242. Why Compassion and Empathy Are Leadership Superpowers

Jim Carlough, seasoned executive, leadership coach, and author of Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success, joins us for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about the human side of leadership. Through powerful personal stories, Jim challenges the outdated model of command-and-control and instead champions compassion, integrity, and empathy as leadership superpowers. Jim’s stories span a lifetime—from defending a classmate from a bully in middle school to leading a tech team through a slow-motion sunset with unmatched transparency and care. His message is clear: real leadership isn’t about ego or hierarchy. It’s about consistency, self-awareness, doing the right thing when it’s hard—and knowing when to lighten the mood with humor. 💛 We explore: • The six pillars of effective leadership • Integrity: The question Jim has asked himself nightly since 1983 • Compassion: Standing up to bullies and learning from our missteps • Empathy: How he downsized a team without breaking trust • Why humor is a powerful tool for reframing tension and reconnecting teams • Stories from the book that reveal the emotional core of leadership • What Jim would tell his 20-something self today • Plus: A surprise giveaway for listeners! 🎧 Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 0:31 – Meet Jim Carlough: Author, coach, and values-first leader 2:18 – The six pillars: where they come from and why they matter 4:20 – Integrity: The nightly question that shapes Jim’s leadership 10:56 – A pivotal lesson from the youngest city council member 12:53 – Yo’s own integrity test: a personal confession from her 20s 14:59 – Trade show drama: when fairness is put to the test 17:39 – Compassion: The middle school fight that defined Jim’s values 20:56 – A principal’s call and a father’s unexpected kindness 27:41 – Empathy: How Jim led a sunsetting team without anyone losing income 30:59 – The secret to their sky-high employee satisfaction score 33:58 – Giving people choice: The power of transparency and options 35:23 – Humor as a leadership strategy (and FBI pens at LifeScan!) 💬 Memorable Quotes "Did I do anything today for my own self-benefit at the expense of someone else?" "You don’t get away with being out of integrity—someone always notices." "It wasn’t rocket science. I just treated people the way I’d want to be treated." "We’re not going to win a war pricking people’s fingers!" "Humor helps people breathe again." "It will be okay. Adulting is hard—but it will be okay." 🔑 3 Key Takeaways Integrity is a daily decision. Asking the right question each night can keep you grounded and accountable—even decades later. Empathy builds trust during change. Jim’s leadership during downsizing shows how transparency, choice, and compassion can retain dignity—and satisfaction. Humor heals. When tension runs high, a well-timed joke (or penlet) can reconnect a team and reframe fear into resilience. 🌟 More About Jim Jim Carlough is a seasoned executive and leadership mentor who believes the greatest strength in business lies in human connection. His book, Six Pillars of Effective Leadership, offers timeless guidance and modern relevance for those who want to lead with purpose. 👉 Get the Book Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and jimcarlough.com 🎁 Special Giveaway! The first 3 listeners who leave a comment (positive or constructive) on the podcast forum or social post will receive a free signed copy of Jim’s book. Just don’t leave your address—Yo will reach out to you for details! 📬 Connect with Jim • Website: jimcarlough.com• LinkedIn: Jim Carlough 🎙️ Connect with Your Host, Yo • Website: girltaketheleadpod.com• Email: yo@yocanny.com• Instagram: @yocanny• Online Store: Cards & Gifts that spark connection• FB Group: Girl, Take the Lead!