The Empathy Edge

Too many leaders are still trying to succeed by becoming someone they think they’re supposed to be—quieter, tougher, more polished, less human. And in the process, they’re leaving their greatest strengths at the door.My guest believes that’s exactly backward. Today, we welcome back Claude Silver to discuss her latest book, Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart. We explore what authentic presence really looks like at work, and why pretending to be a different kind of leader rarely gets better results. Claude and I unpack why many leaders have accountability backwards, why the more power you gain, the less truth you often hear, and how being open and emotionally present doesn’t weaken communication but rather prevents under-communicating with your team. Finally, Claude offers us a simple, actionable practice you can use right away to take a small step and rebuild trust and connection where it matters most.This is a conversation with one of my favorite humans on the planet about stopping the performance of leadership—and starting to lead from the strengths that made you worth hiring in the first place.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The importance of bringing your unique perspective, talents, and humanity to your team.What authentic presence looks like at work.Protecting healthy boundaries with courage and kindness while still connecting with others.Signs your culture is thriving and how to get there. Why is the room with everyone in it smarter than any one person in that room?The reason actions say more than words ever will.The dangerous byproduct of silence."When a person is real, they are not carrying the burden or the weight of any other facade." —  Claude SilverAbout Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer, VaynerX, and Author of Be Yourself at Work:Claude Silver is on a mission to revolutionize leadership, talent, and workplace culture. She is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, partnering with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success. Silver has earned Campaign US's Female Frontier Award and AdWeek's Changing the Game Award, and she electrifies audiences at national and international conferences, as well as at organizations including Meta, Google, US Government agencies, and the US Armed Forces. She has been interviewed on dozens of podcasts and featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Silver lives in New Jersey with her wife and two young children. She is the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart.Connect with Claude:  Website: claudesilver.com VaynerX: beyourselfbook.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/casilver Instagram: instagram.com/claudesilver Book: Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

It’s easy right now to believe that the divisions we see are simply too deep to repair. That empathy has become a liability. That listening has been replaced by winning.And yet, I still believe, perhaps more than ever, that empathy remains our greatest tool for healing even the most jagged fractures in our world, not as a naïve ideal, but as a courageous, strategic choice. And that choice has the power to transform entire systems.My guest today, Dr. Claire Yorke, has devoted her career to studying exactly that possibility.We explore what empathy in politics actually looks like, why empathy is essential for effective leadership, the challenges empathetic leaders face in polarized environments, and why we can’t simply wait for more empathetic political leaders to emerge.We also talk about hope. Not passive hope, but participatory hope. The kind that invites each of us - as citizens, leaders, and humans - to model empathy, practice deeper listening, and engage in shaping healthier political cultures, whether through community dialogue, civic participation, or simply choosing curiosity over certainty.This is a conversation about what’s possible when we choose empathy, not as an escape from reality, but as a path forward through it.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The relationship military leaders have with empathy and their job.What it can look like to have empathy in our politics, regardless of country.The impact of citizen assemblies and civic engagement.Why do we need to change political culture so that it attracts and rewards politicians who embrace empathy and can stop battling?Maintaining an ideal vision of what’s possible and what to do to make it a reality.Steps that can be taken at the local and national levels to make changes."We need to change our politics. So it's much more about building relationships, building that sense of connectedness, both between politicians and the public, between citizens and their communities, and seeing this as an ecosystem." —  Dr. Claire Yorke References:Book: Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us by Jon Alexander and Ariane ConradDemocracy NextThe Empathy Edge:Sam Daley-Harris: Reclaiming Our DemocracyMónica Guzmán: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Divided Political TimesDr. Gina Baleria: Empathy in Journalism and Today’s Media LandscapeElisa Camahort Page: The Art of Empathy in Politics, Activism, and Media BSJames Coan: Closing the Perception Gap that Tears Us ApartAbout Dr. Claire Yorke, Senior Lecturer at Deakin University, Author of Empathy in Politics and Leadership: The Key to Transforming our World:Dr. Claire Yorke is an author and academic. Her work focuses on the role of empathy and emotions in international affairs, politics, leadership, and society.  She is a Senior Lecturer at the Australian War College, Deakin University, Canberra, where her research and teaching focus on these topics. In 2025, she published Empathy in Politics and Leadership: The Key to Transforming Our World with Yale University Press. She is writing two more.Claire received her PhD in International Relations from the Department of War Studies, King’s College London. She has a Master's in Middle East Politics from the University of Exeter, and a BA in Politics, International Relations and French from Lancaster University.Connect with Claire:  Website: claireyorke.meLinkedIn: Dr Claire YorkeInstagram: @theempathydoctorBlueSky: @claireyorke.bsky.socialBook: Empathy in Politics and Leadership: The Key to Transforming our WorldConnect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Balancing performance with human leadership can be tough for some leaders. The goal is to strike a healthy balance, while always remembering that taking thoughtful care of your people, recognizing their unique contributions, and creating an environment where they can thrive can lead to the stellar performance results you seek.But how would you lead if your title or position didn't give you any power?Joris Merks-Benjaminsen is a leadership trainer and the award-winning author of Managing Without Power. Joris shares his unique journey at Google, watching the culture and leadership he loved so much shift as his managers changed, and why he’s committed to helping companies capture that early magic and scale it as they grow. We discuss recognizing and respecting your power dynamic while also understanding that the title does not give you power, but consistent, intentional small behaviors will ensure your team will help you meet your goals. Joris shares how to balance people nd performance through the five basics of his interconnected, practical, holistic leadership approach. And he shares how to solicit and take in upward feedback to help you effectively support an employee's journey, ensure high performance, and make tough decisions when needed.