Kindness, Connection, and the Courage to Be Human with Gabi Nudelman

What does kindness look like in a world driven by performance, productivity, and pressure?In this episode of The Kindness Advantage, Cindy Rowe sits down with Gabi Nudelman, Senior Lecturer at UNSW Business School and founder of a university-based Kindness Network, to explore the role of kindness, care, and human connection in higher education.Drawing on her research in higher education, professional identity, and the ethics of care, Gabi shares why kindness is often misunderstood in academic settings and how institutions can create environments where people feel supported, valued, and connected.Together, Cindy and Gabi discuss the formation of the Kindness Network at the university, the importance of protecting student well-being, and the courage it takes to prioritize humanity in systems that often reward output over connection.In this episode, you'll learn:• How the Kindness Network was created and its impact on university culture• Common misconceptions about kindness in academia and leadership• Why connection and belonging are essential for student success and well-being• How kindness can strengthen professional identity and workplace culture• Practical ways to create more humane, caring environments in education and beyondThis thoughtful conversation challenges the idea that kindness is soft or optional and highlights how care, empathy, and connection can become powerful forces for change.Learn more about Gabi's work at thekindacademic.com.Connect with Gabi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabi-nudelman/https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/gabi-nudelmanWelcome to The Kindness Advantage with Cindy Rowe — where leadership meets humanity.Cindy Rowe is a keynote speaker, Kindness Ambassador, and host of The Kindness Advantage Podcast, helping leaders and organizations build stronger cultures through kindness, emotional intelligence, burnout prevention, and people-first leadership.On this channel, you’ll discover:✔ Leadership development strategies✔ Workplace culture insights✔ Emotional intelligence tools✔ Burnout prevention and resilience tips✔ Communication and team-building guidance✔ Personal growth and mindset encouragement. Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, educator, event planner, or someone simply trying to become a better human, you’re in the right place.🎤 Book Cindy to speak:https://www.thecindyrowe.com📥 Free Resources:7 Day Challenge: https://bit.ly/3WOC5nu45 Random Acts Download: https://bit.ly/3R87Kzd☕ Support the channel:https://bmc.link/cindyrowe3aFollow Cindy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyrowe-publicspeakerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecindyroweInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyarowe#Leadership #Kindness #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture