Compassionate leadership is about leading and communicating with compassion and authenticity, starting with yourself. When we are leading with compassion we not only take responsibility for ourselves, but we also begin holding the vision for others to do the same. — Laura Jack

Laura Jack, author, speaker, and coach on how self-compassion taught her how to lead others through change and uncertainty

Laura Jack is no stranger to career transitions. Over the course of ten years she’s been a health coach, a massage therapist, a transformational life coach, a grief recovery specialist, and an author and speaker on compassionate leadership in schools and businesses across the country. Although these experiences are each unique, the skills and lessons they taught along the way have formed the foundation of a rewarding career that has helped Laura empower thousands of people to rise up as leaders in their own lives, communities, and workplaces.

Today, she is a multifaceted entrepreneur with projects that span a bestselling book, The Compassion Code, leading trainings for the Grief Recovery Institute, and offering leadership development programs for clients including Nike, Intel, and the Fort Bend Independent School District, one of the largest school districts in the country. While she has reached countless people through her work over the years, she admits that in order to get to a place where she can help lead others, she first had to learn to lead herself through times of pain and uncertainty in her own life. In this interview, Laura shares key learnings from her journey and advice for anyone struggling with insecurity, fear, and change in their lives or careers.

You’ve done a lot of things over the course of your career, and now teach compassionate leadership skills to business and community leaders. What is compassionate leadership and what led you on this path?

Compassionate leadership is about leading and communicating with compassion and authenticity, starting with yourself. Compassion is the act of relating kindly to yourself and others particularly during challenging times. When we are leading with compassion we not only take responsibility for ourselves, but we also begin holding the vision for others to do the same. Inspiring, motivating, and empowering others means that we start by being the compassionate leaders of our own lives. So, when it comes to motivating, inspiring, and empowering the people in your life to do their best and be their best, (whether they work for you, are your children, your spouse, your parents, siblings, or a stranger) leading by example with kindness, compassion, and respect yields the best results because you are walking the talk.

Looking back through all of my experiences, I was learning to become more compassionate with myself as I learned to help others. For example, when I became a health coach, helping others helped me learn to listen to my body and intuition; when I became a transformational life coach, it helped me learn to examine my thoughts; the grief work helped me manage my feelings around loss and change. All of that work culminated into a broader practice which is compassionate leadership.

What is the biggest lesson you have taken from your career journey so far?

Through all of my work, I know I am STILL a work in progress, as we all are. We are each learning and growing, and I personally try to find peace with that evolution. Many people in my life have more traditional careers, but I chose to take a different path. For a long time I struggled with negative thought patterns that made me afraid of being judged for that decision. Learning to practice kindness with myself helped me to step into my own leadership and become the author of my own narrative.

What is the best part of what you do? What’s your Why?

The best part of compassionate leadership is that it starts with me. So when so many things feel out of my control, I can feel empowered with the way I show up in the world. I walk my talk and I get to witness how that transforms my relationships. Leading by example and teaching others the tools to communicate more compassionately and effectively (starting with themselves), brings me joy because I get to witness people feeling more empowered, understood, and joyful which translates in how they then engage with others. These shifts allow us to build connection and therefore make the world an infinitely better place.

What advice do you have for others as they explore a new career or change?

Know that “success” doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a journey that requires persistence, trust in yourself, and trust in the outcome. There are a lot of people who have done it before you who can give you guidance and support. Think of yourself and your ideas as a tiny seed that needs nourishment as you grow. Plant yourself in fertile ground, surround yourself with sunlight, and give yourself plenty of support through mentors, friends, family, coaches, and anyone who is going to help you. Don’t let others limit your growth, and invest in yourself. There is no dream too big. 

Laura Jack coaches conscious, mission-driven leaders and decision-makers to confidently navigate change and challenge with compassion and ease. As a Compassionate Communication & Leadership Coach, Trainer for The Grief Recovery Institute, International Best Selling Author, Speaker, and Founder of The Compassion Code Academy, she provides in-depth training for those who want to create a culture of compassion both personally and professionally. LauraJack.com