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…How managers can shape microcultures and establish team norms.Upskilling leaders to avoid conventional traps and pitfalls.Providing ongoing support to learning, not just one-time training. The five basics of his interconnected, practical, holistic leadership approach.How to solicit and take in upward feedback to help effectively support an employee's journey, ensure high performance, and make tough decisions when needed.“The problem I see is this balance between human-focused and performance-focused leadership. I regularly meet leaders who think of them as opposites, but you need both of them in a certain balance...in order to create a high-performing team and organization." —  Joris Merks-BenjaminsenEpisode References: Joris’ Book: Managing Without Power: Creating high-performance teams and organizations in your own human wayHow Google Works by  Eric Schmidt and Jonathan RosenbergGoogle re: Work - Guides: Give feedback to managers https://share.google/nhB0hREQOztuqQwOVAbout Joris Merks-Benjaminsen, Leadership Trainer, Author of Managing Without Power:Joris Merks-Benjaminsen is a leadership trainer and the award-winning author of Managing Without Power. Joris had a leading role in Google's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives, and was one of the highest-scoring managers in the company's history. Today, he trains managers and leaders to help find the right balance between humaneness and performance pressure.Connect with Joris:  Managing Without Power: www.managingwithoutpower.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joris-merks-benjaminsen-5673384/Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What happens when you’re standing at a pivot point — the kind where your next move could shift everything for your business, your team, or your career? In those high-stakes moments, success doesn’t come from spreadsheets alone. It requires empathy, emotional intelligence, and even self-compassion.Kasey D’Amato knows this firsthand. A keynote speaker, executive coach, and strategic advisor, Kasey has guided founders and corporate leaders through major transitions with clarity and resilience. In our conversation, we dug into her four pillars of holistic leadership and how self-regulation shapes better decisions. We explored the “decision threshold,” why every choice has three outcomes, and how to balance head, heart, and gut when the numbers don’t tell the full story. Kasey also shared why grounding yourself is key to hearing other perspectives without defensiveness — and how empathy and self-compassion aren’t soft skills, but strategic advantages when the stakes are high.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Finding the balance of the decision threshold - that point between gathering information and making the decision. Why does every choice have three outcomes?The Four Pillars of holistic leadership and how self-regulation shapes better decisions.How to balance head, heart, and gut when the numbers don’t tell the full story. Utilizing the Two-Minute rule to move out of indecision. "I believe it is the critical moments of decision and how you handle your emotional intelligence in those critical moments and pivots that set you up for success, no matter how big your failures are along the way." —  Kasey D'AmatoEpisode References: The Empathy Edge Podcast Episode: Ilana Ben-Ari: How the Empathy Toy is Changing the WorldAbout Kasey D'Amato, Business Leader and Holistic Coach:Kasey D’Amato is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and strategic business advisor who helps business founders and corporate leaders navigate high-stakes decisions and transitions with clarity, confidence, and resilience — without burning out in the process.With over 20 years of experience across healthcare, entrepreneurship, and business consulting, Kasey brings a unique blend of business acumen, human behavior expertise, and emotional intelligence to her work. She is a former Dermatology PA who went on to launch multiple ventures — including a global skincare brand, a healthcare consulting agency, and an executive leadership advisory.She’s consulted with Fortune-level companies, led workshops across the healthcare and financial industries, and spoken at major institutions like UCLA, USC, and the University of Miami.Kasey is known for her dynamic, actionable, and emotionally intelligent approach to leadership — guiding ambitious entrepreneurs and executives to think bigger, lead better, and align their next move with both performance and personal fulfillment.Connect with Kasey: Website: https://www.kaseydamato.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaseydamato/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kasey.damato/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaseydamato/?hl=en  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What if the problem isn’t that moms are failing—but that we’ve built systems that quietly ask them to do the impossible and then blame them when they struggle?My guest today, Rebecca Geshuri, sits at the intersection of motherhood, mental health, and compassion in a way that feels deeply needed right now. We talk about why so many moms feel like they’re failing even when they’re doing everything they possibly can. We unpack the crushing mental load, the lack of structural support, and how quickly shame spirals take hold when moms feel they’re “not good enough.”This is a conversation about empathy, support, and the quiet strength of caregiving—and why taking better care of moms in the workplace and beyond ultimately makes all of us stronger.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why having healthy and supported mothers is key in our organizations and society.Lessons businesses and organizations can learn from mothers.How to stop assuming and do more noticing and learning about the mothers in your organization. "Don't count moms out. They’re working their tails off, trying to be everything to everybody, to care for everyone. They have parts of themselves that are planning things and organizing things, and seeing things that don't exist yet. Moms are visionaries and strategists." —  Rebecca GeshuriEpisode References: Book: When Good Moms Feel Bad: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, and Anger into Compassion, Confidence, and Connectedness  by Jessica Tomich Sorci and Rebecca Geshuri Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)Second Street Collective: secondstreetcollective.orgAbout Rebecca Geshuri, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Co-Author, When Good Moms Feel Bad:Rebecca Geshuri, M.A., PMH-C, is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She holds certifications in Internal Family Systems, Perinatal Mental Health, and Brainspotting. Rebecca is the co-author of When Good Moms Feel Bad: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, and Anger into Compassion, Confidence, and Connectedness.In addition to seeing moms, their partners, and their babies in her private practice in Campbell, CA, Rebecca teaches workshops to therapists, physicians, doulas, and yoga practitioners. Rebecca is the Founder of Second Street Collective, which provides psychotherapy and support to moms and their families throughout California. She has presented at the IFS Institute and Postpartum Support International conferences and has been featured on several prominent podcasts. Rebecca’s work is grounded in the profound and extraordinary experience of being a mom to three daughters. Connect with Rebecca:  Rebecca Geshuri LMFT: https://rebeccageshurilmft.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-geshuri/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccageshurimftInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccageshurilmftConnect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

