The Empathy Edge

What if the real solution to conflict is not about persuading the other side, but in transforming yourself first? That’s the provocative question we explore in today’s episode with my guest, Ursula Taylor.We discuss why self-awareness and authenticity must precede empathy, versus what some other thought leaders you may be following are saying. We examine where traditional conflict resolution processes fall short, and why it truly only takes one person to change the energy of a dispute, answering the most common question I get about how to deal with someone who is not showing YOU any empathy! And finally, we consider why peacebuilding and sustainable resolution start from the inside out, requiring us to release our energy and the need for control to cultivate neutrality within ourselves before clarity and solutions can emerge.If you’ve ever found yourself entrenched in conflict, whether at work, at home, or with others in these very divisive times, this conversation will invite you to reimagine what resolution really looks like.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode at TheEmpathyEdge.com Listen in for:Keys to approaching negotiation and conflict with self-awareness. The right energy to bring for healthy conflict, and how you can release your own emotional charge when someone is not showing you empathy back.The impact you have on others when you set the tone in your interaction with them. Why the win/loss dichotomy is not important in conflict and negotiation "When you're in an interaction with someone who's not capable of empathy, it manifests as self-absorption or even narcissism. You're with someone who's not there to hear you. They're there to talk. You want to make sure you are sourcing your energy from you and not from that person." —  Ursula Taylor Episode References: Never Split the Difference by Chris VossThe Empathy Edge podcasts with guest Robin Dreeke:Spycraft and the Leadership Code of TrustSpy Lessons for Leaders: Forging Unbreakable Alliances Through EmpathyFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Ursula Taylor, Founding and Managing Member, Conflict Reimagined: Ursula specializes in guiding individuals and teams through conflict resolution using holistic and strategic methods that go beyond traditional dispute resolution. With seventeen years of experience as a nationally recognized managed care attorney in commercial litigation, Ursula now focuses on helping clients avoid or limit costly legal processes. When litigation or arbitration is unavoidable, she supports clients in finding efficient resolutions.Ursula combines intuition, deep discernment, practical experience, and analytical skills to help clients understand the broader scope of each issue or dispute, including underlying drivers, emotions, and limiting beliefs. She partners with individuals and leaders who prioritize business results, cooperation, and productivity, and who are open to innovative approaches for addressing and preventing expensive and uncertain conflicts.Connect with Ursula:  Conflict Reimagined: https://www.conflictreimagined.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursula-taylor-b0ba4729/  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

How can you challenge yourself as a leader to embrace empathy and think bigger, not just about success, but about significance?Joining me today is Mark Mears, a visionary business leader, best-selling author, keynote speaker, consultant, and visionary business leader. He has a significant track record of building stakeholder value, driving innovation, and profitable growth among world-class, high-profile brands such as PepsiCo/Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Frito-Lay, JCPenney, NBCUniversal, and The Cheesecake Factory. He is currently the founder and Chief Growth Officer for LEAF Growth Ventures, LLC, where he inspires leaders and organizations to grow with purpose.Mark shares insights from his powerful new book, The Purposeful Growth Revolution: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy Builder. We’ll dive into how empathy fuels meaningful growth, not only in business outcomes but people, teams, and culture. Mark believes that when leaders operate with purpose and put people first, they don’t just build companies—they build legacies. He shares why “culture” is not the right word, how to stop managing to the org chart, the four brands you need to consider within your organization, how to build your legacy starting today,  and how to think about inner diversity as much as organizational diversity. He also shares powerful stories from his past Fortune 500 mentors that you will love.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode at TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:True success comes from building communities where people belong, not just cultures where they merely exist.Leadership is a role to be earned daily through empathy and self-awareness, not just a title like “boss.”Empathy fuels performance, proving that compassion and results go hand-in-hand.Recognition and fulfillment drive engagement, motivation, and lasting impact in organizations.Purpose must be lived through four interconnected brands: personal, internal, external, and employer.“I never let anyone call me a boss. I said, if you want to refer to me as your leader, that’s a title I have to earn every day by how I show up.” —  Mark MearsFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Mark Mears, Founder & Chief Growth Officer, LEAF Growth Ventures: Mark A. Mears is a #1 best-selling author, keynote speaker, consultant, and visionary business leader. He has a significant track record of building stakeholder value—driving innovation and profitable growth among world-class, high-profile brands such as PepsiCo/Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Frito-Lay, JCPenney, NBCUniversal, and The Cheesecake Factory.Today, Mark serves as Founder and Chief Growth Officer for LEAF Growth Ventures, LLC—a consulting firm inspiring individuals, teams, and organizations to find purpose in fulfilling their true growth potential while making a positive, lasting difference in the world.Connect with Mark Mears:Website: LEAF Growth Ventures LLC - https://www.MarkAMears.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamears/ Book: The Purposeful Growth Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/Purposeful-Growth-Revolution-Leader-Builder/dp/1636182135Free Purposeful Growth Self-Assessment: https://www.MarkAMears.comConnect 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

