How Can Kindness Make You a Better Leader?

In this episode of Knack 4 Business, hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt welcome Adam Kirkaldy, founder of From Aspiring to Inspiring and the UK’s only certified MindTime facilitator. Adam’s unusual path — from opera singer to global leadership trainer — reveals why kindness is not weakness, but a strategic advantage. He shares how psychological insight and thinking styles can transform management, lower stress, and build trust across cultures. From tackling micromanagement to navigating hybrid workplaces, Adam’s advice equips leaders at every stage to inspire their teams. Perfect for business owners, emerging managers, and anyone ready to lead with confidence and humanity.The Problem Adam SolvesToo many managers struggle to inspire trust and engagement because they focus on tasks instead of people.What happens when an opera singer trades the stage for the boardroom? You get Adam Kirkaldy — a leadership trainer whose voice now inspires teams instead of audiences. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, hosts Bernie Franzgrote of Kreativ Insight and Wayne Pratt of Motive8U Inc sit down with Adam to explore how kindness, psychology, and the science of thinking styles can turn hesitant managers into confident, inspiring leaders.From his unique career journey across the UK, Middle East, and Asia, Adam shares how MindTime — a groundbreaking thinking-styles model — helps leaders communicate better, reduce stress, and build trust. You’ll discover why kindness is a bold leadership strategy, how to create psychological safety, and why cultural awareness is essential in today’s hybrid and global workplaces.Key Topics CoveredAdam’s leap from opera to leadership trainingWhy kindness is a powerful business strategy, not a weaknessHow From Aspiring to Inspiring transforms management stylesWhat MindTime is — and how it changes team communicationThe role of thinking styles in reducing workplace stressWhy many leaders struggle with trust (and how to fix it)Leadership myths small businesses often believeCultural differences in trust-building across regionsChallenges and opportunities in hybrid work environmentsOne simple leadership tip you can use todayWatch the Full Episode on YouTube🎥 Click here to watch on YouTube and see Adam’s insights in action.Guest Links & ResourcesAdam Kirkaldy WebsiteAdam Kirkaldy LinkedInBook a Call with AdamAcknowledgmentsSpecial thanks to:Carl Richards – Podcast Solutions Made SimpleFred Crouch – Property Wizard PodcastJovan Strika – @Hive CoworkingMelanie Webber – Business partnerWayne Pratt – Motive8U IncSponsor Details💼 Business Tools & Communities That Help SMBs GrowI may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you click these links. Each one supports what we do, and could support you too.Descript – Edit audio/video as easily as textProperty Wizard Podcast – Real estate insights made practicalEast Trade Winds – Free business networking that worksContact Us📧 [email protected] 🌐 Knack 4 Business WebsiteIf you enjoyed this episode, please comment, share your thoughts, or connect with Adam and our team — we’d love to hear from you. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.