In today’s timely hot take episode in this heavy world, Maria discusses the importance of empathy in leadership during challenging times, emphasizing that emotional connection at work is crucial. She highlights how unaddressed employee emotions lead to disengagement and reduced performance, and offers 3 practical ways for leaders to connect with their employees, regardless of how high their discomfort with emotion.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why emotional connection at work isn’t a “nice-to-have”.Why avoiding emotion is actually costing you more. Three practical ways to connect emotionally with your people, even if you’re deeply uncomfortable. "Empathy isn’t about fixing emotions; it is about acknowledging reality. People don’t need you to fix everything; they need to know they’re not invisible." —  Maria RossFrom Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

I had to get this urgent episode to you sooner rather than later, given the climate of fear in the U.S. in current times.For many employees right now, work doesn’t feel like a safe place. It feels uncertain, frightening, and deeply personal. In moments like this, how leaders respond matters more than ever. Michelle Feferman has spent decades helping organizations navigate complex DEI and workplace culture challenges in ways that protect people and strengthen the business. We talk directly about what leaders can do to support employees in the face of ICE raids and immigration-related fear, how to create real psychological safety at work, and why most DEI efforts are still entirely legal if you’re focused on risk mitigation, clarity, and care.We also unpack how retention, engagement, and productivity are tightly tied to DEI and empathy work, and the key elements leaders need to think through right now to support their people while capturing the full business benefit.This is a practical, compassionate conversation for leaders who want to do the right thing without panicking, posturing, or staying silent.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Creating a diverse team that goes beyond old-fashioned quotas.Key benefits of having a wide pool of differing viewpoints within your organization.Actions to put in place to keep your employees safe and informed about handling ICE raids that could be used as a template for other crises. Tips to create an FAQ that matters  "If you can take the time now to get these things in place, the majority of people will relax, to some extent, and feel like they can come to work and just focus on work. People will relax more and be much more productive at work." —  Michelle Feferman Episode References: Michelle's article: It is Imperative to Create Psychological Safety at Work Amidst ICE Raids: https://mfeferman.substack.com/p/12868206_ice-raids-and-psychological-safetyBook: DO DEI Right: Cut Through the Noise and Drive Lasting ResultsAbout Michelle Feferman, Founder and CEO, Equity at Work, Author of Do DEI RightMichelle is passionate about helping organizations have a profound impact on their employees, businesses, and communities through their diversity, equity, and inclusion work. She is the Founder and CEO of Equity At Work, known for creating innovative, customized solutions for even the most complex DEI and workplace culture challenges. Her clients outperform their peers in revenue and margin growth, productivity, engagement, and retention.Michelle is the author of Do DEI Right, co-host of the podcast Your DEI Minute, and on the Investment Committee of RevTech Venture Capital. Before this, she spent 25 years working at Accenture, Kurt Salmon, Macy’s Inc., and The Walt Disney Company.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossConnect with Michelle:Equity At Work: https://www.equity-at-work.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleebogan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093183559876Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equity_at_workSubstack: https://mfeferman.substack.com/ Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Internships have changed a lot since COVID, and if done well, they can be powerful tools for both attracting top young talent and fueling your organization’s productivity. But too often, leaders miss the mark, leaving interns underutilized and organizations frustrated.Amy Mosher Berry shares what's really going on with young professionals today and why mentorship and meaningful work enable your organization to thrive. Amy and I delve into what truly motivates and drives today's young professionals, the biggest mistakes leaders should avoid when hiring interns, and how intergenerational strategies fueled by empathy can enhance collaboration and productivity. We discuss the important role of casual mentorship, how your internship program becomes a marketing strategy, and how effective programs not only benefit interns but also drive your mission and results.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Important facts to know about the rising young professionals.Key mistakes to avoid in hiring the right interns.The detriments of the purpose gap are with both interns and employees. "Internships, by law, need to have 51% majority benefit going to the intern. It has to be officially structured with learning objectives, and there needs to be that supportive process." —  Amy Mosher Berry Episode References: Forbes articles: Gen Z And The Empathy Expectation: What Workplace Leaders Need To Know8 Ways Gen Z Can Meet Managers In The Middle And Shine At WorkThe Empathy Edge:Anna Liotta: Understanding Generational CodesMichelle Hoover: Understanding First-Generation Professionals in Your WorkplaceCourage to Advance: Leading Gen Z with Dr. Meisha RouserRhonda George-Denniston: Why Betting on Your People Leads to Market DominationFact Sheet #71: Government Guidelines for InternshipsFree guide: 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring InternsAbout Amy Mosher Berry, CEO of Visions Internships:Amy Mosher Berry is a passionate social entrepreneur with over 20 years of diverse experience in business, government, and the nonprofit sector, including 15 years in workforce innovation, 5 years teaching college, and now as the CEO & Founder of Visions Internships.Visions Internships primarily helps organizational leaders design and manage customized, impactful internship programs without the overwhelm. Amy's social enterprise also empowers young professionals with the skills and support to succeed.A certified Project Management Professional (PMP)® with a Master's degree in Community Development and Planning and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies/ Spanish, she enjoys bringing a project management approach to program development for maximum results.Amy lives in Central MA and is deeply dedicated to Co-Creating a World that Works - especially with her young daughter inspiring her every day.