Remarkable Work Live: A Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast

In this compelling episode of The Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we delve into the transformative journeys of Ish Orkar and Devon Henry, two leaders who are reshaping the landscapes of equity and social justice. Ish Orkar, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the ACLU, draws from her rich background in law, social work, and nonprofit leadership to champion inclusive environments and advocate for restorative practices in workplaces and communities. Raised under a dictatorship, Ish brings a unique perspective on fostering understanding and compassion in challenging settings.

Joining her is Devon Henry, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO of Team Henry Enterprises. Known for his role in the removal of over two dozen Confederate statues across the Southeastern U.S., Devon is at the forefront of building new memorials that honor the previously unrecognized. His work extends into repurposing history through innovative projects like CryptoFederacy.com, which merges social activism with Web3 technology to support underserved communities.

Together, they explore what it means to choose love amidst widespread hate, how to engage compassionately with differing viewpoints, and the common misunderstandings surrounding DEI initiatives. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leading through uncertainty and turning compassionate leadership into actionable change.

In this enlightening episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we delve into the impactful work of MedZed, a pioneering organization transforming healthcare for the Medicaid population. With a staggering 3-5% of this group accounting for up to half of all medical expenditures, MedZed's mission is crucial: "To inspire and enable better health." Join us as we explore how their hands-on approach reconnects individuals to primary care, fostering long-term self-reliance. We'll also hear from the dedicated Community Health Navigators, who are key to MedZed’s success across Washington State, California, New Jersey, and Maryland. Their multilingual capabilities ensure they reach deep into the communities they serve, making healthcare accessible and personalized. Tune in to discover how MedZed makes a profound difference by ensuring the most vulnerable are not left behind.

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Laurel Donnellan sits down with Paul Angles, founder of Angles Inc., to uncover the secrets behind his expertise in leveraging LinkedIn for individuals and organizations. Paul shares how he helps companies connect with their most strategic partners, build impactful networks, and unlock the platform’s full potential.

Paul discusses his work with graduate programs at universities, empowering students and professionals to use LinkedIn as a powerful tool for growth and opportunity. He also dives into the importance of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards and their role in fostering meaningful connections between people and organizations.

Curious about what’s next for LinkedIn? Paul provides insights into potential trends and innovations coming to the platform. Plus, he shares his best tips for making LinkedIn work for you—whether you’re looking to grow your career, expand your network, or find strategic opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered why LinkedIn matters or how to make it work for you, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.

In this insightful episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Laurel Donnellan sits down with Gar Grannell, CEO of Mohawk Global and a 2024 CLC Awards honoree, along with Rachael Marwood, Mohawk’s Director of Marketing. Together, they share how Mohawk Global has become a model of compassionate leadership, prioritizing the well-being of both employees and clients alike.

Gar and Rachael discuss Mohawk’s unique no-layoff policy and their commitment to a workplace culture where employees feel valued and secure. They also highlight Mohawk’s gardening program, a community-focused initiative that strengthens bonds within local neighborhoods and brings the team together in meaningful ways. Their dedication to cultivating trust, growth, and compassion within their organization exemplifies the core values of the Compassionate Leaders Circle.

Tune in to hear Gar and Rachael’s inspiring perspectives on building a workplace where people thrive, customers are prioritized, and communities are uplifted. This episode is a true testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership.

In this reflective and heartwarming episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, co-host Laurel sits down with Darryl to discuss his journey into what he calls "retirement"—a life chapter full of purpose, connection, and legacy-building.

Darryl shares the transition from a demanding corporate career to prioritizing his most important role yet: raising his two remarkable sons. With a unique perspective as a black man coming of age in the 1960s, he contrasts his experiences with those of young black men growing up today, discussing both the potential and pitfalls of the internet and influencer culture.

Darryl also reflects on the honor of serving on the board of his alma mater, Fordham University. He shares his insights on the advancements in diversity, equity, and particularly inclusion, and the ways his involvement continues to shape the campus community.

As he looks forward to a new rhythm of life, Darryl expresses his excitement about spending more quality time with family and friends, staying connected to the values that have guided him. Join us for an inspiring conversation that redefines retirement, celebrates family, and highlights the impact of compassionate leadership across generations.

Darryl Brown interviews Laurel Donnellan in a deeply personal and reflective conversation in Laurel's powerful conclusion to the "Meet the Co-Hosts" series on the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast. Laurel opens up about her father’s declining health and the emotional complexity of anticipating grief while continuing to build a life of purpose. She shares how the profound experiences of love, loss, and reflection fueled her passion for creating Compassionate Leaders Circle, an organization that has become her life's work.

Laurel delves into the people who inspired the birth of Compassionate Leaders Circle and discusses the incredible gift of running her own company. As the founder and CEO, she has fostered compassionate leadership in organizations worldwide, all while staying true to her values. This episode is a touching exploration of the intersection of personal and professional growth, the resilience needed to lead through difficult times, and the inspiration that comes from turning pain into purpose.

