Leading with Fierce Compassion

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.

• Acknowledgements 1. Navigating the Age of OverwhelmLeading with Fierce Compassion2. Beyond Nice and KindRevealing the Power of Compassion3. Awakening the Soothe SystemFierce Compassion’s Role in Leadership4. Cultivating Compassionate CapacityThe Path of Fierce Compassion5. Redefining SuccessFierce Compassion for Achievement6. Breaking Free of TyrannyFierce Compassion for Perfectionism7. The Leadership Balancing ActFierce Compassion for Supporting Others8. Courageous ConversationsFierce Compassion for Navigating Conflict9. Bridging the DivideFierce Compassion for Embracing Diversity10. Navigating Complex SystemsFierce Compassion for the Future of Leadership11. Embracing HumanityFierce Compassion for Leading and LearningIndex

'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