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossConnect with Amy:Visions Internships: visionsinternships.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amymosherberryFacebook: facebook.com/visionsinternshipsInstagram: instagram.com/visions_internshipsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/visionsinternshipsINTERNSHIP INSIDER™ Training (IIT): A live virtual 5-week program development course teaches 2-4 key staff members how to design a customized, impactful internship program as part of your organization's overall growth strategy. visionsinternships.com/internship-insider Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What if creating championship-level performance has far less to do with the team you inherit and everything to do with your own mindset and how you lead, design systems, and set standards from day one? That question came up again and again in my conversation with Donzel Leggett, a leadership strategist, executive coach, and the award-winning author of Make Your Destiny Happen. We dive into what leaders can learn from one of the most talked-about leadership turnarounds in sports this season: Curt Cignetti and the remarkable transformation of Indiana Hoosiers football. We unpack why turnaround success isn’t about inheriting the “right” team, it’s about setting expectations, creating belief, and installing systems that allow people to perform at their best. With more than three decades of leadership experience at Fortune 200 companies, Donzel helps leaders and organizations build clarity, capacity, and intentional leadership. He’s also a former Academic All-America football player, which makes his perspective on leadership, discipline, and performance especially powerful.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…What leaders need now to stay grounded, adaptable, and effective amid rapid change and disruption.How to translate big ideas into repeatable behaviors that actually create change over time.Helping individuals take control of their lives and make their destiny happen through life planning and consistent action. "In most cases, the majority of people have the talent and have the capability. They just need to believe, and they need some tools and some processes to go along with that to allow them to win." —  Donzel LeggettAbout Donzel Leggett, Founder, Destiny Development Delta, LLC, and Author, Make Your Destiny Happen:With more than three decades of leadership experience at Fortune 200 companies, Donzel is the Principal of Destiny Development Delta, LLC, where he focuses on executive leadership development. He is also the award-winning author of Make Your Destiny Happen: Take Control of Your Life with the Destiny Development Delta Model for Transformational Success.Recognized for his strategic vision and commitment to mentorship, Donzel is passionate about coaching and developing leaders worldwide. His purpose is clear: to help people unlock their full potential and become the best leaders they can be. A proud Purdue graduate and former Academic All-America football player, Donzel now splits his time between Florida and Chicagoland with his wife, Tracy.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossConnect with Donzel:Destiny Development Delta: destinydevdelta.comBook: Make Your Destiny HappenLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donzelleggettFacebook: facebook.com/destinydevdeltaInstagram: instagram.com/donzel_leggettYouTube: youtube.com/@DonzelLeggett Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What if everything you believe about advocacy is incomplete? What if the real work of changing the world isn’t just about fixing problems, but about transforming ourselves in the process?That’s the heart of the work of Sam Daley-Harris, Founder and Principal of Civic Courage, and author of Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy.This conversation reframes what it means to participate in democracy. It’s not just about agonizing or protesting or turning off the news. It’s about awakening to our own power and using empathy to bridge divides and build the kind of future we actually want. It’s about sharing personal stories, engaging in deep listening and conversation, and making bold asks of leaders and volunteers.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why sharing your “story of self” matters and how knowing your why becomes your anchor in meaningful leadership and advocacy.What transformational advocacy truly is, and why it has the power to change both the issues and the advocates themselves.The essential role of empathy in advocacy and the three questions volunteers ask when meeting with an opposing elected official that can turn conflict into connection.Why leaders and organizations must move past their fear of asking volunteers to do big, bold things, because that’s where transformation happens. "Transformational advocacy is where you're trained, encouraged, and succeed at doing things as an advocate that you never thought you could do. When you do those kinds of things, you see yourself differently." —  Sam Daley-Harris Episode References: Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Jamil ZakiCitizens Climate LobbyEaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet by Bill McKibbenAbout Sam Daley-Harris, Founder, Civic Courage, and Author, Reclaiming Our Democracy: Sam Daley-Harris started as a symphony musician and then founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS in 1980, co-founded the Microcredit Summit Campaign in 1995, and founded Civic Courage in 2012. The paperback edition of his book Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy was named an editor’s pick by Publishers’ Weekly BookLife. Daley-Harris has been interviewed on NPR’s Here and Now and on PBS’s Laura Flanders and Friends.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Sam:  Civic Courage: reclaimingourdemocracy.com X: x.com/samdaleyharris LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sam-daley-harris-b8bb796 Facebook: facebook.com/sam.daleyharris Instagram: instagram.com/samdaleyharris  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What if empathy wasn’t something we talked about, but something we actually trained, practiced, and scaled?My guest today, Ed Kirwan, is doing exactly that. Ed is the CEO and Founder of Empathy Studios, a creative education organization using the power of film to develop empathy as a real, learnable skill. He’s also the founder of Empathy Week, now the world’s largest empathy festival for schools, reaching more than 1.8 million students across 56 countries since 2020. In this conversation, we explore why film is such a powerful catalyst for empathy, what Ed has learned from years of working with students around the world, why empathy is becoming a critical skill in the age of AI, and how developing empathy can boost well-being and help create a better world.This is a hopeful, practical, and deeply human conversation about what empathy looks like when we stop treating it like a soft skill and start treating it like a core capability.