Love in Action

Episode recap

 

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In this episode, Marcel interviewed Frank Danna and Chris Pitre, co-authors of "Love as a Change Strategy," discussing their book's themes and their experience at Softway, a technology company that transformed from a toxic culture to a human-centered organization. The conversation explored how embracing discomfort, prioritizing relationships, and practicing empathetic curiosity can lead to successful organizational change. Frank and Chris shared personal stories about their own transformation journeys and how they apply these principles at Softway. They discussed the importance of leaders modeling change behavior and the role of AI in enhancing human connection at work. The authors emphasized that change should be led, not managed, and highlighted the need for leaders to be intentional with their words and actions.

 

 

Guest Bio

 

Chris Pitre is Vice President at both Culture+ and Softway. Chris has spent his career helping companies reimagine how they work, focusing on how they treat their people and communicate.

 

Frank Danna serves as the Marketing Director at Softway and is the Co-Founder of Culture+, where he helps leaders transform their leadership through love, empathy, and behavior-based change.

 

 

Quotes: 

Chris Pitre: “Without a positive or strong culture, it's actually harder to bounce back. Adversity becomes that much scarier and that much more formidable.” 

Chris Pitre: “If you are a leader who is about to implement change and you're not uncomfortable, that should be a scary thing.” 

Frank Danna: “If you want to change, discomfort is the solution.” 

Chris Pitre: “I truly believe that comfort is a privilege and change, and so if you are comfortable, that means that everybody else is paying for your comfort, and likely you are someone who is probably oppressing the team.” 

Chris Pitre: “You get to decide at a certain point in your career who you will become: are you the boss that leaves a mark or a scar?” 

 

 

Takeaways: 

Real, sustainable change fails when it’s treated as a technical process instead of a deeply human, emotional experience. 

The six principles of change—embracing discomfort, prioritizing relationships, practicing empathetic curiosity, wielding your influence, experimenting, and being effective—act as a flexible “middle layer” between rigid processes and long-term behavior change. 

Leaders themselves are often the biggest blockers of transformation when they cling to titles, certainty, and comfort while expecting others to do the hard changing. 

Resistance to change is frequently a signal that people feel unheard, and genuine empathetic curiosity can turn resistors into powerful champions. 

AI, when introduced from a humane, people-first lens, can remove transactional work and actually create more room for empathy, collaboration, and truly human leadership. 

 

 

Timestamps: 

00:00:02 Introduction and Softway’s turnaround story 

00:03:30 Welcoming guests Frank Danna and Christopher Pitre 

00:03:55 Frank’s story: from imposter syndrome to belonging 

00:05:26 Chris’s story: corporate “robot,” stroke, and the power of workplace community 

00:11:36 What Softway does and its evolution to AI-focused transformation 

00:15:02 What people get wrong about love as a change strategy and why change fails 

00:21:53 The six principles of change 

00:24:00 Embracing discomfort and why leaders must feel uneasy 

00:27:12 How leaders become the blockers of change 

00:31:06 Personal transformation, accountability, and resistance as unheard voices 

00:36:21 Rabbit hole: traditional male leadership, narcissism, and the cost to culture 

00:40:13 Can AI actually increase humanity and love in the workplace? 

00:43:35 Have we missed any essential questions? 

00:44:55 Practical ways to lead with love day in and day out 

00:47:39 Final takeaways: be like the buffalo and don’t manage change—lead it 

00:50:15 Teasing the third book in the series 

00:51:08 Where to learn more about Softway, the books, and the podcast  

 

 

Conclusion: 

Love isn’t a soft extra in business—it’s the toughest, most practical strategy for real change. This episode shows how embracing discomfort, listening with empathy, and leading like a “buffalo” through the storm can turn a toxic culture into a place of belonging and growth. Frank and Chris prove that when leaders go first, drop their ego, and put people at the center, both performance and humanity rise. AI, handled with a humane-first mindset, becomes a catalyst—not a threat—for more meaningful, human work. Take what you’ve heard today and decide: will you manage change from a distance, or step in and lead it with love? 

