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TitlePub. DateDuration
Markus van Alphen: Observational Listening and Being an Excellent Leader27 Aug 202400:32:27

What makes an excellent leader? Today my guest shares why he believes that leaders who develop their empathy and emotional intelligence are not just better leaders – they become excellent leaders. An excellent leader looks after their own wellbeing by looking after the wellbeing of the people they lead. Markus van Alphen is a leadership psychologist, author, teacher, trainer, organizational consultant, counselor and restorative practitioner. 


Today, Markus and I talk about what a leadership psychologist does, what is observational listening, and how it enables leaders to be more empathetic to create psychological safety, reduce burnout, and increase engagement. He shares what makes an excellent leader - and how they never need to motivate anyone! We chat about why leadership is not viewed as a standalone skill, the link between leadership excellence and corporate social responsibility, the impact of toxic leadership on your bottom line, and how to really change a culture by starting with yourself as a role model.

 

To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com 


Key Takeaways:

  • Your shareholders are stakeholders, but they are only one of the stakeholders. Make sure you consider all of your stakeholders in your leadership practices. 
  • People often struggle in conversations because they’re too often in their heads and trying to plan the conversation within themselves, not participate in the conversation. 
  • As the leader, you do not always have to have (or give) the answer to every question. Encourage collaboration in your team by demonstrating that with them. This will help to empower them and help your team learn the skills to solve the next challenges going forward.

 

"People are always motivated. I don't even believe that you, as a leader, need to motivate your people. I believe it's about finding out what motivates them." —  Markus van Alphen


Episode References: 


From Our Partner (keep through 1/31/25):

Download the 2024 Ninth Annual State of Workplace Empathy study from Businessolver: www.businessolver.com/edge 


Discover more valuable content from Businessolver on The Benefits Pulse vodcast: www.businessolver.com/benefits-pulse 


About Markus van Alphen, Director, Excellent Leader


Markus is a leadership psychologist, author, teacher, trainer, organizational consultant, counselor and restorative practitioner. He is an authority on empathy, emotional intelligence, and well-being. Markus has a master's degree in Psychology from the University of Amsterdam and a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Cape Town. As a thought leader, he introduces the term Observational Listening, a theme he has written several books about, including The Excellent Leader and The More Excellent Leader.


Connect with Markus van Alphen:

Bureau the Excellent Organisation: https://Excellent-Leader.com 

X: https://twitter.com/MarkusvanAlphen 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusvanalphen/ 


Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: http://red-slice.com


PRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! https://bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

X: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Threads: @redslicemaria


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Kristine Scott: How to Resolve Conflict with Angry Customers or Colleagues20 Aug 202400:37:43

According to a CPP global human capital study, 89% of employees let their conflicts with co-workers escalate. My guest today, Kristine Scott, is out to build a future where the energy of conflict gets harnessed to create pro-social change, not division.


Kristine shares how she got into this work of coaching teams on how to resolve conflict and what she learned from young people on the street dealing with conflict effectively. We talk about why most of us prefer to avoid conflict and the false narrative we tell ourselves about our ability to emotionally connect. Kristine offers a 3-step formula for resolving conflict and gives examples of it in action. We also discuss how self-awareness and self-reflection are the keys to effectively handling conflict while also protecting your own mental health.

 

To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at TheEmpathyEdge.com


Key Takeaways:

  • Most people prefer to avoid conflict because they think they’re bad at it. We are more likely to remember the times we failed at conflict resolution, not the times we handled it successfully.
  • If there’s something that regularly gets under your skin, take a deeper look. Understand whether it is the action that is bothering you, or if it is what that action represents that is a trigger.
  • Supervisors assume the conflict is repaired more often than it is, which can lead to performance issues and tension within the organization.
  • Conflict often arises because people don’t feel heard. You can’t always solve the problem, but you can always listen with empathy and help them understand that they’re heard.


"We all have our weak points about the things that really get under our skin, and we lose all objectivity. We can work on that old stuff. We can get support, do a little therapy, and come back to not be so reactive." —  Kristine Scott

 

Episode References:


From Our Partner:

Download the 2024 Ninth Annual State of Workplace Empathy study from Businessolver: businessolver.com/edge


Discover more valuable content from Businessolver on The Benefits Pulse vodcast: businessolver.com/benefits-pulse


About Kristine Scott, Chief Trainer, Seattle Conflict Resolution

Kristine Scott is the founder and chief trainer for Seattle Conflict Resolution. She has taken over 20 years of lessons from high-incident social service settings and distilled truths and techniques in non-violent conflict response. What began as training for staff and volunteers became so popular she was sought out by hotels, doctors' offices, and others. She founded the company in 2018 and is now the go-to trainer for Seattle Space Needle and Seattle Farmers Markets. Her customers return because she helps them use conflict to build loyalty through compassionate boundary setting.


As of 2024, Ms. Scott has trained over 37,000 people. She promotes a future where the energy of conflict gets harnessed to create pro-social change, not division. In addition to being a trainer, Kristine is also a regular podcast guest, and media source (USA Today).


Connect with Kristine:

Seattle Conflict Resolution: seattleconflictresolution.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristinemariescott


Course for Customer Service professionals; Angry Customers, Happy Resolutions available at seattleconflictresolution.com


Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.com


PRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!

 

Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

X: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Threads: @redslicemaria


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Dr. Nicole Price: From Engineer to Empathy Revolutionary25 Jun 202400:42:05

How do you get analytical, process-driven people like engineers, lawyers, and doctors to see the value of empathy and human connection? It's not that they CAN'T embrace it. It's just that they see the world and how to solve problems differently.


My guest, Dr. Nicole Price believes two things: 1) everyone wants to do a good job and 2) empathetic leadership is critical to helping to leverage that desire. Today we talk about how she became an empathy revolutionary, how to open up a broader path to empathy, and why diversity doesn't work when saddled by apathy. Dr. Price shares how a traumatic event opened up her capacity to connect through emotion and better impact performance - and why she now helps others understand that those who are emotional can also be logical. We discuss how to link accountability to commitment and why her role as a translator helps logical thinkers understand they don't have an empathy deficit, but that there are multiple roads to empathy that are a better fit for the way they experience the world.


To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at TheEmpathyEdge.com


Key Takeaways:

  • When people understand people better, it transforms them from the outside in. They don’t need to be practicing empathy for the right reason initially, but it will change most people eventually.
  • It is not unusual for doctors, lawyers, and engineers to think they are better than those who are not at the same level as them. This is a barrier to empathy, but one that can be overcome.
  • Empathy is a method of information gathering. For some, they will be attracted to that rather than the emotions of empathy. There is no wrong way to begin your practice of empathy.


"Engineers are taught to listen for accuracy. But when I'm trying to be empathetic, listening for accuracy is not helpful to me. I'm supposed to be listening for understanding." —  Dr. Nicole Price


 

Episode References: 


Dr. Nicole Price, CEO, Lively Paradox and author of Spark the Heart: Engineering Empathy in Your Organization


Dr. Nicole Price believes two things: 1) everyone wants to do a good job 2) empathetic leadership is critical to helping to leverage that desire. She is an empathy revolutionary who teaches leaders how to build more empathy in organizations. Her clients range from manufacturing facilities to school districts. She is the author of seven books centered on being an exceptional leader—most notably Spark the Heart: Engineering Empathy in Your Organization.



Connect with Dr. Nicole Price:

Email: nicole@livelyparadox.com

Lively Paradox: drnicoleprice.com

X: twitter.com/DrNicolePrice

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicoledeniseprice

Facebook: facebook.com/nicole.denise.price

Instagram: instagram.com/drnicoleprice

Threads: threads.net/@drnicoleprice

Book: Spark the Heart: Engineering Empathy in Your Organization


Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.com


PRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!


Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

X: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Threads: @redslicemaria


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Emily Vernon: Are You Gathering the Right Customer Insights?04 Oct 202200:46:17

We, as marketers, all understand how important it is to get to know our customers. But what discipline are we bringing to that process? Do we understand the many levels of empathy we need to have for them, and how to translate those insights into the customer experience and product or service?

Today, Emily Vernon, shares so much wisdom about how to look at our customers' experience. We talk about the cumulative experience and how brands can shift from being reactive to cultural moments to being more proactive. Emily shares the three altitudes of empathy - the layers at which we need to understand our customers in order to create an engaging experience. We discuss how brand experience is shifting from user-centricity to human centricity, and requires leaders to address more complex, emotional needs (yes, even in B2B!). We chat about how empathy should be viewed as a skill, not a trait.  She also shares 5 empathy exercise types so you avoid seeing customer insight gathering as one-dimensional and discover which ones your brand is doing well, versus what you may be missing to get a fuller picture.  Today's episode may change the way you gather customer insights from now on!

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You have to understand your customers as people, not as a broad, generic demographic. In order to connect with the right people, some people won’t like you. 
  • B2B has evolved over the last 20 years, but it is important to remember that you’re selling to humans, who justify emotions with logic, but are still buying with emotion. 
  • There is more than one way to look at empathy exercises. It is important to look at empathy from all angles, gather and analyze that information, and then implement with your team and see what sticks.

 

"We bring meaning in terms of how we live, we bring meaning in terms of how we do our job. There's much more of a movement in B2B to start to look at things emotionally." —  Emily Vernon

 

About Emily Vernon, Customer Experience Consultant an, B2B Experience Lead:

Emily consults Reckitt around the end-to-end experience for B2B hygiene solutions. For more than ten years, both agency- and client-side, she has enabled brands to better engage their audiences through experience, ranging from products to service rituals, physical environments to digital platforms. 

She’s been honored to have worked with some of the top brands within work, travel, luxury and wellbeing including Lego, IHG, Clinique, Shimano and Converse. Collaborations with these brands and others have been featured in Highsnobiety, Hypebeast, Wallpaper*, Transform and Frame Magazine.

Emily's experiences with stand-up comedy, offshore sailing and living abroad have cultivated her belief that we should always question the default.

Resources Mentioned

Decisive: how to Make Better Choices in Life and Work by Chip and Dan Heath

The Empathy Edge podcast with Michelle Wucker: How Risk Empathy Impacts Team Performance

Connect with Emily Vernon

Website: https://emilyvernon.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygvernon/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygv/

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Lisen Stromberg: What Modern Leaders and Cultures Need to Succeed in the 21st Century27 Sep 202200:37:36

Leadership has changed in the last few years, and it can be disorienting for leaders who've subscribed to and succeeded with the old narratives about good leadership. Companies and their leaders need to reframe their cultures to meet the new world of work in the 21st century. It's more than just being nice or being a "cool" boss or giving everyone free lunch. It requires deep and honest self-assessment and a growth mindset to shore up those necessary skills. My guest today, Lisen Stromberg, tells us what skills are required for modern leaders to be successful and how cultures can transform for maximum success. 

