465. “Love the Person in the Mirror” | Kind Leadership, Grief, and Riley’s Way with Ian Sandler
May 11, 2026
Ian Sandler is the co-founder of Riley’s Way Foundation, a nonprofit he created with his wife, Mackenzie, after the tragic loss of their nine-year-old daughter, Riley. Built in honor of Riley’s extraordinary gift for friendship, the foundation empowers young leaders to use kindness and empathy to create meaningful change in their communities.
In our conversation, Ian shares how Riley’s Way evolved from early school-based programming into a national movement centered on youth-led impact. Through initiatives like the Call for Kindness and the Youth Leadership Retreat, Riley’s Way gives teens and young adults funding, mentorship, community, and the confidence to lead with compassion. What makes their work so powerful is that young people are not just participating, they are shaping the direction of the organization itself.
Ian also challenges the way we think about leadership. In a world where young people are facing enormous stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, he reminds us that kindness is not softness. It is a practical leadership skill, a business advantage, and one of the most important tools we can give the next generation
The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway
“In order to do any good in this world, in order to help your family, to help your friends, help your community, you've got to wake up every morning and really love the person you're looking at in the mirror.”
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There is incredible potential that lies within each and every one of us to create positive change in our lives (and the lives of others) while achieving our dreams.
This is the Power of You!
