In this first episode of the series Profit and Loss of Our Soul: Redefining Success in a Broken System, Ali Horriyat of Compassiviste begins a deeply nuanced and holistic look at the world we live in. You can also find Ali on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and TikTok.

Up first, a deep dive into how the traditional CEO views the world and what really drives them to do what they do.

Highlights include:

The Tough Reality of Being a CEO

The Challenge of Maintaining Growth

The Maximization Mindset

The Drive for Profit

The Disconnect Between CEOs and Society

The Role of Greed in Corporate Leadership

The Spiritual Dimension of Corporate Leadership

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the CEO Mindset: Recognize the unique challenges and pressures faced by CEOs.
• Balancing Profit and Responsibility: Strive for a balance between financial growth and social responsibility.
• Ethical Leadership: Embrace ethical considerations in decision-making processes.
• Power Dynamics: Be aware of the growing influence of corporations and the implications for society.
• Spiritual Leadership: Consider the spiritual dimensions of leadership and prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

This series, we are exploring a different road to success with Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco. We take a deep dive into the Art of Compassionate Business. Consider reaching out to Bruno here and buying his book here.

This episode is about understanding the impact of fear and love in the workplace. The key highlights are:

The Destructive Nature of Fear

Manifestations of Fear in OrganizationsThe Transformative Power of Compassion

Identifying and Addressing Pockets of Fear

Personal Anecdotes and Real-World Examples

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

This series, we are exploring a different road to success with Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco. We take a deep dive into the Art of Compassionate Business. Consider reaching out to Bruno here and buying his book here.

We take a look at FEAR in the workplace. Specfically,

Understanding Fear in the Workplace

The Evolutionary Purpose of Fear

The Impact of Fear on Creativity and Trust

The Contagious Nature of Fear

Strategies for Mitigating Fear in the Workplace

Practical Tips for Leaders

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

This series, we are exploring a different road to success with Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco. We take a deep dive into the Art of Compassionate Business. Consider reaching out to Bruno here and buying his book here.

Many leaders believe they excel at leading people and managing projects, yet feedback from their teams often reveals a starkly different reality. This discrepancy raises an important question: how can leaders bridge this gap and cultivate a more compassionate and effective workplace?

The Human Element in Business

Dr. Bruno highlights a prevalent issue in many organizations: employees are often treated as mere tools for productivity. This instrumental view dehumanizes both employees and customers, reducing them to means for achieving profit and efficiency. He argues that this approach neglects the fundamental human experiences that connect us all—our fears, aspirations, and personal challenges. By recognizing this commonality, leaders can foster more authentic connections with their teams.

The Importance of Compassion

Compassion in business is not merely a nicety; it is a strategic advantage. Dr. Bruno explains that many companies lack a culture of support, leading to a merciless environment where employees feel isolated and competitive. This lack of trust can result in negative workplace politics, where individuals hoard information and compete against one another rather than collaborating for the greater good.

The Business Case for Compassion

Charlene raises a common concern among listeners: the perception that fostering compassion in the workplace is an additional burden on already busy leaders. Dr. Bruno counters this by presenting compelling evidence from research on "loving work environments." These environments, characterized by psychological safety and support, lead to higher employee satisfaction and, consequently, higher customer satisfaction.

Delighting Customers

Dr. Bruno introduces the concept of "delighting customers," which involves exceeding their expectations. For instance, when a customer purchases a product and receives exceptional service, such as free training or ongoing support, they feel valued and are more likely to become loyal advocates for the brand. This approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also builds a strong, lasting relationship between the business and its clientele.

Listen to glean the actionable tips Dr. Bruno provides for each of these highlights.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

The definition of insanity is doing the same things and expecting a different result. Let's take a different road with Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco. This is the first episode in a series that takes a deep dive into the Art of Compassionate Business. Consider reaching out to Bruno here and buying his book here.