 

 

Links/Resources: 

Softway: https://www.softway.com/  

Culture+: https://www.culture-plus.com/  

Love as a Strategy: https://www.loveasastrategy.com/  

Softway LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamsoftway/  

Culture+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culture_plus/  

Love as a Change Strategy: https://loveasachangestrategy.com/  

Love as a Business Strategy: https://www.loveasabusinessstrategy.com/  

Frank Danna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankDanna/  

Chris Pitre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispitre/  

Episode 183 with the CEO of Softway, Mohammad Anwar: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/mohammad-anwar-love-as-a-business-strategy-ep-183/  

Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/      

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/  

Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fO2r_ZQ3wy5ie522f-DTQ  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/

Episode recap 

 

Don’t forget to subscribe to my Substack for exclusive access to tools, action plans, long-form articles, book content, and coaching resources to level up your leadership! Subscribe here. 

 

In this episode, Marcel interviewed Frank Danna and Chris Pitre, co-authors of "Love as a Change Strategy," discussing their book's themes and their experience at Softway, a technology company that transformed from a toxic culture to a human-centered organization. The conversation explored how embracing discomfort, prioritizing relationships, and practicing empathetic curiosity can lead to successful organizational change. Frank and Chris shared personal stories about their own transformation journeys and how they apply these principles at Softway. They discussed the importance of leaders modeling change behavior and the role of AI in enhancing human connection at work. The authors emphasized that change should be led, not managed, and highlighted the need for leaders to be intentional with their words and actions.  

 

Bio: Chris Pitre is Vice President at both Culture+ and Softway. Chris has spent his career helping companies reimagine how they work, focusing on how they treat their people and communicate. Frank Danna serves as the Marketing Director at Softway and is the Co-Founder of Culture+, where he helps leaders transform their leadership through love, empathy, and behavior-based change.

 

Quotes: 

Chris Petrie: “Without a positive or strong culture, it's actually harder to bounce back. Adversity becomes that much more scarier and that much more formidable.” 

Chris Petrie: “If you are a leader who is about to implement change and you're not uncomfortable, that should be a scary thing.” 

Frank Dana: “If you want to change, discomfort is the solution.” 

Chris Petrie: “I truly believe that comfort is a privilege and change, and so if you are comfortable, that means that everybody else is paying for your comfort, and likely you are someone who is probably oppressing the team.” 

Chris Petrie: “You get to decide at a certain point in your career who you will become: are you the boss that leaves a mark or a scar?” 

Takeaways: 

Real, sustainable change fails when it’s treated as a technical process instead of a deeply human, emotional experience. 

The six principles of change—embracing discomfort, prioritizing relationships, practicing empathetic curiosity, wielding your influence, experimenting, and being effective—act as a flexible “middle layer” between rigid processes and long-term behavior change. 

Leaders themselves are often the biggest blockers of transformation when they cling to titles, certainty, and comfort while expecting others to do the hard changing. 

Resistance to change is frequently a signal that people feel unheard, and genuine empathetic curiosity can turn resistors into powerful champions. 

AI, when introduced from a humane, people-first lens, can remove transactional work and actually create more room for empathy, collaboration, and truly human leadership. 

Timestamps: 

00:00:02 Introduction and Softway’s turnaround story 

00:03:30 Welcoming guests Frank Dana and Christopher Petrie 

00:03:55 Frank’s story: from imposter syndrome to belonging 

00:05:26 Chris’s story: corporate “robot,” stroke, and the power of workplace community 

00:11:36 What Softway does and its evolution to AI-focused transformation 

00:15:02 What people get wrong about love as a change strategy and why change fails 

00:21:53 The six principles of change 

00:24:00 Embracing discomfort and why leaders must feel uneasy 

00:27:12 How leaders become the blockers of change 

00:31:06 Personal transformation, accountability, and resistance as unheard voices 

00:36:21 Rabbit hole: traditional male leadership, narcissism, and the cost to culture 

00:40:13 Can AI actually increase humanity and love in the workplace? 

00:43:35 Have we missed any essential questions? 

