'From Voluntary Redundancy To Author And Business Owner'

Steven Hargreaves, founder of The Compassionate Leadership Company, joined Mark Longbottom on the Purposely Podcast to share why he left a secure corporate job to follow a new path.

He chose to take voluntary redundancy—not just for a lifestyle change, but because he felt inspired to help others lead with more compassion. It was a personal mission. He had seen the cost of poor leadership and believed there was a better way.

Of course, the practical side mattered too. Voluntary redundancy gave him the financial breathing room to start something new. It also let him take back control of his time. “I don’t work weekends. I don’t work school holidays,” he said. “That was a very intentional choice to be present with my family and maintain balance.”

With space to think clearly, Steven launched The Compassionate Leadership Company. His goal: to help leaders show up differently—leading with empathy, self-awareness, and human connection. His 16-week programme is hands-on. “Learn something, try it, come back, reflect, and improve,” he explained. It’s built around action and real-world learning, not box-ticking or passive content.

Steven’s corporate experience shapes his approach. He doesn’t offer generic solutions. Instead, he tailors his work to the needs of each team—whether they’re remote, hybrid, or in a specific sector. The goal is always the same: better leadership through trust, understanding, and connection.

One of his early challenges was pricing. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, he undervalued his time and expertise. “We often price ourselves too low at the start,” he said. “Now I’m much clearer on what it really takes to deliver quality work.” This mindset shift has helped him grow the business without compromising on values.

At the heart of Steven’s work is self-compassion. He integrates breathwork and mindfulness—not to make leaders spiritual, but to help them manage stress, stay resilient, and lead calmly. “Breathing well has to be core,” he said. “It’s about knowing the science and having tools to stay steady under pressure.”

Importantly, Steven’s definition of leadership goes beyond work. By stepping away from the traditional 9–5, he’s built a life that aligns with his values—where family, energy, and integrity come first. “I’ve learned to say no to the things that would stretch me too thin,” he said. That clarity lets him support his clients without burning out.

Steven Hargreaves’ story is a reminder that leaving the safe option behind can lead to something more meaningful. His approach to compassionate leadership isn’t just about managing people better—it’s about creating workplaces, and lives, where people can thrive.

Get the book: The Compassionate Leadership Playbook