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The emotional power of film to supercharge feeling and connection.Why empathy and related skills are necessary to reap the benefits of AI.How humans are adapting, seeking things that are real and authentic, and why making something look worse may actually be better. "That's the power of film. It can really supercharge emotions; it can supercharge feeling; it can supercharge connection." —  Ed KirwanEpisode References: Ed Kirwan: Empathy Week: Using the Power of Film to Build EmpathyAbout Ed Kirwan, CEO and Founder, Empathy StudiosPreviously a science teacher in London, Ed founded Empathy Studios, an education and creative organisation using the power of film to develop the skill of empathy in all. A director, filmmaker, and educator for 10+ years, Ed also started Empathy Week, the world’s largest empathy festival for schools, which has reached 1.8 million students across 56 countries since 2020. Their framework for empathy development is backed by the University of Cambridge, and Ed’s team now works across teams and leaders in the business world to help develop and embed the skill of empathy - foundational to high-performing and thriving teams.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Ed Kirwan:Empathy Studios: empathystudios.com Empathy Week: empathyweek.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ed-kirwan Instagram: instagram.com/edkirwan YouTube: youtube.com/@Empathy-Studios Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Did you know that 53% of Gen Z, the rising workforce, identifies as neurodivergent? If that’s the future of work, what does it mean for how we lead, collaborate, and connect? It means if we don't learn how to lead for the needs of neurodiverse employees, we could be facing a huge hiring and unemployment gap.Julia Armet, people and culture strategist, workplace facilitator, and proud neurodivergent leader, is on a mission to humanize work.Julia shares her own powerful personal journey navigating her own neurodivergence, and we discuss why relationship-building is the heartbeat of modern work. She debunks myths around autism and empathy, and introduces the concept of the “double-empathy problem” - reframing how we see inclusion and communication across differences. You’ll also hear why listening to neurodivergent voices elevates everyone, why the outlier is often the source of innovation, not friction, and how empathy can activate systemic shifts in the workplace and beyond.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Different ways people exhibit and experience empathy. Approaches to unmasking neurodiversity and empowering neuroinclusion.What you may be missing/misunderstanding about your autistic coworker’s social differences. The importance of planting new seeds and redefining modern leadership through empathy.How to integrate your team’s outliers to unlock greater levels of empathy.  "Solving for empathy for the most marginalized populations is what's going to actually benefit all populations." —  Julia ArmetEpisode References: The Empathy Edge podcast: Molly McGrath: Fix My Employee! No, Fix My Boss!Parissa Behnia: How Badass Leaders Convert Raw Power into Real InfluenceAbout Julia Armet, Founder of Higher PlaybookJulia Armet, PCC, ELI-MP, is a people and culture strategist, workplace facilitator, and proud neurodivergent leader on a mission to humanize work. As Founder of Higher Playbook, she partners with visionary leaders and progressive organizations to design workplace cultures where all people — and all minds — can thrive.With a career spanning media, technology, and professional services, Julia brings deep expertise at the intersection of relationship-building, leadership development, and culture transformation. From scaling a mission-driven tech company to leading global leadership programs, she empowers organizations to foster psychological safety, unlock talent potential, and drive culture change.Through experiential keynotes, leadership retreats, and high-impact workshops, Julia equips leaders with socially innovative approaches and relational strategies to cultivate inclusion and conscious leadership. Her signature programs — Unmasking Neurodiversity and Empowering Neuroinclusion — harness the power of empathy to activate systemic shifts in the workplace and beyond.Connect with Julia:Higher Playbook: higherplaybook.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliaarmet Facebook: facebook.com/julia.armet Instagram: @higherplaybookLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/higherplaybook Check out her signature neurodiversity programming: Unmasking Neurodiversity and Empowering Neuroinclusion: higherplaybook.com/leadership-programs  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Managing up is one of the most powerful career accelerators you can master—and it all starts with empathy. Not just empathy flowing downward from leaders to teams, but empathy for your leaders: understanding their pressures, challenges, and decision-making context so you can build trust, influence outcomes, and create mutual success.Given multiple generations in the workforce, we need empathy flowing up for leaders dealing with added pressures and mental health issues right now. Today’s guest, Catherine Ducharme—Founder of Fluency Leadership, award-winning communicator, certified coach, and TEDx speaker—has spent over 30 years helping leaders and teams lead with heart, curiosity, and inspiration. She shares her own story of learning to manage up, the mindset shifts that change everything, and practical ways to anticipate needs, respond more effectively, and position yourself as a strategic leader.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…How to shift your own perspective, rather than trying to change others.Ways to hold your boundaries, while still meeting people where they are.The team building skills you cultivate when you engage in everyday activities with coworkers.Why is there nothing small about small talk or soft about soft skills? "A little vulnerability goes a long way. And it doesn't mean you're pouring your heart out, your woes and everything to your team, but giving them insight to what you're juggling or what's on your mind will tip the balance toward compassion." —  Catherine Ducharme Episode References: Catherine’s article on managing up: www.fluencyleadership.com/2024/07/17/the-crucial-art-of-managing-upFluency's Trust Breakout exercise: http://bit.ly/4lqTBunBook: Seen: The Untapped Power of Appreciation - coming in 2026 - Find out more hereTEDx Talk: The Untapped Power of AppreciationAbout Catherine Ducharme, Founder, Fluency Leadership Founder and Principal of Fluency Leadership, a leadership + team development and coaching practice, Catherine is a certified coach and facilitator with 30+ years of professional communications and leadership experience. She works with leaders and teams to build relational skills, empowering them to lead and influence with heart, empathy, curiosity, and inspiration. She’s been recognized as Regional Leader of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators. She’s passionate about the need for more appreciation in the workplace and did a TEDx talk on that topic.