Compassionate Leadership in Global Health Certification Program
Transform Yourself and Your Organization to Meet the Demands of an Uncertain World
It’s time to become the compassionate leader you know you were born to be! Join a remarkable peer group of compassionate change-makers from around the world to explore the principles and practices that will transform your leadership and your life.
What will I gain by joining this Compassionate Leadership Certification program?
Our groundbreaking program will equip you with empowering tools and evidence-based practices to lead with compassion, courage and confidence. The shift happens from the inside out. Our proven Compassionate Leadership Training Framework and curriculum begins with a focus on the inner self, moves into the realm of relationships and organizational compassion, and then extends outward to systems change.
You will grow to:
Increase awareness of self, others, and your surroundings
Befriend your nervous system – overcome stress and burnout
Create cultures of safety, connection, and belonging
Build high-performing teams that are accountable and engaged
Navigate difficult conversations and give feedback skillfully
Apply courageous compassion to impact systems change
Our program is designed for global health professionals.
The global health community faces a unique set of challenges that compassionate leadership can help address at the individual, organizational and systems levels. Together with the Focus Area for Compassion and Ethics (FACE) at the Task Force for Global Health, we have structured this curriculum to specifically address the rapid change and uncertainty experienced in global health leadership. We welcome leaders and practitioners from a wide range of organizations including NGOs, Ministries of Health, foundations, associations, universities, and consulting firms.
“This is a course for all health system managers and leaders who have passion to change the current status quo of global health leadership.”
- Healthcare Consultant
What will this transformational compassionate leadership training experience look like?
Each week, we gather to create a culture of compassionate learning and growth. We begin by laying the foundation with scientific data and evidence-based leadership practices. Together, we integrate and embody these concepts with reinforcing practices, collaboration in small group breakouts, and through supportive conversation with the larger cohort community.
“The course provided an intentional mid-week break from our normal routines to gather, ground, learn, and cultivate compassion. I would recommend this course for anyone who is interested in learning some of the overarching theories and benefits of compassionate leadership, and who also wants to gain practical tools to implement compassionate practices within their lives and workplaces.”
– Senior Program Associate
Path for the Eight-Week Learning Journey
The participant experience includes:
Weekly 90-minute live online experiential learning sessions, guided by expert faculty
Peer breakout groups for deeper exploration, connection, and skill-building
Customized practices, meditations, and reflections
Additional (optional) weekly sessions for compassion practice and Q&A with lead faculty
Program materials and recordings posted online and available for convenient streaming
“What I did experience was powerful on several levels; I felt deeply cared for by faculty and concluded each exploration feeling more informed with a sense of connection and inspiration.”
– Healthcare Executive Coach and Facilitator
Why me, and why now?
In this challenging and uncertain world, it often feels as if we are forced to choose between our own personal well-being, the protection of others, and the delivery of peak leadership performance. Just like you, we’ve experienced this tug of war between precious internal resources and the weight of leadership responsibilities for the well-being of colleagues, families, communities, and organizations. We’ve created a transformational experience to help you align and strengthen your internal and external capacities to not only meet these challenges, but to thrive and flourish in the times ahead.
We all have so many questions. What are the steps? Can you prescribe the formula for the best outcome? As a community we’ll explore the possibilities, learn best practices, hone our skills, and support our shared intentions. While it’s true that each of our unique experiences and circumstances inform what works for us in the moment, together we will cultivate the wisdom and courage required to choose and act wisely. Do you share some of these curiosities that are frequently raised by compassionate leaders?
How do I operationalize compassion to build high performing teams in my organization? Over half of the curriculum focuses on specific ways to bring more compassion into an organization, whether it is a large company or a solo practice.
Can I use compassion and still hold people accountable? Yes! We’ll show you how.
How can I use compassion to create a culture of belonging? Belonging is at the heart of living and leading compassionately. Together we learn how to expand our circle of belonging to include everyone.
Can I be compassionate and still have difficult conversations? Yes! Not only that, but compassionate leadership can help you have difficult conversations more easily.
Can compassion help me strengthen my resilience, and avoid or reduce burnout? Yes! This course will help you deepen your inner compassion, understand the difference between compassion and empathy, and respect the limits of compassion. All of this will strengthen your resilience and help you avoid burnout.
“I’m grateful for feelings of preparedness around tragedies and how my organization can respond and lead with compassion.”
– NGO Chief-of-Staff
The evidence for compassionate leadership is clear.
