The workplace can be a challenging setting for navigating human relationships, whatever our role in the organization may be. Of course, this arena of interpersonal dynamics is also a great place to practice compassion — and for this, some support may be helpful.

In this 5-minute session, Laura Berland and Evan Harrel, co-founders of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, discuss the importance of deepening our connection to others who may be challenging at work or in life, and then offer a guided practice to help us do this through cultivating empathy and compassion.

Coming up: Compassionate Leadership Certification Program

For those who would like to go further, we recommend checking out the evidence-based Compassionate Leadership Certification Program, which begins February 25th. This live online 8-week training will build your compassion from the inside out, and connect you with a powerful global peer community for ongoing inspiration and support.

Research has measured statistically significant growth in participant’s self-compassion, compassion for others, compassion at work, and resilience. 90% of alumni said that they would recommend the course to their friends and colleagues.

Note: Awake Network community members can use code AWAKE for a $100 discount.

Learn more and register here >>

About Laura Berland and Evan Harrel 

Laura Berland is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Compassionate Leadership. She is a weaver of transformative organizations and experiences, as a serial tech entrepreneur, Fortune 500 executive, transformational facilitator, nonprofit board member, meditation teacher, yoga therapist, and executive advisor.

Now, through the Center for Compassionate Leadership, she has developed a new model for these turbulent times that melds evidence-based principles of modern leadership and the latest scientific research with the wisdom of contemplative practices. Laura has extensive experience working with global executives, entrepreneurs, graduate students, military veterans, and yoga/meditation teachers. She is an E-RYT500 (accredited educator) from Yoga Alliance, and C-IAYT (certified yoga therapist) from International Association of Yoga Therapists. Laura is an alumna of Cornell University and New York University.

Evan Harrel is the Chief Operating Officer of the Center for Compassionate Leadership. He leads the Center’s thought leadership efforts and the integration of scientific and business research into the work of the Center. For the last fifteen years, he has worked in the nonprofit field, including as an executive director and as a consultant and board member to several nonprofits. Evan has taught about compassion to both nonprofit organizations and for-profit corporate boards.

Prior to beginning work in the nonprofit sector, Evan was an investment manager for over twenty years where he managed a thirty-billion-dollar equity mutual fund. He was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree, with distinction, from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Princeton University.