Compassionate Accountability Podcast

Hosted by Nate Regier

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May 2026

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Learn from leaders who are transforming relationships and workplace cultures with Compassionate Accountability.

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May 26, 2026Episode 6532 min

How one manufacturing company changed conflict at work and at home!

In this episode of The Compassionate Accountability Podcast®, Dr. Nate Regier sits down with Lori Walker, Senior Manager of Talent Development at ERMCO, to explore what it really takes to build a people-first leadership culture inside a fast-paced manufacturing environment. When ERMCO's executive team set out to become an employer of choice, they recognized that technical excellence alone wasn't enough. Leaders needed practical tools to handle conflict, hold people accountable, and create stronger communication across every level of the organization. Lori shares how Compassionate Accountability became the foundation for a company-wide leadership development strategy designed to support both people and performance. From the shop floor to executive leadership, this conversation explores what happens when organizations stop avoiding difficult conversations and start building the skills to navigate them productively. In this episode you'll learn: Why manufacturing environments often struggle with communication and conflict How ERMCO is building Compassionate Accountability into leadership development What happens when leaders avoid difficult conversations How psychological safety impacts innovation and performance Why practical conflict tools create stronger trust and accountability How Compassionate Accountability is being scaled across 3,400 employees Why these communication tools don't just work at work, they transform relationships at home too Rapid fire questions include: What is one thing leadership has taught Lori about people? What did she used to believe about conflict that she no longer believes? What risk did she take implementing this work in manufacturing? What role does trust play in leadership and communication? How has Compassionate Accountability changed the way she approaches difficult conversations? If you're building leadership programs, navigating culture transformation, or trying to create healthier communication in high-pressure environments, this episode offers a powerful real-world example of what becomes possible when compassion and accountability work together. Listen, reflect, and discover how one manufacturing company is changing conflict at work and at home. Subscribe for more real client transformation stories Visit www.next-element.com to learn more about Compassionate Accountability Share this episode with a leader who wants healthier accountability without sacrificing results Get our award-winning book Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results: https://www.next-element.com/publications/ Learn more about ERMCO: https://www.ermco-eci.com/

April 9, 2026Episode 6429 min

Accountability without compassion gets you alienated

In this episode of The Compassionate Accountability Podcast®, Dr. Nate Regier sits down with Dr. Samantha Shaak, Executive Director of the Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health and Vice President of Community Health at Lehigh Valley Health Network, to explore what it really takes to develop leaders who can collaborate across sectors, navigate complexity, and create lasting impact in their communities. Addressing challenges like housing, education, homelessness, addiction, and mental health requires more than passion and good intentions. It requires leaders who can build trust, communicate across differences, and stay connected when the work gets hard. Samantha shares how the Pool Fellowship for Health in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley is equipping nonprofit, government, and community leaders with the self-awareness, communication skills, and conflict capacity needed to do exactly that. In this episode you'll learn: Why cross-sector leadership is essential for solving complex social issues How trust is built, weakened, and restored in collaborative work The role of self-awareness in leadership development Where miscommunication and drama show up in partnerships Why practical communication tools matter more than theory alone What it takes to build a locally grown leadership program that lasts Rapid fire questions include: What is one truth about conflict? What is one thing leaders forget about communication? What is the most common "aha" you see from people in your program? What is the most important thing you've learned about yourself along this journey? If you're building a leadership program, investing in developing leaders, or trying to solve complex problems that no one organization can address alone, this episode offers a powerful example of what becomes possible when compassion and accountability work together. Listen, reflect, and learn what's possible when conflict becomes a catalyst instead of collateral damage. Subscribe for more real client transformation stories Visit www.nextelement.com to learn more about Compassionate Accountability Share this episode with a leader who's in the thick of it Get our award winning book Compassionate Accountability: How leaders build connection and get results: https://www.next-element.com/publicat... Learn more about the Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health: www.lppih.org

March 24, 2026Episode 6224 min

What if conflict didn't have to derail your team?

