Remarkable Work Live: A Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Founder & CEO Laurel Donnellan reconnects with her dear friend and colleague Gunjan Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Learn With Leaders.

Gunjan shares her extraordinary journey from investment banking to becoming a global education innovator. She reflects on how her passion for democratizing Ivy League–level education led to creating Learn With Leaders, which now reaches students across 80 countries with transformative leadership and learning programs.

Together, Laurel and Gunjan explore stories of students who found their voices and launched impactful projects, the growing trend of teenagers aspiring to be global citizens, and how safe, judgment-free learning spaces change lives. They also discuss the role of AI in education—from personalized learning plans to empowering the next generation of problem solvers, creators, and leaders.

Gunjan leaves listeners with powerful lessons on gratitude, letting go of the past, and the importance of listening as a leader.

Tune in for a heart-filled conversation on why education must evolve to unlock joy, creativity, and purpose in the next generation. Learn more about Learn With Leaders: https://www.learnwithleaders.com

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Founder & CEO Laurel Donnellan sits down with two of CLC’s core leaders: Chief Learning Officer Sarah Feely and Chief Compassion Officer Meryl Eriksen.

Together, they share their personal journeys—from hospitality and executive recruiting to purpose-driven leadership—and how their pivots shaped the work they do today. You’ll hear how Sarah and Meryl guide clients through programs like Purpose Lab, foster confidence and agency in women leaders, and help organizations build more connected, compassionate cultures.

The conversation also dives into their upcoming projects, including a fresh approach to emotional intelligence and the launch of “Compassionate Conversations.” Along the way, Sarah and Meryl offer candid life lessons about aligning achievement with purpose, leading as a coach, and finding joy in growth—whether in your career or your garden.

Tune in to be inspired by two leaders who embody what it means to lead with empathy, courage, and heart. Learn more at: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com

In this special episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we bring you inside the 5th annual Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards ceremony, hosted by Founder & CEO Laurel Donnellan and Chief Compassion Officer Meryl Eriksen. This year’s theme was Kindness, and honorees from diverse organizations shared how one small act can spark big changes at work.

You’ll hear how nominees practice compassionate leadership to build positive workplaces, what helps them stay kind even under stress, and why kindness is more than just a value — it’s a catalyst for resilience, agency, and effectiveness across teams. Tune in for inspiration from leaders who are proving that kindness at work is both powerful and practical.

Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we continue our annual tradition of partnering with Dr. David Corsun, Director of the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver, and his students Arianna Rojas-Ortega, Copey Fuller, Maite Montes Gonzalez, and Stephanie Vancleve. 

Together, they share how Fritz Knoebel stands apart from other hospitality schools — emphasizing not just business acumen, but also compassion, purpose, and people-centered leadership.

The conversation dives into how students learn the whole HR process, from recruiting and hiring to onboarding staff, and how these experiences prepare them to lead with kindness and effectiveness in the hospitality industry. You’ll hear firsthand how future leaders are blending practical skills with values-driven leadership to create workplaces where people can thrive.

Learn more about Compassionate Leaders Circle — an organization dedicated to guiding leaders and organizations to build more compassionate workplaces and communities — at https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we feature Audree Grubesic, an ambassador for offsite construction and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. As a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Audree opens up about the pressures women face to adopt masculine energy to succeed — and the burnout that often follows.

She also takes us inside the world of modular homebuilding, where factory-built homes can be assembled onsite in under 30 days, dramatically increasing access and efficiency. Audree shares how her team is embracing artificial intelligence to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and drive innovation across every phase of construction.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on reimagining leadership, reshaping the building industry, and creating more sustainable ways to live and work.

Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we speak with Emily Cordes, Lead Physician at Root, Inc. and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. With a bold vision for the future of healthcare, Emily is challenging the conventional “pill for the ill” mindset and advocating for a more holistic, sustainable approach to well-being.

Emily shares how she helps individuals build long-term health systems that work in the context of real life — not just ideal conditions — and why personalization, practicality, and prevention must be central to modern healthcare. She also offers insights into the true potential of wearables like smartwatches and health monitors: tools for awareness and accountability, not anxiety.

Tune in for a refreshing and actionable take on how to reclaim agency over your health, one habit at a time.

Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we’re joined by Laina Greene, CEO of Angels of Impact and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. A passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs and impact-led businesses, Laina is reshaping how funding works — and who gets access to it.

She shares why women often face more barriers when raising capital, and how Angels of Impact steps in not just with funding, but with partnership — helping organizations build strong financial systems and plan for long-term success.

Tune in to hear how Laina is transforming investing from transactional to relational, helping underrepresented founders access the resources they deserve, and proving that when you invest in women, you invest in lasting impact.

Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

Join us for an important episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast featuring Jyl Feliciano, Vice-President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Highspot and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. With extensive experience in shaping inclusive cultures, Jyl candidly addresses the misconceptions surrounding DEI and emphasizes the necessity of working with organizations genuinely committed to ethical action. Discover why she believes inclusion is fundamental to workplace belonging and how embedding DEI principles into operational models creates lasting, impactful change. Jyl also shares innovative approaches to reteaching DEI through storytelling and explores the potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate cultural transformation. Tune in to gain actionable insights on fostering genuine inclusion, combating misinformation, and building organizations that authentically embody diversity, equity, and belonging.

Learn more about the CLC Awards: https://www.compassionateleaderscircle.com/clc_awards

Join us for this inspiring episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast featuring Geoffrey Roche, a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree and proud son of a nurse. Geoffrey once planned a career in politics on Capitol Hill but found his true calling in healthcare, where he leads with compassion and dedication. In this candid discussion, Geoffrey shares how his mother’s influence shaped his commitment to serving others and how mentorship has been a pivotal force in his personal and professional life—benefiting both mentors and mentees alike. He also reveals why self-care is the cornerstone of effective time management and sustainable leadership. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Geoffrey’s journey, gain insights into the future of healthcare and workforce transformation, and get a sneak peek at the upcoming 2025 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards. Tune in and discover how empathy, purpose, and community can drive lasting change.

In this special Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast episode, Laurel Donnellan speaks with 2024 Compassionate Leader Circle Awards honorees Comfort Dondo and Asia A. Pope. 

Comfort Dondo narrates her impactful journey from overcoming domestic violence in Zimbabwe to establishing Phumulani in Minnesota—a beacon for culturally tailored support for survivors of gender-based abuse. Her initiative ensures that women and children of African descent find a space that resonates with their cultural and safety needs.

Asia A. Pope, the Inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Buckeye Ranch, discusses her pivotal role in nurturing an inclusive organizational environment. Asia’s extensive DEI expertise is reflected in her leadership over innovative projects like "Diversity Field Trips," designed to foster a new level of empathy and engagement among team members. Her strategies for keeping the workplace connected and engaged are essential listening for anyone looking to enhance team dynamics and inclusivity.

This episode explores the vital themes of empathy and inclusivity, illustrating how deep connections and understanding can bridge societal gaps. Join us to hear how these honored leaders craft pathways toward a more inclusive and empathetic society.