Can you really lead with empathy and humanity—and get results?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by leadership expert Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective, for a conversation every leader needs to hear. We explore what it really means to lead with heart, how to create a people-first workplace, and why compassion and accountability don’t have to be at odds.

If you’ve ever worried that being a “soft” leader means sacrificing authority or effectiveness, this conversation will challenge everything you’ve been told.

Layci shares practical, actionable ways to build a culture your team actually wants to be part of—while still holding high standards, creating clear expectations, and delivering results that matter.

In this episode, we talk about:
✨ Why so many workplaces feel disengaging (and what to do about it)
✨ How to balance empathy with authority as a leader
✨ Practical shifts leaders can make to improve team morale and well-being
✨ Layci’s HHART First Framework for human-centered leadership
✨ How to lead with compassion without burning out—or burning bridges

Whether you lead a team or aspire to, this is a must-listen for anyone who believes leadership can be both bold and kind.

Resources from this episode

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The Gutsy Collective is a personal development community designed to help bold women rebuild self-trust, shift hesitation into momentum, and take gutsy action—both personally and professionally.

Whether you're a leader looking to invest in your team’s growth or a woman ready to break through mental barriers yourself, The Gutsy Collective offers real conversations, live coaching, accountability, and tangible next steps to create lasting change.

Learn more by emailing theteam@lauraaura.com or explore membership at https://lauraaura.com/gutsy-collective/

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