Compassion Begins with Curiosity

What can we learn if we approach each moment with an open mind? This is easier said than done, particularly in a world in which powering through, shutting down, and shutting out is encouraged, and often rewarded. But if we can find moments to pause and ask questions, we can make subtle shifts that, over time, can bring more joy and connection into our work.

In this opening keynote for CARE4YOU 2026, Françoise Mathieu shares her lessons learned from working alongside helping professionals from across the world. Through a combination of story-telling and research, she shares strategies and everyday practices that foster curiosity, sustain compassion, and protect our emotional well-being in trauma-exposed work.