Love in Action
The Love in Action Podcast—ranked #33 among the 100 Best Leadership Podcasts and in the top 2% of shows worldwide—is where leadership meets humanity. Hosted by global influencer, author, and executive coach Marcel Schwantes, the show features candid conversations with bestselling authors, visionary executives, and thought leaders who are redefining what it means to lead. Whether you want to sharpen your leadership skills, create a culture people love to work in, or grow your business by putting people first, you’ll find practical wisdom and inspiring stories to help you get there.
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Episodes
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
Episode recap
If you are a champion for human-centered leadership and workplaces, Marcel would love to speak with you to explore partnerships. Book a call here: https://calendly.com/marcelschwantes/discovery-call?month=2026-02
In this solo episode, Marcel explores a question that cuts deep: Why do so many leaders struggle to create emotionally safe environments where people can thrive?
Drawing from a striking study highlighted in Harper’s Magazine, Marcel unpacks the reality that only 35% of Americans grew up knowing a compassionate, non-judgmental adult, and only 5% identified their father as that person. He examines how generations of men were conditioned to suppress emotion, prioritize performance over presence, and equate vulnerability with weakness, patterns that continue to shape leadership behavior today. Most importantly, this episode challenges leaders to rethink what people truly remember about them. Not their charisma. Not their intelligence. But whether they created an environment where others felt safe enough to grow. This is a conversation about becoming the kind of leader many people wish they had growing up.
Bio:
Marcel Schwantes is a leadership coach, speaker, author, and advocate for more humane workplaces. He works with organizations struggling with disengagement, and cultures that lack high performance — and who are ready to build something better. Marcel’s work includes:
Executive coaching
Leadership development programs for managers
Keynote speaking and workshops
Executive roundtables and culture strategy sessions
Marcel is the author of Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss. Whether coaching a CEO or training a leadership team, Marcel’s #1 goal is the same: To help leaders become the kind of people others want to follow.
Quotes:
"We're asking today's leaders to create experiences they may have rarely experienced themselves growing up."
"A lot of leaders are navigating with what I call an incomplete emotional map."
"People rarely remember the smartest leader in the room. They remember the leader who made them feel safe enough to become better."
Takeaways:
Your early experience (or lack) of a compassionate, non-judgmental adult directly shapes how emotionally safe people feel around you as a leader today.
Many leaders operate with an “incomplete emotional map,” defaulting to control, defensiveness, and avoidance because vulnerability was never modeled for them.
Psychological safety is one of the strongest predictors of high-performing teams, making emotional safety a core business imperative—not a “soft” extra.
Humane leadership is built through daily micro-moments—pausing before reacting, listening without fixing, asking curious questions, and staying fully present.
Regardless of your past, you can break the cycle and become the compassionate, non-judgmental leader others remember as a turning point in their lives.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Substack offer & wellbeing focus
[01:30] Podcast milestone, break & rebrand announcement
[03:30] Harper’s statistics on compassionate adults
[06:00] Emotional upbringing and impact on leaders
[08:30] Psychological safety & high-performing teams
[11:00] Daily practices of humane leadership
[13:30] Leaders people remember (safety & growth)
[16:00] Break the cycle & closing Substack CTA
Conclusion:
In a world obsessed with metrics, strategy, and performance, Marcel's message is a powerful reminder that the real work of leadership is emotional. Only 35% of people say they knew a compassionate, non-judgmental adult growing up-and that deficit shows up every day in how leaders react, control, or shut down when things get hard.
But this isn't a story of blame; it's a story of possibility. By recognizing our incomplete emotional maps and choosing small, daily acts of care, curiosity, and presence, we can rewrite the script. We can create teams where people feel safe enough to speak up, grow, and take risks-and become the kind of leaders others remember not just for what we achieved, but for how we made them feel.
Ultimately, the real opportunity in front of us isn't only to build better businesses-it's to become part of the "other 65%" of leaders: the compassionate, non-judgmental adults the next generation desperately needs.
Links/Resources:
The book: https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Leadership-Lead-Radical-Kick-Ass-ebook/dp/B0CWG3PTL4/
Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/
X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/
Dr. James Doty Episode: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/dr-james-doty-the-neuroscience-of-manifestation/
5 days ago
5 days ago
This episode is brought to you by Mitel. If you’re thinking about how communication impacts leadership and resilience in your own organization, Mitel works with more than 70 million users worldwide across critical industries to keep teams secure and connected. You can check them out at Mitel.com.