We discuss where existing leadership and culture paradigms came from and how they have changed, what skills modern leaders require for success, outlined in Prismwork's HEARTI model, and Lisen also shares her research project on men and male leaders in the workplace that they are doing in partnership with the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.  Men and male-identifying leaders, you're invited to take the survey linked in the show notes to share your experience.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The army originally established the tenants of leadership back in the 1940s. That is not what is still needed in the modern business world. Influence has changed, leadership has changed, and it will continue to evolve as well. 
  • A failure of leadership that we see all the time is when a leader comes in, they do a great job creating a culture, leave, and then that just all falls away.
  • Many leaders may not have the language, but are already doing the right things to promote equity and allyship in their company, even if they don’t know that they are doing so.
  • Culture is a competitive advantage that is hard to replicate. 

 

"Culture is the competitive advantage. If you don't know how your culture is operating, and don't have a North Star of where you want to go, you're not going to win. You're going to lose in the war for talent, profits, investors…in the war for all." —  Lisen Stromberg

 

About Lisen Stromberg, CEO and Co-founder, Prismwork 

Lisen Stromberg is CEO and Co-Founder of PrismWork, a culture transformation and leadership development consultancy. She is a highly sought-after speaker and thought leader on the future of work. Her book, Work Pause Thrive: How to Pause for Parenthood Without Killing Your Career, covers how highly achieving women have navigated the work/life integration issue by crafting nonlinear careers.

Connect with Lisen Stromberg

PrismWork: https://prismwork.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisenStromberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisenstromberg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisenstromberg/

References Mentioned

Men and male-identifying knowledge workers, any level: Please take Prismwork's and W. K. Kellogg Foundation's research survey on men in the workplace. Your input is invaluable to the research: www.menatworkresearch.com

Primswork's HEARTI Quotient inclusive leadership assessment for the 21st Century: HEARTI stands for Humility, EMPATHY, Accountability, Resiliency, Transparency, and Inclusivity. It is built on assessments with hundreds of leaders across numerous industries as well as extensive research on modern leadership competencies. 

Re:Work, Understand Team Effectiveness. Info on Google's Project Aristotle. 

What is Psychological Safety? Google's checklist to ensure psychological safety 

Josh Lev: The Top Global Expert for Modern Dads at Work

Rebecca Friese The Empathy Edge interview: How to Build a Good Culture

Josh Levine The Empathy Edge interview: Building an Empathetic Culture

Susan Hunt Stevens, The Empathy Edge interview: The ROI of Psychological Safety

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Parissa Behnia: How Badass Leaders Convert Raw Power into Real Influence20 Sep 202200:48:29

What is a badass leader? According to my guest today, they're badasses who go 80MPH in a 45MPH zone but don’t always check to see if their team is strapped in or interested in going for the ride. These leaders are high value to a company but their "prickly" edges may start to diminish their value. But what if we could help those leaders embrace more empathy and channel that energy and drive into success and innovation? What is the opportunity cost of dismissing or sidelining such prickly leaders? 

Executive coach and advisor Parissa Behnia coaches C Suite and Senior leaders who are high will - high skill and have a growth mindset. Today, we talk about the hierarchy of prickly leadership, why many 3D leaders actually do care about the negative impact they have but are not sure how to change the dynamic; why they protect themselves so much, and how they can use her EMPATHY framework to create stronger relationships, set aside ego, and have much more influence and success. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You don’t have to like a leader personally to understand the radical impact that they've had on us and on society.
  • Once we start learning to have acceptance for our vulnerability, it becomes easier to have a conversation about leadership ultimately being about humanity, and not about the "doing" of whatever it is that they do.
  • A manager worries about doing things right, a leader worries about doing the right things. 
  • In terms of empathy, when it comes to leadership, it's really about content and context.

"The number one problem with badasses is that they're called " too much" whereas I think they're exactly what we need." —  Parissa Behnia

About Parissa Behnia,  Executive Coach and Advisor

Parissa Behnia coaches C Suite and Senior leaders who are high will - high skill and have a growth mindset. In other words, they're badasses like you who go 80MPH in a 45MPH zone but don’t always check to see if their team is strapped in or interested in going for the ride. These leaders are high value to a company but their edges may start to diminish their value.

 

These days, leadership is full of complexities whether you’re navigating from an audacious goal or trying to avoid that iceberg up ahead. In either case, Parissa's clients choose her because she's either sat in those seats or next to those seats often enough to know how it can feel to be alone in a crowded leadership room. She's unafraid to speak truth to power to help propel you forward.

 

With over 20 years of corporate, consulting, coaching, Parissa’s key strategic difference is Empathy as a strategic imperative. She’s so passionate about employing empathy in business that she’s developed the Sixense Empathy Model™. 

 

Parissa has taught entrepreneurship seminars and is a frequent speaker on strategy, leadership and entrepreneurship. She is a Certified Professional Coach, holds a BA from Northwestern University and MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.

References Mentioned:

Empathy Edge Podcast Episode with Paul Marobella, Leading Through Crisis: https://theempathyedge.com/paul-marobella-leading-through-crisis/

Connect with Parissa Behnia

Sixense Coaching: www.sixensestrategy.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behnia

Inconceivable Influence Coaching Program: https://bit.ly/InconceivableInfluence. A group program for leaders and aspiring leaders who want to convert their raw power into influence.

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Daniel Jahn: Racial Solidarity and the Psychology of Racism13 Sep 202200:47:43

Oh the price we've paid - as both black and white people - because of racism. If we truly want to achieve racial solidarity, we have to start by talking about race, not racism. My guest today Daniel Jahn, DJ for short, has been involved with racial justice and solidarity work for 25 years. 

Today, DJ offers us a history lesson about where the concept of race comes from and the real motive behind why it was created. We discuss the evolution of the psychology of racism, and the inner work both black and white people need to do to find unity. DJ's approach is all about unity and what we can create together, rather than what we fight against. DJ shares his epiphany that we are all healing from racism: what it did to our society, the boxes it put us in, the division it caused, the narratives it created - and how we can do deep inner work to explore how racism has harmed us and how we can heal  from it. We also explored the question: What does the world look and feel like if racism no longer exists? And why it's better for us to have conversations about race, rather than racism. I was so moved by today's talk and can't wait to do more work on this journey to create a more equitable and inclusive world - hope you are excited as well!

Key Takeaways:

  • The purpose of creating race, about 315 years ago, was to create “whiteness” and an us-them dynamic. 
  • We don't learn about race. We learn about racism, but we do not understand, grow or learn about race. Most of America, not just white folks, don't understand our racial history, or our racial disconnect.
  • Nobody is trying to usurp anyone else, we are just trying to create unity, equity, and harmony among people. 
  • We all have work to do to end racism. That work will vary based on our racial perspectives. 

"For me, ending racism is eradicating the value that is tied to race. We still have racial differences, we still value our uniqueness and our differences, but we all see each other as Americans." —  Daniel Jahn

 

About Daniel Jahn, Racial Solidarity Trainer:

Daniel Jahn has served on several nonprofit Boards focused on the development of black youth and school-based racial equity teams. He was a member of the National Strength and Conditioning’s Diversity Taskforce, the National High School Strength Coaches Unity Team and a founding participant in the Groundbreakers program focused on mentorship of black and brown boys. He’s presented nationally several times on issues of race in the performance training field, as well as consulted with schools and companies on their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work. Together, with his family, he helped found the David Jahn Memorial Sailing Scholarship Fund to provide opportunities for youth of color to sail. He is deeply committed to the mission and vision of the Soul Focused Group and believes its model to be the true path to racial unity and equity now and in the years to come.

Connect with Daniel Jahn:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniel_jahn/

Soul Focused Group: https://soulfocusedgroup.com/

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Chris L. Johnson: When Leaders Pause, They Win06 Sep 202200:39:55

If you are an ambitious, hard-driving leader who never stops to take a breath - you need to listen to today's episode. Pausing as a leader is vital to making better decisions, regulating your emotions, and creating stronger relationships with your team. You may think that rapid pace is the way to find success, but it will just burn you and your team out. Today my guest is Dr. Chris L. Johnson,  author of The Leadership Pause: Navigating the Future with Clarity, Focus & Empathy.  Today we talk about why she chose pausing as the topic of her leadership book, why pausing is both mental and physical - and why it's simple but not easy! We discuss the benefits of pausing, both for you as a leader and for your team's performance. We also dive deep into the connection between triggers and mindful pausing - and why being unable to stop long enough to recognize your triggers can lead to disastrous results - personally and professionally.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • There is no fully separating your work self and your personal self. What is going on at home will impact your work, and what is going on at work will impact your personal life. 
  • Beginning to pause is about a full body practice. It is about dropping from our monkey mind, and dropping into the body and the sensations to allow us to start to shift gears. 
  • Triggers are normal. We shouldn’t squash them, but we should learn from them about ourselves, our old strategies, and new strategies for moving forward in our leadership. 
  • People are trying to juggle too much, they feel too overwhelmed and too busy. In fact, that's a result of not pausing. 

 

"Every time we do a reset, it isn't just mental, it resets our biology. And when it does that, we have more access to the resources that all of us bring to the table in the first place." —  Dr. Chris L. Johnson

 

About Chris L. Johnson, Consultant and Author, The Leadership Pause

Chris Johnson, PsyD. has devoted her life to the deep listening that underpins ‘what matters most’ in people’s lives.  She’s the founder of Q4 Consulting, Inc. a Chicago based consulting firm committed to cultivating exemplary leaders, collaborative teams, healthy workplaces and engaged, thriving communities. An experienced psychologist, mindfulness teacher and executive leadership coach, she's known for creating trust with those who value her honesty, deep listening and commitment to their success.

Chris is the Chair of Conscious Capitalism Chicago and on the leadership team of Ellevate Chicago. She just released her book, The Leadership Pause: Navigating the Future with Clarity, Focus & Empathy. When she’s not working, Chris is likely either gardening, reading a great book, making art, or at the aikido dojo where she practices and teaches the art of peace.

Connect with Chris L. Johnson

Q4-Consulting, Inc.: https://www.q4-consulting.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drchrisljohnson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Q4ConsultingInc

Book: The Leadership Pause: Navigating the Future with Clarity, Focus & Empathy.  https://q4-consulting.com/the-leadership-pause-sharpen-your-attention/

Her upcoming course, Calm the Chaos for Busy Professionals, starts in mid-September 2022 and cohorts run ongoing. See her website for more details.

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



August Hot Takes: How to Run Your Business With Empathy30 Aug 202200:18:16

Welcome to August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.

How can I run my business with empathy?

Whether you are part of a billion dollar organization or you are a solopreneur, there are valid business reasons to embrace empathy as part of your business model. And it warms my heart to get this question, as it means that people are finally putting a spotlight on empathy as a way to run a more sustainable, successful business.  We want to embrace empathy in how we lead our teams and run our businesses. But we're not always sure how. Let's talk about the ways in which you can infuse empathy into your business and reap the rewards.

Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Easy ways you can practice empathy at work start with asking questions and being an active listener. 
  • State your common goals out loud - it reminds everyone involved that you’re actually on the same team and want the same things. 
  • Your community is made of real people with needs, desires, goals and aspirations, not numbers, subscribers, or dollar signs. 

 

"It's very easy to show empathy at work. It's not as complicated as people think. It just requires self awareness and emotional intelligence." —  Maria Ross

Resources Mentioned:

Client Love: Maria's digital course on how to nurture the customers you already have so you can attract even more.

