Summary In this conversation, Kerwin Speight shares his insights on compassionate leadership in journalism, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-care, and team well-being. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the need for connection in remote work environments, and the initiatives being implemented by Poynter to support mental health in newsrooms. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of leadership and the significance of understanding and caring for team members. Takeaways Compassionate leadership is essential in journalism. Empathy can significantly improve team dynamics. Self-care practices are crucial for leaders. Recognizing burnout is key to supporting teams. Fostering connections helps remote teams feel engaged. Poynter offers valuable resources for mental health. Work-life chemistry is more realistic than balance. Feedback from teams is vital for improvement. Creative initiatives can enhance team morale. Compassionate leaders motivate and understand their teams. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Compassionate Leadership 05:11 Influential News Leaders and Their Impact 07:58 Kerwin's Leadership Style and Situational Leadership 10:29 Challenges and Rewards in Newsroom Management 13:15 Self-Care Strategies for Leaders 16:01 Empathy in Leadership 18:52 Engagement Initiatives During the Pandemic 22:00 Feedback Mechanisms in Newsrooms 24:46 Poynter's Role in Supporting Newsroom Well-Being 27:26 Work-Life Chemistry Course at Poynter 30:21 Upcoming Initiatives at Poynter 33:19 Defining Compassionate Leadership