Episode recap:
In this episode, Marcel sits down with filmmaker Steven Sawalich to discuss his award-winning documentary, Case for Kindness, now streaming on Prime. Together, they explore the science behind kindness and its role in building trust and healing relationships in today’s polarized world. Featuring stories and insights from voices like Ben Affleck, Garth Brooks, and Daryl Davis, this conversation offers a hopeful and practical reminder that intentional kindness can transform both individuals and communities.
Bio:
Steven Sawalich merges humanitarian work with the capture of compelling human experiences on film. His award-winning documentary, Case for Kindness, explores the transformative societal impact of kindness and its role in shaping our future. The film has received over 75 awards globally.
Quotes:
“Kindness is a muscle, and you need to exercise it.”
“We can start seeing our commonalities as opposed to our differences.”
“Love and kindness win.”
Takeaways:
Practice intentional kindness daily instead of relying on random acts to create lasting behavioral change.
Replace judgment with curiosity by asking questions and seeking to understand another person’s perspective first.
Create cultures of kindness in workplaces by modeling empathy, accountability, and respect from leadership downward.
Use shared experiences like music, sports, art, or service projects to build bridges between people with opposing views.
When conflict arises, pause before reacting emotionally and process feelings without allowing negativity to take root.
Acknowledge that kindness is contagious—simply witnessing compassionate behavior can inspire others to act similarly.
Lead conversations with openness instead of certainty to foster trust, dialogue, and stronger human connection.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[06:20] Steven’s global travels and the inspiration behind A Case for Kindness
[09:45] Polarization, dialogue, and rebuilding common ground through kindness
[12:37] The story of a Black musician befriending KKK members
[17:11] Kindness in leadership, workplace culture, and emotional contagion
[19:32] How making the documentary personally transformed Steven’s mindset
[23:18] Ben Affleck’s powerful reflections on addiction and kindness
[26:08] Trust, suspicion, and why kindness matters more than ever
[30:42] Steven’s vision for the future impact of the film
[31:30] Practical ways to lead with love, patience, and curiosity
Conclusion:
This conversation is a reminder that kindness is not simply about being nice—it is about choosing connection over division, curiosity over judgment, and compassion over fear. Steven Sawalich’s journey demonstrates that even in the most difficult conversations and darkest moments, kindness can open doors that hatred and hostility never could. Whether in leadership, relationships, workplaces, or communities, small intentional acts of kindness have the power to spread far beyond what we can see. As Marcel and Steven emphasize throughout the episode, healing begins when we are willing to listen, seek understanding, and recognize our shared humanity. In a world increasingly shaped by outrage and polarization, perhaps kindness is not weakness at all—but one of the bravest choices we can make.
Links/Resources: Case for Kindness website - https://caseforkindness.com/
Watch on Amazon Prime
Articulate Entertainment - https://www.articulusentertainment.com/home
Friday May 08, 2026
Friday May 08, 2026
This episode is brought to you by Mitel. If you’re thinking about how communication impacts leadership and resilience in your own organization, Mitel works with more than 70 million users worldwide across critical industries to keep teams secure and connected. You can check them out at Mitel.com.
Episode recap
Marcel sat down with Claude Silver to talk about her bold and practical debut, Be Yourself at Work. Silver argues authentic presence is today’s top business superpower and provides a human-centered guide to build trust, lead with heart, and foster cultures where people truly belong.
Bio:
Claude Silver is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, working with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive success. She has spoken at Meta, Google, and U.S. agencies, and been featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Her new book is Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart.
Quotes:
“There is so much power when you are truly your authentic self, when you are not trying to fit in”
“You are the only person that can change the song in your head.”
“Belonging is our human birthright, and we all need it.”
“You don’t drain, you radiate.”
“The calmer we are, the clearer we can be.”
Takeaways:
Build self-awareness by understanding your values, patterns, fears, and strengths.
Replace fake urgency with intentional calm to reduce burnout and improve clarity.
Create belonging by helping people feel seen, heard, and psychologically safe.
