When we think of leadership, we’re often taught to picture someone commanding a room — speaking loudly, acting decisively, charging ahead.

But if you’ve ever sat at the bedside of a sick child, listened to a parent trying to hold it all together, or watched a team navigate impossible choices, you know: the strongest leaders aren't the loudest.

The Hauer Hour was created to honor a different model of leadership — one rooted in gentle power.

Gentle power is the strength that shows up quietly but unmistakably.
It’s presence instead of posturing.
Listening instead of dictating.
Trust instead of control.

Dr. Julie Hauer embodies this so beautifully. Her leadership doesn’t announce itself. It reveals itself — in the way she honors the whole child, believes in the wisdom of families, and moves through complex situations with grace rather than force.

In healthcare (and frankly, in every corner of life) we need more of this.
We don’t need more people shouting over each other. We need people who know how to hold space, build trust, and guide with wisdom.

Gentle power is not about weakness.
It’s not about stepping back or fading away.
It’s about stepping forward — with care, with clarity, and with courage.

When we lead with gentle power:

• We create safer spaces for others to speak and be heard.

• We navigate hard conversations without breaking relationships.

• We foster collaboration, creativity, and real change.

• We honor the dignity of every life, even in moments of profound uncertainty.

The future of leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room.
It’s about being the clearest, the most grounded, and the most deeply human.

We’re so excited for you to join us.

Subscribe to the Hauer Hour and listen to Episode 1 when it drops May 5. While you're waiting, take the gentle power self check below. You can get a downloadable version here. 

Gentle Power Self-Check

Am I Leading with Gentle Power Today?

Instructions:
Take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions. You can simply think about them, or write your answers down.
This isn’t about judging yourself — it’s about noticing.

1. Presence

Today, have I created space to really listen — without rushing to fix or advise?

• Yes

• No

• Sometimes

Reflection Prompt:

What would it feel like to trust that listening alone is enough sometimes?

2. Trust

Have I shown trust in someone else's experience or perspective — even if it was different from my own?

• Yes

• No

• Sometimes

Reflection Prompt:

How might trusting others lighten the load I feel I have to carry?

3. Courage

Have I spoken up with honesty and kindness — even when it was uncomfortable?

• Yes

• No

• Sometimes

Reflection Prompt:

Where can I choose courage over silence (or reactivity) next time?

4. Grace

Have I offered grace — to myself, to a patient, to a colleague, to a family member — today?

• Yes

• No

• Sometimes

Reflection Prompt:

What would leading with grace toward myself look like tomorrow?

Final Reflection

If I were to bring just 5% more gentle power into my day tomorrow, what would that look like?
(Write 1–2 ideas.)

Closing Thought

Gentle power is not about stepping back.
It’s about stepping forward — grounded, present, and wise.