Thoughts on Leadership: The Power of Compassion in Leadership and Culture

By Gino Blefari

This week, my travels took me to Wilmington, North Carolina, where I arrived Monday evening from Northern California. On Tuesday morning, I had the pleasure of spending time with the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties team. Jeff Sweyer and Whitney Leonard were gracious hosts, offering hospitality that truly embodied the spirit of the season. During my visit, I shared my daily routine for success—a strategy designed not only to foster personal achievement but to empower every team member to make 2025 their best year yet. I also shared our business strategy coaching program to further enhance their success in the coming year.

From Wilmington, I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday afternoon to meet with Jenni Bonura, CEO of Harry Norman Realtors. It was wonderful to catch up with Jenni and discuss the outstanding work she is leading. My Wednesday began with the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties team at their all-company holiday breakfast event. The hospitality was exceptional, hosted by DeAnn Golden, Todd Tucker, Kathy Connelly, and Gwen Goodman. Their warm and vibrant culture was evident in every detail of the event.

Read more: Thoughts on Leadership: The Power of Compassion in Leadership and Culture

From Atlanta, I traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, on Wednesday evening for a dinner meeting with Jack Woodcock, the original founder of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties. Hearing about his life and business journey was truly enriching. Conversations like these always inspire me and deepen my appreciation for the remarkable legacy within our organization.

On Thursday morning, I met with Troy Reierson, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada, Arizona, and California Properties. We discussed his 2025 Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), and as always, it was a pleasure to exchange ideas with Troy. Following this meeting, I took time to reflect and write this blog before preparing to travel home.

Experiencing such genuine care and hospitality from these remarkable teams reminded me of the importance of compassion in leadership. Compassion shapes not only the culture of an organization but also the individual journeys of those we lead. It is a value that has guided my own path and continues to inspire me every day.

Compassion holds a special place in my heart and history, as it was Value #2 in Intero’s value pyramid when we founded the company back in 2002. For me, it wasn’t just a word on paper. It was—and still is—a principle we lived by. Every agent and employee who joined our team stepped into the Cupertino Headquarters boardroom to hear “The Intero Story,” where I shared the values that defined our culture. Compassion stood out as a cornerstone of how we treated each other, our clients, and the communities we served.

Why compassion? Because in a people-focused industry like real estate, our success hinges on relationships. Compassion allows us to connect, to understand, and to serve at the highest level. It inspires us to go beyond transactions and truly support clients during some of the most significant transitions of their lives.

As leaders, compassion isn’t just about kindness—it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, and heard. It’s about walking in someone else’s shoes and leading with both empathy and purpose. Whether it’s helping a colleague through a tough time, supporting a client facing challenges, or giving back to your community, compassionate actions ripple outward and create lasting impact.

I encourage you to embrace compassion not just this month but as a year-round leadership practice. Here are a few ways to bring compassion into your leadership style:

1. Listen to Understand – Take time to truly hear the people you lead. Often, just listening can be the most compassionate thing you do.
2. Lead by Example – Show compassion in your actions. Whether it’s flexibility for a team member in need or kindness to a frustrated client, your example sets the tone for your organization.
3. Celebrate Diversity – This season reminds us of the beauty in different traditions and beliefs. Embrace the diversity of your team and clients, and let compassion guide you in fostering inclusion and respect.
4. Give Back – As leaders, we are uniquely positioned to drive change. Find ways to give back to your community, whether through charitable initiatives or volunteering as a team.

So, what’s the message? Compassion isn’t just a seasonal sentiment; it’s a vital leadership quality. It strengthens culture, builds trust, and fosters the kind of meaningful connections that define both leadership and life. As we celebrate this season of light and love, let’s lead with compassion in everything we do.

On a personal note, I’ll be taking some time off next week to enjoy the holidays with my loved ones. I want to wish all of you a season filled with compassion, connection, and joy. Thank you for your continued readership, and I look forward to sharing more thoughts on leadership with you in the new year.

Wishing you all the best for a wonderful holiday season and an inspiring start to 2025!