Author and empathy advocate, Maria Ross busts myths about empathy and clearly defines what it is so that it can be effectively harnessed.

In this episode of the Happy Space podcast, Maria Ross, an author and empathy advocate, shares her life-changing experience of surviving a medical trauma, highlighting the role of empathy in her recovery and its influence on her work. Maria discusses her books 'The Empathy Edge' and the soon to be released in fall 2024, 'The Empathy Dilemma,' emphasizing the operationalization of empathy in organizations and its importance in leadership. The conversation touches on common myths about empathy, its innate nature, and methods to cultivate it in business environments and personal lives. Maria and Clare explore the misconceptions surrounding empathy and sensitivity, advocating for a cultural shift towards more human-centered practices in business and personal spheres.

Maria Ross is a speaker, facilitator, author, and empathy advocate who believes cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive. She’s spent decades helping forward-thinking leaders and teams connect and engage through empathy to accelerate growth and impact. Maria has authored multiple books, including her most recent title, “The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success” and also hosts The Empathy Edge podcast.

Maria understands the power of empathy on both brand and personal levels: in 2008, shortly after launching her business, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that almost killed her and inspired her memoir, “Rebooting My Brain”. In it, she explores the critical importance of empathy in healing and overcoming adversity. Her next book “The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries”, arrives on shelves in Fall 2024.

CHAPTERS

03:06 The medical emergency that started Maria’s journey

07:38 Operationalizing empathy in organizations

12:17 Busting empathy myths part 1

17:31 The connection between empathy and highly sensitivity people

21:00 Toning your empathy muscle

24:04 Busting empathy myths part 2

26:51 “Empathy circles” and having powerful conversations

30:26 Empathy and gender in leadership

36:28 Having better experiences surrounding layoffs

39:55 Empathy in personal relationships

LINKS

For active links, visit www.clarekumar.com/podcast

The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success by Maria Ross

The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries by Maria Ross

Rebooting My Brain: How a Freak Aneurysm Reframed My Life by Maria Ross

“The Empathy Edge” Podcast

TedX Talk: How to Trojan Horse Leaders into Being More Empathetic | Maria Ross

Talks at Google: Rebooting my Brain | Maria Ross

Clare’s HSP Quiz

Empathy Circles Website

Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care

Awakening Compassion at Work

Phil M. Jones

Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact by Phil M. Jones

IMAGE CREDITS

The Empathy Edge book - Maria Ross

The Empathy Dilemma book - Maria Ross

The Empathy Edge Podcast logo - Maria Ross

Mark Cuban - Wikipedia

Empathy Circles logo - Edwin Rutsch

Empathy Circles tents - Edwin Rutsch

Phil M. Jone - philmjones.com

Exactly What to Say book - goodreads.com

Satya Nadella - Wikipedia

Other images - Canva

Learn more about and follow Maria:

Instagram

Youtube

Twitter

LinkedIn

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Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity continually asking how can we invite the richest contribution from all. She coaches individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and inspires leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to designing sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space.

Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer:

Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform.

If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube.

If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below.

Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Contact Clare here.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast. Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution.

Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests? Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.

And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊

CREDITS

Audio and Video Editing by: Jaclyn Enchin

Production Assistant: Rafael Dona

Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi / wataboi Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]