Compassionate Accountability Podcast

In this episode of The Compassionate Accountability Podcast®, Dr. Nate Regier sits down with Lori Walker, Senior Manager of Talent Development at ERMCO, to explore what it really takes to build a people-first leadership culture inside a fast-paced manufacturing environment. When ERMCO's executive team set out to become an employer of choice, they recognized that technical excellence alone wasn't enough. Leaders needed practical tools to handle conflict, hold people accountable, and create stronger communication across every level of the organization. Lori shares how Compassionate Accountability became the foundation for a company-wide leadership development strategy designed to support both people and performance. From the shop floor to executive leadership, this conversation explores what happens when organizations stop avoiding difficult conversations and start building the skills to navigate them productively. In this episode you'll learn: Why manufacturing environments often struggle with communication and conflict How ERMCO is building Compassionate Accountability into leadership development What happens when leaders avoid difficult conversations How psychological safety impacts innovation and performance Why practical conflict tools create stronger trust and accountability How Compassionate Accountability is being scaled across 3,400 employees Why these communication tools don't just work at work, they transform relationships at home too Rapid fire questions include: What is one thing leadership has taught Lori about people? What did she used to believe about conflict that she no longer believes? What risk did she take implementing this work in manufacturing? What role does trust play in leadership and communication? How has Compassionate Accountability changed the way she approaches difficult conversations? If you're building leadership programs, navigating culture transformation, or trying to create healthier communication in high-pressure environments, this episode offers a powerful real-world example of what becomes possible when compassion and accountability work together. Listen, reflect, and discover how one manufacturing company is changing conflict at work and at home. Subscribe for more real client transformation stories Visit www.next-element.com to learn more about Compassionate Accountability Share this episode with a leader who wants healthier accountability without sacrificing results Get our award-winning book Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results: https://www.next-element.com/publications/ Learn more about ERMCO: https://www.ermco-eci.com/

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes John Parr, his friend, colleague, thought partner, and sounding board for nearly 20 years. John served in the Royal Navy as an Electronic Engineer, has managed a Substance Abuse Recovery Center, has been a therapist, a corporate consultant, an executive coach, and a professional trainer. He's recognized for his work in communication skills and emotional assertiveness. He's an author of books on these topics and created the Emotional Assertiveness Model, a practical framework to express emotions and build relationships authentically. What's In This Episode: How John's childhood and experience in the Navy formed his philosophy. What is emotional assertiveness and why is it important? What's the difference between EQ and EI? What gets in the way of emotional assertiveness? Overview of John's book, Fore-play, Fair-play & Foul-play. What does emotional assertiveness look like in action? Overview of John's books, trainings, and certification offerings. Key Takeaways: [3:01] John briefly overviews some of the foundational influences that have shaped his view of life. [4:35] John talks about his experience managing a Substance Abuse Treatment Center. [5:18] How did John become interested in the power of effective communication and interpersonal skills? [7:18] What is emotional assertiveness, and why is it so important? [9:51] How are emotional assertiveness and intelligence related? [11:23] What gets in the way of human beings being emotionally assertive? [14:50] John explains the meaning of fore-play, fair-play, and foul-play. [19:10] John discusses the core of his book Fore-play, Fair-play, and Foul-play. [22:25] Happiness is a core homeostatic emotion, and then there are three other emotions: sad, angry, and afraid. [24:03] John provides an example of emotional assertiveness in action. [29:26] Dr. Nate and John discuss the importance of engaging in conflict to produce results. [30:41] John confesses he has never had negative client feedback. [34:45] What is next for John? Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element Fore-play, Fair-play, and Foul-play: Emotional Assertiveness, the Happiness Equation John Parr What's Love Got to Do with It?: Harnessing the Power of Love in Your Relationships, John Parr Visit www.teamemotion.com Tweetables: "Being assertive is the bedrock of having healthy relationships." #oncompassion "Assertiveness is a skill that could be learned and taught." #oncompassion "We are often taught to be manipulative, not assertive." #oncompassion

