Can you really lead with empathy and humanity—and get results?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by leadership expert Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective, for a conversation every leader needs to hear. We explore what it really means to lead with heart, how to create a people-first workplace, and why compassion and accountability don’t have to be at odds.

If you’ve ever worried that being a “soft” leader means sacrificing authority or effectiveness, this conversation will challenge everything you’ve been told.

Layci shares practical, actionable ways to build a culture your team actually wants to be part of—while still holding high standards, creating clear expectations, and delivering results that matter.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✨ Why so many workplaces feel disengaging (and what to do about it)
✨ How to balance empathy with authority as a leader
✨ Practical shifts leaders can make to improve team morale and well-being
✨ Layci’s HHART First Framework for human-centered leadership
✨ How to lead with compassion without burning out—or burning bridges

Whether you lead a team or aspire to, this is a must-listen for anyone who believes leadership can be both bold and kind.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Support the Bold Women on Your Team

The Gutsy Collective is a personal development community designed to help bold women rebuild self-trust, shift hesitation into momentum, and take gutsy action—both personally and professionally.

Whether you’re a leader looking to invest in your team’s growth or a woman ready to break through mental barriers yourself, The Gutsy Collective offers real conversations, live coaching, accountability, and tangible next steps to create lasting change.

Learn more by emailing theteam@lauraaura.com or explore membership at https://lauraaura.com/gutsy-collective/ 

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NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

“Empathy and accountability aren’t opposites—they’re partners.”

“When you put people first, performance follows.”

“You don’t have to choose between being kind and being effective.”

“When your team feels seen, heard, and valued—they show up differently.”

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