How to Build a Culture Where It's Safe to Not Be Okay: Jed Foundation CEO John MacPhee

Do you want to become the kind of leader people genuinely trust? Could kindness be one of the most overlooked leadership skills today? In this episode, I sit down with John MacPhee, CEO of the Jed Foundation, to talk about how compassionate leadership creates stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and a greater sense of belonging. John shares how his own struggles with anxiety, failing out of college, and an unforgettable conversation with his mother transformed his definition of success and ultimately led him to purpose-driven work. We also dive into what workplaces still get wrong about mental health and the small leadership shifts that can make a lasting difference. Tune in to discover how leading with kindness can strengthen your team, your culture, and yourself.

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In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 Meet John MacPhee, CEO of The Jed Foundation (JED).

05:15 What is kind leadership?

10:00 Can you make difficult decisions without losing compassion?

12:00 How to say "no" with empathy while helping people feel heard.

14:00 What the Jed Foundation has learned about protecting mental health.

20:00 Why psychological safety starts long before someone asks for help.

21:30 What most workplaces still misunderstand about mental health.

27:00 Why purpose gives people a reason to keep going.

33:30 What does it take to create a culture of belonging?

37:00 Kindness as a competitive advantage in leadership.

45:30 Can failure become the foundation of better leadership?

53:00 The leadership lesson every young person deserves.

Resources + Links

Learn more about the Jed Foundation HERE!

Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever

Watch the podcast on YouTube 

Find more resources on our website morraam.com

Follow

Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

Follow John on LinkedIn: @johnamacphee