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Catherine:Fluency Leadership: fluencyleadership.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherineducharme Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Technology has always been a double-edged sword. As the workplace and culture shift, we as humans are seeing more collaboration, access, and the ability to communicate across borders. But, it's also leading us to more stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Those dopamine hits are no joke!This all impacts how we need leaders to show up and lead. We have to upskill our leaders for more connection, conversation, and collaboration. AI will be taking over a lot of the drudgery, so leadership now looks different from what it did 20 or 30 years ago. And for some leaders, there is a big skill gap between intent and impact. Something my guest today calls the Awkward Zone as she helps leaders to Own the Awkward.Today, Jen Marr shares the three forces behind our fundamental workplace shifts and how this has changed the role of leaders. She talks about that Awkward Zone and how to navigate through it. She shares the Barbell concept, necessary to build up healthy, productive employees. We have an interesting discussion about time  - how leaders track it, spend it, and can find more ways to spend it on their people rather than on useless tasks.  And Jen shares what may finally shake us up from the unhealthy ways tech has taken over our lives at the cost of real connection, and what that flashpoint might be for us. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The three major trends that are fundamentally shifting the workplace.How to foster a healthy workplace with operational empathy and actionable steps.Why actions, not nouns, frame lasting change so we can better handle our emotions.How time tracking can help you be a more supportive leader. "The awkward zone is that gap between our intent and our impact. Within that is a whole series of different habits, mindsets, and behaviors that get in our way." —  Jen MarrAbout Jen Marr, Founder & CEO, Showing Up LLCJen Marr helps leaders Own the Awkward - the high-stakes moments that decide whether people stay or stray. As founder of Showing Up LLC, she built the first research-driven framework that turns relational skills into repeatable business practice. More than 150 certified facilitators now deploy her process across Fortune 50 tech, major-league sports, healthcare systems, and even the White House Leadership Program.Her programs replace awkward and nuanced relational issues with clear, confident skills and conversation frameworks. Freeing managers’ time, boosting collaboration, and anchoring cultures where people want to stay and do their best work.A former healthcare and business development executive, she blends three decades of frontline experience with partnered research. Her books—Showing Up and the new Lifting Up package, the playbook.Jen’s message is timely and actionable: relationships run results. When leaders lift people, performance follows, and every metric that matters moves with it.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Jen:Showing Up LLC: showing-up.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenmarr Book: Lifting Up showing-up.com/lifting-up  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What if the key to self-advocacy wasn’t being louder—but rewiring how you think, feel, and connect with empathy?Today, I’m joined by executive coach and podcast host Jamie Lee, who specializes in helping women and underrepresented leaders rise through the ranks without compromising their integrity. We dive into how empathy and neuroplasticity form the foundation of effective self-advocacy — and how rewiring internal narratives can lead to greater confidence, deeper connection, and clarity when speaking up. Jamie shares evidence-based techniques for regulating the nervous system so you can show up with presence and poise in high-stakes conversations. Plus, we touch on the six types of intelligence you can access to build connections and ask for what you want.If you’ve ever struggled with self-advocacy or want to communicate with more impact and empathy, this episode is for you.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Defining self-advocacy and neuroplasticity in terms of empathy. Compassion as an action is the key to rewiring your brain. Ways to access your parasympathetic nervous system in your thinking brain and get out of your automatic stress response.Leveraging mirror neurons with empathy and compassion.  "The brain adapts. The brain grows. It changes according to the practices that you expose it to. Compassion is the missing link that helps us be able to access those self-advocacy muscles for ourselves." —  Jamie Lee Episode References: Book a free hour-long consultation for 1:1 coaching with Jamie: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/applyThe Empathy Edge podcast: Dia Bondi: How to Ask Like an AuctioneerMelissa Tiers' Anti-Anxiety Toolkit: https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Anxiety-Toolkit-Melissa-Tiers-ebook/dp/B0073HU3EGJames Tripp's website: https://www.jamestripp.onlineAbout Jamie Lee, Coach, Trainer, Podcast Host Jamie is an executive coach who specializes in women and underrepresented leaders who are "allergic" to office politics. She focuses on helping them get promoted and better paid without compromising their integrity or throwing anyone under the bus. In her practice, she blends proven self-advocacy strategies with evidence-based neuroplasticity tools.Over a decade, Jamie has trained thousands of professionals in effective self-advocacy at leading organizations, including Citi, Unilever, Association of Corporate Counselors, American College of Cardiologists, UC Berkeley School of Business, and Smith College.She's also the host of the Risky Conversations podcast, where she has honest talks with thought leaders on topics often considered taboo or "too risky" at work -- negotiation, mental and reproductive health, office politics, social injustices, and unconventional ways smart women navigate their path forward despite a flawed workplace. From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Jamie:Jamie Lee Coach: jamieleecoach.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie Instagram: instagram.com/jamieleecoach  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to lead a fast-growing business or team with heart, humor, and humanity, today is your masterclass.Annalee Hagood-Earl is the CEO and co-founder of Bash Creative Inc. Under her leadership, Bash has become a magnet for some of the biggest names in the world—not just because of its stunning creativity and flawless execution, but because people can feel the company’s values in every interaction.Annalee’s not just talking about values—she lives them. She’s led her team through seasons of explosive growth and through moments when, as she puts it, “the bottom dropped out.” And she’s done it all while staying grounded in empathy, transparency, and joy. In our conversation, we dig into building a thriving business while investing in your team’s self-development, what it looks like to lead through uncertainty, and how to redefine success by what your team feels while they’re producing, not just what they produce. We also dive into some golden leadership lessons: the difference between values and ideals, why Annalee insists on hiring people smarter than herself, what she learned from her worst managers, and why she and her business partner went through a kind of leadership couples counseling to make their company stronger.It’s like she ticked every box in my Five Pillars of Effective Empathy, and the results on her culture, retention, and revenue speak for themselves.