Compassionate Leadership Fellowship Program: A Tale of Growth and Transformation


The ‘Compassionate Leadership Fellowship’ (CLF) is a prestigious year-long program designed to inspire, empower, influence, and transform leaders. This esteemed initiative involves partners such as Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust, Global Health Academy, the University of Edinburgh, and the Indian Association of Palliative Care. It is my privilege to share with you the odyssey of my leadership journey. This path has been marked not only by milestones and achievements but also by the enduring values and heart that have guided me every step of the way. My journey has been about fostering growth, both in myself and in others. It is a story of personal growth, unwavering determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
One of the profound lessons I’ve learned is that true leadership is not about wielding authority but about empowering others. I have come to realize the importance of empathy, humility, and continuous self-improvement. Silence nurtures transformation. Taking a moment to pause and reflect allows growth to catch up with us. In this fast-moving world, slowing down has become more valuable than ever. Because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Every tactical problem can often be traced back to the heart issues of leaders, such as weak character, fear, pride, inability to distinguish right from wrong, or misplaced priorities. The heart of a leader must be transformed before lasting personal and organizational change can occur.
This program has taught me to focus on personal growth before leading others. It has shown me the importance of removing pride and fear to boost effectiveness and align with a shared vision and purpose. It has emphasized mastering leadership in every moment and promoting love-based leadership over power-based leadership. Strengthening relationships for greater impact and fostering trust in daily interactions with all stakeholders have been key takeaways.
The CLF program establishes a foundation for organizational culture change driven by heart change. It focuses on developing leaders at all levels to drive long-term transformation.
When Our Heart Changes, Everything Changes. Looking ahead, my vision is to cultivate an environment of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. My leadership story is woven with the threads of the values I hold dear and the people who have inspired me. I will continue to lead with heart, making a difference in the lives of those I touch.

Written By: Rontu Sangma (Regional Facilitation Team, Pallium India)