Confidence in Inclusive Loving Leadership

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This is the mantra I repeat each morning and throughout the day to stay focused on what really matters:

Keep loving. 

Keep uplifting.

Keep connecting.

Keep including. 

Keep listening.

Keep respecting.

Keep appreciating.

Keep amplifying.

Keep collaborating.  

This helps me pay attention to my values and not be distracted. Afterall, the truth has not change: A loving, human workplace is better for people and it's better for teams, organizations, customers, performance, and profitability. And loving workplaces are better for communities and families too. Hold on tight to that! 

I'm revisiting my research interviews as I work on my book. These stories clearly show the harm of fear-based leadership and the power and importance of love-based leadership. 

Joan's stories are good examples. Read on to remember and be encouraged to keep loving. 

Joan's Story of Fear at Work: Unhealthy Competition and Scarcity

Early in her career, Joan (not her real name) worked in a culture of fear and scarcity. Leadership fueled insecurity, pushing staff to take on extra work without recognition or fair pay.

“The message was always: you could have done more—not ‘thank you for what you’ve done,’” Joan recalled.

Advocating for yourself meant undermining a colleague. The result? Silent competition, mistrust, and survival mode. As a young woman of color in her first job, Joan questioned her own competence, absorbing the instability around her. She realized how harmful and ineffective that workplace was.

Years later, she saw the hidden gifts in that toxic experience. She developed a sharp instinct for spotting unhealthy workplaces—and avoiding them. More importantly, she gained clarity on the kind of leader she didn’t want to be. Today, that insight shapes how she fosters inclusion, community, and real business results.

Joan's Story of Love at Work: Creating an Inclusive Community

Joan stepped into a leadership role in a small busines, leading influencer outreach. She noticed the brand's network lacked diversity, so she shifted the focus from competition to community among the influencers. 

Rather than following the usual formula, she expanded outreach to diverse creators, fostering an inclusive, authentic community. She wasn’t just selling—she wanted people to feel seen and valued.

“I didn’t just want people to buy from us—I wanted them to feel part of something bigger.” - Joan

This shift helped the business thrive while building trust and representation. Joan saw that leading with love meant prioritizing belonging and human connection, creating relationships that lasted. She pointed out,

“Relationships take time, but when built on care, they last.” 

Loving Leader, never doubt that building a diverse, inclusive community where people are seen and heard, respected and welcomed is good business and good for the world too.  

If you are looking for resources to support your Loving Leadership, we have options for you!

🎙️ Listen to the Love Lead Change podcast, which I co-host with Simon Phillips. Be inspired by leaders who share how they lead with love—and the difference it makes for people and results.

📖 Read my article, 7 Ways To Lead With Love - Even If Your Organization Isn't Ready Yet, for practical insights and timely encouragement from someone who's been there.