00:44:55 Practical ways to lead with love day in and day out 

00:47:39 Final takeaways: be like the buffalo and don’t manage change—lead it 

00:50:15 Teasing the third book in the series 

00:51:08 Where to learn more about Softway, the books, and the podcast  

Conclusion: 

Love isn’t a soft extra in business—it’s the toughest, most practical strategy for real change. This episode shows how embracing discomfort, listening with empathy, and leading like a “buffalo” through the storm can turn a toxic culture into a place of belonging and growth. Frank and Chris prove that when leaders go first, drop their ego, and put people at the center, both performance and humanity rise. AI, handled with a humane-first mindset, becomes a catalyst—not a threat—for more meaningful, human work. Take what you’ve heard today and decide: will you manage change from a distance, or step in and lead it with love? 

Links/Resources: 

Softway: https://www.softway.com/  

Culture+: https://www.culture-plus.com/  

Love as a Strategy: https://www.loveasastrategy.com/  

Softway LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamsoftway/  

Culture+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culture_plus/  

Love as a Change Strategy: https://loveasachangestrategy.com/  

Love as a Business Strategy: https://www.loveasabusinessstrategy.com/  

Frank Danna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankdanna/  

Chris Pitre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispitre/  

Episode 183 with the CEO of Softway, Mohammad Anwar: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/mohammad-anwar-love-as-a-business-strategy-ep-183/  

Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/      

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/  

Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fO2r_ZQ3wy5ie522f-DTQ  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/

Episode recap 

 

In this episode, Marcel talks with Robert Glazer, author of The Compass Within, about why core values are essential for effective leadership and meaningful work. Robert explains the difference between aspirational values and actionable core values—non-negotiable principles that guide real decisions and behavior. They explore how values alignment boosts employee engagement, strengthens trust in leaders, and reveals whether an organization’s stated values actually match what it rewards in practice. 

 

The conversation also dives into authenticity, emotional honesty, and how early life experiences shape our values and sense of purpose. Robert shares a practical framework and reflective questions to help people clarify their true core values, arguing that clarity leads to better decisions, healthier leadership, and deeper personal fulfillment. The episode closes with Robert’s mission to help more people discover their “true north” and live with greater integrity and intention.

 

Bio:

 

Robert Glazer is a globally recognized entrepreneur, speaker, and author. He is the founder and former CEO of a $50M marketing agency with an award-winning, values-driven culture, and the author of multiple bestsellers, including Elevate and Elevate Your Team. His inspirational newsletter, Friday Forward, reaches over 200,000 readers weekly. 

 

Quotes: 

I define core values as the non-negotiable principles that decide your actions and behaviors, reflecting who you are, not who you wish you were. 

Most of our purpose is tied to pain, but people are afraid to go there and look, even though those formative experiences are where their real values live. 

If you can help people figure out their personal core values, you help them become better leaders, because they are going to lead from those values, whether they realize it or not. 

Everyone wants the shortcut, but if you really want to figure out your core values, you have to be willing to do the work and spend time with the questions. 

When you understand your core values, you gain a dramatic clarity that changes how you live and how you lead. 

Takeaways: 

Core values are intrinsic, non-negotiable decision rules that show up across all areas of life, not vague one-word aspirations like “integrity” or “family.” 

Much of our purpose and many of our values are rooted in formative childhood experiences, especially painful or ignored parts of our story. 

Alignment is impossible until you first clarify what you are actually aligning to, which is why defining values must come before trying to “live in alignment.” 

Research shows that when people’s work aligns with their values, engagement, trust, life satisfaction, and retention all increase significantly. 

Doing the structured inner work, like Robert’s six-question process and core values course, provides a practical pathway to make better long-term decisions about career, relationships, and leadership. 

Timestamps: 

00:00:00 – 00:02:30 Opening, sponsor message, and Marcel’s setup about authenticity and alignment 

00:02:30 – 00:05:56 Introducing Robert Glazer and the story behind The Compass Within 

00:05:56 – 00:07:12 Robert’s personal story and how purpose is tied to pain 

00:07:12 – 00:14:46 Why this book now, tribalism, and what people get wrong about values 

00:14:46 – 00:17:25 Core values, culture, and how companies really reward behavior 

00:17:25 – 00:21:17 Data, research, and why values alignment matters at work and in life 

00:21:17 – 00:31:43 The six core values questions and live exercise revealing Marcel’s value of authenticity 

00:31:43 – 00:36:25 Robert’s own core values and how they play out in his life and leadership 