3 Ways to Show More Empathy to Your Customers

5 Ways Empathy Benefits Your Business

Let's Redefine "Kind" in Business

3 Ways to Practice Empathy at Work

5 Ways to Use Your Business to Make the World 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com


August Hot Takes: Why One Workshop Won't Fix Your Culture23 Aug 202200:15:09

Welcome to August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.

Will one empathy workshop fix our culture?

Empathy is like a marathon or any other skill you master over time. You need to train for it. Building up an empathy practice with a sustained curriculum and processes is the way to change behaviors. But you have to make systemic changes to reward and model empathy and show that "this is how we do things around here."

Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Empathy as a skill and as a culture is built over time with practice and engagement. 
  • Building an empathetic culture starts with your hiring process. 
  • Creating transformational change takes time and effort. It is not a one and done workshop. 

 

"While one workshop is a great start, if empathy is lacking in your organization, it’s a marathon, not a sprint." —  Maria Ross

Resources Mentioned:

I incorrectly attributed the “Empathy is the input, diversity and inclusion is the output” idea to podcast guest Mike O'Bryan. Mike O'Bryan: Narrative Intelligence. It was actually Rich Hua of Amazon talking about how he is starting an EQ revolution at Amazon. Apologies!

Ann Latham: The Power of Clarity

Maria's empathy keynotes and workshops, Please email me to discuss your specific needs or if you’d like guidance to put together an effective curriculum!

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com


August Hot Take: Why is Active Listening So Hard?16 Aug 202200:14:10

Welcome to August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.

This week: Why is active listening so hard? 

Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Active listening is not a natural skill to master. It is more complicated than basic listening. 
  • As much as you are able, taking notes during a conversation will allow you to better listen to what is being said, not allowing your mind to wander afar. 
  • Repeat back and validate what the other person is saying. This doesn’t mean you agree with what they are saying. 

 

"If you find it difficult to actively listen, just know you're not alone. And know, it is an exercise, it is a muscle you can isolate and strengthen just like empathy." —  Maria Ross

 

Resources Mentioned:

Empathy Circles: https://www.empathycircles.com/

Institute of Organization Development: Active Listening: Why is it so difficult?

Empathic Listening: 9 Strategies for Empathic Communication

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

August Hot Take: What Is - and Is NOT - Empathy09 Aug 202200:12:32

Welcome to August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.

First up: What is empathy? And what is it NOT?

Let's get on the same page about what empathy in the workplace means, and bust some myths and misconceptions leaders have about it that prevent them from embracing it.

Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • When the heart and the head come together and take action, that is where empathy flourishes.. 
  • You can understand someone’s point of view and where they are coming from without being a doormat and letting them walk all over you. 
  • The way you approach a difference of opinion is what makes it an empathetic exchange or not.

 

"Just because you agree with someone doesn't mean you're empathetic. And just because you're empathetic, doesn't mean you agree with someone. It just means you're going to find a way forward and you're going to keep seeking that common ground." —  Maria Ross

 

Resources Mentioned:

Empathy Circles: https://www.empathycircles.com/

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Dr. Suzanne Wertheim: Why Inclusive Language Matters02 Aug 202200:48:43

Would you ever throw a dinner party and not even think about guest allergies, or how to make your guests feel most comfortable? Of course not! You would prepare. If only we approached language the way we approach hosting a party! Often on autopilot, we don't stop and think about the words we use and if they are inclusive or if they're damaging them in some unseen way. Words matter and we unintentionally could be hurting others or making them feel unseen by the language we use. This not only harms our relationships, it can lead to low-performing teams, high turnover, or lack of collaboration and innovation.

Today, I have a great conversation with Dr. Suzanne Wertheim, a national expert on language and bias. Suzanne shares the fascinating story of how she got into linguistic anthropology and how it led to her current work. She attempts to define inclusive language, and why it's more than just being politically correct: it's vital to collaborative success and belonging. We talk about the perspective shifts required and why The Golden Rule doesn't go far enough. And we discuss good outcomes of inclusive language and bad outcomes when you choose to ignore it. Suzanne also shares some quick tips to get you started and unpacks the principles of inclusive language. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Language changes based on social context, particularly among minority groups.
  • Inclusive language is more than just a list of words you can or cannot say. The impact of the words changes as society changes and it is not a stagnant list.
  • Perspective taking is a cognitive skill - the first part is a role shift, the second is taking into account the different perspective that's brought to the situation, because of the other person's different lived experience.
  • The word "professionalism" is often used in a very non-inclusive way to gatekeep people who are just showing up, are very competent, and are delivering high quality things on time.

 

"We know that we have to practice foreign languages to become fluent. So too with inclusive language:  you can't expect to just get it right away. You have to practice and make mistakes." —  Dr. Suzanne Wertheim

 

About Dr. Suzanne Wertheim, Language and Bias Expert:

Dr. Suzanne Wertheim is a national expert on language and bias. After getting her Ph.D. in Linguistics from Berkeley, she held faculty positions at Northwestern, University of Maryland, and UCLA. In 2011, she left the university system in order to apply her expertise to real-world problems. As head of Worthwhile Research & Consulting, Dr. Wertheim specializes in analyzing and mitigating bias at work. Using the tools of linguistic anthropology, she guides clients to more inclusive language, content, and workplaces. Dr. Wertheim's book, Let's Talk Inclusive Language, will be published by Berrett-Koehler in 2023.

 

Connect with Dr. Suzanne Wertheim:

Website:https://www.worthwhileconsulting.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorthwhileRandC

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-wertheim-ph-d-1508464/

LinkedIn Learning Course: Strategies to Foster Inclusive Language at Work

Resources Mentioned:

If you're part of a larger organization and interested in the Executive Institute on Inclusion program Suzanne and I mentioned to create a customized DEI program based on data and your unique needs, check it out as just one offering through Susan Freeman's amazing Conscious Inclusion Company:  https://consciousinclusioncompany.com/  

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: 

Red Slice

Amy Koford: Hypnosis for Self-Awareness and Overcoming Trauma18 Jun 202400:26:52

We talk a lot about the importance of self-awareness and self-care in helping you be a more empathetic and effective leader. In fact, those are two of my five pillars in my book, The Empathy Dilemma because they are vital to being a more effective leader and human. You may think of the traditional modalities, but have you considered hypnosis?


Today, my guest is Amy Koford. We discuss how Amy got into this work, the power she's discovered in how hypnosis works, why it transforms lives, and she busts some myths about hypnosis. Amy talks about how trauma can show up, how to take traumatic memories and replace the associated emotions, how people show up as work based on who they are and what they've been through, and how you can embrace forgiveness through empathy to rise above past trauma. She'll share how you can show up as the leader and colleague you want to be.

 

To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com


Key Takeaways:

  • Everyone can be hypnotized, it may take different forms for some people, but it does not negate the potential benefits.
  • Insecurities are a bigger deal than many realize. Many successful people are extremely insecure and those insecurities push them to prove themselves to others and fill the void of the insecurities, but still be in turmoil inside.
  • A lack of empathy often causes many social misunderstandings and team dysfunctions, but the root of that is usually fear.



"People don't want to grow up to be a jerk or to be an annoying person at the workplace. That's just not what they really want to be…When we're in the workplace, it's important to understand that people are the way they are for reasons and very good reasons. And that helps you have empathy." —  Amy Koford


Episode References:

The Empathy Edge episodes on trauma:

Katharine Manning: How Trauma Impacts Performance – And What Smart Leaders Can Do

Charna Cassell: Recognizing And Regulating Trauma At Work – Yours And Others


About Amy Koford, the Happy Hypnotist & author of Hardwired to Rise

Amy, The Happy Hypnotist has been a professional hypnotist, public speaker, hypnosis show performer and more for several years to transform the lives of numerous people. She’s the creator of The Trauma Protocol which takes individuals from traumatized to optimized in just weeks. Amy is the author of, Hardwired to Rise: Eye-Opening Truths about How Fear Holds You Back, Causes Suffering - and How to Liberate Yourself to Have the Thriving Life You Deserve.


She has traveled the world to attend hypnosis conferences and has been trained, mentored, certified, and taught mastery skills from the top hypnotists on the planet. Amy specializes in happiness and peace with various techniques that are effective in helping people resolve and let go of the past and change their center to become positive, confident, empowered individuals who know their amazing abilities to live their best lives.


Connect with Amy:

Amy the Happy Hypnotist: amykoford.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-koford-012637184

Facebook: facebook.com/amythehappyhypnotist

Instagram: instagram.com/amythehappyhypnotist

Threads: threads.net/@amykoford

Book: Hardwired to Rise: Eye-Opening Truths about How Fear Holds You Back, Causes Suffering - and How to Liberate Yourself to Have the Thriving Life You Deserve


Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.com


PRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!


Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

X: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Threads: @redslicemaria


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Neil Miller: How to Make Hybrid Work WORK!26 Jul 202200:41:53

The pandemic has changed all the rules of work - they were actually evolving for a while, but COVID accelerated those changes, which left many leaders scrambling. How do we make hybrid work, digital work, remote work WORK for your organization? So many leaders are being thrown into uncharted waters. You may be confused, fearful, angry, stubborn, or unsure about how to make hybrid work, or if your team can perform in such an environment.

Today, my guest, Neil Miller, and I chat about what hybrid work actually is and where it's going. We discuss the real meaning of culture and how you replicate it when your team is distributed or remote - Neil shares some powerful strategies on how you can co-create the rules with your team so your work experiences are equitable and inclusive. We discuss the role of empathy in the hybrid workplace - not just for employees but for leaders who are unsure how to navigate this new reality. We joked about how so many companies misunderstand what "culture" really means - and why the old way of thinking about it won't serve them in this new environment. And Neil invites you to think through when in-person is worth it so you maximize those opportunities and get other work done remotely.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • While many studies are showing that people are more productive when working from home, it is not the right fit for every person. 
  • Culture is how we treat each other and how we get work done. It is more than just people being in the same place at the same time. 
  • In order to solve the complex problems of our day, collaboration is essential. 
  • Meetings are great. They do a lot, but they don't have to do everything for you. You don't have to rely on them for every type of collaboration you do. 

 

"Culture is how we work, how we do meetings, how we do everything. In a digital world, you're forced to deal with that in a much more explicit way than when you're in the office." —  Neil Miller

 

About Neil Miller: Director, The Digital Workplace

Neil Miller is the Director of The Digital Workplace. He has talked with over 200 of the best thinkers and leaders in the world about how to rebuild work for the digital age by redefining productivity, collaboration, leadership, technology, and culture. He’s a prolific thought stealer and curator of the most amazing list of check in questions in the world.