Our training shares the evidence-based benefits that demonstrate the power of leading with compassion. This program offers an efficient and effective opportunity to integrate the tools and principles needed to be an impactful, compassionate leader.
The evidence-based benefits of compassionate leadership offer proven outcomes:
Stronger Individual and Organizational Resilience
Clarity of Mission, Purpose and Values
Improved Financial Performance
Accelerated Learning and Agility
Improved Employee Engagement and Retention
Richer Creativity and Innovation
More Effective Collaboration
Improved Service Quality
Improved Clinical Patient Outcomes in Healthcare
“The Compassionate Leadership training program supports you and gives you ideas on the whys, what, and hows to assist our workplaces to be compassionate, purposeful, and psychologically safe for all employees. It's a great training to connect with others from around the world, to learn together and to share our experiences, insights, and hopes. I recommend this training to anyone seeking to transform their workplace for the greater good of all.”
– Rehabilitation Counselor and Leadership Coach
The evidence for our program’s effectiveness is clear, too.
In 2023, the Center for Compassionate Leadership completed an 18 month longitudinal study of the 8-week curriculum by world-class educational evaluators at Claremont Graduate University. They found that participants showed statistically significant increases in:
Self-compassion
Compassion for others
Compassion at work
Resilience
90% of alumni said that they would recommend the course to their friends and colleagues. 70% of alumni interviewed said that they had seen changes in their organization as a result of this compassionate leadership training.
“We were pleasantly surprised that we could influence the CEO who became part of the conversation of building compassionate culture and then supported us bringing this training to our internal teams.”
– Human Rights NGO Leader
With this solid, independent verification of the program’s effectiveness, you can be assured of the benefits you’ll achieve for yourself and your organization by taking our Compassionate Leadership Certification Program.
“I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to understand how compassionate leadership can be cultivated. This course offered an island of pause, reflection and learning in the middle of a busy week for 8 weeks. It was a weekly meeting I was sure never to miss!”
– Graduate Business School Professor
We are passionate about the quality of your experience.
Meaningful interpersonal connections create the foundation of your growth experience in our programs. Our class size is limited to ensure high-quality attention, engagement, and participation across our close-knit peer community. You will also have ample access to faculty to address your specific needs and concerns along the way. These peer and faculty networks serve as a new home base to support your own compassionate leadership journey.
“This course was a respite in the middle of a stressful week. You managed to connect a community of people during a very disconnected time.”
– Anonymous
The live online interactive format is tailored to the specific needs and questions of the cohort, as they arise in real time. Together we tackle the issues, challenges, and opportunities that are emerging in the field.
“The future is community. How do we build a community of care to take care of each other? This group is the seed for the future.”
– Executive Leadership Coach
How have other compassionate leaders transformed their lives since completing this training?
Compassionate Leadership in Global Health Certification Program alumni around the world report that the program delivers a transformational experience for their growth and development within their internal landscape, in relationship to others, and the organizational impact they are making to the greater whole. Our courageous alumni now lead with compassion first – in their own lives, with their teams, and across their organizations and systems. Alumni evaluations consistently rate the overall program experience as excellent, and 9 out of 10 would recommend the course to a friend or colleague.
“This course was an incredibly enriching experience. I especially enjoyed the deep connection we cultivated as a group which created a safe space for us to share our individual experiences and unique perspectives and challenges. It was a transformative eight weeks that left me feeling inspired and ready to lead with compassion, both personally and professionally.”
– Global Nonprofit Executive
“Life is dynamic and therefore every action of leading in life is dynamic. There is nothing more important, and nothing that will change relationships, systems and self so much than honing the skills of leadership so that they are dynamic and adaptive. This course did just that – it worked with the awareness that our leadership is dynamic in an ever changing globally connected world. And it brought together ways to be comfortable when leading compassionately, to be clear when leading kindly, to be perceptive when leading in challenges, to be true to self when leading for change.
– University Assistant Principal of Global Health
Stay Connected With Compassionate Leadership Training Alumni Around the World
We are constantly inspired by alumni who are out in the leadership field and changing the world! Just ask the 500+ leaders from 50 countries who have already been through our training programs. We gather monthly with alumni to stand together for change and to stay inspired and resourced. The work is hard, and we need each other to keep our commitment strong. Our alumni community is a unique and powerful resource to ensure success your compassionate leadership journey.
“The connections are very, very important, and the learning never ends. I look forward to learning more from these connections, and to intentionally stay connected.”