Featuring guest Mike Humphries, SparkEffect CEO and former Fortune 500 Executive.Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge.Our show is launching off on its own! Come check us out for twice-monthly episodes at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com or subscribe to Courage to Advance on your favorite player.Kim Bohr opens with a striking boardroom paradox: "The person who can most impact your organization's success or failure, your CEO, is also the person most likely to receive the least comprehensive, least rigorous performance evaluation." In this conversation with Mike Humphries, they explore why traditional board-only CEO evaluations fall dramatically short.Mike reveals why most boards focus on KPIs that capture only 15-20% of a comprehensive CEO evaluation, missing critical competencies like adaptability and stakeholder leadership. The conversation unveils how co-creating evaluations with CEOs prevents feedback rejection, why different stakeholders experience CEOs differently, and how independent assessment creates psychological safety for honest feedback in the loneliest executive role. To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode at TheEmpathyEdge.com.Key Takeaways:Most CEO evaluations focus only on KPIs—missing 80% of a comprehensive assessmentCEOs who help design evaluation processes can't honestly reject feedbackBoard members and executive teams experience CEOs in different environmentsIndependent evaluation eliminates bias and creates safety for honest feedbackEarly warning signs surface first with direct reports, not board membersComprehensive evaluation covers adaptability, stakeholder leadership, and culture stewardshipLongitudinal analysis tracks CEO growth and identifies systemic challenges "I don't think any board goes into this process thinking that they're taking a superficial approach... but there is a different way, and especially for this unique role." —  Mike HumphriesAbout Mike Humphries: Mike Humphries serves as Chairman and CEO of SparkEffect. He joined the organization in 2001, bringing experience as a successful entrepreneur and business executive with deep knowledge in finance, technology, and administration. Over two decades, he has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, giving him a unique perspective on effective governance and leadership evaluation.About SparkEffect: SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through tailored assessments and expert coaching, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/ceo-evaluation now and download your complimentary CEO Evaluation Framework Assessment today.Connect with Mike Humphries:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehumphries/ Website: sparkeffect.com/about/mike-humphriesConnect with Kim Bohr and SparkEffectSparkEffect: sparkeffect.comCourage to Advance recording and resources: sparkeffect.com/courage-to-advance-podcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sparkeffectLinkedIn for Kim Bohr: linkedin.com/in/kimbohrConnect 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

The power of empathy for organizational success is not just proven in all the data. Neuroscience backs up our human need to connect and form relationships. But why does empathic communication lead to better business results, improved wellness, decreased burnout, and better workforce retention? We explore that today with Dr. Helen Riess. Persuaded by the belief that empathy can transform healthcare, Dr. Riess founded Empathetics to meet medicine’s most pressing challenges. We talk about whether empathy can be taught or if it's an inborn trait, the evidence for how empathy improves measurable outcomes, and what shifts we need to make to more fully bring empathy into work. Dr. Riess shares how the brain works on empathy and how it looks different for different people of all abilities. Finally, we discuss the importance of getting people into the right seat to lead with empathy and why self-regulation skills are critical to leadership success.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode at TheEmpathyEdge.com.Listen and discover:Why empathy is a key survival trait of the human species.Effective shifts to bring more personal compassion, kindness, and empathy to the workplace.The best ways to start your day for effective, empathetic leadership.Advice for dealing with people at different stages and levels of empathy.Why practicing empathy at work spills over into other aspects of your life. "Neuroscience shows that when the brain is at rest, we're not doing nothing. The default mode is all about working out relationships. It just shows how critical human relationship and connectedness really is." —  Dr. Helen RiessFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Dr. Helen Riess, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, EmpatheticsDr. Helen Riess, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, is renowned for her groundbreaking research into the neurobiology of empathy.  Dr. Riess has shown that empathy can be taught and learned. Her work has reshaped how healthcare professionals connect with patients and colleagues, fostering trust and greater patient and clinician satisfaction. Her award-winning research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals.Persuaded by the belief that empathy can transform healthcare, Dr. Riess founded Empathetics to meet medicine’s most pressing challenges. As Chief Medical Officer, she translates her research into programs that help healthcare teams navigate the communication demands of modern practice. Her empathy training programs improve wellness, reduce burnout and employee turnover, and improve workforce cultures.Her best-selling book, The Empathy Effect, has resonated globally. Her TEDx talk, “The Power of Empathy,” has nearly one million views. A Founding Member of Newsweek’s Expert Forum, Dr. Riess continues to champion the transformative power of empathy to improve healthcare for everyone.Connect with Helen: Empathetics, Inc: empathetics.comInstagram: instagram.com/helen.riessLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/helen-riessTEDx: The Power of EmpathyBook: The Empathy Effect: empathetics.com/empathy-effect-bookConnect 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: @redslicemaria

Turns out your organization's inability to adapt and align in this era of great change may have little to do with structure, sales, or cutting costs and more to do with how you are investing in building your team's people skills: you know, old-fashioned communication, empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Sorry to break it to you, but research is showing those skills are going to be MORE, not LESS important in the age of AI. Today’s guest, Dan Tocchini, has been helping leaders bring more magic to their teams for over 35 years. We talk about what leadership really means, the biggest enemy of a high-performing culture, and how to spot when your team is misaligned. Dan also shares why it can feel lonely at the top, how empathy helps leaders have difficult conversations that make a real difference, and the best time to address issues before they derail performance. If you want practical, hard-earned wisdom on how to lead with both courage and compassion—while still driving results—this is the conversation for you.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode at TheEmpathyEdge.com.Key Takeaways:The biggest enemy is fear, and what you don’t face will defeat you. Courage is being in touch with prices and rewards.You have to live your values. If you’re not living them, you won’t understand the nuances and where things could fall apart.Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely; it only is because you’re not willing to solve that problem. Often, the unwillingness to hear feedback is the biggest breakdown.Business, now more than ever, influences culture. With AI becoming increasingly relevant, it is up to leaders to become more relational and more empathetic. “Most executives work around the hard conversations. They end up reacting to them. The hard conversations become your culture, and the conversation you're not willing to have becomes your culture. What you don't face now will eventually defeat you.” - Dan TocchiniEpisode References:The Empathy Edge Podcast: Kara Goldin: On Undaunted LeadershipAbout Dan Tocchini, Change Agent, Catalyst, Consultant, CoachDan Tocchini has been helping leaders bring some more magic onto their teams for over 35 years. He has worked with executive teams from Interstate Batteries and ESPN, to Smarty Pants Vitamins and Impulse Space, as well as on-profits like Homeboy Industries and Defy Ventures. Dan gives a no-fluff approach by helping transform leadership teams without any pixie dust - just courageous leadership, creative conflict resolution, and relevant restructuring. No conversation is too difficult, no situation too conflicted, because a leader with a vision cannot be held hostage by circumstance or history.Connect with Dan:Take New Ground: takenewground.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dantocchiniInstagram: instagram.com/dan_tocchiniThe Change Imperative (FREE e-book) change.takenewground.comRevenant: takenewground.com/revenant 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: @redslicemaria

