Past CFCL Events
Edinburgh Futures Institute Presents: How Compassionate Leadership Transforms the Human Future of Work
July 10, 2025
At the invitation of the Compassion in Financial Services Hub, Evan Harrel and Laura Berland from the Center for Compassionate Leadership gave a talk on “How Compassionate Leadership Transforms the Human Future of Work” at the Edinburgh Futures Institute in Scotland.
In this AI era defined by complexity, disruption, and disconnection, compassionate leadership offers a powerful and effective response. Evan and Laura discussed how to harness compassion as a strategic force to build resilience, foster human thriving, and drive sustainable performance.
Drawing on research and real-world insights, they explored how to lead with compassion—through presence, empathy, and courage—and how to lead for compassion—by shaping systems that prioritize care, dignity, and connection. Participants left with practical tools to lead change that is future-ready.
Global Compassion Community Gathering: Awakening Compassion
at Work
May 7, 2025
On May 7, 2025 we connected with our global community of compassionate colleagues and change-makers to explore Awakening Compassion at Work: A Framework for Organizational Change.
We were delighted to welcome Monica C. Worline, PhD as our guest presenter. She is one of the leading voices bringing compassionate practices into organizations, having co-authored the foundational book Awakening Compassion at Work: The Quiet Power that Elevates People and Organizations. Monica is the Faculty Director of the Center for Positive Organizations, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. At the Center for Compassionate Leadership, Monica serves as Lead Faculty for the upcoming online course Awakening Compassion at Work: How to Build Compassionate Organizations, as well as our Compassionate Leadership Teacher Training.
Compassionate organizations require more than just compassionate individuals. What is missing to transform organizations in these challenging times? Monica shared the proven Social Architecture Framework that gives us a blueprint to design compassionate organizations that thrive. We explored the four specific elements that ensure compassion is built into the organization’s foundation for sustainable success. The practical application of Social Architecture enables leaders to start immediately creating impact.
An open dialogue for Q&A followed Monica’s overview. Questions were answered as we all shared in the wisdom of the community.
This Global Compassion Community Gathering was co-hosted by Laura Berland and Evan Harrel, co-founders of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership.
The event was recorded for those who could not attend live, and still wish to share in the powerful energy and inspiration.
Additional Resources:
Click Here to Download Presentation Slides.
Here is a link to the online article about the Oxford research with Indeed Monica mentioned during the call. The article focuses on the link between workplace wellbeing and firm performance.
If you want to take a deeper dive for, here is the original research associated with that link.
Strengthening Compassionate Leadership in 2025:
An Informational Webinar December 17, 2024
It’s not easy being a compassionate leader in a combative world, especially when driving change can feel lonely and uncertain. Leading with compassion requires great strength and courage. As we move into 2025, the need for compassionate leadership is greater than ever. Compassionate colleagues from around the world joined us for an hour of community, connection, and exploration hosted by Center for Compassionate Leadership co-founders Laura Berland and Evan Harrel along with Faculty Partner Burrell Poe.
In this one-hour webinar we explored:
How compassion strengthens your ability to lead
Fundamentals of compassion and leadership, and how they fit together
How compassion contributes to high team performance
How compassionate leadership drives creativity and clear action
The evidence for how to create thriving employees and organizations
Four elements that strengthen your organization’s compassion
None of us can do this work alone. We learn and grow in community. Hundreds of leaders from around the world have taken our Compassionate Leadership Certification Training programs over the last few years, bringing the lessons they learn back into their own organizations and lives. That journey starts with gaining a better understanding of what Compassionate Leadership encompasses and how to put it into action.
You can watch a video of the gathering below:
The Path to
Compassionate Leadership: An Informational Webinar
September 25, 2024
It’s not easy being a compassionate leader in a combative world, especially when driving change can feel lonely and uncertain. Leading with compassion requires great strength and courage. Compassionate colleagues around the world joined us for an informational webinar hosted by Center for Compassionate Leadership co-founders Laura Berland and Evan Harrel, and Faculty Partner Burrell Poe.