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Jesh De Rox, a cultural Anthropologist, speaker, and entrepreneur whose work explores the link between emotional intelligence, creative genius, human connection, and joy. Jesh is the co-founder and CEO of Superfeel. This revolutionary social wellness platform uses deep insights from neuroscience and anthropology to help people authentically express themselves, meaningfully connect, and grow. Key Takeaways: [2:49] Jesh shares Dr. Nate's presentation's impact on him. [6:06] How did Jesh become interested in photography? [10:04] Jesh explains what he defines as a "Personal Wall." [12:09] Jesh figured out how to lower these "Personal Walls". [13:53] What are some of the strategies that Jesh developed to help lower these personal walls? [18:25] Jesh explains how connection can be created only by reintroducing creative interaction. [20:57] Jesh and Dr. Nate play the color game. [24:39] Jesh prefers Interpersonal Intelligence rather than Artificial Intelligence. [27:14] We are constantly obsessed with survival, which can be an obstacle to accessing higher places in our consciousness and connecting authentically with people. [28:17] What does Superfeel offer to its users? [29:04] Jesh talks about one of the problems in the algorithm design. [32:44] What can the public expect from Superfeel? How does it work? [34:32] Jesh built a technology that is capable of caring. [35:38] Superfeel will be launching in the following month. [36:32] In Superfeel, everything is rated as inspiring, helpful, or funny. [38:34] Superfeel gives people the tools they need to have friendships and mentorship with anybody. Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element Visit Superfeel.com and sign in for the waiting list. Tweetables: "People don't feel their lives very often." #oncompassion "The only way of inviting someone to lower their wall is first to lower yours." #oncompassion "When personal walls are down, you not only get a beautiful picture, but you get joy, connection, and creative expression." #oncompassion "Connection is as simple as reintroducing creative interaction." #oncompassion

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Caverly Morgan to today's episode. Caverly is a spiritual teacher, author, speaker, and nonprofit founder. She is the founder and Lead Contemplative of Peace in Schools—a nonprofit that created the nation's first for-credit mindfulness class in public high schools. She is also the founder of Presence Collective, a community of cross-cultural contemplatives committed to personal and collective transformation, creating spaces for wisdom exchange and belonging. Caverly blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern, nondual approach. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. She has been teaching contemplative practice since 2001. Caverly is passionate about creating opportunities to experience compassion and connection in the community. Caverly shares today how she is manifesting compassion and accountability in the world. Key Takeaways: [2:40] Caverly shares some highlights of her journey that brought her where she is today. [4:05] Caverly became attracted to the question: Is it possible to move through life either without suffering or less of it? [4:56] How does Caverly define compassion? [7:12] Caverly defines compassion as an experience. [8:52] Caverly talks about the link between her work and compassion as an innate ability. [10:54] How do we bring compassion into our workspaces? [11:29] Are there common barriers that people face to practice compassion? [13:17] Always striving vs. Contentedness: If we are at peace, do we lose our motivation? [15:40] Caverly is not a fan of self-improvement and she explains why. [18:09] Caverly shares some valuable examples of the value of interconnection. [21:13] Ask yourself: What blocks in our environment prevent us from truly showing the heart of who we are? [24:32] What if we reinterpret the value of conflict in our relationships? Conflict is efficient in our shared purpose. [26:58] Caverly describes her work with high school students and educators [28:35] Caverly shares a particular story. [30:49] Where does Caverly currently find joy and fulfillment? Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element Learn more about Caverly Morgan Check out Caverly's books: A Kid's Book About Mindfulness and The Heart of Who We Are: Realizing Freedom Together. Tweetables: "Transformation happens in the interaction." #oncompassion "Compassion is a byproduct of knowing that we are connected." #oncompassion "We often get confused about who we are since our identities can wrap around what we do or whether or not we are successful." #oncompassion "Freedom is contagious." #oncompassion