Practice emotional bravery by having honest conversations instead of avoiding discomfort.
Leaders should listen deeply, acknowledge people often, and show their humanity.
In an AI-driven world, emotional intelligence and human connection matter more than ever.
Small moments of authenticity and appreciation can transform workplace culture.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and Claude Silver’s background
[04:01] Personal story and Outward Bound transformation
[12:29] Origin of the Chief Heart Officer role
[16:00] Big idea of Be Yourself at Work
[17:30] Real meaning of authenticity at work
[19:55] The Three E’s: optimism, bravery, efficiency
[23:36] Benefits of an emotionally healthy culture
[25:38] Inner work and self‑awareness
[27:50] Fake urgency and running on calm
[32:59] Belonging, safety, and performance
[36:24] Building trust in remote, multi‑gen teams
[38:27] AI, efficiency, and human connection
[40:11] Practical advice for CEOs and leaders
[43:52] Speed round: personal side of Claude
[46:43] Leading with love and radiating energy
[47:06] Final takeaway: small actions to reconnect
Conclusion:
Authenticity, trust, and emotional courage are no longer optional in leadership—they are essential for building healthy, high-performing cultures. When leaders create spaces where people feel safe to belong and contribute fully, organizations become more resilient, innovative, and human. Claude Silver’s message is simple yet powerful: real leadership begins with self-awareness, grows through connection, and thrives when people choose to radiate instead of drain.
Links/Resources:
Website: https://www.claudesilver.com/
Book website: https://www.beyourselfbook.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudesilver/?hl=en
Claude Silver on Episode #6: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/claude-silver/
Friday May 01, 2026
Friday May 01, 2026
This episode is brought to you by Smarsh. AI is transforming how businesses communicate, and compliance can’t fall behind. Smarsh is helping global organizations build defensible, future-ready compliance programs powered by AI. To learn more, visit smarsh.com or download their 2026 AI Insights Report.
Episode recap:
In this episode, Marcel sits down with Andy Crocker—a former rocket scientist and author of The Unconditionals: Five Timeless Values to Live Without Limits and Ignite Your Superpower—to unpack the five core values that shaped both his leadership philosophy and personal transformation. Drawing from a pivotal career setback and personal reflection, Andy explains how practicing these values without conditions can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and help leaders show up more authentically, even in high-performance, technical environments.
BIO:
Andy Crocker is an aerospace executive with three decades of experience building high-performance teams and leading ambitious projects, including NASA’s Human Landing System. He holds degrees in engineering, humanities, management, and leadership and is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. His multidisciplinary background and diverse career shaped his unique perspective that led to his new book, The Unconditionals.
Quotes
“You don’t discover who you are when everything works out—you discover it when the moonshot fails and you choose your values anyway.”
“Unconditional love doesn’t mean staying in a toxic place; it means caring for yourself and others enough to walk away when you must.”
“When you stop negotiating your behavior with circumstances, your values finally become who you are—not just what you believe.”
“Gratitude is not thanks for the tragedy; it’s thanks for what the tragedy cannot take away—the love, the lessons, and the strength you carry forward.”
“The most advanced systems on earth still run on human hearts; love and gratitude are not soft skills—they’re the core operating code of real performance.”
Takeaways
Your identity can’t be safely built on achievements. Andy’s lost “moonshot” with NASA forced him to separate who he is from what he does—and that shift is what unlocked deeper purpose and peace.
Values only transform you when they’re unconditional. Love, gratitude, integrity, accountability, and endeavor matter most when they don’t change based on who you’re dealing with or whether you’re winning or losing.
Unconditional love requires boundaries, not self‑sacrifice. Truly loving others starts with self‑respect and the courage to leave toxic situations—for your good and, often, for theirs.
Gratitude is a discipline for surviving hard things. Andy’s response to his mother’s sudden death shows that gratitude isn’t about approving the pain; it’s about honoring what can’t be taken away and finding steadiness in the middle of loss.
“Soft” values are the hard edge of performance. Even in hyper‑technical, left‑brain environments like aerospace, cultures of love, appreciation, and integrity create the psychological safety, motivation, and resilience that high performance actually depends on.
