On Kindness

David Johnson is the founder and managing partner of Abraxas Group, a boutique advisory firm focused on providing leadership and support services to companies in need of transformational change. He is an accomplished thought leader with multiple articles and speaking engagements on the topics of business transformation, change management, performance improvement, restructuring, turnaround, and value creation. He brings kindness into moments that can be extra difficult and shares unique perspectives on the importance of Kindness in these interactions. 

David also maintains a newsletter, Base of the Pyramid (https://baseofthepyramid.substack.com). He can be reached at: [email protected].

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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Jill McDonald is a senior media thought leader, professor, and mentor who leads with the belief that Kindness is your greatest asset.  Jill has more than 20 years of agency experience working across multiple industries and has been recognized for innovative and quality work through multiple awards.  She coaches her students and mentees to always ask why, be curious and bring kindness into their lives and careers. 

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

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Cecilia Pinzón an international speaker and executive coach in

‘Understanding that organizations also are changing and all the processes, the systems, the ways of working are also changing.  And that is also helping leaders.  Leadership needs to be humanized.’

Cecilia has over 25 years of experience leading consulting projects in talent management processes including a decade at Korn Ferry and today leading her own firm, Be To Grow. 

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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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Andrea Sanche is a commercial litigator who brings humor, kindness, and passion into all aspects of her work and life. 

‘I’ve had clients tell me that.  You don’t always tell me what I want to hear.  But you’ll be kind in delivering….There is a way to have those relationships with clients.’

Kindness is often having the tough conversations. 

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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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In this episode, Nicole talks to Dan Horwich. Dan discusses his perspective on Kindness, highlighting its distinction from mere niceness and emphasizing Kindness as a genuine investment in others. He shares impactful stories from his life, including a transformative family experience that illustrates the profound impact of Kindness.

Dan Horwich is the President and Executive Director of CAMP IT Conferences. With a robust background in sales and management at esteemed companies like U.S. Robotics, 3Com, and Lucent Technologies, Dan has received numerous awards for his professional achievements. In 2004, he innovated a targeted conference format that prioritizes intimate, focused gatherings, providing IT practitioners with invaluable insights and strategies. An active networker, Dan is dedicated to enhancing the professional lives of IT professionals and fostering a collaborative environment for attendees, speakers, and sponsors. He holds a BBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is involved in various local professional and community organizations.

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

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In this episode, Nicole talks to Dr. Kelly Zonghetti. Kelly discusses her perspective on Kindness, emphasizing its role as a foundational element in education. She shares valuable insights on how modeling Kindness can create a supportive school culture and enhance student learning.

Dr. Kelly Zonghetti is a seasoned leader in education with 15 years of experience as an elementary school administrator. A devoted wife and mother, she skillfully balances family life with her passion for shaping the future of young learners. Kelly’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, engaging, and empowering educational environment has positively impacted countless students, teachers, and parents. Her dedication and expertise offer a rich understanding of the evolving landscape of education and the essential role of Kindness within it.

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

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In this episode, Nicole talks to Kati Karottki, a marketer, innovator, and brand builder to Fortune 500s and VC-backed start-ups alike. Kati shares their perspective on Kindness as a misunderstood superpower manifesting as candor with positive intent - inspired in part by a grad school professor and Conscious Leadership principles learned and put in action during their time as CMO in one start-up. Kati further reflects on navigating layers of relationships: with self, others, and society more broadly when exercising Kindness – and even how this translates to understanding effective brand leadership.

Kati’s outlook is broad– born in the Midwest, with childhood years abroad, and having hugged both coasts throughout their adult years. It’s this diverse experience that lends nuance to their understanding of what makes people tick and take risks – skills well utilized as a marketer. Kati thrives on new adventures, often manifesting in helping ventures get off the ground or rethinking how a brand can come to life in-market - both with a bit more Kindness at the core.

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Epley's research

15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership (Book, Org referenced)

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

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In this episode, Nicole talks to Carson Kelly. Carson emphasizes that Kindness is about understanding and alleviating the suffering of others, which he defines as an essential aspect of compassion. He shares his professional journey, rooted in a deep interest in the neurobiology of interconnectedness and the importance of relationships, which has shaped his focus on scaling compassion in organizational cultures.

Carson Kelly is the founder and director of Compassion 2.0 and an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in technology start-up management, enterprise software sales, nonprofit governance, and product development. He operates at the intersection of product and organizational culture, advocating for care-based cultures as foundational to innovation and operational excellence. His work explores the science of flourishing and the ROI of care, demonstrating how compassion can drive business success.

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

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In this episode, Nicole talks to Lara Heacock. Lara distinguishes the difference between "Kindness" and "niceness," emphasizing that true Kindness is active—it involves having tough conversations, advocating for others, and providing genuine feedback. She emphasizes the foundational role of self-kindness, explaining how personal care enables leaders to better support their teams.

With over a decade of experience as a Leadership & Executive Coach, Lara has dedicated her career to shifting the culture of corporate America towards Kindness. She has an MBA, is an ICF-certified coach, and has worked with firms ranging from small businesses to multinational organizations like WebMD and ADP.

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

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In this episode, Nicole talks to Stina Borth. Stina shares her unique perspective on Kindness, defining it as the ability to see and honor the complexities within individuals. She emphasizes the significance of friendly interactions, generosity, and inclusivity. Stina encourages individuals to practice active listening through phrases such as "tell me more," which fosters deeper connections.

Stina Borth is the CEO of Keymaker Services Inc., renowned for her expertise in boosting productivity and fostering innovation in the workplace. With a strong focus on neurodiversity and inclusivity, she empowers professionals to unlock their potential and thrive in diverse teams. Stina’s transformative coaching has led to a reported 48% increase in productivity and revenue for executives. Her accolades, including the prestigious 2023 “Brilliance in Education” award, highlight her commitment to enhancing corporate dynamics.

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

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