In this one-hour webinar we explored:
The three core dimensions of compassionate leadership
How to utilize compassion to build high performing teams
How compassion helps you become a stronger leader
The difference between compassion and empathy, and why that matters
What to do if your boss is not compassionate
You can watch a video of the gathering below:
The Path to Compassionate Leadership:
An Informational Webinar
May 29. 2024
It’s not easy being a compassionate leader in a combative world, especially when driving change can feel lonely and uncertain. Leading with compassion requires great strength and courage. Compassionate colleagues around the world joined us for an informational webinar hosted by Center for Compassionate Leadership co-founders Laura Berland and Evan Harrel, and Faculty Partner Burrell Poe.
In this one-hour webinar we explored:
The three core dimensions of compassionate leadership
How to utilize compassion to build high performing teams
How compassion helps you become a stronger leader
The difference between compassion and empathy, and why that matters
What to do if your boss is not compassionate
You can watch a video of the gathering below:
Global Compassion Community Gathering: Awakening Compassion
at Work
March 6, 2024
Our global community of compassionate colleagues and change-makers gathered on March 6, 2024 from nations around the globe to align, inspire, and ignite our collective hearts and minds to birth a more compassionate world. Together we explored Awakening Compassion at Work: A Framework for Organizational Change.
We were delighted to welcome Monica C. Worline, PhD as our guest presenter. She is one of the leading voices bringing compassionate practices into organizations, having co-authored the foundational book Awakening Compassion at Work: The Quiet Power that Elevates People and Organizations. Monica is the Faculty Director of the Center for Positive Organizations, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. At the Center for Compassionate Leadership, Monica serves as Lead Faculty for the upcoming online course How to Build Compassionate Organizations: Awakening Compassion at Work, as well as our Compassionate Leadership Teacher Training.
Monica shared a “social architecture approach” to building compassion in organizations, combining the wisdom of personal and relational practice with designing elements of an organization that call forth greater compassion. The session helped all of us to understand and change four specific elements that foster the collective organizing of compassion. This approach ensures that awakening compassion is built into the organization’s foundation, extending impact beyond the scope of individual compassion. The practical application of social architecture enables leaders to see and shape compassion as an emergent quality of an organization for the benefit of all.
An open dialogue for Q&A followed Monica’s overview. The event was a wonderful forum for those in attendance to have their questions answered and to share in the wisdom of the community.
The Global Compassion Community Gathering was co-hosted by Laura Berland and Evan Harrel, co-founders of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for bringing your voice, vision, and passion to this community. And thank you for doing your part to weave the world anew.
Our collective intention to spark a compassion revolution is already in motion!
You can watch a video of the gathering here:
Global Compassion Community Gathering September 26, 2023
Our global community gathered on September 26, 2023 from nations around the globe to align, inspire, and ignite our collective hearts and minds to birth a more compassionate world.
We were delighted to welcome Jennifer Nadel as our guest presenter and practice leader. Jennifer, the Director of Compassionate Politics at Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, is a pioneer in the emerging field of compassionate politics. She speaks globally about the transformative power of compassion as a catalyst to accelerate social change and reduce avoidable suffering. She co-founded the think tank, Compassion in Politics, in 2018. In 2022 she helped establish the Global Compassion Coalition which now has a global reach of millions.
In discussion and practice with Jennifer, we explored how compassion is a catalyst for systemic and social change.
Following our time with Jennifer, we headed into small breakout rooms for connection, reflection, and inspiration from peers. This intimate time with like-minded compassion advocates from around the world is cited as our community’s favorite aspect of these events.
The event was co-hosted by Laura Berland, founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, and Monica Worline, PhD, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work and Research Scientist with Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for bringing your voice, vision, and passion to this community. And thank you for doing your part to weave the world anew.
Our collective intention to spark a compassion revolution is already in motion!
You can watch a video of the gathering here:
Global Compassion
Community Gathering
December 6, 2022
Our global community gathered on December 6, 2022 from nations around the globe to align, inspire, and ignite our collective hearts and minds to birth a more compassionate world.
