Every year we honor a select group of individuals who embody compassionate leadership. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, compassion is key to continuing progress.
The Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards 2025
Nominations open on December 12, 2024
The 5th annual Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards ceremony is in April 2025. Each year we highlight a select number of compassionate leaders who are inspiring those around them. We share their story and honor their work.
What is compassionate leadership?
Compassionate leaders are people who LEAD WITH LOVE. We define compassionate leadership as:
Using your head and heart to inspire and influence others so they can inspire and influence others.
Compassionate leaders acknowledge our universal interconnectedness and use their influence to make a positive impact on people and planet.
These leaders are courageous, contemplative, collaborative, and care about the world they will leave behind.
- Laurel Donnellan, Founder, Compassionate Leaders Circle
Award Criteria
We evaluate nominees against the seven criteria below:
- Compassionate: Use influence to prevent and alleviate the suffering of others.
- Confident: Believe in their visions and themselves.
- Collaborative: Empower all stakeholders to leverage their strengths and be leaders.
- Contemplative: Take time to pause and deeply reflect, emerging wiser and more self-compassionate.
- Civil: Demonstrate respect when confronted with differing points of view and other challenges.
- Curious: Learn and listen proactively.
- Courageous: Advocate strongly for themselves, their values, and their stakeholders.
Sponsors
We are immensely grateful to our sponsors for the 2025 CLC Awards. A special thank you to Canyon Ranch, for promoting wellness and leadership, Angles, Inc., a pivotal supporter from the digital marketing realm, and Changing Work, whose community continuously fosters innovative work environments.
Our leadership programs
Compassion is a critical skill for current and future leaders. The good news is compassion can be learned and cultivated.
Our unconventional, customized programs teach the value of compassion at work and help people Lead with Love.
Learn more