00:36:25 – 00:36:58 The hardest parts of doing core values work and why there is no shortcut 

00:36:58 – 00:39:13 Speed round: what makes Robert smile, who inspires him, and bold life choices 

00:39:13 – 00:41:00 How to lead with love, Robert’s final takeaway, and where to find his work 

Conclusion: 

This episode makes one thing crystal clear: if you do not define your values, the world will do it for you. Robert Glazer shows that core values are not fluffy slogans, but the invisible rails that quietly direct every major choice you make. Once you illuminate those rails, you can stop bouncing off the walls of the tunnel and start driving your life and leadership with intention. The stories, data, and live coaching moment with Marcel prove that this inner work is both emotional and incredibly practical. Listen in, then dare yourself to turn on your own “compass within” and see what needs to change. 

Links/Resources: 

Website: https://robertglazer.com/  

Book: https://robertglazer.com/compass/   

Core Values Course: www.corevaluescourse.com   

Get the Six Questions: https://robertglazer.com/six/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer

Episode recap 

 

This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org. 

 

This week on the Love in Action Podcast, I welcomed back Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia for a powerful conversation about what happens when leadership is rooted in genuine care. We talk about the 10th anniversary edition of their seminal classic, Everybody Matters, and why the book and movement continue to resonate around the world. We break down why people-centered leadership is more urgent than ever, and how treating people with care, dignity, and respect isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s what builds strong, resilient organizations. If you care about creating workplaces where people actually thrive, this episode is for you. 

 

BOB CHAPMAN is the chairman of Barry-Wehmiller. A sought-after speaker on human-centered leadership, business growth, sustained performance, and culture transformation, Chapman strives to use his business leadership platform to build a better world.  

  

RAJ SISODIA is a cofounder of the Conscious Capitalism movement and a pioneering voice in the global business renaissance. He is the author or coauthor of 16 books, including The New York Times bestseller Conscious Capitalism (with John P. Mackey of Whole Foods Market).  

 

Quotes: 

We have a hunger for caring in the world, and this book addresses caring. 

The way we lead impacts the way people live. 

Business could be the most powerful force for good in the world if we simply knew how to care for the people we have the privilege of leading. 

You cannot ask people to care for others; you must teach them the human skills of caring. 

You cannot lead the people unless you love the people, and you cannot love the people unless you know the people. 

Takeaways: 

Truly Human Leadership reframes business from an economic relationship to a deeply human relationship where people are the purpose. 

Caring is a learnable skill that must be intentionally taught, not just requested or assumed. 

The person you report to at work can affect your health more than your family doctor. 

Most business education still focuses on numbers and profit while bypassing the human heart and soul. 

Conscious, caring leadership positively ripples into marriages, families, and even future generations. 

Timestamps: 

00:00:03 Opening and introduction of Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia 

00:02:33 Tenth anniversary of Everybody Matters and why it still matters 

00:06:01 Origin story and why the book had to be written 

00:08:02 Lessons from a decade of impact and stress testing through crisis 

00:11:24 How leadership at work shapes health, marriage, and family life 

00:16:15 What business schools still get wrong about leadership and purpose 

00:21:08 How Everybody Matters deepened the idea of conscious capitalism 

00:25:22 What Truly Human Leadership really means beyond just being nice 

00:30:30 Stories of companies transformed by caring cultures 

00:34:04 Why the wrong people often rise and how to rethink who becomes a leader 

00:39:20 A message that can heal business, education, and society 

00:44:18 Love, leadership, and practical caring in everyday management 

00:46:00 Conclusion  

Conclusion: 

This conversation shows that leadership is not about titles or metrics, but about the lives entrusted to you. Bob and Raj reveal that when leaders choose to care, organizations do not just perform better; people become healthier, more hopeful, and more connected at home. They challenge the prevailing belief that profit must come before people and instead show how human dignity and strong business performance can reinforce each other. The episode also exposes how our education and promotion systems neglect the human side of work, and why teaching caring skills is no longer optional. In the end, listeners are invited to see business as a profound opportunity to practice love in action so that, in every workplace, everybody truly matters. 

