In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Shermin Kruse—globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor, author, and TEDx producer. Shermin has helped leaders, organizations, and individuals master the art of transformative empathy, complex negotiation, and authentic leadership in high-stakes environments.

They explore how to harness the power of stoic empathy to build trust and connection, even with unlikely allies or adversaries. Shermin shares lessons from her journey growing up under an oppressive regime, her rise in the legal and business world, and how vulnerability and authenticity can drive real influence.

Together, they dive into strategies for emotional regulation, avoiding empathy burnout, and why understanding both your own and others’ motivations is the ultimate leadership advantage. Shermin also offers actionable tools for leaders who want to foster stronger teams, negotiate effectively, and lead with both heart and strategy.

Connect with Shermin:

https://www.sherminkruse.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sher_kruse/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermin-kruse

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What We Discussed:

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Stoic empathy vs. Emotional empathy

09:21 Empathy born from survival

13:49 Is empathy a negotiation tactic?

19:37 How insecurity can make leaders seem strong but disconnected

25:07 Emotional regulation

29:46 Authenticity vs. professionalism

33:07 When appearance becomes protest

42:21 Why do we hide who we really are

48:53 Relationships evolving over time

55:29 Empathy or manipulation?

59:35 Why empathy needs to be in sync

1:03:04 Finding the balance between being an A-hole and a doormat

1:06:41 What can you learn from ‘Stoic Empathy’

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