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:

• “If Daryl can do that, we can certainly do that.”

• “Kindness is a muscle, and you need to exercise it.”

• “We can start seeing our commonalities as opposed to our differences.”

• “You never know what somebody else is going through.”

• “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] Why kindness may be the solution to a divided world

[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.

Resources:

Case for Kindness website - https://caseforkindness.com/  

Watch on Amazon Prime 

Articulate Entertainment - https://www.articulusentertainment.com/home  

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/

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

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/

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/