You may know Vex King as the author of Number 1 Sunday Times Bestselling books Good Vibes, Good Life and Healing is the New High, or you may be one of his 1.7million followers on instagram where Vex shares his knowledge on personal development through a spiritual lens. Vex’s story, one of a turbulent childhood facing bouts of homelessness, has inspired many to use adversities to inspire millions to a new, more positive way of being.

AllBright has the pleasure of welcoming Vex to our Live Well Festival in June, where he will be speaking on the subject of Self Love for High Performance. In anticipation of this conversation we asked Vex for his thoughts on what role empathy and kindness play in the workplace.

Why do you think empathy and kindness are so crucial for personal growth, whether that's at work or in life more generally?

Empathy and kindness are the foundation of personal growth because they allow us to connect with others and ourselves on a deeper level. When we approach life with an open heart, we create a safe space for vulnerability, warmth, learning, and transformation.

However, they do have their differences and it’s important to highlight those first. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves putting ourselves in someone else's shoes and imagining how they might be feeling in a given situation. When we practise empathy, we seek to understand others' perspectives, experiences, and emotions, without judgement or criticism.

Empathy allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and respond to their needs with greater sensitivity and care. It helps us build bridges of understanding and compassion, even in the face of differences or challenges.

At work, empathy helps us build strong relationships with colleagues and clients. By putting ourselves in their shoes, we can better understand their needs, perspectives, challenges, and aspirations. This understanding fosters collaboration, trust, and innovative problem-solving.

Kindness, on the other hand, is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It involves treating others with warmth, care, and respect, and seeking to promote their well-being and happiness. Kindness can take many forms, from small gestures like offering a smile or a helping hand, to larger acts of generosity and support. True kindness is selfless rather than strategic (seeking to gain).

While empathy is about understanding and sharing others' feelings, kindness is about taking action to support and care for others based on that understanding. When we combine empathy and kindness, we create a powerful force for positive change and connection.

In our personal lives, empathy and kindness are essential for nurturing meaningful connections with loved ones and cultivating self-compassion. When we extend the same understanding and grace to ourselves that we offer others, we create a solid foundation for personal growth. By treating ourselves with kindness, we develop resilience, self-acceptance, and the courage to pursue our dreams.

Ultimately, empathy and kindness are the glue that holds our relationships and personal growth together. They remind us that we are all interconnected and that by uplifting others, we elevate ourselves in the process. When we lead with empathy and kindness, we create a world where everyone can thrive and reach their highest potential.

Do you think we need more empathetic leaders?

Absolutely, I believe we need more empathetic leaders now more than ever. In today's complex and rapidly changing world, empathetic leadership has the power to create positive change on a global scale. In fact, there’s a great advantage to it. 61% of employees felt more innovative when working under empathetic leadership, compared to only 13% without empathetic leaders, according to this Forbes article.

Empathetic leaders prioritise understanding and compassion over power and control. They take the time to listen to their team members, consider diverse perspectives, and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, valued and heard. By modelling empathy, these leaders inspire their teams to approach challenges with creativity, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

On a broader scale, empathetic leaders have the ability to bridge divides and foster unity in the face of adversity. They understand that behind every opinion or belief, there is a human being with their own unique experiences and struggles. By approaching difficult conversations with empathy and respect, these leaders can find common ground and work towards solutions that benefit the collective.

Moreover, empathetic leaders are committed to creating a better world for all. They recognize that their decisions have far-reaching consequences and strive to make choices that prioritise the well-being of people and the planet. Whether it's implementing sustainable business practices, advocating for social justice, or supporting mental health initiatives and creating psychological safety, empathetic leaders use their influence to create sustainable positive change.

How can we incorporate more kindness into the working world?

Incorporating more kindness into the working world starts with each one of us making a conscious effort to lead with compassion and understanding. It's about creating a culture where kindness is not just encouraged but celebrated and laced into the fabric of our daily interactions.

One simple yet powerful way to infuse more kindness into our work lives is by practising active listening. When we give our full attention to our colleagues and clients, we show them that their thoughts and feelings matter. In a world where we’re often waiting our turn to speak and share our own views, listening is a gift we give to others. We offer them our time and an opportunity to be heard and acknowledged in a safe space with full presence, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.

Another way to cultivate kindness at work is by expressing gratitude and appreciation regularly. When we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of others, we boost morale, build trust, and create a positive feedback loop that encourages more kindness and collaboration. In the same way hurt people may unconsciously hurt others, kindness is a cycle that perpetuates.

We can also incorporate kindness into our working world by prioritising self-care and encouraging others to do the same. When we treat ourselves with kindness and compassion, we show up as our best selves and have more energy and empathy to extend to others. This might mean setting boundaries, taking breaks when needed, or advocating for mental health resources in the workplace.

To hear more from Vex, join us at our Live Well Festival on 22nd June where he’ll be exploring Self-love for High Performance.