Connect with Neil Miller

Website: www.thedigitalworkplace.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NeilMiller3000

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilamiller/

Guide and video course for how to run effective digital meetings: https://thedigitalworkplace.com/digital-meetings/

Resources Mentioned: 
The Empathy Edge interview with Rebecca Friese: How to Build a "Good" Culture

The Empathy Edge interview with Paul Marobella: Leading Through Crisis

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Sandeep Dayal: Branding Between The Ears19 Jul 202200:36:51

The Holy Grail of brand success is to really understand and engage with your ideal customer. But how do some brands seem to do this so effortlessly, while others throw marketing campaign after marketing campaign out there and get nowhere? Today, my guest is Sandeep Dayal. Sandeep advises senior executives at Fortune 500 companies in industries spanning pharmaceuticals, financial services, and consumer products.  He shares how he got into cognitive science-based branding and shares examples of it in action. We talk about how brands can enhance experiences based on cognitive science, why marketers need to spend more time understanding behavioral motivation and how our brains work so they can influence choice - and most importantly, how to ethically influence subconscious choice. You'll learn a great three question test that every marketer should ask to police themselves! We talk about the difference between brands with empathy and brands with values, and how branding has changed and what modem marketers need to know to be more successful.

Key Takeaways:

  • If you don’t understand what your client or customer is going through, you will not be able to help them effectively. 
  • Brands with values need to have authentic values. It can't just be a list of things that are on a pretty poster on a wall, but rather they are the values that the company is living and supporting. 
  • Good marketing is about elevating the truth of your story so the people who need you or your product can find you. 
  • It is your responsibility, as a marketer, to understand how you're going to tap into the way the brain naturally works.

 

"Subconscious choice is a part of what we do every day.  There's no getting away from it, but you have to do these things in an ethical way." —  Sandeep Dayal

 

About Sandeep Dayal: Managing Director, Cerenti and Author, Branding Between the Ears

Sandeep Dayal is the managing director of the consulting firm Cerenti. He advises senior executives at Fortune 500 companies in industries spanning pharmaceuticals, financial services, and consumer products.  His latest book Branding Between the Ears has been described by some as the definitive advance in the understanding of what makes some brands truly iconic. It draws on his years of experience in working with some of the most successful consumer brands and his company’s proprietary knowledge capital.

Connect with Sandeep Dayal

Website and book, Branding Between the Ears: https://www.sandeepdayal.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandeepdayal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-dayal-8361b61/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064465411245&is_tour_dismissed=true

sandeepdayal004/

Resources Mentioned:

The Empathy Edge interview with Michael Ventura (GE story): How to Apply Empathy to Tough Business Challenges.

The Empathy Edge interview with Melina Palmer (Behavioral Economics): Why Your Customers Can't Tell You What They Want

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: 

Red Slice

Mike O'Bryan: Narrative Intelligence12 Jul 202201:06:15

Is it even possible to center humanity in our work and our systems?  We have become numb to the fact that so many of our government policies, social programs, and even corporate cultures exist to serve every other purpose but our shared humanity.  They fail to acknowledge that humans are complex and that we can't compartmentalize inputs in order to get successful outputs. The solution is to become more developmentally informed to build systems and cultures that center humanity - while still being widely successful and profitable. 

My guest today talking about these big concepts as well as how they are relevant to the future of work is Michael O'Bryan. Mike shares what it means to be developmentally informed, what shared humanity means, and the real cost of dehumanization. He shares the difference between narrative and story and the influencers of human behavior. We discuss narrative intelligence and how the lack of it can lead to violence and racism like we saw in Buffalo, NY weeks ago. And how all of these concepts relate to the future of work and economic policies and systems. We go deep in this one, but I think you will love the conversation!

 

Key Takeaways:

  • You cannot have the wrong activities and produce the right outcomes. 
  • Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an activity. Belongingness is an outcome.
  • You tend to imagine more with pictures with the things that are close to you than the things that are distant from you. 
  •  It is to shape your children with narratives; it can take a minute to teach love or hate with an answer to a question.
  • The narratives that you hear shape you. We have to be more critical about what we are hearing, understanding the bias of where those narratives are coming from, and what it is costing us. 

 

You have got to be cognizant of the fact that you will meet narratives and stories about groups of people before you ever meaningfully engage in a relationship with them.” Mike O’Bryan

 

About Michael O'Bryan + Founder/CEO:

Michael O’Bryan is a practitioner and researcher in the fields of community development, organizational culture, and human well-being. He is a Distinguished Resident Fellow at The Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University where he is building a research lab focused on the future of work, economic policies, and systems through the lens of developmental science and social equity. Michael is also the founder of Humanature, a design strategy firm working with a mission of supporting organizations and leaders in centering humanity in the context of their work. Past and current clients include NeighborWorks America, The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, New Jersey Community Capital, Strada Education Network, The Opportunity Finance Network, and The United Negro College Fund. Michael has spoken about his work at such venues as Cornell University's Institute on Employment and Disability, SOCAP, and the Apollo Theater in New York. He is on faculty in Career Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music, a lecturer in city planning at the University of Pennsylvania’s Stuart Weitzman School of Design, and most recently served on the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission on the Arts. Michael also serves on the boards of two philanthropic institutions in Philadelphia: the Samuel S. Fels Fund and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.

Connect with Michael O'Bryan

Website: https://www.humanature.works/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MisticQuest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeobryan613/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.obryan25/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_and_ish/

Empathy Lab: https://www.empathylab.works/

Resources Mentioned:

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Amer Kaissi: Humbitious Leadership Equals Success05 Jul 202200:35:30

One of the most common myths about leadership is that arrogant, over-confident people are better leaders. Humbitious leaders shatter that myth. Research has shown that humility, when combined with ambition, can significantly improve your performance and the performance of your teams and organization. Humility is not weakness, lack of self-esteem, or low assertiveness; in fact, it is the exact opposite, since it requires strength, courage, and fierce determination. 

Today, Amer Kaissi defines humility and explains how to balance it with ambition for maximum success. He shares some examples of how he has helped low humility/high ambition leaders improve their success and team dynamics, and as well as high humility/low ambitious leaders gain more confident control. We discuss why humility starts with self-awareness, and then how it works in relationship to others. And Amer gives great examples of hunbitious leaders you can learn from. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • There is a connection between humility, resilience, and adaptability. If you are humble, you are able to overcome a challenge and come back stronger. 
  • Listen to understand, don’t just listen to reply. 
  • Prepare yourself and practice having difficult conversations. Don’t avoid, don’t delay, and don’t dread these conversations because they will need to happen. 
  • It requires confidence to be humble and have empathy. It takes confidence and courage to have space for others. 

 

"We need to bring both high humility and high ambition. That's the only way we can have high performance in the long run." —  Amer Kaissi

 

About Amer Kaissi , Professor and Author of Humbitious:

Amer Kaissi is an-award winning Professor of Healthcare Administration at Trinity University in San Antonio. He teaches Leadership and Public Speaking. He is also an executive coach and author. His most recent book is Humbitious: The Power of Low-Ego, High-Drive Leadership. He reads at least 65 books every year. He is an avid soccer fan, he loves to run, cook and listen to 90’s hip hop music very loud in his car. He enjoys a good cappuccino, but his biggest weakness is McDonald’s French fries. He lives with his wife and two teenagers. He was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon.

Connect with Amer Kaissi:  

Website: https://www.amerkaissi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amerkaissi10

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-kaissi-ph-d-38258919/

Books: https://www.amerkaissi.com/books  

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Rhonda Manns: Design Thinking in Healthcare - and Beyond28 Jun 202200:39:30

You think your organization's challenges are tough? Try healthcare, where lives are on the line! Not only has this industry been stretched to its limit during the pandemic, we have issues of healthcare literacy, inequities across certain populations, and burnout among our most talented practitioners. My guest today offers us energy and profound hope on the future of healthcare and how we can apply design thinking to this industry - and to your own organization - for better outcomes. 

Rhonda Manns is a Nurse innovator who will share her fascinating story about pivoting from an ER nurse to product management. Rhonda explains the difference between human-centered design and design thinking and explains how to use those concepts in any business for better, holistic solutions. We discuss the impact and role that nurses play in solving business problems through empathy.  She shares some interesting healthcare Hackathon stories, and even explains how you can be empathetic and still protect yourself from burnout. If anyone knows about this skill, it's a nurse! 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Design thinking in healthcare allows you to remove the constraints of assumptions and biases and helps you to increase your creativity. 
  •  If you have empathy and real world experience, it doesn't matter what your background and education is. You can unleash human creativity and innovation within a group of people with just a little bit of guidance, by leveraging their empathy and lived experience.
  • Empathy is showing up with curiosity, an open heart, and the right questions to solve your problems.
  • Innovation is bred out of chaos. 

 

"Being a part of that hands-on, real life care every day helps nurses to enhance the business. Health care has its own culture, its own language and you need clinicians in those business decisions." —  Rhonda Manns

 

About Rhonda Manns, Nurse Innovator:

Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Leaders in Nursing, Rhonda Manns is a registered nurse, certified case manager, and Nurse innovator who uses design-thinking to help software teams reach the nation’s most vulnerable populations. She is a mentor, a contributing author, and a clinical nurse advisor for a nurse-led healthcare startup in Boston who will be launching her own nurse-led project to solve for nurse exodus this Summer.

 

Connect with Rhonda Manns:  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/realRhondaManns

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajmanns

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realrhondamanns

Resources Mentioned:

Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders

Heather Hiscox interview: The Surprising Empathy Gap in Social Impact

Jamie Greenwood interview: Why Empathy for Others Starts With Compassion for Yourself

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: 

Red Slice

Danielle Harlan: Killing the Alpha Leader21 Jun 202200:35:37

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that leadership has changed. Not just because of our recent pandemic, but because of what research is telling us works, and what employees are demanding from their workplace cultures. But when we say we have to "redefine leadership", what does that actually mean? It means killing the notion of the command and control "Alpha Leader" and understanding that today's complex business challenges demand a more collaborative approach driven by empathy. My guest today is leadership expert Danielle Harlan. She shares what this new vision of leadership means to you, how you can increase your empathy and effectiveness, and also what your organization can do to foster a more empathetic and inclusive environment that translates into success.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Technology has been a key piece in making things more transparent. It also gives us the ability to ask more interesting questions and better understand what people are wanting from the businesses they buy from. 
  • Apologize when you hurt someone or a group. Acknowledge it and move forward, but apologize, even when it wasn’t the intent to cause harm. 
  • You can increase your empathy by engaging in media - read fiction, watch shows, listen to music - and try to understand those perspectives that differ from your own. 

 

"Our concept of leadership is really expanding. It's more relational, more collective, and there's a strong ethical and justice-oriented component." - Danielle Harlan

 

About Danielle Harlan, Founder & CEO, Center for Advancing Leadership and Human Potential:

As the Founder and CEO of the Center for Advancing Leadership and Human Potential, Danielle Harlan, Ph.D., is on a mission to transform leadership for the modern world. Through a combination of consulting, teaching, coaching, and keynote offerings, she empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to develop the competencies necessary for succeeding, thriving, and generating a lasting positive impact in their local and global communities.

As an experienced speaker and facilitator (both in-person and virtual first), Danielle delivers compelling, energetic, and evidence-based presentations and programs—with measurable results. She has been the featured speaker for conferences, summits, and corporate events—and has facilitated workshops, programs, and retreats for commercial, nonprofit, government, health care, and educational organizations around the world.

As a former special education teacher, Danielle’s work is rooted in equity, emotional intelligence, and the science of human motivation—and her bestselling book, The New Alpha: Join the Rising Movement of Influencers and Changemakers Who Are Redefining Leadership, offers a new paradigm for leadership that’s focused on facilitating collective ownership of a shared mission and enabling the structures and systems necessary to bring it to life in an ethical, sustainable, and just way.

Named one of Silicon Valley's "40 Under 40," Danielle has been a speaker for TEDx and worked as an instructor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and U.C. Berkeley Extension's Corporate and Professional Development Program. In addition, she has been featured in leading publications such as Fast Company, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Women's Health.

Danielle earned her doctorate in political science and M.A. in education from Stanford University, where she was a Javits National Fellow and was awarded the Centennial Teaching Prize for excellence in instruction. Prior to launching the Center for Advancing Leadership and Human Potential, she was the Chief of Operations for the Carnegie Foundation, where she worked to harness the power of networks and quality improvement strategies to solve important educational problems. She is a member of the International Leadership Association and the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics.

 

Connect with Danielle Harlan:  

Our Coach - Organizational Wellness and Human Thriving Assessment Tool: https://ourcoach.io/

Twitter; https://twitter.com/danielleharlan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleharlan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.harlan.1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipandhumanpotential/

Website: https://www.leadershipandhumanpotential.com/

Book: The New Alpha https://www.amazon.com/New-Alpha-Influencers-Changemakers-Redefining/dp/1259641910/

 

Resources Mentioned:

Our Coach: Organizational Wellness and Human Thriving Assessment Tool

Terri Givens on The Empathy Edge, talking about Radical Empathy

Brent Lowe and Susan Basterfield on The Empathy Edge, talking about No Manager Required

Cathy Kasserly

Marshall Ganz, The Power of Storytelling

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Rich Hua: Starting an EQ Revolution at Amazon14 Jun 202200:45:09

So…your leaders and colleagues could all improve their emotional intelligence, or EQ, to better collaborate - and you want to change your company culture for the better - but where the heck do you start? Today, I talk with Rich Hua, Global Head of EPIC Leadership at Amazon. Rich's personal journey from self-professed non-emotionally intelligent person to where he is today will inspire even those of you who falsely believe you'll never be good at this stuff! He shares how he intentionally built those muscles through self-reflection, coaching, and learning. We discuss the state of EQ and empathy in the corporate world and what talent is now demanding from leaders. He shares how we created his current role and started this movement at Amazon  - still a work in process but already having a profound impact -  and he will inspire you as he did me, with tips to do the same in your organization. Where is EQ headed in our workplace world? Let's find out!

 

Key Takeaways:

  • It takes work, self-reflection, and self-awareness to grow and hone your EQ. As humans we don’t like to be uncomfortable, but it is in that discomfort that we grow. 
  • We all have a sphere of influence. It doesn’t matter if it is our families, our neighbors, our church, or an audience of thousands. We can work on expanding our sphere as we embrace and teach empathy. 
  • Everyone is looking for hope and inspiration. That is human nature. Be the light in whatever sphere you are in. 

 

"I think of it as inputs and outputs: Diversity, equity, or inclusive behavior are actually outputs. You don't necessarily teach people that. It’s the result when you teach them empathy." —  Rich Hua

 

About Rich Hua, Global Head of EPIC Leadership, Amazon:

Rich Hua is a technology strategist and innovation evangelist, and he currently serves as the Global Head of EPIC Leadership at Amazon. His mission is to train Amazon’s leaders in emotional intelligence and interpersonal dynamics, enabling  them to lead with greater Empathy, Purpose, Inspiration, and Connection (EPIC). Rich has spent decades training and mentoring people in leadership and interpersonal skills—from CEOs to aspiring managers to early career professionals. He launched the Emotional Intelligence and Success initiative at Amazon, and his team has trained over 150,000 Amazonians in emotional and social intelligence. His training is now an integral part of onboarding, sales, and leadership development programs across numerous parts of Amazon globally.

 

Connect with Rich Hua:

Website: www.richardhua.co

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardTHua

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richhua

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Ann Latham: The Power of Clarity07 Jun 202200:32:59

You know the meeting: rambling conversations, tangents, and vague instructions. Not only is this frustrating, but it's downright unempathetic to people! What is this lack of clarity costing you in terms of productivity, engagement - and bottom line budget?  Today my guest, The Queen of Clarity, Ann Latham, shares why we aren't clear and what it's costing us. 

Today, Anne talks about how clarity unleashes next steps. We talk about where clarity is and where it is not in your organization, three requirements for creating clarity, and what you can do today to increase clarity in your organization and boost productivity and engagement. I'll give you a spoiler: Eliminate "treadmill" verbs. Find out what we mean by that and take a listen!

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarity comes not from the answer, but from asking the right questions.
  • Understanding the decisions involved is the first step to clarity in any meeting with anybody. That is what unleashes real progress.
  • The first step is seeing how unclear we are. Once you see it, you cannot unsee it.
  • Creating your agenda with treadmill verbs is a waste of time and will not help your meeting to progress forward.

 

"When you're clear, everyone can be on the same page, everyone can contribute their maximum and do their best, and everyone knows where things stand." —  Ann Latham

 

About Ann Latham, President, Uncommon Clarity®

ANN LATHAM, known widely as the Queen of Clarity, is the author of the new release, THE POWER OF CLARITY, in addition to THE CLARITY PAPERS and UNCOMMON MEETINGS.  She is also the founder of US-based consulting firm Uncommon Clarity®. Her clients represent over 40 industries and range from organizations such as Boeing, Hitachi, and Medtronic to non-profits such as the Public Broadcasting Service, the United Way, and colleges and universities.

Ann’s advice has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Management Today. She is also an expert blogger for Forbes.com.

She speaks frequently to a wide range of audiences and is a guest lecturer for the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management. 

Ann is also the sole recipient of a corporate award that she cherishes to this day: Most Likely To Dispute Recognized Authorities.

Connect with Ann Latham:  

Book: The Power of Clarity: Unleash the True Potential of Workplace Productivity, Confidence, and Empowerment - https://power-of-clarity.com/

Website: https://annlatham.com/

Website: https://www.uncommonclarity.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnLatham

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annlathamuncommonclarity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncommonclarity

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Donato Tramuto: The Double-Bottom Line of Compassionate Leadership31 May 202200:43:55

"We are finding that putting people first and delivering results are not two separate goals." So says my guest today, Donato Tramuto. Today, we talk about the case for compassionate leadership and how to achieve it. We discussed so much in this very poignant and passionate interview where we each shared some very personal stories and philosophies - Donato talks about how his childhood hearing loss and being bullied sharpened his compassionate character, how he doubled down on purpose and people after experiencing his profound loss on 9/11, and how he has tailored his prestigious career to focus on people and connection first in order to lead to performance and profit. Donato shares the definition of compassionate leadership and how it shows up in action. Why we must update key roles in the organization, such as HR, CEO's, and why much of this starts with the Board itself. We speak about what Gen Z and Millennials bring to the workplace and a new practice he calls "collbovation".  This interview will be all the proof you need that the most successful leaders lead with compassion, not ego. SO MANY PROFOUND GEMS you'll want to write down and keep by your workspace - enjoy!

 

Key Takeaways:

  • To avoid empathy overload, use Donato’s Three T Concept: Tenderness, Tenacity and Tough Decisions. 
  • It doesn’t matter how much you did or how much you will do, what matters is that you did something. If every person could do a little more good in the world, the world would be a wonderful place. 
  • Compassionate leadership has to be a two-way street. You must be empathetic in the face of disagreeing and in finding common ground even in the face of adversity. 
  • You have to ask the questions that allow you to understand the other person’s pain. 

 

"You rent your title; you own your dignity.  I've never looked at my life by the title that I have but by its purpose, meaning and problems that have to be solved." —  Donato Tramuto

 

About Donato Tramuto, CEO, Business Leader, Innovator, and Philanthropist:

Donato Tramuto is a global health activist, former CEO of Tivity Health, and founder of the Tramuto Foundation and Health eVillages. He was the recipient of the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award in 2014, alongside Hillary Clinton, Robert De Niro, and Tony Bennett, and the 2017 Robert F. Kennedy Embracing His Legacy Award. 

In his new book, The Double Bottom Line: How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results Tramuto makes the case that compassion is a key leadership principle that:

- Powerfully drives trust, success, and innovation;

- Raises morale, builds stronger teams, and improves overall performance;

- Creates sustainable commitment to an organization’s mission and values.

Tramuto interviewed nearly 40 successful leaders who practice compassionate leadership and reveals the best strategies from their playbooks. He then combined these interviews with his own insights, numerous studies, and original, qualitative research of 1,500 participants to unleash the measurable data and benefits of compassion in the workplace.

 

Connect with Donato Tramuto

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donato-tramuto-71594344/

Book: The Double Bottom Line: How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results (Fast Company Press)

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Rob Volpe: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time24 May 202200:43:48

What gets in the way of empathy? Our judgements, ego, and biases. It can even impact our ability to connect with colleagues and our customers. But good news: My guest today, CEO and empathy activist Rob Volpe shares research and stories from his latest book Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. 

He shares 5 steps to overcome empathy barriers and apply the insights to your brand and customer. We discuss how some marketers unknowingly dislike their customers, and how that gets in the way of effectively attracting them. We discuss the world's current empathy crisis - and how hopefully Gen Z will light the path for us!  You'll also hear from Rob's cat, Domino and we discuss our favorite ice cream flavors to illustrate how a lack of empathy can lead to bad business decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • You have to get to a place of empathy to understand what is motivating your consumers. 
  • The higher up you get, as a leader, the more insulated you become. You do not always have to have the right answer and you can be wrong. Be willing to ask the questions to build out your empathy skills. 
  • Empathy enables the skills that let us be the people that we want to be.
  • Judgment (that is, being judgmental, casting aspersions, and making assumptions) tends to be the thing that gets in the way of empathy the most.

 

"There's more work in the upfront to have empathy and to get to that place of empathy, but once you're there, it makes everything else a lot easier because you're going to be more successful." —  Rob Volpe

 

About Rob Volpe: CEO & Empathy Activist

Rob Volpe is an astute observer of life and a master storyteller who brings empathy and compassion to the human experience. As CEO of Ignite 360, he leads a team of insights, strategy, and creative professionals serving the world’s leading brands across a range of industries. He is the author of Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. As a thought leader in the role of empathy in marketing and the workplace, he is a contributor to Entrepreneur’s Leadership Network and frequently speaks on the topic at conferences, corporations, colleges, podcasts and with the media.  He is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and lives in San Francisco with his husband and 3 cats.

 

Connect with Rob Volpe:  

Website: https://5stepstoempathy.com/

Book: Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rmvolpe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmvolpe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpathyActivist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathy_activist/

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: 

Red Slice

June Hot Take: How Clarity Makes You an Empathetic Leader11 Jun 202400:11:42

The book is coming! September 10 is the day that The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries hits shelves to help leaders dedicated to people-centered practices to get the best performance possible and balance the demands of the business with the needs of their people.