Timestamps
00:00:03 – Introduction and Andy’s rocket-scientist background
00:03:07 – Andy’s story: career, NASA moon mission, and heartbreak
00:08:54 – Why he wrote The Unconditionals for his kids
00:09:17 – Overview of the five unconditionals
00:13:34 – What unconditional love is (and what it isn’t)
00:17:59 – Why love matters in organizations and leadership
00:20:59 – Love in technical, engineering, and “left‑brain” cultures
00:25:43 – Unconditional gratitude and losing his mother
00:31:12 – Unconditional accountability and real ownership
00:38:06 – How engineering shaped Andy’s leadership philosophy
00:41:45 – Speed round: life, careers, and hopes for the future
00:43:40 – How to lead with practical love every day
00:45:32 – Final takeaway: living your values unconditionally
Conclusion
Love, gratitude, integrity, accountability, and endeavor aren’t abstract ideals—they’re the unconditional choices that define who you are when the dream falls apart, the contract is lost, or life doesn’t go your way. Andy Crocker’s journey from leading a moonshot bid for NASA to grieving its loss—and then writing The Unconditionals for his children—shows that real strength is refusing to let circumstances dictate your character. When you stop tying your worth to titles and outcomes, and instead anchor yourself in values that don’t move when the world does, you gain the freedom to lead, work, and live with clarity, courage, and compassion. This episode is an invitation to decide: Will you keep living conditionally—reacting to success and failure—or will you commit to becoming the kind of person whose values hold steady, no matter what happens next?
Links/Resources
Website and Book: https://andycrockerbooks.com/
Andy Crocker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycrocker/
Friday Apr 24, 2026
Friday Apr 24, 2026
This episode is brought to you by Smarsh. AI is transforming how businesses communicate, and compliance can’t fall behind. Smarsh is helping global organizations build defensible, future-ready compliance programs powered by AI. To learn more, visit smarsh.com or download their 2026 AI Insights Report.
Episode recap
In this episode of the Love in Action podcast, Marcel interviews Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore, co-author of The Power of the Learning Mindset with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, exploring how leaders can stay relevant and effective in a rapidly changing, post-AI world. Dr. Ajayi-Ore shares her journey from the United Nations to academia and executive coaching, and introduces a practical framework built on three pillars—learning prowess, leadership prowess, and coaching prowess—designed to help leaders develop a “win mindset.”
Bio
Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore is the founder and CEO of Global Connections for Women Foundation. An award-winning Chief Learning Officer, research scholar, and part of the Lead Faculty at Columbia University, she has over 17 years of experience working with Fortune 100/500 companies. A member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Executive Coaches, she mentors top professionals in uncovering their career paths.
Quotes:
“Leadership rooted in love creates spaces where people don’t just perform—they belong.”
“When people feel seen and valued, everything changes—engagement, trust, and results.”
“Leadership today isn’t about having answers—it’s about staying curious enough to keep learning.”
Takeaways:
Leadership becomes transformational when it moves beyond authority and centers on genuine care for people.
Creating a culture of belonging starts with leaders who intentionally practice empathy and connection.
Love in leadership is not passive—it requires courage, consistency, and daily action.
Impactful leadership is measured not just by outcomes, but by how people feel and grow under your influence.
Sustainable success comes from aligning business goals with human values.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and episode overview
[02:30] Welcoming the guest and setting the context
[04:00] Guest background and personal journey
[07:00] Defining the core topic or problem
[10:30] Key challenges and common misconceptions
[14:00] Deep dive into main concept or framework
[18:00] Practical examples and real-life applications
[22:00] Obstacles, resistance, and lessons learned
[26:00] Leadership insights and mindset shifts
[30:00] Personal stories and turning points
[34:00] Broader impact on culture, business, or life
[38:00] Addressing audience questions or key concerns
[42:00] Actionable strategies and daily practices
[46:00] Final insights and key takeaways
[49:00] Future outlook or upcoming projects
[51:00] Where to connect and learn more
[52:30] Closing remarks and call to action
Conclusion:
This episode reinforces a simple but powerful truth: love is not a weakness in leadership—it’s the greatest strength. When leaders choose to act with empathy, intention, and authenticity, they create environments where people thrive and businesses flourish. As Marcel reminds us, love in action is the future of leadership. The question is—will you live it out daily?