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes you to another episode of On Compassion — this time to discuss deep psychology, human behavior, and how to impact big-scale change. Dr. Nate is joined by Dov Baron, the founder and CEO of Dov Baron International. Dov is a preeminent expert in helping leaders create life and work meaning, his models and strategies of the emotional source code and the anatomy of meaning are used by leaders in business and government worldwide. What's In This Episode What inspired Dov at age 14 to get out of the ghetto in the UK where he was born? What is the Anatomy of Meaning? What is the emotional Source Code? What are the five levels of Emotional Source Code that predict lasting behavior change? How do we explain the behavior of current political leaders, suicide bombers or Neo Nazis? Why are we so lonely? The power of belonging, and the impact on productivity. How do we create cultures of belonging? What is Dov's religion? Why does it matter? What you can do to encourage belonging. Key Takeaways: [4:14] Dov shares some experiences from his past that formed who he is today. [8:55] What is the nature of Dov's business? [12:07} What is the anatomy of meaning? [14:32] We have a responsibility at a personal level to know our anatomy of meaning (which doesn't mean it is the truth, but it is still yours). [15:43] Dov explains what he calls algorithms of rage. [17:22] Dov defines the emotional source code. [24:03] How do we reconcile the human side of relationships with the increasing push toward productivity and results? [28:10] Dov gives a critical suggestion for those wanting to apply his concepts: Embrace curiosity. [34:10] Dr. Nate shares the top three takeaways from a fabulous conversation with Dov Baron. Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element Learn more about Dov Baron Listen to Leadership and Loyalty Podcast and Curiosity Bites Podcast. Tweetables: "Trauma can become a driving force for what is good and what is not so good, and without awareness, it won't go well." #oncompassion "Purpose is not the way; it is the why of the why, which drives us unconsciously." #oncompassion "Now, more than ever, in this epidemic of loneliness, people want community." #oncompassion "Those who control the meaning of the tribe control the movement of the tribe." #oncompassion

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Ed O'Malley, the founding president and CEO of the illustrious Kansas Leadership Center, an organization committed to fostering leadership for stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communities, and Julia Fabris McBride, Chief Civic Leadership Development Officer of the KLC. Ed and Julia embody a Compassion Mindset with their deep caring for people, curiosity, and commitment to excellence. In this episode, they join Dr. Nate to discuss their newest book, When Everyone Leads: How the Toughest Challenges Get Seen and Solved, and the principles of this groundbreaking work. Key Takeaways: [5:52] Julia and Ed share how they built KLC. [7:37] How does When Everyone Leads fit into Ed and Julia's careers? [10:35] Ed explains how they structured this book. [13:07] Julia discusses the journey and experiences that led them to write When Everyone Leads. [15:57] What are the two biggest problems that leaders should and can be ready to solve with this book? [17:50] Ed and Julia describe the difference between adaptive and technical challenges. [21:20] Julia highlights the importance of partnering with Dr. Nate since a compassionate mindset is needed in every leadership role to tackle adaptive challenges. [23:04] Julia and Ed discuss their view on conflict and how we should use it. [25:50] What is their favorite chapter of When Everyone Leads? [29:22] Leaders should get vulnerable, ask for help, and be clear about what matters most to their people. [29:54] What gives Ed and Julia the most hope? [34:01] What has given Julia and Ed joy and enthusiasm lately? [36:53] Dr. Nate shares his top three takeaways from a lively conversation with Ed and Julia. Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Next-Element.com Learn more about Ed O'Malley and Julia Fabris McBride. KansasHealth.org Tweetables: "Leadership is an activity." #oncompassion "One of the biggest challenges in leadership is not to treat adaptive challenges as if they are technical." #oncompassion "Conflict is an opportunity, and it is energy." #oncompassion "Conflict is inherent in progress, which is beautiful!." #oncompassion "Part of exercising leadership is letting go and how to take care of yourself to be able to care for the ones you care most about." #oncompassion

