When Gregg Ward talks about leadership, it's not with buzzwords or management theory. He starts with real life—grief, guilt, growth—and the hard-earned lessons that come from facing yourself honestly.

Gregg is the CEO of the Center for Respectful Leadership, but he’s also been a journalist, an actor, and the guy in the room with silent regrets. His journey from personal tragedy to authentic purpose is a masterclass in what it really means to lead with respect.

“I’m giving you this feedback because I respect you.”

Gregg has a simple but powerful rule for leaders: when you need to be direct, start with respect. Not flattery, not sugarcoating. “Hey,” he says, “this isn’t the end of the world. I’m telling you this because I care. Let’s figure it out together.”

Too often, feedback is weaponized or avoided. Gregg teaches leaders how to give tough feedback without tearing someone down.

The accident that changed everything

As a young man, Gregg caused a car accident that took the life of someone he loved. It’s a story he shares openly in a TEDx talk titled, "Confessions of an Accidental Killer", and it shaped the rest of his life.

For years, he tried to earn back his worth through good work. But it wasn’t until he shifted his motivation—from self-redemption to honoring her legacy—that things truly changed. Today, he runs a scholarship in her name and uses his platform to teach others about moral injury, resilience, and the quiet power of treating people right.

Respect is a business imperative

Gregg’s work is rooted in neuroscience and real-world data. Teams thrive when respect is present. Performance improves. Turnover drops. People show up differently.

And respect certainly doesn’t mean being nice all the time. It means understanding how others want to be treated and leading with emotional intelligence. It’s what Gregg calls The Platinum Rule: Do unto others as they would have you do unto them.

The ripple effect

Looking back, Gregg points to his old editor in the UK named Richard Moe, as someone whose respectful leadership had a lasting effect on him. “He gave tough feedback, but I always felt like he believed in me,” Gregg says. “That made all the difference.”

Respect leaves a mark. Long after the project ends or the job changes, people remember how you made them feel.

So if you’re a leader—or want to be one—don’t underestimate the strength it takes to lead with respect. As Gregg shows us, it might just be the most powerful tool you have.

‍✨

🎧 Listen to the full episode on *YouTube, *Apple Podcasts, or *Spotify.