Links/Resources: Lilian’s website: https://www.lilianore.com/
Lilian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilianore
The Power of the Learning Mindset
Friday Apr 17, 2026
Friday Apr 17, 2026
This episode is brought to you by Mitel. If you’re thinking about how communication impacts leadership and resilience in your own organization, Mitel works with more than 70 million users worldwide across critical industries to keep teams secure and connected. You can check them out at Mitel.com.
BIO:
Mike Robinson is a telecom and infrastructure veteran with extensive operating experience both as a CEO and CFO, leading business transformations across organic growth initiatives, mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings. He has held numerous leadership roles and served on the boards of technology and telecommunications companies. Mike joined Mitel’s Board of Directors in 2025 and shortly thereafter stepped into the role of CEO. With a strong focus on leadership, team building, effective communication, operational efficiency, and transparency, Mike and his leadership team guide Mitel with a collaborative, results-driven approach; aligning people, strategy, and purpose to drive impactful outcomes for customers and employees.
Quotes:
Leadership works best when people know they matter for more than a paycheck.
Culture becomes unstoppable when employees go home and tell a neighbor they genuinely like where they work.
The best strategy fails without the earned right to execute through trusted people and clear communication.
Customer loyalty is priceless because loyal customers will fight to keep you and look for new ways to grow with you.
Caring is not a side project; it is the operating system that drives top line, bottom line, and long-term relevance.
Takeaways:
Trust is built fastest through presence, transparency, and listening to employees, customers, and partners before making big moves.
Avoiding command and control leadership requires confidence in your people, a healthy capital runway, and data-driven, fair decision-making.
A strong culture is less about perks and more about belonging, recognition, development, and being heard.
Sustaining industry leadership demands relentless innovation, disciplined focus, and making it easy for others to do business with you.
Caring consistently, through small daily actions and genuine relationships, creates the discretionary effort that drives exceptional results.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and Overview of Mitel
[05:27] Mike Robinson’s Background and Leadership Philosophy
[08:09] Building Trust and Culture at Mitel
[20:57] The Role of Culture in Business Outcomes
[27:20] Sustaining Success and Innovation at Mitel
[33:14] Personal Leadership Qualities and Practices
[36:41] Leading with Love in Action
[39:03] Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Conclusion:
At the heart of this episode is a simple but radical idea: caring is a business strategy. Mike Robinson shows that when leaders are present, transparent, and genuinely human, people do not just comply, they commit. We see how culture, when rooted in trust and love in action, becomes the engine of innovation, loyalty, and long-term growth. If you want better numbers, you do not start with spreadsheets; you start with how people feel when they walk through the door. Listen in, take notes, and then go lead in a way that proves, inside your own company, that love really does win.
Links/Resources:
Mitel - www.Mitel.com
Mitel on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mitel/
Mike Robinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkrobinson/
Saturday Apr 11, 2026
Saturday Apr 11, 2026
This episode is brought to you by Smarsh. AI is transforming how businesses communicate, and compliance can’t fall behind. Smarsh is helping global organizations build defensible, future-ready compliance programs powered by AI. To learn more, visit smarsh.com or download their 2026 AI Insights Report.
Episode recap
Kim Crawford Goodman, CEO of Smarsh, shares her journey from growing up in Chicago during the Civil Rights Movement to leading a global technology company focused on preserving and protecting truth in digital communications. She explains Smarsh’s role in helping highly regulated industries manage and analyze communications across channels using AI-powered tools, and highlights the company’s commitment to accountability, innovation, and customer focus. Kim also reflects on leadership lessons around balancing technology with human connection, navigating change with transparency, and building inclusive teams grounded in integrity.
Bio:
Kim Crawford Goodman is Chief Executive Officer of Smarsh. Under her leadership, Smarsh has strengthened its position as a global leader in AI-powered communications intelligence, helping highly regulated organizations manage risk, modernize compliance, and unlock the value of communications data. With more than 25 years of experience, Goodman is known for leading with empathy and integrity to scale businesses and build high-performing global teams.
Quotes:
"Smarsh, first and foremost, preserves and protects the truth in a world where what is truthful is getting more elusive."
"We can't forget the human element. You can't let anything stand in the way of actually knowing your team, because that's what makes every other electronic interaction more efficient and more meaningful."