In this episode of The Compassionate Accountability Podcast®, Dr Nate Regier sits down with Kristy Westphal Thomas, Training and Development Manager at Western Carolina University, to explore how one organization is transforming communication, rebuilding trust, and creating a culture people want to be part of. Supporting over 1,600 faculty and staff, Kristy shares what she consistently sees as the root of workplace challenges: communication breakdowns that lead to drama, fractured relationships, and lost trust. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Through Compassionate Accountability, Kristy is helping individuals and teams shift how they approach conflict, moving from avoidance and frustration to confidence, clarity, and connection. In this episode, you'll learn: Why poor communication so often leads to workplace drama The real cost of conflict when trust breaks down How to move through conflict without damaging relationships What creates those "lightbulb moments" in teams The role leadership plays in shaping culture from the top down Why conflict isn't the problem, and how to work with it effectively Kristy also shares her own journey, from learning these tools to leading culture change, and the impact it's had across her organization. Rapid fire reflections include: What is the most common "aha" moment that you get from people that you're training and working with? What is something important you've learned about yourself in this whole journey? If you've ever felt stuck navigating tension, avoiding difficult conversations, or watching team dynamics suffer, this episode offers a practical and hopeful perspective. Listen, reflect, and learn what's possible when conflict becomes a catalyst instead of collateral damage. Subscribe for more real client transformation stories Visit www.nextelement.com to learn more about Compassionate Accountability Share this episode with a leader who's in the thick of it Get our award winning book Compassionate Accountability: How leaders build connection and get results: https://www.next-element.com/publications/books/ Conflict is inevitable. Drama is optional. What do you choose? Mentioned in this episode: Compassionate Accountability Framework Learn more about the model transforming leadership, communication, and workplace culture: https://www.next-element.com/compassionate-accountability Next Element Consulting Explore training, certification, and organisational transformation programmes: https://www.next-element.com Compassionate Accountability Certification Programme For leaders, coaches, and organisations wanting to implement the model: https://www.next-element.com/certification About Nate Regier Speaker, author, and creator of Compassionate Accountability: https://www.next-element.com/about-nate-regier Western Carolina University Learn more about WCU, the organisation featured in this transformation story: https://www.wcu.edu Connect with Kristi Westphal Thomas https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-westphal-thomas-m-ed-2423a05a/ Watch the full video version of this episode https://youtu.be/S3h53tZ868Y?si=8LFOKNzCw8vZT4lI The Compassionate Accountability Podcast is produced in partnership with Flo Right Business Solutions™.

February 13, 2026Episode 6124 min

What happens when trust is broken before you even walk in the room?

In this episode of the Compassionate Accountability® Podcast, your host Nate Regier sits down with Erin McDaniel, Communications Director for the City of Newton, to explore a decade-long transformation inside local government. Erin stepped into a role shaped by deep distrust, political divisiveness, and open antagonism between elected officials and city staff. Conflict wasn't just operational, it was emotional, personal, and costly. What followed became a powerful real-world example of how Compassionate Accountability can transform culture, rebuild trust, and restore healthy leadership. This conversation goes beyond theory. It's a story of lived experience, difficult moments, and lasting change. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why leaders are often perceived as "the problem" before trust is established • How unresolved conflict quietly erodes culture and performance • The turning point that made transformation possible • How compassion and accountability work together to rebuild trust • What it means to lead with openness while maintaining clear standards • Practical insights for navigating conflict in politically and emotionally charged environments Rapid-fire reflections include: • One truth about conflict that many leaders overlook • What trust actually requires to grow and sustain • The mindset shift that made lasting change possible If you're a leader, communicator, HR professional, or public servant navigating pressure, politics, or complex people dynamics, this episode offers both validation and a practical path forward. Conflict is inevitable. Drama is optional. Mentioned in this episode: Compassionate Accountability Framework Learn more about the model transforming leadership, communication, and workplace culture: https://www.next-element.com/compassionate-accountability Next Element Consulting Explore training, certification, and organisational transformation programmes: https://www.next-element.com Compassionate Accountability Certification Programme For leaders, coaches, and organisations wanting to implement the model: https://www.next-element.com/certification About Nate Regier Speaker, author, and creator of Compassionate Accountability: https://www.next-element.com/about-nate-regier City of Newton, Kansas Learn more about Erin McDaniel and the organisation featured in this transformation story: https://www.newtonkansas.com Connect with Erin McDaniel https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlmcdaniel/ Watch the full video version of this episode https://youtu.be/f8f9S29Hbf4?si=TK3aUzeRaOefCnrJ The Compassionate Accountability Podcast is produced in partnership with Flo Right Business Solutions.