Empathy is the key to effective marketing. You've heard that here before. But what is really going on in the brains of savvy buyers, and how can we tap into that - not to manipulate, but to connect and engage with what they need and who they want to be?Today, Rai Cornell shares her unique journey, including being a psychologist in the prison system. We discuss how to appeal to today's savvy buyers and why everyone is a skeptical buyer. We talk about the mistakes companies make when they "pitch” and why 70% of the sales process is actually done before the salesperson does that pitch. And some examples of effective tactics and campaigns we've both seen. And a real treat today: you know the old marketing adage of helping prospects know, like, and trust you? Rai breaks down HOW to achieve each of those steps by taking about the brain's neurotransmitters and the chemicals activated at each stage, so you can best engage your audience at each step.  And we discuss the ethics of empathetic marketing and how to avoid manipulation or coercion at all costs, as well as the importance of internal feedback loops to consistently practice empathy with your customers.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode at TheEmpathyEdge.com.Key Takeaways:Prioritize understanding the gatekeeper, not just the final buyer, especially in B2B sales situations.Everyone you are selling to is a human. They will have both logic drivers and emotional drivers.If you want to be efficient with your marketing dollars - spending less, doing more, and getting more ROI - empathy is the way to do it because you have to slow down and understand who the other person is.Utilize the power of neurotransmitters - dopamine and oxytocin - to maximize know, like, and trust. "Be altruistic. Understand the situation. This is where empathy comes in. You have to understand the situation that they're in before they want to buy your solution." —  Rai CornellEpisode References:Nike, If You Let Me Play Ad CampaignSubaru crashed car ad, They LivedFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Rai Cornell, CEO, Cornell Content Marketing:Rai Cornell is the CEO and Strategic Marketing Consultant of Cornell Content Marketing. Rai helps B2B businesses become thought leaders by creating long-term demand-generation strategies and eliminating costly and unnecessary short-term, manipulative tactics like ads. Rai's marketing approach is psychology-driven to ensure businesses attract pre-qualified, emotionally engaged buyers.Connect with Rai:Email: rairose@cornellcontentmarketing.comCornell Content Marketing: cornellcontentmarketing.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raicornellConnect 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: @redslicemaria

The skills and sensibilities we needed in the industrial age are no longer working. But according to my guest today, Saqib Rasool, we are approaching skills development as if we were machines - just sprinkle some knowledge or insert some new information and BAM we will transform our leadership style. Instead, he offers a different way to navigate these new skills and improve performance.Today, we discuss how the leadership paradigm has changed and why our approaches to skill development often fail, because they rely on people fitting into rational machine models - which they do not! We discuss examples of how one crucial mindset shift works better,  and why breakdowns are not a bad thing, but an opportunity for leaders to shift their mindset, engage in tough conversations, and listen to what is important to others  - thus building the new leadership skills you need to succeed. We discuss how even the field of change management has changed and how you can shift from “power over” leadership models to “power with” models that lead to better results.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode at TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Humans don’t give feedback; machines give feedback. Humans give opinions, both good and bad.The most dangerous and unproductive leader is the one who believes they have nothing else to learn.Be willing to set aside what you believe as true. Breakdowns can only be solved by being willing to hear the truth, no matter what it is. "Even in industrial environments, the value is created in our ability to coordinate action with each other in conversations, to deal with breakdowns with each other, and to really see possibilities for innovation might exist in the breakdowns." —  Saqib RasoolEpisode References: The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms by Nassim Nicholas TalebFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.Saqib Rasool, CEO, ConceivianSaqib is a serial entrepreneur, coach, and author. Starting his career at Microsoft, he later built several startups and founded a start-up accelerator. Saqib’s passion for cultivating leaders and entrepreneurs led him to study human potential, teamwork, innovation, entrepreneurship, and communications. Saqib has coached countless changemakers to unfold their potential, see the breakdowns ripe with opportunities, and set bold missions. He lives in the Seattle area and travels globally for work.Connect with Saqib:Conceivian: conceivian.com X: x.com/SaqibRasool LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/saqibrasool Facebook: facebook.com/saqibrasool Instagram: instagram.com/saqibrasoolofficialConceivian's Emerging Leaders Program. A Revolutionary Approach To Building Leadership,  Management, and Communication Capacities for Upward Mobility In Career & Performance in Enterprises: conceivian.com/elp 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: @redslicemaria

