Leading With Heart: The Case For Compassion In Business

Compassionate leadership is rooted in kindness, empathy, and commitment to the well-being of others. Practicing compassionate leadership creates a space where everyone feels comfortable and seen. This approach is also good for business:

• "The manager or team leader alone accounts for 70% of the variance in team engagement.” (Gallup, 2024)
• “70-80% of the environment experienced by a team can be attributed directly to the leader of that team.” (Korn Ferry, 2024)
• "When leaders are primarily focused on the well-being of their employees, this is a strong predictor of employee job satisfaction, perceived organizational support, loyalty and trust in the organization, and retention.” (Harvard Business Review, 2023)

Compassionate leadership is using your head and heart to inspire and influence others and requires practicing and developing these 7 attributes:

1. Contemplative. Take time to pause and deeply reflect, emerging wiser and more self-compassionate.
2. Curious. Learn and listen proactively.
3. Confident. Believe in their visions and themselves.
4. Compassionate. Use influence to prevent and alleviate the suffering of others.
5. Collaborative. Empower all stakeholders to use their strengths and be leaders.
6. Civil. Demonstrate respect when confronted with differing points of view and other challenges.
7. Courageous. Advocate strongly for themselves, their values, and their stakeholders.

In 2021, the annual CLC Awards show was established to recognize those who exemplified the 7C’s in their personal and professional lives. Each year since, the awards have recognized individuals who embody these ideas in their pursuit of making the world a better place. This year the awards ceremony is being hosted by Meryl Erikson, Chief Compassion Officer at Compassionate Leaders Circle. “Every year, we shine a bright light on people all over the world leading with love and compassion. I am especially excited to recognize individuals who are making a real impact—those who lead with courage, empathy, and purpose”.

In the past, honorees have included:

• Kirtipriya (2022 Honoree) — A high school student at The Army Public School Dhaula Kuan, Kirtipriya exemplifies compassionate leadership through her commitment to tackling malnutrition. As a participant in the Learn with Leaders’ Take the World Forward Fellowship, she developed Devann, a nutritionally balanced, porridge-like product inspired by her heritage. Her research, including visits to local slums, revealed how the pandemic worsened food insecurity. With an MIT Solv[ED] grant, she continues refining Devann, aspiring to create a more inclusive healthcare system. Her vision and action reflect the power of compassion, courage, and collaboration in shaping a better future.
• Josh Tetrick (2022 Honoree) — As CEO & Co-Founder of Eat Just, Inc., Josh Tetrick is redefining the future of food with a healthier, safer, and more sustainable approach. His company pioneered America’s fastest-growing plant-based egg brand and introduced the world’s first cultivated meat. With a background in international development—working with President Clinton, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and as a Fulbright Scholar—Josh has always been driven by curiosity and a deep commitment to positive change. Through science, innovation, and leadership, he is transforming the food industry to better serve people, animals, and the planet.
• Neil Mehta (2023 Honoree) — An entrepreneur and humanitarian, Neil Mehta channels his leadership into supporting underprivileged communities worldwide. As Founder & CEO of Givey, a digital fundraising platform, he has helped raise £3.5 million for over 5,000 small charities in the UK. His impact extends further as Chair of WaterHarvest, an NGO focused on water security in Africa and India, and as a trustee of the Fredricks Foundation, which provides creative financing for social enterprises. Neil’s work reflects the essence of compassion, collaboration, and commitment, ensuring grassroots organizations have the resources to thrive.
• Comfort Dondo (2024 Honoree) — A fearless advocate for women’s safety and empowerment, Comfort Dondo is the founder of Phumulani, African Women Against Violence, based in St. Paul, MN. Nominated from her home country of Zimbabwe, Comfort has dedicated her life to providing culturally specific resources to prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse in communities of color. As a survivor herself, she leads with empathy, resilience, and courage, ensuring women and girls feel seen, supported, and safe. Her leadership exemplifies the power of turning personal adversity into a global mission of healing and change.

This April, Compassionate Leaders Circle will host its 5th annual CLC Awards. A new year means a new opportunity to highlight compassion in action. Nominations have concluded but there’s still plenty of time to get in on the action and join the movement to Lead with Love.

Save your seat for the 2025 CLC Awards on April 24, 2025 and learn more about other past honorees here. Learn more about compassionate leadership and why it’s so important.

Originally published at Forbes.com, March 2025