
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.
2023 Awards Ceremony
March 15, 2023
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.
Recognizing Honorees
We love shining light on compassion!
If you are interested in seeing what 2023 looked like, check out last year's honorees.
Their great work gets featured on Forbes.com and in episodes of the Compassionate Leaders Circle podcast.
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