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge.Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com.After overwhelming listener response to our AI and coaching conversation, Kim Bohr and Rod Bacon reconvene to address burning questions about executive coaching misconceptions. This deep dive challenges the outdated view of coaching as "leadership rehab" and reveals its true power as a strategic growth amplifier.Rod dismantles the "scarlet letter" stigma, sharing how vulnerability creates strength and why interview-based stakeholder feedback provides "X-ray vision" into leadership impact. The conversation explores why executive presence is an inside job, how the forgetting curve undermines training investments, and why coaching transforms information into embodied leadership behaviors.Whether you're justifying development budgets or seeking authentic growth, discover why combining training with coaching multiplies ROI and how modeling vulnerability builds cultures of continuous learning. To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:Executive coaching is a growth amplifier, not leadership rehab – top performers use it proactivelyInterview-based 360 feedback reveals not just what happened, but organizational ripple effectsExecutive presence isn't about gestures – it's about embodying confidence and claiming your seatUp to 90% of training content is forgotten within a week without coaching reinforcementVulnerability-based leadership creates psychological safety and models continuous growthTraining fills knowledge gaps; coaching ensures application and integrationThe most powerful transformations focus on one or two needle-moving changes"We're going to see it as a growth amplifier… when people get coaching, they're able to look at their strengths, what's potentially getting in the way of accelerating those, and really grow." —  Rod BaconAbout Rod Bacon: Rod Bacon serves as Chief Coaching Officer at SparkEffect, developing world-class executive coaches and working with C-suite leaders across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and technology industries. His philosophy that vulnerability enables true strength has guided transformative leadership development worldwide.About SparkEffect: SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through tailored assessments and expert coaching, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.Connect with Rod Bacon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwbacon/Website: sparkeffect.com/about/rod-baconConnect with Kim Bohr and SparkEffectSparkEffect: sparkeffect.comCourage to Advance recording and resources: sparkeffect.com/courage-to-advance-podcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sparkeffectLinkedIn for Kim Bohr: linkedin.com/in/kimbohrConnect 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: @redslicemaria

While multiple studies show that we are experiencing mental health crises, burnout, and stress at alarming levels, I don't have to tell you that you're feeling it. It impacts your ability and your team's ability to perform at the highest level. To innovate, problem solve, and focus. Some workplace stress is a given, but what about the stress we can control? The stress caused by a culture and a leader who refuses to recognize our humanity? The leader who does not value empathy, connection, well-being, or psychological safety as a way to empower their people to achieve success.Today, I talk with Marisol Solarte-Erlacher about the price you pay for toxic and psychologically unsafe cultures and how that impacts business performance. We discuss why chronic stress is an issue, how it impacts leadership and performance, and what it looks like to put employee well-being at the center of your business strategy. Marisol shares how to make the culture shift in your own team to prioritize well-being in meaningful ways, not just surface-level perks. She offers three questions you can ask your team to discern if they feel psychologically safe, and she shares how you can make the business case for well-being so your people can thrive and your company can achieve its goals.To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:The pandemic gave everyone the ability to pause and actually question if the way we have always done things is the only or best way to do things.Being in a constant state of stress takes a long-term toll on our bodies and health.Do assessments with yourself and your team to understand what the biggest stressors are at any given point.To assess psychological safety, you can ask three questions: What are the things in the workplace that cause you the most stress? How do you handle those? How do you ask for help? "This is about the long-term investment of your culture for the overall well-being and sustainability of your organization." —  Marisol Solarte-ErlacherEpisode References:The Empathy Edge podcast:Rebecca Friese: How to Build a “Good” CultureAnna Liotta: Understanding Generational CodesFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Marisol Solarte-Erlacher, Trauma Expert and Resilience ConsultantNamed one of Colorado's Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business, Marisol Solarte-Erlacher is a trauma expert, resilience consultant, and licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping organizations build cultures where both people and performance thrive, while hosting the award-nominated podcast 'Resilience and Resistance,' featuring successful Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color who have overcome trauma to become resilient leaders.Connect with Marisol:Email: marisol@marisolerlacher.com Website: marisolerlacher.com Instagram: instagram.com/marisol_resilience_expert  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: @redslicemaria

Empathetic leadership drives engagement, performance, and innovation. It's a fact. Yet post-pandemic, leaders are struggling to balance the needs of their people with the demands of the business and their own mental health. This livestream session with empathy expert, speaker, author, and podcast host of The Empathy Edge, Maria Ross, will enable leaders from the Director to C-suite to build high-performing teams, align their work with their values, and find success in the new world of work.The audience will gain:DEFINE what empathy means in a work context and clarify confusing terminology. Bust common empathy myths that hold leaders back.DISCOVER how empathy helps you do good while doing well financially: Empathy is not just good for the world, but it can be a competitive advantage. We'll walk through the financial & organizational benefits of acting with empathy, and how you can persuade others in the organization to do the right thing.EXPLORE what empathy is - and more importantly, what it is NOT.DISCOVER the Five Pillars of Effective and Empathetic Leadership to better balance the needs of the business with the needs of your people.To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:Empathy requires great strength to be able to take on someone else's point of view without fear or defensiveness.We can access empathy through two angles - cognitive and affective (or emotional) empathy.Why managers need to create a human connection with their teams.In today’s digital world, connection is more important than ever. It is a key to experiencing empathy. "You need to be very firmly grounded in who you are, what you believe, and your own self-confidence to open yourself up to other points of view. Empathy is anything but weak; it's a strength." —  Maria RossEpisode References: Sign Up Here for PeopleFoward Network: https://bit.ly/pfncommunityThe Empathy Edge Podcast:  Daina Middleton: How to do Layoffs with Humanity, Inclusion, and Compassion Dr. Michelle Zhou: Empathic AI is Real and It’s Here - But We Need Everyone Involved! Dr. Cori Lathan: Benevolent Cyborgs and a Techno-Optimist’s View on TechnologyFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About PeopleForward Network: We exist to help all people experience meaningful work.We imagine a world where leadership and people-first leadership are synonymous.PeopleForward Network provides innovative podcasting, communications, and partnership services for people-first leaders to impact meaningful work.From podcast production and distribution to creative services and growth consulting, PeopleForward Network’s mission is to share resources and insights with its global community of leaders, connectors, and creators to inspire and build workplaces where people thrive.Connect with Jason Cochran & PeopleForward Network:  Website: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jason.Cochran LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-d-cochran/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasondcochran/  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: @redslicemaria