– NGO Country Director
Who benefits from this compassionate leadership certification program?
We welcome leaders from a wide range of sectors related to the broader fields of public health and global health. Whether you are a senior leader, division head, healthcare provider, field officer, program manager, professor, fellow, or student, you will find a deep sense of common purpose and belonging in our community.
Over the years, we’ve certified people from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, Emory University, University of Edinburgh, University of Cape Town, University of Ottawa, University of Washington, British Columbia Ministry of Health, Cameroon Ministry of Health, Catholic Health Association, Global Partners in Care, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, UK Health Security Agency, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Cone Health, International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care, and Kaiser Permanente, to name but a few.
Some participants are new to mindfulness and compassion, while others have been putting their compassion into action for some period of time. Whatever your level of practice and/or wherever you’re coming from, what really matters is that we’re all on this compassionate leadership training journey to create more positive impact in the world! We come together in community to inspire and support each other during this eight-week program and beyond.
“The training on Compassionate Leadership is a great opportunity to self-audit, share challenges and opportunities with fellow colleagues in similar circumstances, and start a new journey with optimism.”
– NGO Country Director
A look inside the transformational learning journey week by week.
Our time-tested Compassionate Leadership Framework fosters personal and leadership development from the inside out. The learning journey and curriculum are enhanced by connecting and supporting each other in a powerful peer community during the eight-week program and beyond. We gather live online at 11 am ET – 12:30 pm ET for eight consecutive Tuesdays.
Week 1
Igniting Our Community for Impact
Stepping into the Journey Together
Come together as a community with your colleagues and learn about compassionate leadership fundamentals from everyday practices to systems-changing force.
Week 2
The Case for Compassionate Leadership
Science, Organizational Evidence, and Model for Integration
Gain an understanding of the science of compassion, the evidence supporting the power of compassion in organizations, and the challenges to compassionate leadership.
Week 3
Anchoring Our Leadership with Inner Strength
Inner Work of Compassionate Leadership:
Awareness, Self-Compassion, and Vulnerability
Deepen your ability to lead from a grounded, anchored place supported by awareness, self-compassion, and resilience.
Week 4
Building a Culture of Compassion
Psychological Safety, Mindset, and Resilience
Learn how to create a culture of compassion through evidence-based organizational leadership principles and skills.
Week 5
Fostering Belonging in Organizations
Inclusion for Everyone: Othering, Bias, and Belonging
Explore new perspectives and tools to foster a culture of belonging in organizations for everyone.
Week 6
Communication as a Transformational Tool
Compassionate Communication and Feedback
Develop the skills to have difficult conversations and share meaningful feedback with colleagues.
Week 7
Courageous Compassion
Changing Systems from the Inside Out
Learn how to apply courageous compassion and take action to change systems from the inside out.
Week 8
Interconnectedness and Impact
Integrating Compassion and Leadership for the Benefit of All
Chart your personal path and commit to integrate compassion into your daily life and leadership for the benefit of all.
Additional time for practice and Q&A with lead faculty
In addition to the weekly live sessions on Tuesday we will also host an optional session each Friday at 9:30 am ET.
Each Friday session will feature a compassion and/or awareness practice to strengthen our skills and broaden our capacities. The practices will reinforce principles from the curriculum covered during the main course session earlier in the week. Together we will explore the power of these practices in community. We’ll have time and space to experience which ones feel most appropriate for our unique individual and organizational situation.
After practice, there will be time for question and answers on anything related to the weekly content, compassionate leadership in general, or the practices.
“The course opened my mind to compassionate leadership. I was able to self-reflect on the importance of compassion in an organization, my strengths and biases, and how I can practice compassionate leadership. I am now well-equipped to practice compassionate leadership at my workplace and teach others about the topic.”
- Quality Assurance Medical Officer
Compassionate Leadership Certification Program Fees and Discounts
The course investment is $1,250 USD. If you work for an NGO or other nonprofit organization, we are pleased to extend a discount of $100.
Please click the button below to apply. You will find a short application, which ensures that you will be well-served by the course experience and well-supported in contributing to this robust compassionate community.
“I could not have taken the Compassionate Leadership Certification in Global Health at a better time. I walked away from the course with skills that are beneficial to my personal and professional life. The participants were from all over the world and brought varied experiences and expertise, which added additional value to the course. Not only did I learn a great deal from the presenters, I gained a wealth of knowledge from the other participants. I received tangible leadership skills that I will be able to incorporate into my department and overall organization.”