I am so excited to share this with you! For the next 5 months, I'll be devoting a Hot Take episode to one of the 5 core pillars of EFFECTIVE empathetic leaders, outlined in the book. Because the reality is that we want a more human-centered workplace culture. But we have to get actual work DONE!  You can do both, but only when you are able to show up fully and have the capacity to take in other perspectives without fear, stress, or defensiveness. So today we're diving into Pillar Three of the 5 Pillars - clarity. 


Clarity is the key to being an empathetic leader while also still holding people accountable. Learn more about why this is such an important pillar to creating an empathetic - and high-performing - culture.


Today, I share are five strategies to try to be more clear. More details, examples, and tactics to try can be found in The Empathy Dilemma, so don’t forget to snag your presale copy now!

 

To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Five strategies (though not a comprehensive list) include: 
  • Revisit Purpose and Values
  • Clarify Roles and Expectations
  • Link Clarity to Accountability
  • Tell People Why
  • Ask Better Questions
  • Lacking a reason why can create an empathy gap between leaders and the rest of the team. Even if they don’t like the reason, people want to know why they are being given tasks or goals. 
  • Without clarity, there is no accountability. People cannot be appropriately held to standards that they know nothing about. 


"Resentments build where misunderstandings thrive…Clarity helps people feel seen, heard, and valued, reduces the likelihood of conflict, and enables everyone to work together more effectively." —  Maria Ross


Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: http://red-slice.com


PRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! https://bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

X: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Threads: @redslicemaria


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com


Ben Easter: Are You a Nonviolent Communicator? (You May Not Be!)17 May 202200:53:38

Are you engaging in violent or nonviolent communication? Knowing how to make the shift is vital to being an effective leader - and communicator. Today, I got the chance to speak to Ben Easter, founder of Lucid Shift Coaching. Ben and I unfortunately both share the title of brain injury survivor - and in this episode, he shares how that experience led him to learn all he could about effective communication. We discuss the power of the brain to adapt and learn new skills and strategies - and how that relates to how we communicate with others.  Ben shares what violent and non-violent communication look like and how to spot them in yourself. He gives us a sample role play and practical strategies to shift into non-violent communication, and we discuss how self-reflection, language choice and boundaries play a big role in that shift. This episode will cause you to reflect on how you talk and invite you to find a new way of interacting with your colleagues, employees - and yes, even loved ones.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Nonviolent communication is a language of expressing what's alive in us to other people in such a way that we give them opportunities to contribute to it.
  • Noticing the language we use is the first step to becoming a nonviolent communicator. Need, Have To, Must, Should, and other such word choices are red flags for stepping into violent communication. 
  • Nonviolent communication is a practice. The more you notice and do it, the more you will connect the neural pathways. 

 

“Defense is the first act of aggression. If we come in with the idea that we're defending something, things get tense. Rather than defending, I like to think about enrolling people. What are we doing? What do we both care about?”  —  Ben Easter

 

About Ben Easter, Founder Lucid Shift Coaching:

Benjamin Easter is the Founder and Head Coach at Lucid Shift Coaching where they are on a mission to help badass business owners to break through their limiting beliefs and outthink their challenges so that they can have more freedom and impact.

Connect with Ben Easter

Website: www.LucidShiftCoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamineaster/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucidShiftCoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucid_shift_coaching/

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Ron Gura: How Technology Helps People Navigate Grief and Loss10 May 202200:47:32

Every single human experiences death and loss at some point and yet our systems and organizations are not set up to be empathetic to those needs. When a loved one dies, not only are there a thousand logistical tasks like booking a funeral home, getting life insurance paid out, or canceling credit cards - you have to deal with all of this in the worst possible emotional state. The more employers can support their employees practically and emotionally during these difficult times, the better. 

My guest, Ron Gura, put technology on the case to ease the burden for the bereaved. Today, we talk about the end of life market, the personal story of how this company came to be, how leaders can show up for the bereaved, what people now expect from their workplaces when dealing with major life events, and how the company itself embeds empathy into everything from product design to employee experience. We also talk about why mission-driven companies are poised to win - and how yours can, too.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Sympathy is just words and doesn’t mean anything. Empathy has power and potential to radically transform society. 
  • By putting yourself in your employees' and consumers’ shoes at every step of the way, you don’t need to overthink what it means to have an empathetic culture. 
  • If your company and employees understand what it is that you are trying to do for your clients and, deep down, what it is that they need, the empathy will come and be infused in everything you do. 

 

"If employers want to aim for long-term meaningful relationships with employees, then it's not just going to be the cocktails and the big events, it's also going to be that meaningful action that you do when things get rough, when I'm dealing with something that is bigger than me." —  Ron Gura

 

About Ron Gura, Co-Founder & CEO, Empathy:

Ron is a tech entrepreneur who has brought his love for developing empowering products to startups and major international corporations alike. He is co-founder and CEO of Empathy - Empathy was created with one mission in mind: to help families deal with loss. With a combination of technology and human support, the Empathy app helps families through all the financial, legal, emotional, and logistical challenges after losing a loved one.

Connect with Empathy and Ron Gura:

Website: https://www.empathy.com

Empathy recently released a report looking into the cost of dying in the US, financially, logistically, and emotionally. https://www.empathy.com/costofdying

Twitter: https://twitter.com/empathy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathy-com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathyforfamilies/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathy_com/

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Maynard Okereke: The Hip Hop M.D. Shares How to Spark Curiosity and Passion03 May 202200:36:44

What do you get when you cross hip hop, YouTube, and science education? You get my guest today, Maynard Okereke. Maynard is a science communicator best known as the Hip Hop M.D for making science fun for kids - and getting them involved in S.T.E.M. fields. 

Today Maynard shares his story about how he got from civil engineering to being the Hip Hop MD - and we share the crazy story of how we met more than a decade ago!  He talks about what it's like to work with young people and teachers to spark curiosity and foster passion - and how those lessons can help your organization better connect with young people and attract them with a more innovative, diverse workplace. He shares how important it is to make topics fun and relatable to both kids and adults  - great advice for all you team leaders and marketers out there. 

We dive into why innovation, especially in tech, requires play and imagination, and how we can break science's norms and stereotypes to not only encourage young people to pursue STEM fields, but encourage their natural curiosity  - and hopefully spark that in adults as well.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • If kids can’t see it, they can’t be it. Be who you are authentically and share your knowledge and information. Who knows who you will touch when you do?
  • People need to own the work that they do. They need to understand the purpose, the passion, and the vision in it. 
  • If you aren’t around people with different backgrounds and who look different than you, you will have one perspective and have a harder time connecting with those around you as you are stuck in your own perspective. 
  • Stay curious. You’re never too old to explore something new. Curiosity is the number one trait of empathetic people (and it will bring you inspiration and excitement)!

 

"We know that diversity is where it's at - in order to bring new innovations to the table, to bring new life. Technology is driven by diversity." —  Maynard Okereke

 

About Maynard Okereke: Hip Hop M.D., Science Communicator

Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D., graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He is an award winning Science Communicator, having received both the Asteroid Award for "Best Streaming Content" and the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts.  His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey.

Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the S.T.E.M. fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths.  His background in engineering, acting, business, and credible work within the music industry as an artist, make him uniquely qualified to engage on a wide variety of topics from an entertaining perspective.  This is highly reflected in his weekly vlogs and daily social media posts which provide both humorous and informative #SciComm content.

 

Connect with Maynard Okereke:  

Website: www.HipHopScienceShow.com

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/thehiphopmd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maynardokereke/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiphopscienceshow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiphopscienceshow

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Aaron Hurst: How Technology Helps You Scale Empathy and Ignite Engagement26 Apr 202200:37:37

How can you design high empathy interactions to create better relationships at work….at scale? Today, I'm talking with Aaron Hurst, the foremost expert on the science of purpose and fulfillment at work, about successful cultures and how technology enables empathy and collaboration so each person can find fulfillment. 

We discuss the important early role of empathy in Aaron's life, through his grandfather's work founding the Peace Corps. Aaron dispels the 3 common myths about purpose (you may be surprised by a few of these), and we talk about what employee empowerment really means. This conversation is vital if you are a leader looking to create a winning culture, retain your best talent, and scale empathy and collaboration within your company.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Take ownership of purpose. It is not about the cause, it is about you. 
  • Our mindset and how we process the world is actually what creates the fulfillment and not necessarily the job itself, or what we're doing. 
  • If your purpose is defined in a way in which it creates a fixed mindset about what jobs you can do, it's not the right mission or purpose.
  • It's very rare that someone's issues at work have anything to do with anything other than relationships.

 

"What creates meaning for people, is actually not the work itself. It's the process of reflecting on the work and making it meaningful." —  Aaron Hurst

 

About Aaron Hurst: CEO and co-founder, Imperative

Aaron Hurst, the CEO and co-founder of Imperative, is the foremost expert on the science of purpose and fulfillment at work. Imperative is a peer coaching platform that uses the power of peers to support each other over time to become increasingly effective and fulfilled. The science-backed platform combines the effectiveness of coaching with the impact of building trusted peer networks that are proven to build resilient and high performing cultures. In 2014, he brought global awareness to the rise of the fourth economic era in history, the Purpose Economy. Previously, as the founder of the Taproot Foundation, Aaron catalyzed the $15 billion pro bono service market. He has written for or been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, World Economic Forum, Fast Company, MIT Sloan Management Review and was named a LinkedIn Influencer.

Connect with Aaron Hurst and Imperative:  

Website: https://www.imperative.com/

Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurst/

Imperative’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imperative/

Imperative's 2022 Workforce Purpose Index: https://www.imperative.com/2022-workforce-purpose-index

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Frank Smith: What is Conscious Capitalism?19 Apr 202200:36:29

What exactly is Conscious Capitalism? It's a way of looking at business responsibly, ethically, and mindfully. It's a global movement that redefines how we look at business and asks us to look at not just shareholder value, but STAKEHOLDER value. Here's a bit from the Conscious Capitalism Credo:

We believe that business is good because it creates value, it is ethical because it is based on voluntary exchange, it is noble because it can elevate our existence and it is heroic because it lifts people out of poverty and creates prosperity.

Today, I talk with Frank Smith. Frank is the founder of Mosaic Personnel, a recruiting firm in Oklahoma City but he's also a leadership trainer and the leader of Conscious Capitalism's Oklahoma City chapter. Frank shares the definition of Conscious Capitalism and its four core tenets - and you won't be surprised to learn how empathy fits in nicely when it comes to leadership and culture. We discuss the relationship between recruiting and culture development, and some ways that companies big and small are creating intentional business cultures rooted in conscious capitalism. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Even if someone has the same credentials, they may not fit at different companies. Conscious Capitalism is about elevating life through work, both internally and externally within an organization. 
  • Younger generations want to feel like they are making an impact in the world. Conscious Capitalism resonates with them as it gives them an environment where they can feel seen and heard and know they are making a difference. 
  • Curiosity is an underrated skill. It is the number one trait of empathetic people.