How can we balance performance and purpose to sustain growth? Well, look no further than a successful non-profit for the answer to that! And while your organization may sell anything from software to shoes to services, you can indeed leverage a clear, co-created purpose to ignite performance. And you can embrace empathy for employees or customers who are nothing like you in order to do it.Today, Shilpa Alva shares the powerful childhood experiences that led her to this work, with a stopover in corporate America, where the skills she learned now serve her very well in the non-profit world. We discuss what her shift from corporate culture to the non-profit world was like, and how she balances mission with results, like 70% growth! She talks about values versus process and why values light the fire, so your people will achieve results. Shilpa shares how they co-create solutions with local partners, gathering input from everyone to get the most impactful ideas, and offers a great model for clearly communicating back those final decisions to increase buy-in. To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:We are all part of a shared humanity and are way more alike than different. Exposure to different perspectives can help build your empathy muscle.Partner with the community, don’t just assume you know what is best for the community.The organization and structure that got you to where you are today is not going to be the same one that gets you to your wildest, most audacious goals.Bring all stakeholders in your ecosystem together in the vision to make your goals a reality. "You keep your values and your foundation strong so that it doesn't shift. But then you use those values to guide you in achieving your goals." —  Shilpa Alva Episode References: Joy McBrien of Fair AnitaThe Empathy Edge podcast: Heather Hiscox: The Surprising Empathy Gap in Social Impact That Hinders ChangeFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Shilpa Alva, Founder & Executive Director, Surge for WaterShilpa Alva is the founder and Executive Director of Surge for Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the cycle of poverty through access to safe water and sanitation solutions. Since its founding 15 years ago, Surge has impacted hundreds of thousands of people in 12 countries. Shilpa's journey didn’t start in the International Nonprofit world. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a Chemical Engineering degree, she joined the corporate world and earned her MBA from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota. After a successful corporate career in Supply Chain Management, she made the bold choice to follow her purpose and live fully in alignment with it. She went from running the organization on nights and weekends to going all the way in!Connect with Shilpa Alva Surge for Water: surgeforwater.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shilpa-alva-858b841  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

My guest today, Steve Durbin, shares why empathy, agility, and resilience are vital to managing risk and keeping your organization secure. Steve shares the biggest threats to organizations right now and how empathetic leaders foster the resiliency needed to adapt. We discuss how CISO's and risk officers can create an empathetic culture where trust and transparency flow to help protect the organization. Steve shares how letting go of control can keep you safer, and how curiosity and listening help you communicate in ways people understand. He candidly shares that CEOs who don't understand empathy are a risk. And finally, Steve offers ways to balance a culture of experimentation and empowerment with effective risk management. To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:When assessing risk, people are your greatest risk, but they are also your greatest asset and your greatest opportunity for solutions. It is not the machine or the algorithm that will solve your risk problem; it is your people. You risk losing your best people if you’re not willing to adapt to what needs to be done for the best of your organization, employees, clients, and other stakeholders. "You increase awareness by explaining why people need to be aware, why they should care, and you may have to make it personal." —  Steve DurbinFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Steve Durbin: CEO, Information Security ForumSteve Durbin is Chief Executive, Information Security Forum (ISF). His main areas of focus include strategy, information technology, cyber security and the emerging security threat landscape across both the corporate and personal environments.He is a frequent speaker and commentator on technology and security issues, and, since 2016, the host of the ISF Podcast.Formerly at Ernst & Young, Steve has been involved with IPOs, mergers and acquisitions of fast-growth companies across Europe and the USA. Having previously been senior vice president at Gartner, he has advised a number of NASDAQ and NYSE listed global technology companies.Steve has served as a Digital 50 advisory committee member in the United States, and he has been ranked as one of the top 10 individuals shaping ow organizations and leaders approach information security careers. He has also been featured on the top 20 most influential list of leaders whose companies have a vision that shapes the conceptual landscape of their respective industries.Steve is a Chartered Marketer, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Forbes Business Council Member and a lecturer at Henley Business School, where he speaks on the role of the Board in Cybersecurity.Connect with Steve:Information Security Forum: securityforum.org X: x.com/securityforum LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevedurbin YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCyTu0HsWQd_ucrt0Zo0042A  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