– University Director
“A safe place to feel what you feel and not be judged.”
– Planning Specialist
“The course gave me a sense of security that you can speak about compassion openly and make it something tangible.”
– Anonymous
About the Center for Compassionate Leadership
The nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership convenes and supports a global community of transformational leaders dedicated to building a new world of connection, safety, belonging, equity, and justice. Together we are courageously pioneering solutions to the great challenges of our time through the lens of compassion, love, and flourishing.
This exceptional eight-week Compassionate Leadership in Global Health Certification Program is based on decades of leadership experience and wisdom practice, coupled with emerging neuroscientific and organizational evidence to validate our embodied knowing. Hundreds of alumni that have been through the journey are positively impacting the world in remarkable ways.
Our Certification Programs are one pillar of the Center’s efforts to spread compassion throughout the world. We also run customized in-person and online compassionate leadership training for a broad range of institutions, including The Carter Center, Cornell University, Task Force for Global Health, Association of Immunization Managers, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Tanzanian National Institute of Medical Research.
The momentum of our individual and collective action is how we change ourselves, organizations, systems, and the larger whole. Never underestimate even the smallest act of compassion – its ripples are a powerful and essential contribution to the larger river of all life.
Course Faculty
Laura Berland
Laura Berland is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Compassionate Leadership. She is a weaver of next generation organizations and collaborative experiences, as a serial media/tech entrepreneur, Fortune 500 executive, transformational facilitator, nonprofit board member, meditation educator, yoga therapist, and executive mentor.
Now, through the Center for Compassionate Leadership, she has developed a new model for these turbulent times that melds evidence-based principles of modern leadership and the latest scientific research with the wisdom of contemplative practices. Laura has spent decades working with global executives, entrepreneurs, coaches, professors and graduate students, military veterans, and yoga/meditation teachers from around the world. She is an E-RYT500 (accredited educator) from Yoga Alliance, and C-IAYT (certified yoga therapist) from International Association of Yoga Therapists. Laura is an alumna of Cornell University and New York University.
Evan Harrel
Evan Harrel is the Chief Operating Officer of the Center for Compassionate Leadership. He leads the Center’s thought leadership efforts and the integration of scientific and business research into the work of the Center. For the last fifteen years, he has worked in the nonprofit field, including as an executive director, consultant, and board member. Evan has taught about compassion to both nonprofit organizations and for-profit corporate boards.
Prior to his dedication to the nonprofit sector, Evan was an investment manager for over twenty years where he managed a thirty-billion-dollar equity mutual fund. He was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree, with distinction, from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Princeton University.
David Addiss
David Addiss, MD, MPH, is a leader in the field of compassion in global health. He is currently the director of the Focus Area for Compassion and Ethics at the Task Force for Global Health. In addition, he is the founder and director of the Center for Compassion and Global Health.
Dr. Addiss received his MD from the Medical College of Georgia in 1981 and his MPH from Johns Hopkins University. He co-directed the WHO’s Collaborating Center for Control and Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in the Americas, based at the CDC, served as the director of the Fetzer Institute’s program in science and spirituality, and directed the Children Without Worms program at the Task Force for Global Health. Dr. Addiss has co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications, a book, and several book chapters.
Kenya Casey
Kenya Casey, MSW, serves as senior faculty for the Center for Compassionate Leadership’s Certification programs. Ms. Casey is experienced in creating cultures of safety, connection and belonging within organizations and has catalyzed profound organizational impact and change throughout her career. Her approach is rooted in the importance of relationships, kindness, mentoring, and mindfulness.
Ms. Casey is the Director of Global Safety and Security for Emory University. She strengthens support for Emory students’ and employees’ travel health, safety and security, with a particular focus on ensuring best practices for all international travel. She also leads university wide efforts to enhance health, safety, and security before, during, and after travel to Emory community members who are engaged in and/or support international travel.
Ms. Casey previously served as senior associate director of Overseas Operations for The Carter Center Health Programs for 7 years, where she sparked a movement that continues to this day to deepen the Center’s compassionate culture.
Previously, she worked in Emory’s Center for International Programs Abroad, where she trained administrators on best practices and ways to increase participation and belonging among student groups historically underrepresented in study abroad.
Ms. Casey earned her B.A. in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University and her Master’s degree in social work from Howard University. As a certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator, Ms. Casey leads monthly meditations for The Carter Center domestic and international staff, as well as leading weekly mindfulness sessions for a diverse group of practitioners.