"As a leader, you're always balancing the need to innovate and move with the need to give consistency and stability to your people, and the way you hold that balance is through transparency and context."
Takeaways:
Trust is built fastest through presence, transparency, and listening to employees, customers, and partners before making big moves.
Avoiding command and control leadership requires confidence in your people, a healthy capital runway, and data-driven, fair decision-making.
A strong culture is less about perks and more about belonging, recognition, development, and being heard.
Sustaining industry leadership demands relentless innovation, disciplined focus, and making it easy for others to do business with you.
Caring consistently, through small daily actions and genuine relationships, creates the discretionary effort that drives exceptional results.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] AI, Risk, and the Mission to Govern Conversations
[00:04:44] From South Side Chicago to Global CEO
[00:05:47] Smarsh’s Mission: Preserving and Protecting the Truth
[00:09:30] Inside Smarsh: AI Agents, Noise Reduction, and E‑Discovery
[00:16:25] Leading Culture in a World of Slacks, Texts, and AI
[00:19:31] Staying Obsessed with the Customer in a Noisy World
[00:24:25] Transparency, Psychological Safety, and Real Talk on Change
[00:25:07] Hitting Walls: Perseverance, Identity, and Non‑Linear Careers
[00:27:58] Integrity, Inclusion, and Building Diverse Teams That Win
[00:33:55] Know Yourself: Authentic Leadership from Campus to C‑Suite
[00:36:56] Unfiltered Advice for Women of Color Who Want to Lead
[00:36:56] Leading with Love: Know Your People, Know Yourself
[00:38:01] As Much as Things Change, Some Things Stay the Same
[00:39:23] Where to Find Kim and Final Love in Action Sign‑Off
Conclusion:
In a world where AI is accelerating every interaction, Kim Crawford Goodman reminds us that leadership still rises and falls on integrity. Her story shows that preserving truth in business isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a moral and cultural one, lived out in daily decisions, not slogans. Through Smarsh, she demonstrates how AI can be harnessed to govern communication, reduce risk, and build confidence instead of chaos. Through her personal journey, she models how perseverance, self‑knowledge, and genuine care for people can carry leaders through disruption and disappointment. If you’re serious about leading in the age of AI, this episode will challenge you to build a culture where innovation moves fast—but truth, accountability, and love move faster.
Links/Resources:
Smarsh - https://www.smarsh.com/
Kim Crawford in LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-crawford-goodman-69703187/
Smarsh 2026 AI Insights Report – https://www.smarsh.com/reports/2026-compliance-horizon-insights-report
Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fO2r_ZQ3wy5ie522f-DTQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Episode recap:
Marcel sat down with Margaret C. Andrews to discuss her book "Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding." Margaret discussed leadership derailment and self-awareness, emphasizing that the factors that got leaders to their current positions may not be sufficient for future success. She shared six key questions to help leaders understand themselves and highlighted the importance of self-management, noting that many leadership training programs focus more on technical skills than interpersonal skills.
Bio:
Margaret C. Andrews is a seasoned executive, academic leader, speaker, and instructor. She teaches leadership courses and professional and executive programs at Harvard University and is the founder of the MYLO Center, a private leadership development firm.
Quotes:
We judge ourselves by our intentions, but other people judge us by our behaviors.
Leadership emerges from your life story and your unique portfolio of experiences, not from a checklist of best practices.
What got you here won’t get you there, especially when you move from individual contributor to leading others.
People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care about them as human beings.
We are all a work in progress, continually riding new learning curves as we grow into the leaders we want to become.
Takeaways:
Self-understanding is the foundation of effective leadership, and without it, all the standard tips and tactics remain shallow.
Career derailment often happens right after a promotion when leaders fail to realize that their new role requires different behaviors, not just more effort.
High achievers commonly struggle with interpersonal relationships, team-building, and adaptability, which can ultimately sabotage their success.
Asking deep questions about who shaped you, what you value, and how your behavior impacts others is essential to building self-awareness.
