Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This week, we’re taking on a big leadership myth: that kindness is weakness.
Alongside guest Jeff LeBlanc — lecturer, Forbes-featured strategist, and creator of the Engaged Empathy Leadership Model — we unpack what kindness really means in a leadership context. Not just whether it works, but whether we’re defining it all wrong.

From setting boundaries to building trust, Jeff shares real-world examples and practical strategies to make kindness a powerful leadership tool — not just a feel-good slogan.

💡 Key Takeaways from Jeff LeBlanc

• Kindness isn’t about being liked — it’s about being trusted. It’s structured, intentional, and deeply tied to fairness.
• Avoidance isn’t kindness. Real kindness involves honest feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Clarity, consistency and compassion are the backbone of kind leadership.
• Follow-through matters. Kindness without action breeds frustration.
• Kindness is a practice — not a personality trait. You don’t need to be warm or bubbly to be a kind leader.
  🔗 Connect with Jeff LeBlanc

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jeff-leblanc-93212510a
Website: www.jeffleblancdba.com

💬 Connect with Al & Leanne

Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🧠 Support With Mental Health and Well-being

– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
– Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

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And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical insights from real leaders — every Tuesday and Thursday.