“If you give credit to people who deserve it, you will be recognized as a great leader giving your team members the ability to have a voice.”

“Trusting your team leads to better outcomes.”

“Being able to read a room, understand an audience, disarm when you need to, and uplift when you can is the best gift I can give or offer.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Jon Sichel, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Hallmark Media Family Networks. They explore the themes of generosity in leadership, the importance of humor, the value of mentoring, and the balance between compliance and innovation in high-stakes environments. Jon shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, the influence of his parents, and the lessons learned from both good and bad leadership experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive workplace culture where individuals feel valued, their voices heard, and empowered to contribute their best.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

• Humor can change the dynamic in stressful situations.


• Generosity in leadership fosters a positive workplace culture.


• Mentoring relationships are mutually beneficial.


• Learning from both good and bad experiences shapes effective leaders.


• Navigating change requires empathy and support for colleagues.


• Generosity can manifest in small acts of kindness at work.


• Listening and understanding are key to effective leadership.


• Creating a safe environment encourages innovation and collaboration.


• Generosity in the workplace leads to happier employees.


• Most challenges in business are solvable with the right mindset.

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to Generosity in Leadership

02:49 The Role of Humor in Leadership

05:40 Navigating Personal Loss and Growth

07:57 Empowering Teams Through Trust

10:14 Creating a Positive Work Culture

11:19 The Importance of Mentoring

14:23 Learning from Good and Bad Leadership

19:23 Embracing Change and Unexpected Opportunities

22:33 Choosing Positivity in Adversity

25:04 Generosity in High-Stakes Environments

29:50 Navigating Change and Supporting Colleagues

30:07 Balancing Compliance and Innovation

37:19 The Longest Banana Split: A Leadership Feat

41:08 Rapid Fire Insights on Leadership

Guest Bio |

Jon Sichel is executive vice president, general counsel and head of Business Affairs for Hallmark Media Family Networks, home of three linear networks, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama; and subscription video-on-demand streaming service, Hallmark+. Sichel is based in New York and reports to Hallmark General Counsel Erin Kobler and President John Matts.

In this role, Sichel leads all business and legal affairs matters associated with Hallmark Media, while also providing strategic guidance to the senior leadership team on issues impacting ad sales, marketing, digital, strategic alliances, production, international, and distribution. His oversight includes negotiating content rights, production and distribution agreements, talent deals, entertainment content acquisition, and development-related activities. Sichel serves as the primary legal liaison for the legal team at parent company Hallmark Cards, Inc. Sichel also consults on matters of corporate litigation, intellectual property, employment law, and compliance.

Prior to joining Hallmark Media, Sichel was executive vice president of distribution sales and strategy at AMC Networks. Previously, he held various ascending roles at Discovery Inc. and Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI), including general manager of content acquisitions and operations at Discovery. His tenure with SNI also included the international role as managing director of global commercial affairs and managing director of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Sichel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Princeton University and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School.

Bridge Between Resources:

• 5 Degree Change Course


• Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 


• Free Generosity Quiz 

Credits: Jon Sichel, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 247, Special Guest, Neen James.