Leading with Courage, Empathy, and Purpose: Best Practices for Leaders

Being a leader is not easy. As CEOs, Executive Directors, and Presidents, we carry the weight of the organization’s vision, performance, and people — and yes, it can be lonely at the top. Leadership, when done with courage, empathy, and respect, can be both transformative and deeply rewarding. As I reflect on my leadership journey, here are some principles that keep me grounded so I can lead with purpose. 

1. Culture Is More Than Perks — It’s an Ecosystem

Culture is everyone’s responsibility. A healthy culture is built on trust, clarity, and connection — not pizza parties. Culture isn’t a one-time project; it’s a continuous ecosystem that lives in how we communicate, onboard, and support each other daily. We must 

• Assess culture regularly — from outside perceptions and onboarding experiences to ongoing employee engagement surveys.

• Align culture with core values and hold leaders at every level accountable for living it and demonstrating it.

• Remember that people feel connected when they connect with purpose. A job is more than a paycheck (although securing the bag is a plus!).

  
  

2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

We all bring different perspectives and get energized in different ways. For example, introverts and extroverts are wired differently. Back-to-back meetings can overstimulate introverts, just as too much solo time can drain extroverts. Either way, managing your nervous system is essential to sustaining your leadership.

Leadership tips:

• Use “brainwriting” before brainstorming to give everyone a chance to contribute thoughtfully.

• Speak up early in meetings — you can become a psychological anchor that shapes the conversation.

• Identify what leaves you net energized at the end of the day versus depleted, and structure your schedule accordingly.

  
  

3. Lead With Transparency and Self-Awareness

Transparency and self-awareness are cornerstones of effective leadership. When leaders withhold information or avoid tough conversations, they unintentionally breed distrust, confusion, and disengagement. By contrast, when you communicate openly—even about difficult decisions—you signal respect for your team and foster a culture of honesty. Transparency does not mean oversharing every detail; it means providing the right context at the right time so that people understand the “why” behind your choices.

Leadership tips:

• Invite criticism and surround yourself with truth-tellers who will call out your blind spots.

• Balance the big picture with tactical engagement — knowing when to be informed versus involved is a skill worth honing in on.

  
  

4. Protect the Culture by Leading with Intent

Culture can often be a reflection of the CEO. That means self-management is non-negotiable. Your mindset, behavior, and energy ripple through the organization, and people will model their actions after yours. 

Leadership tips:

• Regularly check if you’re creating an environment where people can thrive, feel comfortable taking a risk, even if the outcome is less than desired, and have a sense of purpose. 

• Build a strong peer network outside your organization to keep in touch and maintain perspective.

• Avoid letting ego drive decisions — humility is a leadership superpower.

  
  

5. Courage + Empathy = Sustainable Leadership

At the end of the day, great leadership is not only defined by what you accomplish, but also by how you lead. Titles and results may get you noticed, but it’s the combination of courage and empathy that sustains your leadership over time. Courage means making tough decisions, standing firm in your values, and taking risks even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s choosing to address challenges directly rather than avoiding discomfort. But courage alone can feel cold and transactional without empathy. Empathy requires slowing down, listening deeply, and truly seeing the people behind the work—their challenges, strengths, and aspirations.

When these two qualities work together, leaders create an environment where people feel safe to take risks, contribute ideas, and bring their full selves to the table. That means:

• Making space for both quiet and bold voices.

• Recognizing the humanity of your team alongside the demands of performance.

• Leading with respect, even when making tough calls.

Wisdom in leadership doesn’t arrive overnight — it’s built through intentional practice, honest feedback, and a willingness to adapt.

For fellow leaders navigating the challenges of today’s organizations, I hope these tips inspire you to lead with purpose, protect your energy, and build cultures where people thrive.

Because when your people thrive, so does your organization — and that’s the true mark of courageous leadership.

About Dr. Jovonni Spinner: 

Dr. Jovonni Spinner, MPH, CHES, CDE, CEO and Founder of Beacon Public Health and Maryland Healthcare Commissioner, is an award-winning health equity strategist, TEDx speaker, and thought leader. She is dedicated to advancing public health through equity-centered research, training, and real-world impact.

Check out our educational resources on our website at www.beaconpublichealth.com to help educate and inspire positive behavior change. Let’s continue the conversation on social media. 

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