“The Compassionate Leadership Certification Program is a great opportunity to do self-audit, share challenges and opportunities with fellow colleagues in pretty much similar circumstances and start a new journey with lot of optimism.”
– Global Executive
If you are ready to lead with compassion, come join us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the format of the online Compassionate Leadership Certification Program?
The course is an eight-week learning journey with a global peer community. Each live session meets weekly at 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET for eight consecutive Tuesdays. Recordings of each session are posted shortly thereafter, in case you cannot attend live.
Each weekly session includes live discussion and training with a focus on experiential learning through practices and exercises, as well as small group breakouts with your peers.
All course materials and additional resources will be posted online and available for downloading. You are encouraged to attend as many live sessions as possible, but you will also reap the benefits of the course if you listen to the recordings.
How many hours of work are required to complete the certification? Is there homework?
There are eight weekly live class sessions, 1.5 hours each, for a total of 12 hours of group class time. There is no formal homework; however there will be weekly reflection questions that you may contemplate on your own.
There is an optional weekly hour available to meet with lead faculty and peers for Q&A and open discussion.
Will I have access to lead faculty?
Yes. Each week’s session is designed with opportunities to engage in dialogue around participant questions. Additionally, lead faculty will host a weekly supplemental Zoom meeting where you will be able to ask additional questions or discuss a topic in more detail.
What technology is required to access the course?
Live sessions will be conducted on the Zoom platform. You will need a free subscription to Zoom to connect to the course. Zoom may be accessed through computers, tablets, or any mobile phone. If you need further information on Zoom, please visit www.zoom.us to sign up for free.
How does the program address Trauma-Informed leadership?
There are few people or organizations that have not been faced with trauma, loss, or suffering. This is especially true and more urgent in the wake of the pandemic. Yet many leaders are reluctant to address these challenges with individuals, with teams, and with their organization. We prepare leaders to be trauma-informed by courageously utilizing the lens of compassion, bringing a heightened level of awareness, care, and concern to every encounter.
Trauma-informed leaders create conditions of safety and support, where everyone can acknowledge, heal, and grow from the most difficult circumstances. You will find that trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive best practices are woven throughout our compassionate leadership training.
Will I receive a certificate upon completing this program?
Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Center for Compassionate Leadership. Certificates will be delivered electronically, so that they can be shared on LinkedIn or other digital channels.
Do I have life-long access to the course material?
Yes, you will be able to access the materials and recordings at any time in the future.
What are the fees for the program?
The course investment is $1,250 USD. If you work for an NGO or other nonprofit organization, we are pleased to extend a discount of $100. Full registration and payment details will be sent in response to your application.
What payment methods are accepted for the program?
Payment may be made directly online with a major credit card or via PayPal. If you would like us to invoice your organization, please send your request via email to cfclprograms@gmail.com.
What are the terms for payment? Will you refund my fee if I have to withdraw?
You may pay the fee in one payment or in two equal installments. Your full or first payment is due within two weeks of acceptance into the program. If you choose to pay in two installments, the second payment is due three weeks before the program begins.
If you must withdraw up to one week prior to the start of the course, your fees are refundable in full, less a $100 USD administrative fee.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. We strive to make the course and community available to all individuals and organizations dedicated to compassionate leadership. We offer a limited number of partial and full scholarships to highly qualified candidates. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please complete this application, which includes both the course application and scholarship application material.
What is covered in the program fee? Are there any additional costs?
The program fee covers the entire eight-week curriculum, access to the live Zoom sessions, and lifetime access to session recordings, program materials, and the ongoing alumni community. There are no additional fees.
Can my organization pay for the program?
Yes. We can invoice your organization directly or provide you with an invoice to submit.
Are group rates available?
Yes. Some organizations send several team members together to build an internal base of compassionate leadership community and support. We are pleased to offer group rates if several employees at your organization want to participate in the same cohort. Please contact cfclprograms@gmail.com for details.
Can I participate from anywhere in the world?
Yes, indeed. The program was developed for global leaders around the world. Sessions are delivered online and are available from anywhere Zoom can be accessed with an internet connection or telephone line.
Still curious or have additional program questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Email us at cfclprograms@gmail.com.
“Applying self compassion to leadership, effective communication and greater awareness are invaluable and will help build kinder, better more appropriate structures.”
– Global NGO Executive