 

"If, as leaders, we do this the right way, we actually are a force for good in the world, and not somebody that's creating more and more of the problems in the world." —  Frank Smith

 

About Frank Smith:

Founder, Mosaic Personnel and Chapter Leader, Conscious Capitalism

Frank has been a business owner for 30 years in various industries. He is the founder of Mosaic Personnel and the leader of the Oklahoma City chapter of Conscious Capitalism. During this time his real passion was creating a workplace people want to come to work at. Whether Manufacturing, Retail, Distribution or Professional Services the same rules apply to accomplish that. Frank spends his time as a trainer and executive coach to help people create Intentional Culture in the workplace. Frank has been married for 33 years and when he isn't working, he enjoys traveling, golf and car racing.

 

Connect with Frank Smith:  

Mosaic Personnel: https://mosaicpersonnel.com/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/frank-smith-5b74795

Driving Happiness at Work: https://drivinghappinessatwork.com/

 

Other References Mentioned:

Conscious Capitalism - Global Organization: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/

Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business by John Mackey

Firms of Endearment by Raj Sisodia

The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities By Patrick Lencioni

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: 

Red Slice

Leah Neaderthal: The Keys to Successful Selling12 Apr 202200:42:45

According to research, empathy, when combined with ambition, is the #1 trait of successful salespeople. If you've ever struggled with sales, if you lead a team of salespeople, or if you just want to get better at selling your ideas, this episode is for you! I got the chance to talk to my friend and sales expert, Leah Neaderthal, and she's dropping all kinds of wisdom on what it takes to successfully make more sales and grow your revenue and impact. Today we talked about the link between empathy and successful selling, why some sales strategies fall flat if you don't take an empathetic approach, how to help your clients sell within their organization on your behalf, preventing prospects from ghosting you, and how to get more comfortable selling, whether it's enterprise software or just a new idea at work. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The secret sauce to selling is a little bit of intuition, a lot of book learning, and your empathy.
  • Put everything in terms that will benefit the client. There are opportunities to do that in every touch point, from setting up meetings, to requesting responses, to the meetings themselves.
  • The sales experience contributes to the brand experience. All of it falls under the customer experience, even if they aren’t a customer yet. The sales process is a rehearsal for what it is like to work with you. 
  • The best way to prevent ghosting is to start asking questions about how decisions get made, then you know what their processes are, and you will know better how to respond. 

 

"If you want to get better at selling, learn the tools of selling, but don't change anything about you. Because the way that you show up, that's the magic and you can layer that on to the tools. When you put those two together, that's where the magic happens." —  Leah Neaderthal

 

About Leah Neaderthal:

Leah Neaderthal is a sales coach for women who run B2B consulting and coaching businesses, the founder of Smart Gets Paid, and the host of The Smart Gets Paid podcast. A three-time business owner who started her career in corporate marketing, Leah didn’t learn to sell by being a commissioned salesperson. She taught herself everything she could about selling, overcame “selling shyness,” and created a sales approach that feels comfortable, builds strong client relationships, and gets results. Prior to starting Smart Gets Paid, Leah built, grew, and sold three businesses. 

 

Connect with Leah Neaderthal:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahtn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartgetspaid/

Smart Gets Paid Podcast: https://www.smartgetspaid.com/podcast/

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course: Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Josh Levine: Building an Empathetic Culture05 Apr 202200:42:47

What does it mean to leverage your culture as a competitive advantage? What does culture even mean, and why is it so important that an organization articulate and live out its values? This episode will answer all your questions, especially if you've ever thought culture is "just HR's problem." My guest, author, educator, and culture expert Josh Levine, founder of culture design consultancy, Great Mondays, shares his expertise on why you need to intentionally design a culture that helps you innovate, perform, and win. Today we define modern company culture and discuss why culture is the ONLY sustainable competitive advantage. Josh shares how to turn the tide on the great resignation, how to evaluate if your company values are helpful or harmful, and how the proliferation of communities in modern business has led to the consumerization of the employee experience - and what you can learn from that to attract and retain top talent. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The larger the company, the further removed the leaders are from the day to day culture of the organization. Working with culture ambassadors within your organization can help you to understand what is happening on the ground. 
  • Organizations should reevaluate their culture every 2-3 years. Values are not indelible. They can evolve, and they should do so.
  • Your values are your priorities. While all may be important, you can't work on 40 things at once. You have to understand what are the most important values to your organization and understand what they mean. 

 

"Culture is the cause and effect of every decision that we make. It's not just an input and an output, but it's a cyclical reinforcing system. It's about decisions and behaviors." —  Josh Levine

 

About Josh Levine:

Josh Levine is an educator, designer, and best-selling author, but above all, he is on a mission to help organizations design a culture advantage. He's the founder of Great Mondays, a culture design consultancy. Josh's book Great Mondays: How To Design A Company Culture Employees Love was selected as one of BookAuthority’s best culture books of all time.

Connect with Josh Levine:  

Website: https://www.greatmondays.com/agency

Company Culture Design Consulting. We help companies find, tell, and live their story. We call it culture design, and believe that when employees know why they work, they are more motivated, more invested, and are happier doing it. And damn it, we believe even Mondays can be great. 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/akajoshlevine

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akajoshlevine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatmondays_culturedesign/

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: 

Red Slice

Carrie Melissa Jones: Building Successful Communities29 Mar 202200:40:26

Why so many brand communities (and even social cause communities) fail is because they are not truly communities. They are simply a collection of people. For a community to thrive for the long term, you need mutual concern, ongoing stewardship - and yes, empathy. If you build it without that - I promise you, they won’t come. My guest today, Carrie Melissa Jones shares how to build a successful community - and also how to avoid costly failure. Today we talk about why most brands fail at community building - please don’t repeat these mistakes! Why empathy is the key to community design, and how we can cultivate empathy for those we interact with online. She even outlines the first step you need to take if you are building a community from scratch. So many great gems in this episode, and you can check out her book for even more.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Social networks or social media are not the same as community. The key to community is mutual concern with trust as the cornerstone.
  • Research is important to understanding what your desired community needs. Connect individually or in small groups with those key people who can help you understand what is important.
  • Building a community does require design thinking with empathy, because you're building a community of humans.
  • If the community is not helping people make progress and connection, they will stop participating.

 

"What makes community really unique is that unlike watching a webinar where you could learn something and solve a problem on your own, some problems can only be solved by collective organizing and collective action." —  Carrie Melissa Jones

 

About Carrie Melissa Jones:

Community Builder & Researcher, Author, Founder and Chief Strategist, Carrie Melissa Jones Consulting

Carrie Melissa Jones is an author, community builder, and researcher of online communities. Her work has influenced the world’s leading online brand communities including the American Medical Association, Patreon, Google, and two U.S. presidential campaigns. She is the author of the award-winning book Building Brand Communities: How Organizations Succeed by Creating Belonging with Charles Vogl and a student, teacher, and researcher of virtual communities at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

 

Connect with Carrie Melissa Jones:  

Website: https://www.carriemelissajones.com/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/caremjo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriemjones/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriemelissajones/

Book: https://www.buildingbrandcommunities.com/ 

Courses: https://www.carriemelissajones.com/training 

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Michele Wucker: How "Risk Empathy" Impacts Team Performance22 Mar 202200:39:16

Do you know what your risk fingerprint is? Like your actual fingerprint, your risk fingerprint is unique to you and based on your biology, but also your experiences and environment. Your risk fingerprint shapes what you see as risk or what you don’t believe is risk. It shapes how you make decisions, connect with people, and live your life. Understanding the risk profiles of others is what my guest today, Michele Wucker, calls “risk empathy.” It’s yet another factor you will want to consider when creating a high-performing team but also helps you better understand where someone is coming from, rather than making assumptions. Today we talk about how to assess your risk fingerprint, what risk empathy means, and why the term “risk averse” is a destructive stereotype. We also talk about why ensuring you have risk diversity on your team will help you make better decisions. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Taking risks is like building muscle - the more you do it, the easier it gets. 
  • Risk is a perception based on your own lens.The more control you have, the less risky you see something as being. 
  • You're going to have different risk tolerances in different parts of your life. You want to set up a good risk portfolio across your life.

 

"We talk about gender or race when we are looking at diversity, but I think it's very important to look specifically at risk. Generations approach risk very differently because they've had very different risk experiences." —  Michele Wucker

 

About Michele Wucker:

Michele Wucker, Strategic Advisor & Author, The Gray Rhino and You Are What You Risk

Best-selling author and strategic advisor Michele Wucker coined the term “gray rhino” for obvious, probable, impactful risks, which we are surprisingly likely but not condemned to neglect. A former media and think tank executive, she is founder of the Chicago-based strategy firm Gray Rhino & Company. She is the author of four books including the influential global bestseller THE GRAY RHINO: How to Recognize and Act on the Obvious Dangers We Ignore and the recently published sequel, YOU ARE WHAT YOU RISK: The New Art and Science of Navigating an Uncertain World.

Connect with Michele Wucker:  

Website: https://www.thegrayrhino.com

Book: You Are What You Risk: The New Art and Science of Navigating an Uncertain World.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wucker

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wucker/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicheleWucker

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelewucker/

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Charna Cassell: Recognizing and Regulating Trauma at Work - Yours and Others15 Mar 202200:46:11

In order to be the best leader you can be, you have to be present and attuned to what your teams are going through. That requires regulating ourselves and our own emotions. Things get even stickier when you throw trauma into the mix. You get triggered, or they get triggered, and ultimately nobody wins. But how do you recognize trauma in the workplace? And what can you do to ensure you create a safe environment where everyone can contribute and collaborate effectively? My guest, Charna Cassell, is an LMFT and a Certified Embodied Leadership Coach. Today we talk about her fascinating work with leaders and trauma survivors and how essential mindfulness, internal work, and consciousness are in being a congruent leader and communicator. We also share how you can recognize trauma in others and respond effectively. You'll hear about the Window of Tolerance and why expanding yours as a leader enables you to more compassionately navigate traumatic situations with others. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • We all have our histories, and when we're in stressful situations, those can take over unless you've trained your nervous system to do something different.
  • If you have not addressed your own traumas and histories, it will inevitably come out in all of your relationships, both personal and professional. 
  • Learning how to breathe is the most direct way to change your mood or state. 
  • When the relationships have been built, you can check in with your coworkers and employees in a healthy, safe manner. But attunement is key and you want to make sure it is done in an appropriate time and manner. 

 

"Your own ability to feel your own emotions is directly correlated with how much capacity you have to be with other people's experience." —  Charna Cassell

 

About Charna Cassell:

Charna Cassell:  LMFT and Master Somatic Coach

Charna Cassell, an LMFT and a Certified Embodied Leadership Coach, helps people heal and find pleasure in their bodies. For over two decades, she worked as a sex educator and sex toy clerk at Good Vibrations located in San Francisco.  Then, as a Master Somatic Coach and bodyworker, and now, a trauma-trained psychotherapist.

Outside of private practice, she teaches sexuality education classes, leads body wisdom workshops, and offers trauma and resilience training in a variety of institutions, nonprofits, and therapeutic settings. 

As the host of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna shares her own story, answers your questions, and offers practical exercises. She has conversations with inspirational survivors, trailblazers, and people just like you. Her guests are experts and authors in the field of somatics, trauma, healing modalities, mindfulness, and the arts. 

