Ep. 56 - Kindness Revolution How a Technology Executive is Solving the Loneliness Epidemic at Work with Natalie Semmes
Are you tired of the endless cycle of people-pleasing, emotional suppression, and disconnected “social junk food”—but not sure how to reclaim your authentic self? In this empowering episode of The Self Investment Project, we dive deep into the transformative power of kindness and intentional connection, uncovering practical tools for emotional wellness and sustainable self-care in our hyper-digital world.
Host Kathy Washburn is joined by Natalie Semmes, international technologist and cancer survivor, who shares her inspiring journey from high-pressure corporate success through life-altering illness and into her mission to spark a “kindness revolution.” Discover how Natalie’s innovative KindYou app gamifies genuine connection, why being kind to yourself is the ultimate secret weapon against burnout, and what the science—and true stories—reveal about overcoming isolation, negativity bias, and emotional inflammation at work and home.
Learn about the essential pillars of clarity, care, recognition, and connection, and walk away with actionable strategies to foster real human relationships, set healthy boundaries, and finally invest in your own well-being. Whether you’re facing midlife reinvention, navigating cancer survivorship, or simply ready to break free from old patterns, this episode is your invitation to step boldly into a wildly authentic, joy-filled next chapter. Don’t miss the chance to transform your relationship with yourself, your community, and the world—one intentional act of kindness at a time.
Topics Discussed in this Episode:
Intentional acts of kindness in workplaces
Social junk food and emotional wellness
Gamifying positive psychology for connection
Building resilience through self-kindness
Technology’s impact on authentic relationships
Timestamps:
00:00 "Balancing Technology and Humanity"
06:37 "Combating Loneliness with Intentional Connection"
12:02 "Kindness Gamification for Mindfulness"
17:23 Team Motivation and Engagement App
26:20 Technologist's Journey Through Cancer
31:03 Unexpected Support During Chemo
32:56 Transformative Kindness
42:00 "Exploring Kindness Amid Global Challenges"
47:13 Workplace Kindness: Core Pillars Explained
53:37 Emotional Inflammation and Self-Kindness
56:51 Career Success: Value Relationships Over Numbers
01:03:37 "Connecting Through Vulnerability"
01:10:29 "Pro Bono Work for Nightingale Hospitals"
01:11:35 United Effort Establishes Hospitals Swiftly
01:17:10 Inspiring Kindness-Driven Action
If Natalie was a pill, what effect would she want to have on someone?
If I could engage, excite, and elevate people so that they talk their own inner kindness.
More About Natalie Semmes
Follow @natalie-semmes on LinkedIn
Learn more about Elfkare
Natalie Semmes is a tech leader turned kindness pioneer, whose work bridges cutting-edge innovation in kindness with human-centred tech transformation. With a career spanning IBM, Barclays, and KPMG, Natalie has led the design and delivery of technology that has positively impacted millions and even won an award from the UK Prime Minister for automating benefit payments.
Her experience as a cancer survivor reshaped Natalie’s perspective on what truly matters at work, and in life. That led her to launch Elfkare, a company on a mission to help organisations and their employees to thrive and prosper through the power of kindness.
Natalie is the architect of the Kindness Value Framework, bringing together global research, behavioural science, and lived experience to help leaders reconnect with purpose, performance, and each other.
Connect with Kathy Washburn
To learn more about Kathy and her coaching services, head over to https://kathywashburn.net/
To schedule a free consultation with Kathy visit https://kathywashburn.net/contact
Follow Kathy on Instagram @kathywashburndotnet
Sign Up for Kathy’s On Demand Anchored Hope Course https://kathy-washburn.teachable.com/p/anchored-hope