Marcel Schwantes Reveals the Power of Servant Leadership in Transforming Teams and Culture (Ep

Episode recap:
Sam Caster, a previous guest on episode 237, graciously offers to interview show host Marcel Schhwantes about his journey to becoming a go-to authority on Servant Leadership, highlighting the twists and turns, trials and tribulations of his professional path that led him to where he is today.
Guest Bio:
Marcel Schwantes helps organizations create high-performing cultures where employees thrive and businesses grow. He is an international speaker, executive coach, and author who has been recognized by Inspiring Workplaces as a Top 101 Global Employee Engagement Influencer. His thought leadership reaches millions monthly through outlets like Inc., Time, Fast Company, and Forbes. For the past seven years, Marcel has hosted the Love in Action podcast, which is now heard in 160 countries. He is the author of the soon-to-be-released book Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss.
Some leaders hold onto a strong, people-focused culture by staying deeply connected to the values that shaped their organization in the early days. They make culture a priority, embedding it into every decision, process, and hire, rather than treating it as something secondary. Leaders who succeed at this often foster open communication, lead by example, and empower their teams to take ownership of the mission. It’s easy to lose sight of these things during rapid growth, but the ones who don’t are usually the ones who stay intentional-protecting the core of what made their business special while adapting to new challenges.
In this episode, Marcel revisits a conversation with entrepreneur and ALOVÉA founder Sam Caster, who shares his journey of building a successful company and the challenges he faced maintaining its innovative spirit after going public. As the company expanded, the culture Sam had carefully cultivated began to erode under the weight of silos, financial pressures, and a loss of connection. Sound familiar? It’s a challenge many leaders face when growth threatens the values that originally drove their success.
Quotes:
• "It doesn't start with serving the shareholders first. It always starts with implementing a vision, carrying out the vision, and differentiating yourself from your competitors."
Takeaways:
• Prioritize instilling and reinforcing organizational values - Ensure values are embedded into daily operations, decision-making, and hiring practices. Consistently showcase how values are being lived out.
• Assess if your leadership team is fully aligned and committed to a people-first, servant leadership approach - Identify any resistance or lack of enthusiasm, and address it proactively to avoid undermining the cultural transformation.
Timestamps:
[00:04] Introduction
[04:57] From toxic jobs to inspiring leaders
[12:30] What makes servant leadership powerful in the workplace
[16:10] Real talk: why servant leadership is hard but worth it
[24:33] The hardest leadership philosophy to pull off
[32:30] How shared values drive decisions and transform teams
[46:02] HR’s role in aligning culture with true leadership values
[53:13] Busting myths about servant leadership and accountability
[56:05] Closing insights on leadership
Conclusion:
Organizations that adopt servant leadership principles can achieve lasting success, even in challenging times. By focusing on the well-being and growth of their people, rather than chasing short-term profits, they build stronger, more resilient teams. This approach fosters trust, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose, which drives meaningful progress. True leadership is reflected in the commitment to support and uplift others, creating a foundation for both individual and collective success.
Links/Resources:
Join the “From Boss to Leader” workshop here: www.marcelschw...
Alovéa: alovea.com/
MannaRelief: www.mannarelie...
Links to the episode:
-Marcel's website:
-Apple podcast:
-iHeart Radio:
-Spotify:
About the Show:
The Love in Action Podcast is part of a global movement that inspires leaders to create human-centered and humane workplaces where people and businesses flourish. The show is heard in 160 countries and is ranked in the top 2% of all podcasts. If you like what you hear, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Now Accepting Podcast Sponsors
As we challenge current management thinking and practices and build skills around human leadership and human-centered work cultures, we would be delighted to accept your sponsorship for future episodes. If interested, contact Marcel here: www.marcelschw...