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why reinvesting a headcount into developing your team means they can grow instead of relying on past experiences and traumasWhy you should consider counseling with your business partners, your C-Suite, and other leadersWays you can walk the talk and model self-awareness, joy, and learning Why allowing your people to be who they are means they can get further, faster How communication and transparency will take you a long way on so many levels"We take a lot of time to interview and recruit. We're looking for aligned values, not aligned ideals. I want people with different perspectives on my team. I want to learn from them." —  Annalee Hagood-EarlEpisode References: Follow the Founder: https://followthefounder.co/ The Empathy Edge podcast: Claude Silver: Leading with Heart at Vayner MediaAbout Annalee Hagood-Earl, Founder & CEO, Bash Creative, Inc.Annalee Hagood-Earl is the CEO and co-founder of Bash Creative Inc., an agency known for designing world-class events and experiences for global brands. Guided by both her company and personal values, Annalee has led her team through seasons of explosive growth as well as times when the bottom dropped out. Under her leadership, Bash has attracted some of the largest companies in the world as clients — not just for its creativity and execution, but because its values-driven approach creates trust and a culture people can feel. This commitment to values has even inspired clients to reflect on their own, discovering alignment they hadn’t previously articulated. Annalee speaks internationally on values-based leadership and how aligning values with action inspires resilience, clarity, and lasting impact.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Annalee:Bash Creative: bash-creative.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hagood-earl-annalee-78848a6Instagram: instagram.com/bashcreativeConnect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

When it comes to empathy at work, there are a hundred different ways to infuse empathy into your operations and systems - in real, practical, non-emotional ways. One of those ways is to look at compensation strategies and professional growth and development.Today, Scott Trumpolt talks about empathy in compensation that leads to better employee engagement and more strategic growth. We discuss both the pitfalls of pay transparency leading to a dead end, but also the upside in how it catalyzes your company to reflect on and improve internal practices. He talks about how compensation is more than just salary, and the overlooked piece of career architecture - a concept that supports the Clarity pillar of empathetic leadership. Scott shares why programs fail, but culture shifts succeed, the #1 element to think about in determining competitive compensation structures, and why empathy is vital to ensure that compensation is about a one-on-one conversation and not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Scott also shares how HR leaders can strengthen credibility with business leaders and move the needle on company growth.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Driving solutions aimed at employee engagement.Why compensation is not a one-size-fits-all solution and needs to be tailored to your employees and organization.Balancing pay transparency and directing packages and compensation for the individuals.Why job titles and compensation matter."There's a reason why compensation is not in finance. Yes, I use a lot of numbers, but we do it in a completely different way, and we are impacting the individual directly." —  Scott TrumpoltEpisode References: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel PinkThe Empathy Edge: Rhonda George-Denniston: Why Betting on Your People Leads to Market DominationAbout Scott Trumpolt, Managing Director & Compensation Consultant:Scott Trumpolt’s career is defined by a seamless evolution from corporate leadership to independent consultancy, reflecting over 30 years of expertise in compensation planning, HR leadership, and rewards strategies. For 18 years, Scott excelled in the corporate world, holding leadership roles in HR and Compensation across the United States and Germany. In 2012, he launched Trumpolt Compensation Design Solutions (TCDS) to provide bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of organizations worldwide.Scott’s corporate experience provided a solid foundation for mastering market-based pay structures, sales incentive plans, and job classification systems. Transitioning into independent consultancy, Scott has spent the past 12 years leveraging this expertise to deliver innovative, client-focused strategies. Scott’s global reach includes projects across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America/Caribbean, reflecting his adaptability to diverse work cultures. He is a Certified Global Remuneration Professional (GRP), holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, and has maintained an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, underscoring his commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Scott:  Trumpolt Compensation Design Solutions: hrcompensationconsulting.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-trumpolt-m-a-g-r-p-257a6b317 BBB profile: bbb.org/south-east-florida/login/page/0/?li=1 Scott's Book: The Defragmented Consultant: https://www.amazon.com/DEFRAGMENTED-CONSULTANT-Transition-Independent-Consultant/dp/B0G53SY2Y7 Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What if the key to leading others with empathy… is learning how to lead yourself first?Today’s guest, Heather Younger, is here to show us how self-leadership isn’t just a personal development buzzword — it’s the foundation of truly impactful, caring leadership that achieves real ROI. As a global expert on active listening and workplace culture, Heather has helped Fortune 100 companies transform the way they engage employees—starting from the inside out.In this episode, we learn about Heather's journey as a culture bearer and customer experience professional, what self-leadership is, and why it matters - why doing the inner work helps you lead with grace and drive results,  and why treating employees with care isn’t just a moral choice but a business strategy that drives innovation and performance. She shares powerful examples and offers actionable first steps to help you lead more effectively, take ownership of your career, make smarter choices, and advocate for yourself.