Tune in for an emotional and inspiring episode that offers a window into Laurel's heart. Laurel’s story is a testament to the strength we find in embracing life's challenges and the incredible power of leading with compassion.

Laurel's father, Gene Donnellan, passed away two days after this was recorded. This episode is dedicated to him.

In this captivating episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, co-host and founder Laurel Donnellan sits down with Darryl Brown to explore the remarkable journey that took him from an aspiring basketball player to an influential media professional.

Darryl shares his unforgettable experience trying out for the Boston Celtics, a dream moment that showcased his dedication and passion for the sport. When the path led him overseas, he embraced the adventure of playing basketball in Europe, including stints in Italy and Sweden, broadening his horizons both on and off the court.

Returning to academia, Darryl pursued a graduate degree in Communications at Fordham University. His first job out of grad school found him at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, a humble beginning that paved the way for greater opportunities. Thanks to a connection with a Fordham alumnus, Darryl landed a role as Manager of Special Projects at ABC. It was here that he got his big break interviewing the Bee Gees, marking the start of an exciting career in broadcasting.

Recognizing a gap in the market, Darryl was instrumental in bringing programming catered to Black and Latino listeners to ABC in the 1980s. His innovative approach not only diversified the content but also proved commercially successful. He wisely notes, “Once I showed them where the green was, there was no black or white.”

Throughout his journey, Darryl acknowledges the incredible women he hired to be part of his team, emphasizing that he couldn't have accomplished his achievements without their talent and support.

Join us for an inspiring conversation highlighting perseverance, innovation, and the power of inclusive leadership. Darryl’s story is a testament to the impact one can make by staying true to one’s values and uplifting others along the way.

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, co-host Darryl Brown sits down with other co-host Laurel Donnellan to uncover other chapters of her life that have shaped her into the leader she is today. From her high school days of bringing people together to her transformative years at Cornell University, Laurel shares how she thrived in a global culture different from her small-town roots in Upstate New York. She discusses the lasting bonds she formed during her college years and how these relationships continue to influence her life and work.

Laurel also opens up about her professional journey, highlighting her impactful work at Medallion Hospitality, where she honed her skills and commitment to excellence. A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to her personal struggles, leading up to a pivotal moment at 31 when she embraced sobriety. This beautiful wake-up call marked a turning point, inspiring her to lead with even greater empathy and resilience.

This episode delves into the themes of strong relationships, inspirational leadership, and the courage to face mental health struggles head-on. Join us as Laurel shares her journey of overcoming challenges and embracing a path of sobriety that has profoundly shaped her compassionate approach to leadership.

Welcome back to the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast! In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I, Laurel Donnellan, have the pleasure of interviewing my co-host, Darryl Brown, as we continue our "Meet the Co-Hosts" series. This time, we delve into Darryl’s transformative college years at Fordham University in New York City.

Following up on his earlier reflections about childhood, Darryl highlights the importance of friendship during his formative years and how these bonds continued to shape his college experience. At Fordham, Darryl was recruited to play basketball, a journey that honed his skills on the court and developed his leadership abilities. He shares the excitement and challenges of playing at a collegiate level and how these experiences contributed to his growth as a compassionate leader.

In this episode, Darryl also opens up about falling in love during his college years, sharing the joy and profound impact of this relationship on his life. He reminisces about the thrill of discovering his passion for journalism, a field that allowed him to combine his love for storytelling with his desire to make a difference.

Darryl’s appreciation for receiving a Jesuit education is evident as he reflects on the values and principles that Fordham instilled in him. He talks about how the Jesuit emphasis on self reflection, service, and holistic education deeply influenced his personal and professional life.

Join us for a cozy, intimate conversation as Darryl takes us through his college days, filled with friendship, love, passion, and growth. His journey is a testament to the power of education, the importance of community, and the enduring impact of compassionate leadership.

Tune in to this episode for a warm and inspiring look at how Darryl’s college experiences shaped the leader he is today. Listen now and be inspired.

Join us for a beautiful journey into Laurel's life as she shares pivotal moments that shaped her into the compassionate leader she is today. In this special series, the podcast delves into personal narratives that illuminate the essence of leadership through compassion.

In this first chapter, Laurel unfolds her path, beginning with the transformative inspiration that led her to Cornell University's School of Hospitality. She reflects on how this experience sparked her passion for nurturing others and fostering inclusive environments. However, life's journey also brought profound challenges. Laurel bravely navigates through moments of deep grief and loss, revealing how these hardships sculpted her empathy and resilience.

Through intimate storytelling, Laurel invites listeners into her world, where warmth and inspiration abound. Her tale embodies the podcast's ethos of compassionate leadership, illustrating how personal growth and understanding can shape impactful leadership. Tune in to the podcast as Laurel's narrative unfolds, offering insights and encouragement for leaders and listeners alike.