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VEST Her Podcast: Leading with Empathy in a Polycrisis World

Updated: Apr 21


In this episode, we sit down with Niren Chaudhary, former Chairman and CEO of Panera Bread, and VEST Member Beverly Carmichael, a seasoned corporate board director for several iconic brands. Together, we explore the rising demand for empathetic leadership in today’s volatile and unpredictable world.

“Leaders have to be peddlers of hope,”  Niren Chaudhary.

This conversation was part of a more intimate coaching session with VEST Members and has been repurposed to accommodate this episode. If you enjoy the episode share it with a friend and leave us a review.


Chapters

3:12 Aisha's Story: Courage Through Loss

10:55 Four Steps to Overcome Loss

20:15 Leading Across Generational Divides

28:15 Values-Based Response to Global Challenges

34:36 Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Purpose and Profit

45:30 The Loneliness of Leadership

50:12 Legacy and Life Transitions


Drawing on the moving story of his late daughter Aisha—who accomplished extraordinary things in her 18 years despite a terminal illness—Chaudhary shares how profound personal loss reshaped his perspective on life, leadership, and legacy.


From this experience emerged a leadership philosophy anchored in three core values:


  • Courage: Focus on what you can control.

  • Gratitude: Celebrate life’s gifts, even in hardship.

  • Generosity: Lead by serving others.


He introduces a four-step framework for processing loss and leading with resilience:


  1. Acceptance

  2. Self-forgiveness

  3. Self-love

  4. Renewed hope through purpose


These principles are not only healing—they’re actionable strategies for leaders navigating uncertainty and change.


Chaudhary also reflects on the challenges of leading multigenerational teams, and building cultures that thrive, by providing:


  • Clarity of mission

  • Opportunities for personal mastery

  • Shared purpose as a multiplier for good


and challenges the false divide between purpose and profit. He shares how leaders can foster a virtuous cycle where values-driven decisions enhance both customer and employee experiences—not through isolated acts of charity, but through integrated, sustainable impact.


 Tune in to discover how courage, gratitude, and generosity can transform your leadership—and your organization. Be sure to share this episode with a friend and don’t forget to leave us a review.


If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

 
 
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