SMP LeaderTalks

#158 | The power of kindness

SMP LeaderTalks

12. August 2026

Georgiy Michailov meets Nora Blum

On the keys to success in life, self-care, and gossip.

0h 57 Min

“I'm friendly for selfish reasons.”

Friendliness is often seen as a weakness—you come across as nice, but not assertive. Yet studies show that people who remain friendly negotiate more effectively, lead better teams, and are happier in life. Nevertheless, friendliness is frequently confused with a desire to maintain harmony at all costs, to avoid conflict, and to use gossip as a natural outlet. So where exactly is the line between genuine friendliness and people-pleasing? And why is an open conflict often even friendlier than an awkward silence?

“Clarity is kindness.”

Nora Blum hat mit ihrem Bestseller „Radikale Freundlichkeit“ gezeigt, dass Freundlichkeit kein Zufall, sondern eine täglich getroffene Entscheidung ist. Sie hat mit zwei Mitgründerinnen eine der erfolgreichsten Mental-Health-Apps Deutschlands aufgebaut und den Wert der Freundlichkeit fest in ihren Führungsstil verankert. Im Gespräch mit Georgiy Michailov erklärt sie, wieso das Smartphone einer der größten Freundlichkeits-Killer ist und was sie in der ehrenamtlichen Palliativbegleitung über echte Verbundenheit gelernt hat.

*Video only in German

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