How do some leaders show up, almost effortlessly, with a proactive point of view and clear messaging? I'd bet you money that for most, it's a matter of intention and skill-building, not just natural talent! The ability to balance warmth, confidence, and competence is not just within reach for extroverts, either, according to today's guest.Today, Laura Camacho and I talk about what executive presence means (it's not just how nice your suit fits!), how empathy relates to executive presence, specific challenges for more introverted leaders to increase their empathy, and what the C-suite is looking for to promote someone internally. Laura shares that the true purpose of executive presence is to help others have confidence in YOU as a leader, and she shares some tools on how to be clearer and empathetic in your messaging, as well as tips to mentor others, especially introverts. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:You have to be both a storyteller and a data driver. It is not a hard binary. Even the most analytical people are driven by emotion.If you are stressing about saying something badly, say it anyway - it likely won’t be bad, and you can always course correct on the off-chance that it is.Prepare in advance to speak out in meetings about your domain. Be prepared to speak up early and with structure. "Connection, competence, and confidence - you need all of those. You cannot have executive presence without empathy." —  Laura CamachoFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Laura Camacho, Executive Presence Coach:Laura Mixon Camacho, PhD, is an executive presence coach. When leaders communicate with authentic executive presence, it builds a healthy culture with a better bottom line.From her deep dive research into luxury brand messaging, winning political campaigns, and neuroscience, she takes a bespoke approach to teaching highly intelligent high-performers how to connect, engage, and inspire people to improve business outcomes and build culture.Her articles on influence and culture have been regularly featured in several publications, including Forbes, The Southern C, Lionesses of Africa, and Training Industry.She is also author of the Cultured Communication Workbook and The Practical Guide to Effective Communication. Her podcast, Speak Up with Laura Camacho, is ranked #2 in the world for communication skills podcasts and is in the top 2.5% of all podcasts in the world.Connect with Laura:Mixonian Institute: speakupwithlaura.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauramcamachoInstagram: instagram.com/speakupwithlauraExecutive Presence Mastery System: a 90-day intensive coaching program to prepare mid-level managers for senior leadership: speakupwithlaura.com/executivepresence 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

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge.Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com.As AI revolutionizes how we work, what makes human executive coaching irreplaceable? Kim Bohr sits down with Rod Bacon, SparkEffect's Chief Coaching Officer, to explore why transformative leadership breakthroughs happen through human connection, not algorithms.Rod reveals what he calls "sacred pressure" in coaching relationships – the ability to create breakthrough moments through presence and challenge blind spots in ways AI cannot replicate. This conversation explores the neuroscience of trust-building, why discomfort drives growth, and how mirror neurons enable coaches to move executives from stress to creative insight.Whether you're defending coaching investments or seeking authentic development, discover why trust acts as a "force multiplier" in organizations and how vulnerability-based leadership creates the psychological safety teams need. To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:Biological synchronization between the coach and the executive creates conditions for transformationAI can ask questions, but cannot synchronize nervous systems or create a calming presenceGrowth requires "sacred pressure" – productive tension that human coaches apply with precise timingTrust acts as a "force multiplier," enabling innovation, agility, and resilienceWithout trust, teams make false commitments in meetings but have real conversations elsewhereMirror neurons enable coaches to regulate nervous systems, moving executives from stress to creativityThe future is leveraging both AI efficiency and irreplaceable human wisdom "Trust is the new strategic capital...it's the interstitial connections which holds everything together." —  Rod BaconAbout Rod Bacon: Rod Bacon serves as Chief Coaching Officer at SparkEffect, developing world-class executive coaches and working with C-suite leaders across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and technology industries. His philosophy that "personal growth is professional growth" has guided transformative leadership development worldwide.About SparkEffect:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.Connect with Rod Bacon:  Website: sparkeffect.com/about/rod-bacon/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rodbacon/Connect with Kim Bohr and SparkEffectSparkEffect: sparkeffect.comCourage to Advance recording and resources: sparkeffect.com/courage-to-advance-podcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sparkeffectLinkedIn for Kim Bohr: linkedin.com/in/kimbohrConnect 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

Years ago, I was introduced to a former Marine and FBI counterintelligence officer whose job was to recruit spies to help protect our country. His secret weapon? Empathy. Finding out what is important to someone so that they can then build trust and find shared goals.Robin Dreek joins us again today to talk about his latest book, Unbreakable Alliances: A Spy Recruiter's Authoritative Guide to Cultivating Powerful and Lasting Connections. He shares the four keys to communication and the difference between inspiration, influence, and manipulation. He shares the behaviors of trust required to inspire people to feel safe. We talk about how to engage empathy to inspire people to open up, share their context, and forge those unbreakable alliances. Finally, Robin shares a great definition of active curiosity and what it can do for both your relationships and success. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Every little word and emotion matters.You have to balance the dichotomy of vulnerability and confidence.Four keys of communication: seeking the thoughts and opinions of others; talking in terms of challenges and priorities that other people are dealing with; non-judgmental active curiosity; and empowering people with choice.We need to be asking better questions - focus on what they want to share, not what you want to ask."Active curiosity is taking it to the next level - don’t just be curious about what it is you want to know, but be curious about what it is they want to share." —  Robin Dreeke Episode References: The Empathy Edge podcast: Robin Dreeke: Spycraft and the Leadership Code of TrustFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Robin Dreeke, Executive Coach, Speaker, Former FBI, and Author, Unbreakable AlliancesRobin Dreeke is an accomplished Executive Coach, Best-Selling Author, and Professional Speaker with an impressive background. As a Marine Corps Officer and retired FBI Special Agent, he served as Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, where he honed his skills in Recruiting Spies and Behavioral Assessment. Today, Robin has translated his expertise into his unique Interpersonal Communication Strategies that focus on Recruiting Allies in business. Since 2010, he has been working with Executives, Corporations, Entrepreneurs, the Military, and Law Enforcement to help them Forge Trust, Solve Challenges, and Lead. Robin's People Formula has helped countless individuals and teams achieve quick, measurable results and maximum success. Whether you're a newly promoted leader, executive, sales team member, or customer relations specialist, Robin's proven strategies will help you excel.Connect with Robin:Website: robindreeke.comX: x.com/rdreekeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rdreekeFacebook: facebook.com/ForgedbyTrustInstagram: instagram.com/rdreekeBook: Unbreakable Alliances: A Spy Recruiter's Authoritative Guide to Cultivating Powerful and Lasting ConnectionsConnect 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