February 24, 202541 min

The Science of Failing Well with Amy Edmondson

In this final episode of the podcast before beginning his research sabbatical, your host Dr. Nathan Reiger welcomes high-performing teams expert and scholar Amy Edmondson. She is a Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School, author, and pioneer in the role of psychological safety in high performing teams. This conversation explores the science of failure and insights from Amy's new book Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, including the empowering components of compassion, vulnerability, and intelligent failure. Key Takeaways: [3:05] What piqued Amy's interest in the topic of failure? [4:15] The three main kinds of failure. [6:12] What role does psychological safety play in failing well? [9:56] Compassionate accountability is essential in conflict. [11:32] The relationship between trust and conflict. [12:02] Compassion mindset is essential in failing well. [15:55] High performing teams don't always make more errors, but they report them quickly. [17:55] What makes a failure intelligent? [21:36] Failure is an option, not trying is not an option. [22:44] Why should we acknowledge vulnerability to self and others? [28:03] Amy's favorite visuals and tales of failure from Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well. [32:45] The potential role of AI in the face of complex failure. [36:48] Amy's response to massive failure, such as plane crashes. [38:30] Amy is a coping role model for failing well. Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmonson Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn The Compassionate Accountability Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

January 1, 202541 min

Authoring a Self-Compassionate Story with Massimo Backus

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes returning podcast guest Massimo Backus, a distinguished executive coach and leadership development consultant. He is the host of the Leadership Mind podcast and a documentary filmmaker who captures the essence of the human experience and an empathetic and holistic approach to leadership. In today's conversation, Massimo shares wisdom from his new book Human First, Leader Second: How Self Compassion Outperforms Self Criticism, underscores the importance of loving ourselves first, and offers insights into today's leadership. Key Takeaways: [2:15] Massimo's book started off as a dream and became a reality because the message matters. [4:21] What surprised Massimo most about the book writing process? [5:45] The main message of Human First, Leader Second: How Self Compassion Outperforms Self Criticism is that our humanness is what connects us all together. [8:04] Massimo's journey is living proof of the humanness of the life journey and the importance of self-compassion. [11:31] How Massimo designed the book and how he hopes it will be used. [14:08] Research suggests you will be more successful if you practice self-compassion. [15:05] The unique perspective on self-compassion that Massimo wants to shine a brighter light on. [16:36] WIMPS are well-intentioned, misinformed protectors that we have to learn to live with. [18:35] The three steps that are an on-ramp into the practice of self-compassion. [19:40] Without accountability, there is no self-compassion. [20:35] Massimo unpacks the importance of awareness, acceptance and accountability. [22:02] Feelings are for feeling, and feelings are just data points. [24:05] Action items that will lead to accountability. [26:06] Massimo explains how to feel feelings without losing control. [28:25] Emotions are a language that we all need to learn to speak with fluency. [29:28] Massimo's word model covers awareness, acceptance and accountability. [32:05] Becoming comfortable in your own skin is about more than just acting authentically. [34:24] Massimo's Declaration captures the key lessons from his book. [37:57] Massimo's invitation to pause and ask yourself how to employ self-compassion. Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element On Compassion Podcast Episode 037: Self-compassion: The Key to Effective Leadership with Massimo Backus Human First, Leader Second: How Self Compassion Outperforms Self Criticism, Massimo Backus Massimo Backus on LinkedIn The Compassionate Accountability Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions. Tweetables: "The idea for this book hit me over the head and I just couldn't let it go." #oncompassion "Self-compassion is the practice that allows us to accept our humanity." #oncompassion "We don't need to control or be perfect all the time. That's actually getting in our way." #oncompassion "When we're internally resourced by self-compassion, we don't need validation from others." #oncompassion "I can be the author of my story, rather than the victim of it." #oncompassion

