What does it mean to truly define kindness, not just asan action, but as a feeling?
In this episode of On Kindness, Julia Mize, a brand strategist and leadership advisor, joins Nicole to explore kindness as an essential feeling that cultivates welcome, clarity, and psychological safety in both personal and professional environments. Julia shares her insights from three decades in the corporate world, where she has managed large organizations and led with a philosophy that champions trust, consistency, and clear communication. She delves into the critical role of accountability in nurturing a kind culture, distinguishing it from mere "niceness" and highlighting how difficult conversations, approached with empathy and clarity, build respect and foster thriving teams. This conversation offers invaluable lessons on how leading with kindness can lead to better results, healthier relationships, and a profound sense of well-being, both at work and at home.
How can we move from understanding kindness to actually practicing it in our daily lives and work?
In this episode of On Kindness, Balaji Venkatraman, a product management and marketing leader known for driving innovation and transformation, joins to explore how the principles that guide great engineering can also guide more human leadership.
The conversation unpacks how respect, empathy, and gratitude form the groundwork for meaningful connection, and how translating those values into action builds stronger teams and communities. Balaji and Nicole also discuss why a foundation of trust is essential, and how kindness, when layered on that foundation, shows up as honest feedback, growth, and shared success.
This conversation is a thoughtful look at how structure, awareness, and heart can coexist and how we can all learn to engineer a little more kindness into our everyday lives.
In this episode of On Kindness, leadership coach and founder of The Human Summit, Kevin Huntting, joins to explore how kindness, curiosity, and confidence intersect to shape how we live and lead. The discussion dives into the idea that kindness begins with awareness, of ourselves, others, and the systems around us, and it thrives when it’s put into action.
Together, we examine how curiosity feeds confidence, allowing us to make better, more grounded decisions, and why true confidence stems from self-compassion, not perfection.
This episode offers a thoughtful look at the inner work of leadership and how awareness, courage, and care can transform not just organizations, but the way we move through the world.
And if this conversation resonates, don’t miss the inaugural Human Summit in 2025, a powerful virtual gathering focused on building deeper human connection beyond our perceived differences.
🔗 Learn more and register: https://thehumansummit.com/signup-2025
What if leadership wasn’t about titles, but about how we show up for one another? In this episode of On Kindness, we explore kindness as an essential element of leadership — not just as an act of care, but as a deliberate choice in how we engage, connect, and help others thrive.
We unpack what it means to activate the soul, heart, and mind of leadership, and how true leadership begins with the intention and attention we bring to creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and connected. Because if we’re not helping people thrive, our organizations won’t thrive either.
This conversation challenges the old paradigms of power and position, offering a more human-centered approach and one that makes kindness not a soft skill, but a core strength of modern leadership.
What does it mean to redefine kindness in a fast-paced, performance-driven world?
In this episode of On Kindness, Alessandro, serial impact entrepreneur and founder of Wholegrain Wisdom, joins Nicole to explore the evolving definition of kindness, shifting from a logical, mind-centered approach to one rooted in the heart, love, and compassion. Alessandro shares his personal journey from the "hustle culture" mentality and severe breakdowns to embracing meditation, biohacking, and spirituality, highlighting the profound realization that true kindness begins with oneself.
They delve into how acknowledging our shared humanity and focusing on self-kindness builds resiliency, the power of rewiring our brains through habit, and why finding one's purpose is a unique journey that shouldn't be pressured by external expectations. Alessandro also offers a compelling vision for the future of work, emphasizing a shift towards more human-centered, intuitive approaches enabled by technology, where individuals collaborate on shared visions with fluidity and understanding. This conversation is an inspiring call to embrace tiny, consistent acts of kindness to create profound, lasting change within ourselves and the world.
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.
What if kindness isn’t a soft skill — but a strategic one?
In this episode, Nicole is joined by educator and leadership researcher Jeff LeBlanc, who breaks down why true kindness in the workplace goes far beyond being nice. They explore Jeff’s Engaged Empathy Leadership model, which reframes kindness as a combination of emotional connection, structure, and fairness—especially relevant in today’s multigenerational workplaces.
Through personal stories and generational insights, Jeff explains why kindness isn’t about lowering expectations but raising them—with empathy, intention, and accountability. It’s a fresh, thoughtful look at how leadership can evolve without losing its edge.
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.
What if being “nice” wasn’t small - it was everything?
In this joyful and heartwarming episode of On Kindness, Nicole chats with Jane Canepa - publicist, event legend, teacher, tap dancer, and all-around force of kindness. From teaching thousands of students to planning city-wide events, Jane has built her life and legacy on the simple idea of showing up with a smile, remembering people’s names, and spreading kindness everywhere she goes.
They explore how kindness creates connection, how laughter builds community, and why every person - from a traffic cop to a coat check attendant - deserves to be seen. This episode is filled with stories, wisdom, and a reminder that kindness costs nothing, but means everything.
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.
What does true kindness look like when no one’s watching—and when nothing is owed in return?
In this episode of On Kindness, Pete Kadens, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and impact leader, joins Nicole to explore the difference between surface-level niceness and deep, authentic kindness. From paying off a mentor’s mortgage to sending hundreds of families to college, Pete shares why kindness is most powerful when it’s unexpected, mutual, and rooted in sacrifice.
They dive into how generosity can create real wealth, how empathy is a skill we can teach, and why being seen is one of the most human needs we can fulfill. This is a conversation about building legacy, leading with purpose, and doing the right thing - even when it’s hard
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.
What if kindness isn’t just a personal value - but a habit that shapes the legacy we leave behind?
In this episode of On Kindness, Michael Neece, keynote speaker and workplace culture advocate, joins Nicole to explore kindness on a cosmic scale - why it’s not just about niceness, but a daily practice rooted in awareness, courage, and our shared human experience.
They discuss why kindness at work matters more than ever, how to build a culture where people feel safe to speak up, and why the future we leave behind is shaped by how we show up today. From moments of grace to standing up for others, Michael reminds us that kindness isn’t always easy - but it’s always worth it.
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.
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.
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: apmikulsky@love2lead.biz
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.
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.
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.
✨ When Kindness Meets Hollywood✨
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 Catalyst of Catalyst Leadership Management. As the fourth presidentially-appointed, senate-confirmed — and the first woman and military spouse — to serve as the CEO/Chairman of the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals, The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason has a proven track record of leading with an impactful morale-boosting, trust-based, people-centric approach. Mason also authored “Dare to Relate: Leading with a Fierce Heart.”
In addition to her TEDx, she was featured on NBC’s Charlotte Today, on multiple I-Heart radio talk shows, and more than 50 podcasts. She is guest author of several online journals articles to include CEOMonthly.com, HR.com and HotelExecutive.com. She consults with several organizations on leadership development, organizational management, and relational leadership. She regularly speaks at conferences and corporate trainings.
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.
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: david@abraxasgp.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.