Leading with love and care means treating people as human beings, not resources, and consistently managing your own behavior to match your best intentions.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome, episode setup, and introduction of Margaret C. Andrews
2:59 – Margaret’s origin story and wake-up call about self-awareness
7:20 – How lack of self-awareness derails high achievers and careers
17:39 – Six foundational questions for self-understanding and self-management
25:39 – Roadblocks, vulnerability, and why leadership training must go deeper
28:24 – The MYLO process and what it means to lead with love in action
31:32 – Final lessons, being a work in progress, and where to find Margaret
Conclusion:
Today’s conversation showed that great leadership doesn’t begin with a job title or a promotion. It begins with you, with understanding your own story, your values, and even your blind spots. Margaret reminded us that we are all a work in progress, learning and growing as we practice new behaviors and step into the leaders we want to become. The challenge is simple to say but hard to live out: get honest about who you are, manage yourself with intention, and notice how your relationships and results start to shift.
Links/Resources:
Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0gzLmPl2
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/
Website: https://www.margaretandrews.com/
Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fO2r_ZQ3wy5ie522f-DTQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/
Friday Mar 13, 2026
Friday Mar 13, 2026
Episode recap
In this powerful conversation, Marcel sits down with Joshua Freedman, a global leader in emotional intelligence and the CEO of Six Seconds, to explore the ideas behind his new book, Emotion Rules. Drawing from 30 years of research and more than a million emotional intelligence assessments, Joshua shares why he believes we are living through an “emotional recession” and what leaders must do about it.
Joshua discusses how many leaders struggle with old patterns that no longer serve them, especially when moving from being a high-performing doer to a leader who must grow others. Marcel highlights two major shifts leaders must make: from knowing to learning, and from doing to being. The episode closes with a fast-paced speed round and reflections on what it truly means to lead with practical, actionable love in business.
Bio:
Joshua Freedman is CEO and cofounder of Six Seconds, the world’s largest emotional intelligence network. A pioneer in applying EQ to business and social impact, he directs The State of the Heart study, a landmark longitudinal analysis tracking global trends in emotional intelligence, which first identified the “Emotional Recession” – a sustained worldwide decline in emotional and relational capacities affecting wellbeing, engagement, and organizational resilience. His frameworks and tools are used by over a million people in 150+ countries, delivering measurable improvements in performance and culture.
Quotes
“There are no negative feelings. They’re all data.”
“Emotions are great advisors but horrible bosses.”
“Your feelings are here for a reason—your next step is to learn to trust them more.”
“Maybe the struggle isn’t the obstacle; maybe the struggle is the curriculum.”
“We must shift from knowing to learning, and from doing to being.”
Takeaways
Emotional wisdom goes beyond emotional intelligence—it’s the ability to use emotional signals to navigate ambiguity when there is no clear path or precedent.
We are in a global “emotional recession” where optimism, intrinsic motivation, and purpose are declining, yet higher EQ in these areas is strongly linked to better life and work outcomes.
All emotions are information, not problems; even uncomfortable feelings like fear or anxiety are messages about important needs and values that require attention.
Leaders often get stuck in old emotional patterns—like over‑controlling or withdrawing—that once helped them succeed but now block trust, growth, and empowerment in their teams.
Simple practices—such as choosing who you want to be each day and adopting a coach‑like, question‑driven approach—can transform leadership from transactional control to human‑centered connection and learning.
Timestamps
00:00:02 – Introduction & Joshua’s Background
00:04:11 – The Emotional Recession
00:07:42 – Emotional Intelligence vs. Emotional Wisdom
00:15:11 – Decline in Key EQ Capabilities
00:18:14 – Fighting Our Emotions
00:23:40 – Emotions as Data & Needs
00:31:04 – Emotions as Advisors, Not Bosses
00:34:24 – Patterns That Keep Leaders Stuck
00:43:03 – The To‑Be List Practice
00:46:22 – Wisdom Lives Within
00:52:39 – Leading with Love
00:54:39 – Final Takeaway
Conclusion
This episode ultimately makes the case that emotional wisdom is not about perfection or sentimentality, but about honestly listening to what our feelings are telling us so we can build more humane, resilient, and high‑performing lives and workplaces; when leaders stop fighting emotions, treat them as data, and model curiosity and courage, they unlock deeper engagement, stronger cultures, and a more sustainable way to navigate a chaotic world.
