Lead with Heart, Not Armor Report
Audience Feedback on Mar 18, 2026
Attendee Responses
35
100% found this session valuable
100% would hear this speaker again
Attendees found this session
Inspiring
98%
Relevant
96%
Engaging
96%
Actionable
95%
Summary: Lead With Heart: A Powerful Lesson in Courage, Kindness, and Emotional Intelligence
Heather Wood delivered an incredibly inspiring talk that moved everyone in the room! She spoke with such emotion and conviction while being vulnerable and real about her own story. Heather was "real and raw and relatable," challenging us to think and reflect without judgment while creating space for genuine sharing. Her powerful message reminded us that "courage and bravery can be as simple as just paying attention and asking someone how they are," showing us how to lead with heart and unwavering kindness.
Presentation Outcomes Achieved:
Everyone is battling something we know nothing about—showing up with kindness and asking "how are you?" is an act of courage and leadership.
Leading with emotional intelligence and heart builds stronger, longer-lasting teams and creates better work outcomes.
Being mindful of what others are going through in the workplace helps build better teams, systems, and results.
How attendees describe this talk
It was a beautiful lesson in showing up for those around us and recognizing that everyone is battling something we have no idea about. That courage and bravery can be as simple as just paying attention and asking someone how they are or showing up for someone when they need it the most. It was a reminder that in leadership and in life to just be a good human and show unwavering kindness.
Ashley Wicks
Delmonico Insurance Agency
Heather was real and raw and relatable. She challenged us to think and reflect in our own situations without condemnation. She allowed us space to share & was genuine and appreciative of our shares.
Attendee
Everyone has stuff going on. Being mindful of that in the workplace will help to build better teams and systems, and in turn, better work.
Attendee
I am an empath who is stepping into a leadership role so this was very valuable for me. You are an incredibly strong person, god bless.
Alisa Eisnor
A great session for those looking to learn how to lead with emotional intelligence and build a long lasting team
Brianna Komondor
Talked about making connections with people to lead with heart and love.
Colleen McTygue
Heartfelt, motivational, inspiring, encouraging, empowering ❤️
Raigan Verminski
Catholic Charities
Inspiring and makes you realize the value of a moment.
Ashlea Schad
Nascentia health
It was insightful and compassionate
Michele Kalil
Feedback for Heather and the event
Catholic Charities provides residential and community services to Madison and Oneida counties for people with mental illness and substance abuse
Raigan Verminski
Catholic Charities
Way to go Heather!! Can’t wait to see you grow in this new adventure! Hope to see you at one of my national conferences someday!
Cara White
Thank you for being vulnerable and real and sharing your story ❤️
Pamela way
First Source FCU
You speak with such emotion and conviction. It was inspiring!
Brianna Komondor
I appreciate her resilience.
Mahagony Gadson
Catholic Charities
Great job
Donna Vadney
NAscentia Health
Nothing
Michele Kalil
Unsure
Ilene smith
Catholic charities
N/a
Attendee