Due to an unexpected COVID health issue, our guest presenter and practice leader, Sará King, MA, PhD, was unable to join us. We are grateful to co-host Dr. Monica Worline, who led us into a closely related conversation around definitions of pain, suffering, and trauma in the workplace, and how to awaken compassionate leadership in the face of such challenges.
We then headed into small breakout rooms for connection, reflection, and inspiration from peers. This intimate time with like-minded compassion advocates from around the world is cited as our community’s favorite aspect of these events.
The event was co-hosted by Laura Berland, founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, and Monica Worline, PhD, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work and Research Scientist with Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for bringing your voice, vision, and passion to this community. And thank you for doing your part to weave the world anew.
You can watch a video of the gathering here:
Global Compassion
Community Gathering
September 29, 2022
Our global community gathered on September 29, 2022 from nations around the globe to align, inspire, and ignite our collective hearts and minds to birth a more compassionate world.
We were delighted to welcome Sará King, MA, PhD, as our guest presenter and practice leader. Dr. King is a mother, a neuroscientist, political and learning scientist, education philosopher, social-entrepreneur, public speaker, and certified yoga and mindfulness meditation instructor. She is currently a post-doctoral fellow in Neurology at Oregon Health Science University, a Garrison Institute Fellow, and a core member of Google’s well-being think tank “Vitality Lab.” She is also the founder of MindHeart Consulting, leading the field that intersects neuroscience, social justice, and art to heal intergenerational trauma. Dr. King is also the Co-Director of the Embodied Social Justice Certificate Program alongside Rev. angel Kyodo williams and Dr. Rae Johnson. She has been invited to create trauma healing circles, curated meditations, keynote speeches and scientific lectures for Nike, the Jordan Brand, Google, Mobius, Dr. Dan Siegel’s The Mindsight Institute, UCLA, Oxford University, UCSF, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley and Harvard Medical School, among many others. In 2021, she made the November cover of Yoga Journal Magazine as a “Game Changer” for her award-winning work bridging neuroscience, social justice and contemplative practices. In 2022, she was also named one of the "10 Most Powerful Women in Mindfulness" by Mindful Magazine.
Dr. King introduced us to The Science of Social Justice (SSJ) framework for research and facilitation, which explores how well-being and social justice are one and the same – especially when we re-define "justice" as "loving-awareness-in-action." It asserts that we cannot effectively work towards social justice in our communities without compassionately taking care of our hearts, minds, and bodies, and vice versa to "lovingly-disrupt" the ways in which we experience violence and trauma. The Science of Social Justice is an interdisciplinary field of study, using neuroscience, anthropology, and education science to uncover the complexity of the impact of the psychological (mental), embodied (physiological), and relational (relationship-based) trauma that has resulted from centuries of systemic and institutionalized oppression for marginalized populations here in the U.S. and abroad. Together, we explored why utilizing science, contemplative practices, art, and music can support a return to holistic health for individuals and communities, and help us redefine how we understand embodied leadership.
Following our time with Sará, we headed into small breakout rooms for connection, reflection, and inspiration from peers. This intimate time with like-minded compassion advocates from around the world is cited as our community’s favorite aspect of these events.
The event was co-hosted by Laura Berland, founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, and Monica Worline, PhD, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work and Research Scientist with Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.
We were so fortunate to gather from all corners of the globe to share our intentions for bringing compassion to all who long to heal and flourish. Most importantly, it is not just the external systems that require compassionate care, it is each and every one of us who can benefit from the inner work of self-compassion to rest, restore, and return to wholeness. Only then can we activate this change from the inside out.
You can watch a video of the gathering below:
Global Compassion
Community Gathering
May 19, 2022
Our global community gathered on May 19, 2022 from 31 nations to align, inspire, and ignite our collective hearts and minds to birth a more compassionate world.
We were delighted to welcome Stephen Trzeciak, MD, MPH, co-author of the influential Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence that Caring Makes a Difference. His new book is Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself. Dr. Trzeciak talked about the “Live to Give” mindset, and the science behind the impact of serving others. His hard science approach to serving invites skeptics to embrace the power of leading with compassion and service.
