the significance of love in the workplace, the journey to self-love, and the challenges of leadership in a politically charged environment. Will shares insights on building bridges, fostering connections, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in today's society. The episode emphasizes the need for authentic leadership and the hope that comes from creating supportive communities.

Takeaways

• Will Johnson is a change maker focused on making a difference.
• Love in the workplace fosters a supportive environment.
• Self-love is crucial for effective leadership.
• Navigating challenges requires understanding and patience.
• DEI is better understood as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• DEI work is essential for creating inclusive spaces.
• Building bridges helps connect diverse perspectives.
• Authenticity in leadership allows for greater impact.
• Hope is found in the smiles of those we serve.
• Creating a culture of belonging is vital for success.
• Leadership is about caring for people and their needs.

Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Wil Johnson - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Jim Loter discusses the concept of loving leadership, emphasizing the importance of love in the workplace and how it can enhance team dynamics and employee satisfaction. He reflects on his personal experiences and the challenges of integrating love into leadership practices, while also addressing the potential pitfalls of misapplying these concepts. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to be intentional and mindful in their approach to fostering a compassionate and purpose-driven work environment. Jim unveils the complexities of leadership, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, self-love, and the need for authentic connections in the workplace. He reflects on personal experiences, the challenges of maintaining a loving leadership style, and offers advice for new leaders navigating today's uncertain environment. The dialogue highlights the significance of recognizing one's strengths and flaws, fostering a supportive culture, and remaining hopeful amidst challenges.

Takeaways

• Love in the workplace connects actions to a higher purpose.
• Loving leadership can lead to better employee retention.
• Compassionate leadership benefits both employees and organizations.
• Leaders must navigate power dynamics carefully.
• Healthy leadership models are often lacking in workplaces.
• Intentionality is key in loving leadership practices.
• Misapplied practices can lead to toxic environments. Stories provide a frame of reference for understanding experiences.
• Coaching should be distinguished from therapy in the workplace.
• A strong sense of belonging can be misleading in corporate culture.
• Self-love is a critical component of effective leadership.
• It's important to recognize the diverse reactions of team members to change.
• Maintaining a core of integrity helps navigate uncertainty.

Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Jim Loter - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith engage with Tara C. Smith, a seasoned public sector leader, discussing the transformative power of love in leadership. Tara shares her journey in public service, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and self-care in creating a positive workplace culture. The discussion explores practical strategies for embedding love in leadership practices, the challenges faced in this journey, and the profound impact of mentorship and connection in leadership roles. Tara's insights highlight the necessity of prioritizing emotional intelligence and the human factor in organizational dynamics, ultimately advocating for a shift towards a more compassionate and effective leadership style.

Sound Bites

• "Leading with love starts from a different baseline."
• "The absence of love in the workplace is fear."
• "Love is what helps us thrive."
• "Trust is the secret ingredient in leadership."
• "Rest is a weapon."
• "It's important to give your time to your team."
• "I am most proud of the people I've connected with."
• "Thank you for seeing me."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tara C. Smith

03:46 The Impact of Love in Leadership

10:04 Understanding Loving Leadership

15:56 Building Trust and Vulnerability

22:08 The Practicalities of Loving Leadership

27:50 Navigating Challenges in Leadership

34:07 Reflections on Leadership Journey

37:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of Loving Leadership

Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Tara C. Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode of LoveLeadChange, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith are joined by Jim Conti, who works at a venture capital firm providing HR and operational consulting for their portfolio companies. Jim brings valuable experience in creating people-first cultures and supporting early-stage startups in their growth journey.

Jim shares his perspective on love in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of balancing empathy with accountability. He discusses how his understanding of love was shaped by his family background, community experiences, and professional journey, particularly highlighting the impact of growing up in a strong community environment and his time at Boston College.

Through practical examples, Jim illustrates how loving leadership can transform workplace dynamics. He shares the success of initiatives like "Tuesday Tea," a monthly program where team members could present on non-work-related passions, fostering authentic connections and trust among colleagues. This program became one of their highest-rated activities, demonstrating how simple initiatives can create meaningful workplace connections.

A powerful segment explores Jim's approach to supporting early-stage companies in building their cultures. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in communicating company values and expectations, particularly in areas like work setup (remote vs. hybrid vs. in-office), helping companies attract and retain talent that aligns with their culture.

Jim candidly discusses his own challenges with self-care as a leader, acknowledging his tendency to prioritize others' needs over his own. His reflection on the results of the loving leaders assessment reveals high scores in team care and organizational love implementation, but lower scores in self-care, offering valuable insights for other leaders facing similar challenges.

Looking ahead to 2025, Jim expresses hope for a more balanced employment market where both employer and employee needs are met, and where people can find supportive communities in various aspects of their lives.

Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Jim Conti - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode of LoveLeadChange, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith are joined by Joanna Zak, Senior Director of Workplace Experience at Sprout Social and a seasoned leader in operations, planning, and people management. Joanna brings over 15 years of experience in fostering workplace cultures that prioritize connection, clarity, and authenticity.

Joanna shares her journey from the nonprofit sector to her current role, where she has helped drive global expansion, implement hybrid work strategies, and create spaces that inspire human connection. She delves into her philosophy of love in the workplace, reframing it as respect, authenticity, and a commitment to fostering environments where people feel seen, valued, and heard.

Through practical examples, Joanna illustrates how intentional leadership can transform workplace dynamics. From leading breathing meditations during tough performance reviews to instituting quarterly “State of Affairs” meetings for clarity and alignment, her strategies emphasize the importance of both structure and empathy. She also highlights a bi-monthly practice of peer recognition that creates emotional connection and momentum, showcasing how even small rituals can have a profound impact on team cohesion and morale.

A powerful segment explores how to lead with love during challenging times, like delivering difficult news. Joanna candidly shares her approach to maintaining authenticity and care, turning tough conversations into opportunities to strengthen trust and resilience. She also offers valuable advice for new leaders, urging them to prioritize active listening, clarity, and building trust as foundational elements of loving leadership.

This episode is a testament to the power of leading with love, especially in today’s shifting relationship economy. Joanna’s wisdom and practical insights will inspire leaders to embrace authenticity, infuse their work with compassion, and prioritize people without compromising results.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections

04:25 Meet Joanna Zak: A Leader in Workplace Experience

08:45 What Love Means in the Workplace

12:30 Managing with Empathy During Tough Times

17:15 Creating Rituals for Connection and Recognition

22:00 Lessons from Early Leadership Challenges

26:40 Advice for Emerging Leaders

31:10 Building a Relationship Economy with Love

34:25 Reflections and Closing

Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email

Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Joanna Zak - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.