Kindness Remix: Redefining Leadership at Work
What if kindness at work isn’t just about being “nice” but about building stronger teams, improving performance, and creating workplaces people actually want to be part of? That’s the question I explored in a recent podcast conversation, and it’s one I’m deeply passionate about.
How a Personal Project Changed Everything
I didn’t set out to become “The Kindness Catalyst.” In my 40s, after a season of deep personal loss, I was simply trying to find my way forward. Re-entering the workforce felt daunting until I started a small project I called 1,000 Mitzvahs: one thousand intentional acts of kindness.
At first, it was about healing. But somewhere along the way, I realized how powerful those small actions were not just for others, but for me, too. They helped me reconnect, rebuild confidence, and see how kindness could ripple far beyond a single moment. And eventually, that personal practice became the foundation of my work as a speaker, author, and trainer.
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Why Kindness Is a Business Strategy
When I talk about kindness in the workplace, I’m not talking about being soft or avoiding hard conversations. I’m talking about the kind of intentional actions that create trust, loyalty, and stronger results.
Think about it: leaders who take time to listen deeply. Teams that celebrate each other’s wins. Managers who don’t just “welcome” new hires but truly onboard them with care. These moments might seem small, but together, they transform culture. They reduce burnout. They boost retention. They create environments where people want to stay, and where they do their best work.
The First 30 Days Matter More Than You Think
One part of our conversation that really resonated was the idea of onboarding with kindness. Those first 30 to 60 days in a new role are make-or-break, yet so often, they’re rushed or overlooked.
A thoughtful onboarding experience can change everything. It shows people they’re valued. It builds connection early. And it dramatically reduces early turnover. It’s a simple shift with a huge return.
Reinvention Is Always on the Table
It’s never too late to try something new, to leave behind what no longer fits, or to step into the next version of who you’re meant to be. Reinventions have become a recurring theme in my own life. Whether you’re navigating a career change, evolving how you lead, or just trying roller skating again for the first time in decades (yes, I did that!), growth doesn’t have an expiration date.
Your Kindness Challenge
Here’s my invitation: try one small act of kindness today. Text someone you’ve been thinking about. Let a driver merge ahead of you. Bring soup to a neighbor. It doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be intentional.
Because when we start small, the ripple is anything but. And when we lead with kindness, we don’t just change how we work we change how we live.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear how you’re remixing leadership in your own life. Listen to this podcast and connect with me on social media and consider starting your own 1,000 Mitzvahs journey. One act at a time — that’s how real change begins.
