On Kindness

What if kindness wasn’t just a nice-to-have - but a real competitive advantage? In this episode of On Kindness, Zach Blumenfeld, Co-Founder of CultureCon, joins Nicole to unpack the powerful intersection between kindness and company culture.

They explore why kindness fuels innovation, how small acts of generosity can shape entire careers, and why real culture change doesn’t start at the top - it starts with action. Zach shares his own journey from sports management to founding one of the most human-centered conferences in the country, and why he believes kindness is the long game that builds trust, loyalty, and lasting impact.

Tune in for a conversation that blends entrepreneurial wisdom, workplace transformation, and a whole lot of heart. 💙

On Kindness is an original podcast hosted by Nicole Yelsey, co-founder of KindWorks.AI.  Follow for weekly episodes filled with inspiration, stories, and ideas.  

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How can kindness transform the way we lead?

In this episode, leadership expert and author Aaron Mikulsky explores why kindness is often misunderstood in the workplace - and how it can actually be a catalyst for stronger teams, better decisions, and lasting impact. Drawing from decades of experience in corporate America and the inspiration behind his books Love 2 Lead and Monday Motivation, Aaron shares how empathy, honesty, and psychological safety drive innovation and shape culture. We unpack the power of leading with love, why authority and compassion aren't mutually exclusive, and what it really means to show up as a human-first leader. Tune in for a refreshing perspective on leadership that blends strength with heart. 💙

Learn more about Aaron here:

Website: www.love2lead.biz

Email: [email protected]

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@love2lead312?si=_XMisTl3fKia6tQp

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chicagomikulsky

On Kindness is an original podcast hosted by Nicole Yelsey, co-founder of KindWorks.AI.  Follow for weekly episodes filled with inspiration, stories, and ideas.  

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How can kindness be a leadership superpower? In this episode, we sit down with Tauna Dean, Founder of Kind World Collective, to explore how radical humanity, empathy, and courage shape careers, businesses, and personal growth. Tauna shares her journey from social work to corporate leadership at Adidas to launching a purpose-driven recruiting firm. We discuss why kindness is the new currency, how vulnerability creates stronger teams, and how small acts of compassion ripple into lasting change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on redefining success and leading with heart. 💙 

On Kindness is an original podcast hosted by Nicole Yelsey, co-founder of KindWorks.AI.  Follow for weekly episodes filled with inspiration, stories, and ideas.  

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Cliff Nellis, President & CEO of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC), is on a mission to transform the justice system through kindness, restorative justice, and holistic legal support for youth. With over 14 years leading LCLC, Cliff shares his journey - from biking across the U.S. with a Bible to pioneering Chicago’s first Restorative Justice Community Court.

Join us as we dive into the power of community-driven justice, second chances, and the impact of leading with compassion.

✨ When Kindness is the Core of Your Life Blend ✨

In this episode, Kevin Roberts and Bex Waugh share their take on how kindness is not just a value, but the core ingredient in blending all parts of your life - work, family, friends, and self. 🌿

They dive into how this mindset creates happier teams, stronger relationships, and personal fulfillment.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

🌟 Make Kindness a Choice: How kindness to yourself and others drives success.

🌟 The Power of Empathy: Why leadership through kindness creates better teams.

🌟 Blending It All Together: How to balance work, life, and self without compromise.

🌟 The Ripple Effect: How a culture of kindness spreads far beyond the workplace.

✨ Creating Your Culture ✨

Tune in as Ross Greenstein, founder of Brand Sauce, dives into the power of kindness in building a thriving company culture. In this episode, discover how to:

🌱 Foster Connection: Simple acts of kindness create stronger relationships.

🏆 Boost Employee Engagement: Recognition and pride lead to happier, motivated teams.

🔑 Lead by Example: Set the tone for your workplace by prioritizing respect and support.

Join us as we explore the science and power of kindness with Steven Sawalich, CEO of Articulus Entertainment and director of the critically acclaimed documentary Case for Kindness. This documentary on Kindness features interviews with Ben Affleck, Lady Gaga, and more.  In this episode, you will learn about:

Happy Teams means Productive teams: Kindness fosters a positive work environment. 👥

Vulnerability Builds Trust: Encourage open communication and support. 🤝

Find Purpose in Challenges: Help team members overcome obstacles and find new motivation. 💪

✨ Kindness: More Than Just Nice, It's a strategic advantage for businesses✨

Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, a leading expert in organizational behavior, joins us to discuss the surprising link between kindness and business success. Professor Pfeffer argues that kindness is not just a feel-good notion but a strategic business advantage. In this episode, you will learn about:

Build stronger teams through kindness 👥

Improve employee well-being and engagement 💪

Drive business performance with a kinder approach 📈

Ted Rubin is an international keynote speaker, strategic relationship advisor, and author of the book Return on Relationships. In this week’s episode, we discuss the intentional practice of Kindness and how it is something that doesn’t always come easily but is something we can all work at every day.  By inserting small reminders to ourselves and by being conscious of how our own behaviors affect others, Kindness can become a part of our everyday actions.  

Ted’s Socials

Website: https://tedrubin.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedrubin/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedrubin/ 

On Kindness is an original podcast hosted by Nicole Yelsey, co-founder of KindWorks.AI.  

Website: https://kindworks.ai 

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindworksai/⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindworksai/ 

Cheryl Mason is a TEDx speaker, author and CEO and Chief

In addition to her TEDx, she was featured on NBC’s Charlotte

Cheryl Mason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-cheryl-mason-publicspeaker/

Catalyst Leadership Management: https://www.catalystleadershipmgmt.com/

On Kindness is an original podcast hosted by Nicole Yelsey, co-founder of KindWorks.AI.  Follow for weekly episodes filled with inspiration, stories, and ideas. 

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