Links/Resources
Emotion Rules book: https://www.6seconds.org/emotionrules/
Six Seconds - https://www.6seconds.org/
Emotional Wisdom Wheel (Constellation Map): https://www.6seconds.org/emotionrules/wheel/
Episode #191 with Joshua Freedman: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/josh-freedman-emotional-intelligence-and-how-to-use-it-to-get-results-ep-191/
Social Media Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/six-seconds/
https://www.instagram.com/6secondseq/
https://www.facebook.com/sixseconds/
Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fO2r_ZQ3wy5ie522f-DTQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Episode recap
Don’t forget Marcel’s special offer to join his Substack community for $8.00/month. Subscribe here: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/subscribe
In this solo episode, Marcel Schwantes discussed the impact of fear in the workplace, explaining how it stifles creativity, innovation, and collaboration. He highlighted that fear-based environments lead to disengagement, turnover, and low morale, while human-centered leadership fosters psychological safety and trust. Marcel emphasized the importance of leaders addressing their blind spots and modifying behaviors to create a positive workplace culture. He stressed that hiring and developing leaders based on technical competence alone is insufficient, urging a focus on humanity and human-centered attributes. Marcel encouraged listeners to subscribe to his Substack for further insights on effective human-centered leadership.
Bio:
Marcel Schwantes is a leadership coach, speaker, author, and advocate for more humane workplaces. He partners with organizations tired of burnout, disengagement, and hollow cultures — and ready to build something better.
Marcel’s work includes:
Executive coaching
Leadership development programs for managers
Keynote speaking and workshops
Executive roundtables and culture strategy sessions
Marcel is the author of Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss. Whether coaching a CEO or training a leadership team, Marcel’s #1 goal is the same: To help leaders become the kind of people others want to follow.
Episode Timeline:
[00:03] Introduction: Why fear remains a workplace epidemic[00:19] How fear kills creativity, collaboration, and profitability [01:06] Silence in meetings: The hidden cost of fear [01:58] Why fear stops innovation and risk-taking [02:34] Fear shrinks organizations from the inside out [03:51] Psychological safety and team performance (Harvard research) [04:26] Why leaders still dismiss “soft skills” [05:13] The cost of waiting for marching orders [05:49] Burnout, turnover, and quiet disengagement [06:03] What human-centered leadership looks like [07:10] Surfacing problems early vs. kicking the can down the road [08:10] Shared accountability and self-correcting teams [09:40] Leadership blind spots and fear-driven management [10:29] Burnout as the final warning sign [11:30] Why technical skills alone no longer qualify someone to lead [12:04] Raising human leadership capacity in the AI era [12:31] Closing thoughts and call to action
Quotes:
“If you want to know why creativity dies, why collaboration stalls, why your most talented people are quietly quitting — look for one thing: fear.”
“When fear is prevalent, people protect themselves instead of serving the mission.”
“You cannot afford to choose leaders based only on technical competence or individual performance. Those days are over.”
Key Takeaways:
Fear Is Expensive - Fear doesn’t just hurt feelings — it damages profitability, innovation, and long-term growth.
Silence Is a Warning Sign - if meetings are full of nodding heads but no pushback, fear may be driving compliance instead of commitment.
Psychological Safety Drives Performance - When employees feel safe to speak up, admit mistakes, and challenge ideas, performance and productivity increase.
Human-Centered Leadership Solves Problems Early - Empowered teams raise concerns quickly, solve issues on the spot, and share accountability across levels.
Leadership Blind Spots Create Fear - Many fear-based environments stem from leaders who fear losing control or respect. Coaching and self-awareness are critical.
Technical Skills Aren’t Enough Anymore - In the age of AI and automation, the differentiator is human leadership capacity — the ability to help people flourish.
Conclusion:
Fear quietly shrinks organizations from the inside out. It limits creativity, slows innovation, and pushes good people toward burnout and disengagement. Marcel’s message is clear: if you care about performance, profitability, and long-term growth, you must care about human-centered leadership. The future of leadership isn’t louder authority or tighter control — it’s building environments where people feel safe enough to contribute their best thinking.
The question every leader must ask:
Am I creating safety — or am I creating fear?
Because that answer determines everything.
Resources:
The book: https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Leadership-Lead-Radical-Kick-Ass-ebook/dp/B0CWG3PTL4/
Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/
X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/
Dr. James Doty Episode: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/dr-james-doty-the-neuroscience-of-manifestation/