December 1, 202455 min

Trust And Inspire Leadership: Stephen Covey With David Kasperson

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes the most trusted authorities on trust and leadership, Stephen M.R. Covey and David Kasperson. In today's conversation, they discuss their new book Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others and explore the intersection between their work and compassionate accountability. Key Takeaways: [1:20] Dr. Nate introduces Stephen M. R. Covey. [2:07] Dr. Nate presents David Kasperson. [3:30] How did Stephen conclude that the world of work has changed, but our leadership style hasn't? [5:28] What does it mean leaders can create conditions where people can flourish? [6:30] David and Stephen discuss three leadership styles: authoritarian command and control, enlightened command and control, and trust and inspire leadership. [9:43] What is different now than 20 years ago regarding what motivates people? [13:02] Stephen and David address the five fundamental beliefs and behaviors of Trust and Inspire Leadership. [13:43] The most important belief is to realize the greatness inside every person. [16:03] Stephen and David discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership. [21:13] Dr. Nate dives deep into the concept of coping role models. [23:21] Stephen and David talk about the power of modeling. [25:22] David explains the difference between being trustworthy and trusting. [31:35] Stephen highlights the importance of starting with trust. [33:03] How do trust and inspire leaders approach conflict? [35:56] David discusses the heart, head, and hands in leadership. [38:55] Stephen shares how people are inspired. [40:48] How did Stephen and David become more challenged to upgrade their mindset in leadership behaviors? [46:16] Stephen shares his mantra, "My passion is your potential." [47:12] Stephen addressed the alignment between the concepts of trust and inspire and compassionate accountability. [50:29] David discusses the importance of holding someone accountable. [51:30] What next step would David and Stephen like people to take after listening to this podcast? Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others, Stephen M.R. Coveyand David Kasperson Tweetables: "9 out of 10 organizations still have a "command and control" leadership style" #oncompassion "People are 14 times more likely to be engaged when they trust their leader." #oncompassion "You cannot mandate creativity; you have to be inspired." #oncompassion "People don't want to be managed; people want to be led, trusted, and inspired." #oncompassion "The job of a leader is to try to unleash people's potential." #oncompassion "Leaders first model the behavior and make it safe for others to follow." #oncompassion

November 1, 202438 min

Trust Matters More Than Ever with Dr. David Horsager

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Dr. David Horsager, CEO of the Trust Edge Leadership Institute and inventor of the Enterprise Trust Index. He is also the director of a global study, The Trust Outlook, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, and a senior fellow at Indiana Wesleyan University. David not only has a unique perspective on trust but also defines, measures, and teaches it through a practical, relevant, and actionable framework. Listen to this episode to discover why David defines trust as a strategic asset. Key Takeaways: [3:31] How did David get into the field of trust? [5:57] Why is trust so important? [8:00] David shares why he defines trust as a currency for strong relationships. [9:17] How is trust built? [10:59] David discusses The Eight Pillar Framework for building trust. [13:13] Has David seen individual differences in how trust is experienced? [16:23] David explains the effective use of the pillars of trust, using Dr. Nate's recent experience on a delayed flight. [18:53] Dr. Nate emphasizes the importance of building connections and achieving results simultaneously. [19:34] David shares his view on the relationship between trust and conflict. [22:39] David discusses the Trust Annual Report and his latest findings. [25:01] David talks about his book, Trust Matters More Than Ever. [27:57] What is happening with trust during elections? [32:20] David emphasizes what everyone should know about trust. [35:59] Input equals output. Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element The Trust Edge, Dr. David Horsager Trust Matters More Than Ever, Dr. David Horsager Tweetables: "Leaders prioritizing trust create thriving environments, where innovation and collaboration flourish." #oncompassion "Lack of trust is an organization's biggest expense." #oncompassion "In conflict, you can increase trust faster than almost any other time in how you deal with it." #oncompassion

October 1, 202434 min

Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict with Karin Hurt and David Dye