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…What self-leadership is and why it matters.How can you change your office culture to an empathy-driven culture?The power of getting curious within yourself.The power of giving and receiving feedback within your sphere of influence.  "Take back your own power to lead yourself in the way you, intuitively, already know you're supposed to be doing." —  Heather R. YoungerFrom Our Sponsor: Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross About Heather R. Younger: CEO, Keynote Speaker, Author:Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP, is a trusted contributor to leading news outlets, like Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, NBC, and ABC, and one of the world’s leading experts on Caring Leadership® and active listening at work. She is the visionary Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a preeminent employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm for Fortune 100 companies. Employee Fanatix conducts annual research on workplace culture, relying on employee voices for what is relevant now, to help companies redefine their culture strategy. Heather has personally read over 30,000 employee surveys and facilitated over 100 employee focus groups, including her signature “Art of Active Listening Sessions.”With over 25 years of successful management of teams, she has worked in customer experience, sales, and large account management for multi-million dollar accounts and multiple industries such as tech, staffing, healthcare, professional services, the public sector, and the financial sector. She's a renowned keynote speaker, drawing insights from current data and putting into practice what she teaches in her Caring Leadership Transformation Model™.Heather is an award-winning leader in the area of Employee Engagement, as recognized by Inspiring Workplaces, is a LinkedIn Learning course partner, a 3-time bestselling author, a TEDX speaker, and the host of the popular Leadership With Heart Podcast.Connect with Heather:Employee Fanatix: heatheryounger.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger Facebook: facebook.com/HeatherRYounger Instagram: instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficialX: x.com/HeatherRYounger Her new book: The Art of Self-Leadership Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Many leaders come to empathy in their style and communication based on their own challenges. Today's guest shares how vulnerably sharing her story led her down the path of teaching and training on empathy, and how you can boldly leverage vulnerability as an asset in your communication, leading to stronger connections and better results.Sharon Steed is a keynote speaker, author, and empathy expert specializing in communication and collaboration. As the founder of Communilogue, she helps organizations build more inclusive, connected teams through the power of vulnerability and empathy. A stutterer since childhood, Sharon uses her personal experience to illustrate how embracing discomfort fosters growth. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, tech leaders, and global organizations, delivering impactful talks and workshops. Sharon is also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor with multiple courses on empathy. She hosts a weekly live podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube on empathy in the age of AI called Empathy In Automation. Her work empowers professionals to lead with authenticity and compassion. Sharon shares her powerful story and discusses how to be vulnerable and communicate with empathy in productive ways—ways that influence and ignite your team, customers, and other stakeholders. We also had an interesting discussion about the intersection of empathy and AI and how to keep humanity in a tech-driven world.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why curiosity is an empathetic power.What it means to communicate with empathy and how to overcome communication barriers.The power of setting your conversational intentions out loud.The importance of empathy in the age of AI.  "Everybody swears that they are terrible at communicating. And (I say), well, no, every single time you enter a room, you are communicating." —  Sharon SteedEpisode References: The Empathy Edge podcast episodes:Dr. Michelle Zhou: Empathic AI is Real, and It’s Here – But We Need Everyone Involved!Chris L. Johnson: When Leaders Pause, They WinAbout Sharon Steed, Speaker and Founder, Communilogue:Sharon Steed is a keynote speaker, author, and empathy expert specializing in communication and collaboration. As the founder of Communilogue, she helps organizations build more inclusive, connected teams through the power of vulnerability and empathy. A stutterer since childhood, Sharon uses her personal experience to illustrate how embracing discomfort fosters growth. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, tech leaders, and global organizations, delivering impactful talks and workshops. Sharon is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor, with courses on Communicating with Empathy and Driving Inclusion with Empathy; she hosts a weekly live podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube on empathy in the age of AI called Empathy In Automation. Her work empowers professionals to lead with authenticity and compassion. From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Sharon:Communilogue: communilogue.coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-steedLinkedIn Learning Course: Communicating With EmpathyYouTube: Empathy in AutomationLinkedIn Newsletter: linkedin.com/newsletters/7107818443042656256/ Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

In today's Hot Take, Maria talks about gratitude as a practice and catalyst for empathy, collaboration, and well-being.Listen in as Maria discusses gratitude as a leadership superpower, mental health booster, and cultural glue. She dives into what true gratitude means, why we should be expanding our circles of thanks, and gives us the science behind the strategy of gratitude with practical tips for your own life. Throughout, Maria acknowledges the complex history of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of holding space for both its positive and negative aspects to deepen both our gratitude and our empathy.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Gratitude is the cultural glue to keep your team happy and thriving.Recognizing the Thanksgiving paradox and inviting both sides of the conversation.The science behind gratitude and how you can start practicing gratitude today to improve performance and well-being. "Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring problems — it means facing them with perspective. It’s emotional range training, and emotional range is leadership power." —  Maria Ross Episode References: The Empathy Edge Podcast Episodes:Logan Mallory: How a Culture of Gratitude Boosts Engagement and Mental HealthNovember Hot Take: How Gratitude Leads to EmpathyStudies and Data:NIH National Library of Medicine: The Effects of Gratitude InterventionsGratitude in Organizations: A Contribution for Healthy Organizational ContextsHarvard Health, Giving Thanks Can Make You HappierDr. Michelle Rozen: Gratitude in Leadership: A Strategic AdvantageLearned Optimism: Is Martin Seligman’s Glass Half Full?Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com