1st Edition
Leading with Fierce Compassion Practical Wisdom for Meaningful Change
Acknowledgements
1. Navigating the Age of Overwhelm
Leading with Fierce Compassion
2. Beyond Nice and Kind
Revealing the Power of Compassion
3. Awakening the Soothe System
Fierce Compassion’s Role in Leadership
4. Cultivating Compassionate Capacity
The Path of Fierce Compassion
5. Redefining Success
Fierce Compassion for Achievement
6. Breaking Free of Tyranny
Fierce Compassion for Perfectionism
7. The Leadership Balancing Act
Fierce Compassion for Supporting Others
8. Courageous Conversations
Fierce Compassion for Navigating Conflict
9. Bridging the Divide
Fierce Compassion for Embracing Diversity
10. Navigating Complex Systems
Fierce Compassion for the Future of Leadership
11. Embracing Humanity
Fierce Compassion for Leading and Learning
Index
Biography
Dr Mary Miller is a clinical psychologist and executive coach helping leader develop clarity and courage through Fierce Compassion. She brings together clinical insight and leadership coaching experience from legal, medical, academic and corporate settings across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
'Fierce Compassion is leadership wisdom with heart and spine. Dr. Mary Miller shows us how to lead with clarity, courage, and deep care, without burning out or selling out. If you’ve ever felt torn between being kind and being strong, this book is your map. Compassion, it turns out, is power.'
Tony Fernando, PhD, psychiatrist, author of Life Hacks from the Buddha, New Zealand
'Leading with Fierce Compassion lays out a framework for NGO leaders to navigate the twin challenges of addressing the external polycrisis while simultaneously navigating the internal identity conflicts that can occur in progressive organisations. Fierce compassion is an external act of resistance against neoliberal individualism and competition, but is also an unapologetic embrace of internal diversity to bridge internal differences. But it doesn’t let leaders just look outwards—it asks them to look inward also to develop the skills, empathy and wise action to deal with distress. It is a thought-provoking guide to anyone interested in leadership in our troubled times.'
Russel Norman, PhD, Executive Director of Greenpeace Aotearoa
'Blending her powerful personal story with deep clinical insight, Dr Mary Miller brings rare humanity to the case for disciplined, Fierce Compassion — as both a way of living and leading. In a world so often marked by conflict, polarisation, and harsh self-judgment, this book is a timely guide. It’s written for all of us who’ve ever been too hard on ourselves or others.'
Galia BarHava, PhD, organisational culture specialist & psychologist, New Zealand
'Leading with Fierce Compassion is a powerful guide for today’s leaders, blending psychological insight with practical tools to navigate complexity with integrity. There is wise advice for leaders dealing with a stressful position (that can be lonely) and stressed team members. There is a focus on acceptance of uncomfortable feelings—to be able to sit with them before rushing to fix things. This book is a must-read for leaders and team members, as both need the skills and tools within.'
Bruce Arroll, professor, general practice and primary health care, director of Goodfellow Unit, New Zealand