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Elizabeth 'Liz' Bruno to today's episode. Liz, Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida, oversees an impressive six-hospital system with a staggering 14,000 employees. She's a force to be reckoned with—a true rebel at heart and a shining example of compassion in the healthcare field. When it comes to understanding the profound meaning of real compassion in the world of healthcare, Liz gets it. Key Takeaways: [3:27] Liz shares how she became a nurse. [4:40] Liz explains why she likes to be called a 'Learning and Developing Goddess'. [5:14] Liz talks about her role at Baptist Health. [7:20] Liz defines compassion as a competency. [8:35] There can be compassion without empathy. [11:50] Compassion helps everyone involved feel better. [12:50] Dr. Nate shares one of the greatest barriers to practicing compassion. [13:29] How does Liz teach people to behave compassionately in the business of healing? [16:24] How do we deal with burnout and honor our identities in the process? [20:02] It's ok to be vulnerable. [21:00] How does Liz convince people that being vulnerable is the key to more energy and better care? [23:18] Remembering the times when someone took care of you is a great tool to deal with burnout. [26:10] Liz discusses the issue of shortages in healthcare. [29:04] Liz talks about the training she is giving on how to be compassionate virtually. [31:55] What is Liz looking forward to in the next few years? [35:26] Dr. Nate shares the highlights of an amazing conversation with Elizabeth Bruno. Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Follow Elizabeth 'Liz' Bruno on Linkedin Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida Tweetables: "Compassion makes everything better" #oncompassion "Compassion improves outcomes and satisfaction." #oncompassion "Compassion is a learnable and a teachable skill." #oncompassion

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Dr. Kristin Neff to today's episode. Dr. Neff is a researcher, an author, and a business owner she's been recognized as one of the world's most influential research psychologists. Dr. Neff is a pioneer in the study of self-compassion, she was the first one to define and measure the construct almost twenty years ago operationally. Dr. Neff received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkley and is currently an associate professor of Educational Psychology at UT Austin. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and chapters on the topic, she is the author of the book Self-compassion: The Proven Power to Being Kind to Yourself and Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power and Thrive. In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. She's also co-founder of the non-profit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Dr. Neff is bringing compassion to the workplace in so many different ways! In this Episode: How Kristin got interested in studying self-compassion. How is self-compassion different from other kinds of compassion? What are the three components of self-compassion? How self-compassion increases responsibility, agency and resilience. What's the difference between fierce and tender self-compassion? Why is self-compassion more stable than self-efficacy or self-esteem? What are the workplace benefits of self-compassion? Key Takeaways: [2:18] How did Dr. Neff get interested in the field of self-compassion? [3:46] Dr. Neff distinguishes self-compassion from other forms of compassion. [4:11] Dr. Neff shares her three-component model for compassion. [5:44] Dr. Nate and Dr. Neff talk about the origins of the word compassion: Suffering with others. [8:50] Do we suffer alone? That thought is scary and isolating. [9:36] Dr. Neff discusses the number one blockage for self-compassion. [10:21] Self-compassion is a more effective motivator than self-criticism. [12:44] Compassion and accountability cannot live without each other. [13:04] Tender vs. fierce self-compassion. [15:00] Dr. Neff uses the analogy of being a good and compassionate parent. [16:17] Dr. Neff addresses the fact that some help is well-intended but ineffective (not alleviating suffering). [18:03] Self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-compassion provide a sense of value and worth. [21:43]. Dr. Neff talks about her new book Fierce Self Compassion. [24:55] What role does self-compassion play in business? [27:07] How does conflict fit in the practice of self-compassion? [29:20] There is a lot of energy in conflict that we are misusing. [31:55] Dr. Neff advises people on how to start addressing self-compassion. [34:25] Self-compassion is also a spiritual practice. [35:40] Dr. Nate shares the top three takeaways from an insightful conversation with Dr. Neff. Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Check Dr. Neff's website Tweetables: "You can be intentionally kind and supportive to yourself." #oncompassion "The number one block for self-compassion is people thinking that they have to be tougher and harder with themselves, and giving themselves a break seems like lowering their standards ." #oncompassion "Self-compassion is a more effective motivator than self-criticism." #oncompassion "It is not compassionate to let people off the hook." #oncompassion "Self-compassion reduces burnout and increases work-life balance." #oncompassion