Today’s episode is a little more personal. A reflection. A struggle.Because lately, I’ve been wondering: Is empathy under attack? And if so, how do we as leaders, parents, citizens—and humans—continue to lead with empathy in a world that sometimes seems to mock, punish, or politicize it?So today, I want to pull back the curtain and talk about what it’s like to do this work, and why—despite it all—I continue to fight for empathy at work, in leadership, and our culture at large.Let’s dive in. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:In a chaotic world, cruelty often gets mistaken for strength. Empathy is not about coddling and indulgence but about the courage to pause and listen, not to react.Three small but powerful steps to resist the tide of cruelty and amplify empathy instead: model it, name it, protect it."Empathy is not weak, naive, or political. It is what allows us to build trust, resolve conflict, and create workplaces where people—and performance—can thrive." - Maria RossEpisode References: FREE upcoming 2-day virtual leadership event with me! Let's have a chat first and see if this aligns with your goals and where you are right now. Visit www.TheEmpathyEdge.com/event to sign up for a time.VAST InstituteRobert Reich's Substack article, ”Trump, Musk, and The Empathy Bug”: https://robertreich.substack.com/p/trump-musk-and-the-empathy-bugListener Feedback! Please fill out the short survey here at https://bit.ly/edge-feedbackFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today. 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 climate, where DEIB efforts are under attack, smart organizations know that embracing diverse perspectives leads to better decisions, stronger innovation, and thriving teams. Today, I’m thrilled to talk with Asheli Mann-Lofthouse about how to build and sustain impactful DEIB efforts—whether you’re just starting or already well along the journey.We dive into how DEIB differs between nonprofits and for-profits, why the ultimate goal is to make DEIB programs obsolete, and what’s needed at every stage—budget, buy-in, ROI, and more. Asheli also breaks down the difference between sponsors and allies, how cis white individuals can spark change in spaces where representation is low, and why your team’s culture matters more than their job responsibilities.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:DEIB isn’t going anywhere, no matter what the politics say. People are just getting creative in how they describe it, talk about it, and structure it.While allyship is important, sponsorship is equally important. The more diverse voices you have, the better business decisions you’re going to make. "We shouldn't need these elaborate structures and all these different ways to make sure we're being inclusive, because we should already be doing it. It should be holistically built into our system." —  Asheli Mann-LofthouseFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Asheli Mann-Lofthouse, President & CEO, Cultural Outreach and Racial Equity CollectiveAsheli Mann-Lofthouse is an Organizational Anthropologist who draws collectively from her afro-indigenous background and 15 years of DEI, human resources, and organizational development experience to lead the design and implementation of strategies that foster a culture of belonging and inclusion aligned with entity imperatives. With expertise in the development and execution of structured initiatives, Asheli empowers communities and organizations to break down systemic barriers, heal divisions, align value-driven priorities, and support diverse populations, allowing each individual to thrive. Her unique anthropological approach promotes awareness, allyship, and social justice by understanding holistic and diverse human experiences.Asheli is actively committed to contributing to social and organizational impact efforts in partnership with local, state, and federal organizations, educational institutions, non-profits, communities, and businesses from all sectors in need and has a proven track record of delivering results in equitable [and efficient] process and program management, research, evaluation, and organizational improvement through learning and leadership development. Asheli is a servant leader and lifelong learner, committed to understanding individuals from all perspectives, using anthropological and ethnographic methodologies to overcome barriers for those facing adversity.Connect with Asheli:Cultural Outreach and Racial Equity Collective NFP: core-collective.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/asheli-mann-lofthouseInstagram: instagram.com/core_collectivenfp 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

Self-awareness is the first pillar of effective empathetic leadership in The Empathy Dilemma. If you don't know what's going on for you, you will never be able to make room for empathetic leadership.I highly recommend working with a leadership or executive coach to guide you in this self-discovery process. But the world of coaching is like the Wild West, with so many people promising the moon, engaging in unethical tactics, and giving the industry a bad name.Today, my guest, Bridgette Boudreau, talks about effective coaching relationships and how to embrace empathy to get the results you want. We had a meandering and meaningful conversation about false confidence, tips to find and work effectively with a coach, red flags to avoid, and how to recognize certain behavior patterns that are stopping you from getting the results you want. We also talk about the coaching industry and how ethical, genuine coaches can lean into marketing and selling with integrity so the right clients can find them.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Try doing some changes internally and seeing what changes about the situation - everybody at work that we're disagreeing with is not the enemy. Don’t write off coaching forever if you have had a negative coaching experience.Vibes are important - if you are feeling in the flow, an openness, and like you're energetically on the same page, that's what you want in a coach.Take what you want and leave the rest. Be curious, try new things, and see what works for you. "Never give up your discernment. If something doesn't feel right, bring it up in the session. And if that doesn't feel safe, then that's not the right coaching relationship for you." —  Bridgette Boudreau Episode References: Three OG Coaches PodcastFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Bridgette Boudreau, Master Certified CoachBridgette Boudreau is a Master-Certified Coach and Business Consultant with a passion for helping people at midlife+ figure out what's next, small-scale entrepreneurship, and mentoring other coaches. Bridgette's coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and finding one's intrinsic motivation versus pushing or hustling. She acts as a strategic thought partner, providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients to grow. With over 16 years of coaching experience, she has developed the Mosaic Framework to help people create a fulfilling next act on their terms. Bridgette’s coaching style is like the love child of Bob Ross and Mary Poppins: She's going to love and encourage the hell out of you to do it your way, and you're going to get it done. Bridgette lives in Seattle with her partner Stephanie and their dog-son, Mr. Beverly Wiggins.Connect with Bridgette:Bridgette Boudreau Coaching: bridgetteboudreau.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bboudreauFacebook: facebook.com/bridgette.boudreauInstagram: instagram.com/bridgetteboudreau 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

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge.Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com.In today's always-on business culture, how can leaders cut through digital noise to regain mental clarity? Kim Bohr sits down with Timothy Swords, a mindfulness-focused executive coach who blends Harvard MBA-level acumen with over 2,000 hours of mindfulness practice. Timothy reveals how simple grounding techniques transformed executives from being the "scary person in the room" to creating harmonious relationships.This conversation explores why self-awareness might be more valuable than an MBA, how stress contagion undermines organizational performance, and why working beyond 50 hours delivers diminishing returns. Timothy shares practical "mindfulness hacks," including a grounding technique for meetings, plus how 10 minutes of practice increases self-awareness by 35%.Whether you're struggling with digital overwhelm, managing stressed teams, or seeking authentic leadership approaches, discover how mindfulness becomes a competitive advantage. Learn why emotions last 30 seconds unless we feed them with thoughts. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Mindfulness is "lucid awareness from paying attention on purpose in the present moment"A leader's emotional state directly impacts team performance through stress contagionWorking beyond 50 hours shows diminishing returns; 70-hour weeks produce no more than 55-hour weeksSimple grounding technique: Feel your feet on the floor during meetings to interrupt anxiety cyclesJust 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice increases self-awareness by 35% in 6-8 weeksAuthentic leadership starts with clarity on personal values aligned with organizational valuesTwo types of self-compassion: tender (being kind) and fierce (setting healthy boundaries) "An emotion on its own lasts like 30 seconds. But if you're feeding it with thoughts, it goes on and on—it gets worse and worse. If you want to do anger management, you've got to stop that cycle, because you're actually creating your own anger." — Timothy SwordsAbout Timothy Swords: Timothy Swords blends corporate acumen with mindfulness training to guide senior leaders in integrating mindfulness into decision-making and leadership effectiveness. His experience includes CFO and strategic transformation roles at Fidelity Investments, MUFG Union Bank, and PwC. Timothy holds an MBA from Harvard University and is a certified mindfulness instructor with over 2,000 hours of practice, including training with renowned teachers Jack Kornfield, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Sharon Salzberg.About SparkEffect: SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.Connect with Timothy: Website: MindfulLeadership-Coaching.com   Email: Timothy@MindfulLeadership-Coaching.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothyswordsFree Resources: mindfulleadership-coaching.com/free-videos Connect with Kim Bohr & SparkEffect:SparkEffect: sparkeffect.comCourage to Advance recording and resources:sparkeffect.com/courage-to-advance-podcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sparkeffectLinkedIn for Kim: linkedin.com/in/kimbohr Connect with Maria:Learn more about Maria's work and books: 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

Unhappiness at work causes poor performance, disengagement, mistakes, absenteeism, mental health issues, and ultimately poor customer experience and anemic sales.But defining happiness at work seems so squishy. Is the leader's job to make people happy? Garrett Delph looks at happiness the way I look at empathy - as an intentional business strategy that can be operationalized and scaled.Today, we talk about the causes of unhappiness in a business culture, why increasing happiness and decreasing stress are good for the bottom line, how clarity plays a huge role in engaging your people, and what it looks like from a process and operations point of view. He shares why culture is operational and that people need a structure that enables them to understand expectations, communicate easily and safely, and collaborate -  or they will just leave.  We had a great conversation about how empathy is linked to happiness and why it needs to be modeled and discussed from the top. Lastly, Garrett leaves you with two paths to take if you suspect your business could be more effective, so you can take the next right steps to improve results. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Clarity is a form of empathy at work - when we are clear, we help people avoid anxiety, stress, and confusion, which leads to greater happiness.You have to balance the load with your managers - if you don’t know what they are doing or who they are managing, you cannot understand where the workflow bottlenecks are.We are all needed for the business to function. And people need direction and instruction to ensure we’re all on the same page."As leaders, often we hire great people and we buy the lie ‘hire great people and set them free’ not realizing you can't do that, or you fail the people." —  Garrett DelphThe Empathy Edge Episode References: Dr. Tracy Brower: The Secret to Happiness at WorkBrent Lowe and Susan Basterfield: How Innovative Organizations Lead and Scale - No Managers RequiredSetting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny MeyerFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Garrett Delph, Founder & CEO, Clarity OpsGarrett Delph stands at the forefront of business transformational solutions for the new generation of leaders. He is the Founder and Chief Clarity Officer of Clarity Ops, LLC. A serial entrepreneur, he has established a track record of founding three successful international businesses that have collectively generated over $50 million in revenue. Garrett's new-generation business solutions are created for leaders who need faster, easier, and more profitable step-by-step ways for scaling businesses.Connect with Garrett:Clarity Ops: clarityops.coX: x.com/garrettdelphLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garrettdelph 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