How Can Kindness Make You a Better Leader?

In this episode of Knack 4 Business, hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt welcome Adam Kirkaldy, founder of From Aspiring to Inspiring and the UK’s only certified MindTime facilitator. Adam’s unusual path — from opera singer to global leadership trainer — reveals why kindness is not weakness, but a strategic advantage. He shares how psychological insight and thinking styles can transform management, lower stress, and build trust across cultures. From tackling micromanagement to navigating hybrid workplaces, Adam’s advice equips leaders at every stage to inspire their teams. Perfect for business owners, emerging managers, and anyone ready to lead with confidence and humanity.

The Problem Adam Solves
Too many managers struggle to inspire trust and engagement because they focus on tasks instead of people.

What happens when an opera singer trades the stage for the boardroom? You get Adam Kirkaldy — a leadership trainer whose voice now inspires teams instead of audiences. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, hosts Bernie Franzgrote of Kreativ Insight and Wayne Pratt of Motive8U Inc sit down with Adam to explore how kindness, psychology, and the science of thinking styles can turn hesitant managers into confident, inspiring leaders.

From his unique career journey across the UK, Middle East, and Asia, Adam shares how MindTime — a groundbreaking thinking-styles model — helps leaders communicate better, reduce stress, and build trust. You’ll discover why kindness is a bold leadership strategy, how to create psychological safety, and why cultural awareness is essential in today’s hybrid and global workplaces.

Key Topics Covered

• Adam’s leap from opera to leadership training
• Why kindness is a powerful business strategy, not a weakness
• How From Aspiring to Inspiring transforms management styles
• What MindTime is — and how it changes team communication
• The role of thinking styles in reducing workplace stress
• Why many leaders struggle with trust (and how to fix it)
• Leadership myths small businesses often believe
• Cultural differences in trust-building across regions
• Challenges and opportunities in hybrid work environments
• One simple leadership tip you can use today

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube
🎥 Click here to watch on YouTube and see Adam’s insights in action.

Guest Links & Resources

• Adam Kirkaldy Website
• Adam Kirkaldy LinkedIn
• Book a Call with Adam

Acknowledgments
Special thanks to:

• Carl Richards – Podcast Solutions Made Simple
• Fred Crouch – Property Wizard Podcast
• Jovan Strika – @Hive Coworking
• Melanie Webber – Business partner
• Wayne Pratt – Motive8U Inc

Sponsor Details
💼 Business Tools & Communities That Help SMBs Grow
I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you click these links. Each one supports what we do, and could support you too.

• Descript – Edit audio/video as easily as text
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• East Trade Winds – Free business networking that works

Contact Us
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🌐 Knack 4 Business Website

If you enjoyed this episode, please comment, share your thoughts, or connect with Adam and our team — we’d love to hear from you.

Disclaimer: Please note that the Knack 4 Business podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject