E02: Creating an Empathetic-Centered Newsroom with Poynter’s Kerwin Speight

Summary

In this conversation, Kerwin Speight shares his insights on compassionate leadership in journalism, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-care, and team well-being. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the need for connection in remote work environments, and the initiatives being implemented by Poynter to support mental health in newsrooms. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of leadership and the significance of understanding and caring for team members.

Takeaways

• Compassionate leadership is essential in journalism.
• Empathy can significantly improve team dynamics.
• Self-care practices are crucial for leaders.
• Recognizing burnout is key to supporting teams.
• Fostering connections helps remote teams feel engaged.
• Poynter offers valuable resources for mental health. Work-life chemistry is more realistic than balance.
• Feedback from teams is vital for improvement.
• Creative initiatives can enhance team morale.
• Compassionate leaders motivate and understand their teams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Compassionate Leadership

05:11 Influential News Leaders and Their Impact

07:58 Kerwin's Leadership Style and Situational Leadership

10:29 Challenges and Rewards in Newsroom Management

13:15 Self-Care Strategies for Leaders

16:01 Empathy in Leadership

18:52 Engagement Initiatives During the Pandemic

22:00 Feedback Mechanisms in Newsrooms

24:46 Poynter's Role in Supporting Newsroom Well-Being

27:26 Work-Life Chemistry Course at Poynter

30:21 Upcoming Initiatives at Poynter

33:19 Defining Compassionate Leadership

Links of topics mentioned in this episode:

Poynter: Mental Health

Poynter: Work-Life Chemistry Online Course

Rosalynn Carter's Leadership in Mental Health

The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Mental Health Reporting