Do kind leaders finish last—or does kindness actually pay off?

On December 1, 2025, the Greater Good Science Center, in partnership with the Berkeley Center for Workplace Culture and Innovation at Haas, hosted an inspiring on-stage conversation featuring Chancellor Rich Lyons alongside changemaking leaders and prosocial scientists. 

Watch a recording of the event below and learn more about our speaking engagements and workshops here."

 

Drawing on research from Mei Feng and Weili Ge on 3,500 CEOs, the panel uncovered how leaders who prioritize kindness achieve greater profitability for their companies—while also fostering trust, resilience, and belonging in their organizations.

At a time when unkind leaders often dominate the headlines, this engaging and candid conversation offered research-based insights to help organizations thrive while also boosting the bottom line.

Rich Lyons 

Rich Lyons
Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley

Yamini Rangan 

Yamini Rangan
CEO, Hubspot

Denis Ring 

Denis Ring
CEO, Ocho Chocolates / Whole Foods 365

Weili Ge 

Weili Ge
University of Washington

KeyAnna Schmiedl 

KeyAnna Schmiedl
Chief Human Experience Officer, Workhuman

Emiliana Simon-Thomas 

Emiliana Simon-Thomas
GGSC Science Director

Kia Afcari 

Kia Afcari
GGSC Facilitator

 

 

In this fun and honest on-stage conversation, luminary leaders will share compelling stories, cutting-edge research, and practical tips on kind leadership as a driver of both personal well-being and organizational success. Drawing on Mei Feng and Weili Ge’s research on 3,500 CEOs, they’ll show how leaders who prioritize kindness achieve greater profitability for their companies.

Join Chancellor Rich Lyons and our panel of experts as we challenge the notion that hustle-and-grind, profit-first cultures are the only path to success—and show how prioritizing kindness and employee well-being helps both organizations and their people thrive.

All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact: greater@berkeley.edu.

Logo 1 Logo 2 Logo 3  Logo 4

The Greater Good Science Center is funded by donations and grants. We’re grateful for your support, which allows us to continue inspiring well-being, kindness, and positive change in communities everywhere.

Donate