Dr. Trzeciak is a physician scientist, professor and chair of medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, and the chief of medicine at Cooper University Health Care. He is a practicing intensivist (specialist in intensive care medicine), and clinical researcher who has been published more than 120 times in publications including JAMA, Circulation, and The New England Journal of Medicine. His research has been supported by grants from the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Following our time with Dr. Trzeciak, we headed into small breakout rooms for connection, reflection, and inspiration from peers. We reflected on areas to focus on based on Dr. Trzeciak’s prescribed seven steps in the book.
Laura Berland, Founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, co-hosted with Monica Worline, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work and Research Scientist with Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, and Evan Harrel, co-founder of the Center for Compassionate Leadership.
We were so fortunate to gather from all corners of the globe to share our intentions for bringing compassion at this crucial time in history. Our collective intention to spark a compassion revolution is already in motion!
You can watch a video of the gathering here:
Global Compassion Community Gathering
December 9, 2021
On December 9, compassionate leaders from 28 countries came together to create a safe space to connect, reflect, and tap into their innate compassionate nature.
We were delighted to welcome guest presenter and practice leader, Shelly Tygielski, author of Sit Down to Rise Up: How Radical Self-Care Can Change the World. Shelly is the founder of Pandemic of Love, a global, grassroots, volunteer-led mutual aid community that has directly matched nearly two million people since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic of Love is a brilliant example of how one person’s courageous compassion can activate systemic change.
Shelly shared her personal perspectives on living and serving through the lens of love, led us through a beautiful compassion lovingkindess meditation, and answered questions from the community. Thank you, Shelly, for sharing so much of yourself, your wisdom, and your humanity with us!
Next we dove into deeper conversation with small groups in breakout rooms. This intimate time with like-minded compassion advocates from around the world is a community favorite for reflection, connection, and inspiration from peers.
The event was co-hosted by Laura Berland, Founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, and Monica Worline, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work and Stanford University researcher with the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE).
Gathering in community reminds us that it is not just the external systems that require compassionate care, it is each and every one of us who can benefit from the inner work of self-compassion to rest, restore, and return to wholeness. Only then can we activate change from the inside out.
Thank you for your vision, passion, and unique contribution to weave the world anew. And thank you for your remembrance that compassion is one of the essential paths for all humanity, all beings, and our precious planet herself to thrive with love, peace and joy.
Our collective intention to spark a compassion revolution is already in motion!
You can watch a video of the event here:
Art Credit: Leah Dorion
Global Compassion Community Gathering
September 10, 2021
On September 10, participants from 60 countries came together to create a safe space to connect, reflect, and tap into their innate compassionate nature.
Our guest presenter and practice leader was Kristin Neff, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion nearly twenty years ago. She is the author of the bestselling book Self-Compassion. Her newest book is Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive. The event was co-hosted by Laura Berland, Founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, and Monica Worline, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work and Stanford University researcher with the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE).
We regret that the video recording of the event is no longer available for viewing. (This video was available for viewing by participants only until November 12, 2021.)
Art Credit: Leah Dorion
Global Compassion Community Gathering
July 15, 2021
On July 15, we celebrated our connection as a global community of compassionate friends and allies. We gathered from 38 nations around the planet to align, inspire, and ignite our collective hearts and minds to birth a more compassionate world.
We were delighted to welcome Scott Shute as our guest presenter and practice leader. Scott is the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion at the global social business network LinkedIn and author of the wonderful new book The Full Body Yes. Scott sits at the intersection of the workplace and ancient wisdom traditions. Previously, he was the Vice President of LinkedIn’s Customer Operations organization.
In his current role as Head of Mindfulness and Compassion at LinkedIn, Scott blends his lifelong practice and passion with his practical leadership and operations experience. His mission is to change work from the inside out by “mainstreaming mindfulness” and “operationalizing compassion.”
