The Compassionate Leader: Building strength through empathy and integrity
Learn how to become a strong and compassionate leader by developing empathy and integrity in this online event!
Date and time
Location
Online
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 hours
- Online
Refund Policy
About this event
Tags
Organised by
Introduction to EmpathyWorks
EmpathyWorks is a values-led leadership consultancy founded by Steve Robertson, an ex-Prison Governor and Cambridge-educated scholar of leadership. With lived experience leading in some of the UK’s most complex and high-pressure public service environments, Steve created EmpathyWorks to respond to a growing need for courageous, compassionate, and operationally grounded leadership development.
We work with organisations that operate under pressure, justice, health, defence, infrastructure, education and social care. We help leaders to build cultures of clarity, care and responsibility. Our programmes are not theoretical. They are shaped by real-world leadership demands and grounded in evidence-based practice.
What We Offer
EmpathyWorks specialises in bespoke leadership development and cultural transformation. Our services include:
• Tiered leadership development
o Line manager capability programmes
o High-potential development pathways
o Strategic leadership and executive masterclasses
• Coaching and leadership support
o 1:1 Coaching for emerging and senior leaders
o Peer learning groups
o Psychometrics and 360° feedback
o Leadership self-assessments
• Culture and change facilitation
o Strategic away days and cultural reset workshops
o Conflict and communication support
o Custom-designed interventions for values alignment and behavioural consistency
• Social impact services
o Free leadership support to charities, volunteers, and individuals facing disadvantage
o Pro bono coaching and diagnostics for community-focused organisations
All our offers are modular, scalable, and delivered in-person or blended according to operational needs.
Our values and intentions
We lead and deliver from a place of empathy, not ego. Our values are:
• Clarity: We help leaders see their role, purpose and impact clearly.
• Compassion: We believe leadership can be strong and kind.
• Challenge: We don’t shy away from the difficult conversations.
• Change: We focus on tangible outcomes and real-world application.
Our intention is to build an organisation that not only delivers exceptional leadership development but also demonstrates the kind of cultural integrity we help others create.
Our Clients
We partner with public service organisations, systems under strain, and mission-driven enterprises. Past and prospective clients include:
• NHS Trusts and mental health services
• Local authorities and safeguarding boards
• Charities working in justice, health and social inclusion
• Education leaders and academic institutions
Our work is tailored, discreet, and always aligned to the strategic goals and ethical foundations of our clients.
Our Purpose
EmpathyWorks exists to transform leadership from the inside out. We are here to:
• Re-humanise leadership in high-stakes systems
• Build psychological safety and cultural cohesion
• Reduce reliance on reactive HR processes
• Grow internal leadership pipelines with confidence and clarity
• Promote equity, inclusion and sustained social impact
We are proud to work alongside those who serve, protect, and care—and we aim to support them with leadership development that is bold, ethical and enduring.