What if the most important leadership metric isn’t on your dashboard, but in your chest?

In this conversation, cardiologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Jonathan Fisher (author of Just One Heart) joins hosts Lisa T. Grimes and Dr. Russell Greenfield to explore the science and soul of connection.

We dig into the “seven traits of the heart” (steadiness, wisdom, openness, wholeness, courage, lightness, warmth), how friendship and belonging protect against burnout, and why leading with your whole heart improves performance, retention, and wellbeing.

From clinical stories and Blue Zones research to practical tools you can use today, this episode is a timely reset for leaders, clinicians, and anyone craving more meaning. You’ll leave with a kinder way to talk to yourself, a clearer way to show up for others, and proof that connection isn’t soft—it’s smart.

• A practical checklist for how to be—not just what to do—when stakes are high

• Why friendship and belonging are protective for heart health and longevity

• The business case: how warm, connected cultures outperform

• Burnout drivers (autonomy, rigidity, moral injury) and what actually helps

• Simple ways to start “friending yourself” and lead with courage and warmth

“When we lead with our whole hearts, we heal ourselves—and those around us.”

- Dr. Jonathan Fisher

Dr. Jonathan Fisher is a Harvard-trained cardiologist, mindfulness teacher, and well-being leader. As Physician Executive for Well-Being and Resiliency at Novant Health, he designs and leads programs supporting 38,000+ team members. He is co-founder of the Ending Clinician Burnout Global Community and co-host of its annual international summits. Author of the multi-award winning Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness, he helps people reconnect mind and heart to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity, compassion, and care.

Find Dr Fisher at:

Website: https://www.drjonathanfisher.com

Book “Just One Heart”: https://a.co/d/608gH2U

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/happyheartmd/

The Heart-Mind Connection Newsletter: https://substack.com/@drjonathanfisher

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyheartmd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDcRj4LQTdHKB2SU6jDs0YQ?view_as=subscriber

©Friendship Institute 2025

Friendship Matters™ is intended to help improve our Friendship IQ. While this generally signals an improvement in our overall wellbeing, this podcast is not intended in any way to offer specific counseling or medical advice. Please seek help from a trained professional.