Links/Resources: 

The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Matters-Extraordinary-Caring-People/dp/1591847796/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0  

Bob Chapman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-chapman-89b936b8/  

Raj Sisodia - https://rajsisodia.com/  

Barry-Wehmiller - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/  

Conscious Capitalism - https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/   

Truly Human Leadership - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/blog    

Bob Chapman, Episode #6: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/bob-chapman/  

Raj Sisodia, Episode #36: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/raj-sisodia/   

Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/

Episode recap 

This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org

 

If you’ve ever wondered what shaped Ken Blanchard into one of the most trusted leadership voices of our time, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look. I sat down with Martha Lawrence—Ken’s longtime friend, collaborator, and biographer—and what unfolded was a rich mix of humor, history, and heart. In her new book, “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads,” Martha reveal the real Ken. She walks through her own journey as well—how a post-9/11 turning point led her to Blanchard’s organization and eventually to writing the definitive biography that captures his wisdom, quirks, and quiet resilience. 

 

Bio

 

A former editor at Simon & Schuster and Harcourt, Martha C. Lawrence has shaped the voices of some of the world’s most successful thought leaders. As executive editor at Blanchard, she has collaborated with Ken Blanchard for more than 20 years. Her editing credits include multimillion-copy bestsellers and #1 New York Times titles. Lawrence is passionate about leadership, storytelling, and capturing legacies that matter. She is the author “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads.” 

 

Quotes: 

I knew I could not have worked alongside a human being who not only was so innovative and intelligent and heart-centered, but who lived the same things he's teaching. 

If one of the takeaways from the book is that you don't have to be perfect to be successful. 

You want to lift people—you want to catch them doing things right. 

 

Takeaways: 

True leadership is based on humility, trust, and the authentic desire to lift others up. 

Setbacks and personal challenges can become sources of strength and inspiration. 

Servant leadership means supporting your team from the bottom up, not ruling from the top. 

The best leaders are those who make others feel valued and recognized for their contributions. 

Lifelong learning and collaboration can fuel both personal and organizational growth. 

 

Timestamps: 

0:00:00 — Sponsor Message & Podcast Welcome 

0:01:30 — Marcel introduces Ken Blanchard's influence and today’s theme 

0:02:30 — Introducing guest Martha C. Lawrence and her background 

0:05:00 — Martha shares her story and career path 

0:07:30 — Martha discusses overcoming personal adversity 

0:10:54 — How Martha began working with Ken Blanchard 

0:12:54 — Inspiration to write Ken’s biography 

0:16:09 — Ken’s connections and meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

0:19:33 — How Ken’s parents shaped his leadership values 

0:21:21 — The inverted pyramid and servant leadership explained 

0:23:13 — Ken’s mentors, co-authors, and learning philosophy 

0:25:07 — Ken’s personal and professional setbacks 

0:27:38 — Ken’s humor and breaking the rules 

0:31:26 — The evolution of Ken’s servant leadership philosophy 

0:33:39 — "The One Minute Manager"—origins and impact 

0:35:54 — Are the principles of "The One Minute Manager" still relevant? 

0:37:51 — Research and surprises from Ken's archives 

0:39:57 — Including love in leadership and chapter discussion 

0:42:42 — What readers can gain from the book; catching people doing things right 

0:45:08 — Distinguishing between care and love in leadership 

0:47:39 — Speed Round: What makes Martha smile, her inspirations, and hopes 

0:53:33 — The big takeaway: Leadership is love 

0:54:25 — Where to find Martha and Ken’s resources online 

0:55:01 — Closing gratitude and episode wrap-up 

 

Conclusion: 

The stories shared in this episode remind us that genuine leadership is shaped by humility, resilience, and compassion. Ken Blanchard’s journey proves that success is rooted as much in character as in achievement. Martha’s perspective brings to life the transformative effect of working alongside a true role model. Their experiences illustrate that lifting other and embracing authenticity can leave a legacy that outlasts any title. As you move forward, ask yourself: how can you lead with more heart in your own life and work? 

 

Links/Resources: 

www.marthalawrence.com

www.blanchard.com

www.kenblanchardbooks.com

Episode #3: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-in-action/id1456073489?i=1000433623822

Episode #122: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/ken-blanchard-2/