The Key Takeaways:

Balancing Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects

Dr. Bruno points out that many businesses tend to focus predominantly on quantitative metrics—what can be measured and counted, such as profits and productivity. While these aspects are essential, an overemphasis on quantitative metrics can lead to unethical practices, such as deceiving customers with false advertising, exploiting employees through excessive work hours, and harming the environment by disregarding sustainability. He argues that businesses must also consider encompassing qualitative dimensions like compassion, camaraderie, support, and gratitude.

Shifting from Competitive to Collaborative Mindsets

Dr. Bruno critiques the 'belligerent vocabulary' often used in business, which draws from military terminology and fosters a competitive mindset. This vocabulary, filled with terms like 'war room' and 'battle plan, 'can create a hostile work environment and hinder collaboration. He advocates for a shift toward cooperation, strategic alliances, and partnerships that allow companies to support one another and share resources.

Recognizing Interdependence Among Stakeholders

A significant theme in Dr. Bruno's discussion is the concept of interdependence. He emphasizes that businesses cannot thrive in isolation; they rely on a network of relationships with various stakeholders. By recognizing this interdependence, companies can move away from self-centred practices that prioritize short-term gains at the expense of others.

Addressing the Four Fundamental Needs of Employees and Stakeholders

Dr.Bruno identifies four fundamental needs that employees and stakeholders have: economic, emotional, mental, and social needs. He explains that while economic needs—such as fair compensation—are crucial, they are not sufficient on their own. Employees also require emotional recognition, mental stimulation, and social connections to feel fulfilled in their roles.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

This final episode in our series with a psychotherapist is a must-listen for anyone grappling with climate anxiety or seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

Eric Windhorst, a registered psychotherapist, eco-psychologist, and mentor and I cover five main areas --

When to Seek Help for Climate Anxiety

Finding the Right Support

The Power of Authenticity

Cooperation Over Competition

The Complexity of Hope

And you can find Eric Windhorst most days here and socially on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

As you heard, Charlene Norman announced the formation of a new 5Cs communicty and here is where you can keep up with the latest news.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

In the second episode of this three part series, we delve into the heart of climate anxiety and how it's being recognized (or not) in healthcare systems.

Our guest, Eric Windhorst has a unique approach to therapy and focuses on the connection between our inner nature (our authentic self) and outer nature (the interconnectedness of the natural world). He likens himself to a "greenhouse," fostering growth and healing in his clients. We cover:

The Power of Being Centered

Witnessing and Supporting Suffering

Climate Anxiety - A Healthy Response

Embracing Pain and Grief

This is the link to the Good Grief Network You may also find resources here The Climate Psychology Alliance of North America or here Climate Psycholgy Alliance.

And you can find Eric Windhorst most days here and socially on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

And if this episode resonates, you can join the 5Cs community waitlist here!

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

Given the stark repurcussions resulting from the recent US election, this series is a refresher for all people dealing with anxiety and especially climate anxiety.

With guest, Eric Windhorst, a registered psychotherapist specializing in eco-psychology we discuss the concept of climate or eco anxiety and cover the following main points.

Understanding Eco Anxiety: A real, deep-seated dread or despair about the state of our planet. It's a term that's been gaining traction since 2017, reflecting our growing awareness of the emotional toll of climate change.

Who's Most Affected?: Interestingly, Eric pointed out that eco anxiety seems to hit younger generations harder. Teens and 20-somethings, who are growing up amidst constant discussions about climate change, often grapple with a sense of instability and uncertainty about their future as do those persons up to around 45 years old.

The Ecological Self: We delved into the idea of the 'ecological self' - the interconnectedness of all beings and the planet. It's a concept that's echoed in quantum physics and spiritual traditions, pointing to a profound sense of oneness.

The Challenge of Open-Heartedness: Living with an open heart in a world full of pain and suffering is no easy task. Eric emphasized the importance of processing this pain, as it paves the way for compassion and meaningful action.

Reconnecting with the World: We discussed the work of Joanna Macy on reconnecting with the world's pain and the need for support in this process. Eric believes that opening our hearts and reconnecting with each other and the land is the way forward, despite the pain and grief involved.

You can find Eric Windhorst most days here and socially on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

And if this episode resonates, go here to get on the 5Cs community waiting list.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.