After more than 30 years leading communications at major companies such as P&G, Avon, Philip Morris, Kraft Foods, Mondelez, and Microsoft, I decided to change my path. I left the fast-paced corporate world to dedicate myself to a mission I deeply believe in: helping individuals and organizations create compassionate work environments where people feel valued, engaged, recognized, and happy. I’d like to share two achievements of this journey: the launch of my book, O poder da compaixão no ambiente de trabalho (translated as The Power of Compassion in the Workplace), in partnership with Editora Alta Books, and my new website — a space filled with tools, stories, and practices for leaders and teams who want to build more humane and productive cultures.
Throughout my career, I have seen how stress and pressure can affect people at work. Often, the intense pace leaves little room for human connection, and quiet suffering becomes commonplace. Every person carries their own struggles, which need to be acknowledged in order to create a truly welcoming environment.
Research from the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), at Stanford University, shows that compassionate cultures transform workplaces. When leaders practice empathy, active listening, and acknowledge people’s needs, the result is clear: happier, more collaborative, and more productive teams, with lower turnover rates and greater innovation.
Moreover, studies published in the Harvard Business Review indicate that leading with compassion reduces emotional exhaustion (a key component of burnout), increases engagement, and strengthens collaboration, trust, and loyalty within teams. The World Health Organization (WHO) also highlights, in its guidelines on mental health at work, that compassionate and supportive environments help prevent problems such as burnout, classified as an occupational syndrome, promoting general well-being and productivity.
Compassion at work is not about being nice — it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels heard, seen, and valued. Small actions, such as listening attentively, celebrating collective achievements, or offering flexibility, can reduce stress, boost engagement, and strengthen connections among people in safe environments. These actions improve well-being while also driving creativity and productivity.
In my book, O poder da compaixão no ambiente de trabalho (translated as The Power of Compassion in the Workplace), I share my journey to transform suffering at work into connection and purpose. Combining insights from CCARE with neuroscience, I demonstrate how compassionate practices activate brain regions that release neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, promoting feelings of well-being, reward, and calm, while reducing activity in neural networks associated with threats and negative stress. This not only improves individual mood but also strengthens social bonds and collective resilience. The book offers practical strategies for leaders and teams to create more welcoming environments focused on well-being and inclusion.
On my new website, you will find practical resources, inspiring stories, and ideas to bring more compassion into your daily life, whether you are a leader or a team member.
Imagine a work environment where you can be yourself, without fear of judgment. A place where collaboration and well-being go hand in hand. I invite you to visit the entire website to get to know my book and explore resources that can transform your work environment.
