What if the most powerful question a leader could ask was: “How can I best be helpful?”

In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by Gabriela Jones and Alexandra Thomas, co-authors of the compelling new book Compassion-Focused Leadership. Nominated for HR Book of the Year in Sweden, their work explores how compassion—defined as empathy in action—can transform leadership, organisations, and the humans within them.

Together, we dive into the core principles of compassion-focused leadership, from the evolutionary science of our emotional brains, to the three flows of compassion, to the importance of building psychological safety and inclusion in the workplace. Gabriela and Alexandra bring both warmth and wisdom, blending personal stories with practical strategies that leaders at all levels can use.

We talk about power dynamics, burnout, self-compassion, fierce compassion, and the everyday moments where leaders can choose to pause, reflect, and act with courage and kindness. Their message is clear: compassion isn’t soft—it’s strong, strategic, and sorely needed in the modern workplace.

Whether you're leading others, being led, or leading yourself, this conversation is for you.

Watch now—and ask yourself: How can I best be helpful?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00  Introduction to Compassionate Leadership

00:16  Meet the Authors: Gabriela Jones and Alexandra Thomas

01:31  The Heartbeat of Compassionate Leadership

01:59  Gabriela's Journey: Compassion in Adversity

07:58  The Three Flows of Compassion

13:02  Compassion Pays Off: Organisational Benefits

19:42  Evolutionary Perspective on Leadership

24:29  Balancing the Three Emotion Regulation Systems

34:11  The Impact of Self-Judgment in Leadership

34:53  Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices

36:29  Balancing Feedback and Compassion

39:41  Developing Self-Compassion in Leadership

43:39  Creating Inclusive and Compassionate Workplaces

48:02  Compassionate Organisational Architecture

54:55  Daily Practices for Compassionate Leadership

01:00:54  Final Thoughts on Compassionate Leadership

LINKS:

Alexandra Thomas:

https://www.creativecompassion.se/english/

Gabriela Jones:

https://www.psykologbyranjones.se/om-oss/

If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://www.ausapress.com/p/the-gifts-of-compassion-how-to-understand-and-overcome-suffering/ 

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Video hashtags:

compassionate leadership, workplace wellbeing, psychological safety, self compassion, organisational culture, leadership development