Scott shared his personal perspectives on compassion, lead us through some compassion practices, and answer questions from the community.
Following our time with Scott, we dove into deeper conversation with small groups in breakout rooms. This intimate time with like-minded compassion advocates from around the world was a community favorite for reflection, connection, and inspiration from peers.
The event was co-hosted by Laura Berland, founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, and Monica Worline, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work and Stanford University researcher with the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.
We were so fortunate to gather from all corners of the globe to share our intentions for bringing compassion to all who long to heal and flourish. Most importantly, it is not just the external systems that require compassionate care, it is each and every one of us who can benefit from the inner work of self-compassion to rest, restore, and return to wholeness. Only then can we activate this change from the inside out.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for your vision and passion to weave the world anew. And thank you for your remembrance that compassion is one of the essential paths for all humanity, all beings, and our precious planet herself to thrive with love, peace and joy.
Our collective intention to spark a compassion revolution is already in motion!
You can watch a video of the gathering below:
Art Credit: Leah Dorion
Women’s Global Compassion Gathering
March 28, 2021
On March 28, in celebration of Women’s History Month, we were delighted to host the celebration of International Women’s History Month as a global community of compassionate women and allies to align, inspire, and ignite our collective hearts and minds to birth a more compassionate world.
Kenya Casey, MSW
Notable guests included Kenya Casey, compassion and mental health advocate from The Carter Center; Liz Grant, global health compassion activist from the University of Edinburgh; and Monica Worline, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work, and Stanford University researcher with the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.
We needed no reminder that Mother Earth is at the brink of collapse, as are so many traditional systems and organizations. As women, we carry the burden of survival on our shoulders - not just during this time of the global pandemic, but throughout recorded history.
Professor Liz Grant, MA, PhD, FRSE, FRCPE, MFPH
We united to honor our mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and all the ancestors who came before us who courageously prevailed through unimaginable circumstances.
It was only possible for us to gather because of their life-giving energy, their resilience, their generosity, their care, and their compassion. Now it is our destiny to continue the lineage of women who have changed the world for the better.
Monica Worline, PhD
We gathered to share our intentions for bringing compassion to all who long to heal and flourish. Most importantly, it is not just the external systems that require compassionate care, it is each and every one of us who benefit from the inner work of self-compassion to rest, restore, and return to wholeness. Only then can we activate this change from the inside out.
Thank you for your vision and passion to weave the world anew. And thank you for your remembrance that compassion is one of the essential paths for all humanity, all beings, and our precious planet herself to thrive with love, peace, and joy.
During the hour-long community gathering we connected, and reflected together. We also shared poetry, passion, laughter, and experienced compassion meditations and practices in community.
The event was recorded for those who could not attend and still wish to share in the powerful energy and inspiration. Our collective intention to spark a compassion revolution is already in motion!
The gathering was hosted by Laura Berland of the Center for Compassionate Leadership. You can watch a recording of the event below;
Art Credit: Leah Dorion
Global Health Compassion Rounds
March 11, 2021
Sponsored by the Focus Area for Compassion and Ethics at the Task Force for Global Health and the World Health Organization, Laura Berland and Evan Harrel presented to this global audience of global health professionals seeking to bring more compassion into the field. Read the full report or watch the video of the event.
National Association of Women Business Owners Conference
February 4, 2021
CFCL Executive Director Laura Berland addressed the NAWBO Winter 2021 Leadership Academy with her keynote address, Empathy and Compassion at Work: Leading from the Inside Out for Sustainable Success. In her presentation, Laura addressed how cultures of compassion create safety, connection and belonging for business leaders, employees, clients, and communities.
Epidemiology of Compassion and Love
January 8-10, 2020
Laura Berland and Evan Harrel participated in this invitation-only symposium of seventy global leaders in compassion and love to explore two fundamental questions:
1. To what extent can epidemiology contribute to our understanding of compassion and love?
2. To what extent can epidemiology support and guide efforts to realize a “loving world,” in which compassion is a key driver of quality health services?
Read the executive summary of the symposium.