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Karin Hurt and David Dye, the leaders and creators of Let's Grow Leaders, where they support human-centered leaders to find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. Karin and David share a common passion for helping leaders navigate conflict in more productive ways, believing that compassion and accountability can and should coexist for Organizations to thrive. In today's episode, Dr. Nate, Karin, and David discuss key findings from their cutting-edge research and explore practical frameworks for overcoming difficult conflict in all kinds of challenging situations. Key Takeaways: [3:22] Karin and David share the purpose behind their newest book, Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict, [4:45] Karin and David define conflict. [6:03] What were the most significant findings Karin and David found in their research on conflict? [8:11] David gives a brief overview of the four dimensions of Constructive Conflict described in their book: Connection, Clarity, Curiosity, and Commitment [9:33] Is there any priority or order between these four dimensions of Constructive Criticism? [12:23] What reassurances do Karin and David have for people not to avoid conflict? [14:44] Karin and David discuss people's common struggle to say 'No' and set healthy boundaries. [17:43] Karin and David share the most significant practices included in their book. [19:41] What does success look like? [22:23] Karin and David highlight the best contributions they got for the writing of their book. [24:46] How can we practice co-creation collaboration during conflict? [26:22] You need to talk before conflict about how you plan to handle conflict when it happens. [27:39] Leaders often misinterpret conflict as being authentic. [29:10] If your authenticity creates discomfort for your Team, you are not communicating effectively as a leader. [30:02] Has this book changed the way Karin and David communicate with each other? Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element Let's Grow Leaders Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict, Karin Hurt and David Dye Tweetables: "There is a whole different complexity of conflicts after the pandemic." #oncompassion "Connection and understanding makes everything easier." #oncompassion "The more you can get clarity upfront, the fewer expectation violations you will have." #oncompassion "No matter the conflict, there are always ways to connect." #oncompassion "Over 70% of people are willing to compromise to avoid conflict." #oncompassion "If your authenticity creates discomfort for your Team, you are not communicating effectively as a leader." #oncompassion

September 1, 202435 min

Real Presence as the Key to Compassionate Leadership with Parker J. Palmer

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Parker J. Palmer. He is a legendary writer, traveler, teacher, and activist who has dedicated his life to understanding and promoting an authentic and practical kind of compassion: his magnificent paper, The Gift of Presence. The Perils of Advice highlights the common mistake of trying to help people when they often only need our presence. In today's conversation, Parker shares his views about our culture and democracy, how leaders can avoid burnout, and a simple practice for building resilient communities at the beginning of every staff meeting. About Parker J. Palmer: Parker J. Palmer is the founder and Senior Partner Emeritus at the Center for Courage and Renewal. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, thirteen honorary doctorates, two Distinguished Achievement Awards from the National Educational Press Association, and an Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press. Palmer is the author of ten books, including several award-winning titles, that have sold nearly two million copies and been translated into ten languages. Key Takeaways: [3:29] Parker talks about the purpose and mission of the Center of Courage and Renewal. [6:02] Parker describes what he calls his 'red thread'. [9:25] Parker discusses the role of conflict in compassionate accountability. [12:52] What is happening with conflict in our society? [15:43] What kind of internal work do humans need to do to see abundance in relationships rather than scarcity? [18:41] Parker shares the five habits of the heart for democracy to function. [24:49] Parker talks about leadership and presence in the context of burnout. [29:33] Parker shares his advice to leaders. [31:59] What is life trying to teach Parker now? Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element The Gift of Presence. The Perils of Advice, Parker J. Palmer. POETRY + PROSE + POLITICS: Pro-democracy, Pro-civil discourse, Pro-decency Tweetables: "Our Education system educates people largely on external realities, and they are rarely taught on their inner journeys, their psyches, and souls." — Parker Palmer #oncompassion "If you choose to live an unexamined life, please do not take a job that involves working with other people." — Parker Palmer #oncompassion "Conflict demands that we let go of internal narcissism to understand others deeper." — Parker Palmer #oncompassion "By working together, we create abundance." — Parker Palmer #oncompassion "The more you know about someone's story, the less possible it is to despise or dismiss them, which builds compassion and can be done in the workplace." — Parker Palmer #oncompassion "Knowing the ground in which you are standing is called presence."— Parker Palmer #oncompassion