Charna’s work and expertise have been featured in Oprah magazine, TeenVogue.com, InStyle.com, Psychcentral.com, and Askmen.com. Currently, Charna’s focused on writing her book, The Authentic Yes: A Guide to Passionate Living  After Sexual Trauma.

Charna is in private practice in Oakland, California.

Connect with Charna Cassell:  

Websites: www.passionatelife.org and  www.charnacassell.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laidopenpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laidopenpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charna.cassell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charnacassell/

Laid Open Podcast: @laidopenpodcast - https://www.laidopenpodcast.com

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Michael Bach: What Exclusion is Costing Your Company04 Jun 202400:47:15

The research is clear: investing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging contributes to your bottom line. I hate to be so crass about a topic that should just be something we care about as humans connecting with other humans, but with all the recent backlash about diversity and equity initiatives, we have to get executive attention somehow.


Today, you will hear about what’s driving that backlash and how we can fight against it through empathy and understanding. And why quite frankly, exclusion is bad for business.


My guest is the charming Michael Bach. Michael shares how he got into this work, the stereotype of DEI practitioners, how to think about disability, the more dangerous role of apathy in fighting back against exclusion, the difference between diversity and inclusion, and he gives us a short primer on the Alphabet Soup of LGBTQ2+ initialism.

 

To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com 


Key Takeaways:

  • If you’re trying to create any change, you need to understand how the organization operates from the inside.
  • Disability is not one thing - there are hundreds of disabilities under the umbrella term. It needs to be considered as a range, not just one form of accessibility.
  • It is not a competition. If we’re creating safer environments for everyone, regardless of how they identify or what they need, it creates a safer more inclusive environment for everyone.
  • There is a big difference between having diversity and being inclusive. The company is the soil that needs to be right for the seed of talent to thrive. 

 


"It's very difficult to quantify, but if you just look at it simply you can figure out that exclusion is just bad for business. And the reality is that most employers have figured that out." —  Michael Bach



About Michael Bach, CEO. IDEA Hub Consulting, IDEA thought leader


Michael Bach is an author, speaker and thought leader in inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). He has worked globally in the IDEA field, including as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), CCDI Consulting and Pride at Work Canada.


He is the author of the best-selling and award-winning books Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right and Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work.


In 2023, he was named as one of the 10 Most Influential DE&I Leaders Revamping The Future by CIO Views Magazine.


Connect with Michael:

IDEA Hub Consulting: michaelbach.com


Books:

Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right

Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work

New book: All About Yvie: Into the Oddity


X: twitter.com/themichaelbach

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/themichaelbach

Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelbach

Instagram: instagram.com/themichaelbach

Threads: threads.net/@themichaelbach


Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.com


PRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!


Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

X: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Threads: @redslicemaria


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Dr. Lorea Martinez: Social and Emotional Learning. Not Just for Kids!08 Mar 202200:40:32

How well do you understand your own emotions? Do your emotions ever get in the way of producing quality work or collaborating effectively? Chances are, yes. This is why social-emotional learning, or SEL, is so important for us to teach children at home and at school. For us adults, we can still master SEL skills so that we, too, can be stronger, more compassionate leaders, colleagues, and citizens. My guest today, Dr. Lorea Martinez, and I discuss the positive impact that can have on your workforce, productivity, and performance. 

In this episode, Lorea and I discuss what SEL means to both children and adults. We talk about the efforts around the world to embed this learning in our schools and how it helps kids become more aware of their emotions, leading to better problem-solving skills and collaboration. Lorea shares the psychology of emotions and how they impact our performance at work and our ability to learn. We discuss how trauma impacts learning and cognitive development in kids and adults, and finally how we create spaces where people can bring their full identities and truly belong.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • We all have a voice and can make a difference in our communities. We all have a purpose in life and we can change the future generations as we learn, ourselves, and teach our children these social-emotional skills. 
  • Emotions are part of our cognitive process - we cannot have thought without feelings and all decisions we make are based on emotions.
  • One of the most important things is creating spaces where people can build their most authentic selves. 
  • We are hiding from ourselves when we are not embracing the diversity in ourselves and around us. 

 

"Social and emotional learning is the application of emotional intelligence. It's a lifelong process. It's never too early or too late to start practicing and learning emotional intelligence." —  Dr. Lorea Martinez

 

About Dr. Lorea Martinez:
Dr. Lorea Martinez, Author & Founder, HEART in Mind

Dr. Lorea Martínez is the award-winning founder of HEART in Mind, a consulting company dedicated to helping schools and organizations integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in their practices, products, and learning communities. An educator who has worked with children and adults internationally, Dr. Martínez is a faculty member at Columbia University Teachers College, educating aspiring principals in Emotional Intelligence. Her new book for educators, Teaching with the HEART in Mind, is currently available. Previously, she was a special education teacher and administrator. She frequently blogs about how to incorporate SEL in teaching practices and parenting at loreamartinez.com

Connect with Dr. Lorea Martinez:  

Website: https://loreamartinez.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/loreamart

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loreamartinez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loreamartinezSEL/

Book: Teaching with the HEART in Mind: https://amzn.to/394f5dO

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Karen Cornwell: Gender Harmony Leads to Innovation01 Mar 202200:35:09

If you have experienced disharmony in your workplace, it might not be because other people are evil and out to get you! It may just be that there’s a clash of different mindsets and a whole host of assumptions being unfairly made. How many great ideas are you missing out on because of this friction? My guest today is author, speaker, and consultant Karen Cornwell. Her goal is to give you the ability to peel back others’ behaviors and glimpse the underlying mindset so you can work together in a more meaningful way. This is how we can leverage differences to drive more innovation, growth, and engagement in the workplace.

Today, Karen and I talk about what gender harmony means, how it impacts mindsets, and how you can assess your own mindsets to better bridge divides and unlock innovation and collaboration. You will love her fabulous example of how empathy in action resulted in multi-million dollar wins for a pharmaceutical company. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Our interpretation of events and situations is already colored before we are even aware of what we are doing. This interpretation is different from person to person and is where we either clash or mesh with others around us.
  • Buried in our mindsets, our beliefs, assumptions, and values are what we think is most important about both how the world works and how people work together.
  • Empathetic cultures boost innovation. If people don’t feel comfortable and listened to, your company will flounder and stagnate.

 

"It's getting over your own assumptions and into what somebody else is thinking. Often they're not the same, and in those differences and assumptions is where the miracles lie." —  Karen Cornwell

 

About Karen Cornwell:

Karen Cornwell, Speaker, Consultant, Author

Karen Cornwell spent her career in tech; she lived it, learned from it, and now wants to change the tide for future technology aficionados. She cut her ‘product management’ teeth on designing services to make nuclear power plants more efficient and easier to operate, before moving over to improve services for the semiconductor equipment industry. After years of working in tech, Karen realized that we spend a lot of time tripping over “our differences” in the workplace.

Many of these differences are often thought of as “gendered,” as some originate from stereotypical behavior. You developed your mindset based on how you think. The problem is we don’t all think alike and when we judge others’ behaviors according to our mindsets, we often come up short and have trouble understanding others' behaviors. This is why she wrote her book: You Can’t Fix What You Can’t See: An Eye-Opening Toolkit for Cultivating Gender Harmony in Business. Her goal is to give others the ability to peel back others’ behaviors and glimpse the underlying mindset. Once you understand the mindset, the behavior begins to make sense, and so does your ability to work with the other person in a more meaningful way. This is how we can leverage differences to drive more innovation, growth, and engagement in the workplace.

Karen delivers a wealth of experience in her stories both in her book and from the stage. She demonstrates an uncanny ability to combine aspects of neuroscience, psychology, sociology, and linguistics that leave you thinking, “that makes sense, now I get it.” She has a BS and MS in Engineering and an MBA from Santa Clara University. Karen lives in Silicon Valley with her Chef husband and their three boys.

 

Connect with Karen Cornwell:  

Book Website (including Blog & Podcast):  https://www.youcantfixwhatyoucantsee.com/

Consulting Website: https://www.attunovation.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenfcornwell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CornwellKarenF

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gendersavvy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenderSavvy

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Michelle Kaplan: How Poetry Can Boost Team Collaboration and Trust22 Feb 202200:31:42

How can poetry help a team better collaborate and connect? You’re about to find out! My guest is Michelle Kaplan, and today we talk about the important role that creativity plays in sparking conversation, breaking down walls, and building trust for better collaboration. We discuss the role poetry, and creativity in general, can play at work - and how it leads to empathy, vulnerability and trust in the workplace.  She’ll share how she uses poetry as a catalyst, even with skeptical teams. You will love the poignant original poem she reads to us, and how it helped a now-hybrid team recapture the spark they had when they were all in the office together. Finally, she’ll share some tips on how to do all this in remote or hybrid work environments. 


 

Key Takeaways:

  • The doorway to understanding what's important to other people and enabling them to be themselves is for you to start with yourself.
  • Creativity creates empathy. While poetry works for some, creativity is a broad category - art, music, physical activity - any form of mental expansion will help to open and bring empathy to your team. 
  • As a leader, it is about how you show up, and what you allow and tolerate in your group scenarios. How are you bringing everyone together?


 

"Incorporating poems creates a safe place where we can talk about some really sensitive, vulnerable issues in a safe way because you're not talking about me versus you. We're using the poem as a vehicle for having discussions that can clear the air, and create clarity about thoughts and feelings." —  Michelle Kaplan


 

About Michelle Kaplan:

Michelle Kaplan, Leadership Coach, People Strategist, and Leadership Development Trainer

Known as the "Corporate Poet" Michelle Kaplan has worked for 30 years in corporate HR and 15 years as a Leadership Development and Organizational Effectiveness Coach and Trainer. Michelle incorporates her original poetry in her work with clients to foster inclusiveness, empathy and psychological safety in the workplace. This vulnerability work helps her clients to maximize their authentic leadership abilities. Michelle is the author of two poetry collections: And: A Love Story and Burst & Fleurish.


 

Connect With Michelle:

Website: https://www.burstandfleurish.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejkaplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/398016800948461

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellekaplanpoet

Two poetry collections: And: A Love Story Within and Burst & Fleurish https://www.burstandfleurish.com/author
 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy
 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Raman Frey: How to Incentivize Empathy and Community in a Capitalist World15 Feb 202200:46:56

How do we shift from an individualistic culture that incentivizes power grabbing and consumerism into a more community-driven culture where everyone gets their needs met - and yes, innovative leaders can still make money and succeed? It’s possible, if we get creative, build new systems, and create new incentives for a game we ourselves invented! Today’s very philosophical conversation with Raman Frey will have you thinking about how you can be part of the solution and still achieve your ambitions. We touch on everything from how community building encourages empathy, to making creativity and the arts more accessible to everyone to sharing our random thoughts on capitalism, Western culture, and how to shift society from ME to WE without feeling like we’re missing any opportunities - and in fact, how doing so will unleash innovation and allow all people to thrive on a massive scale.  Get ready to question your assumptions about creativity and our current form of capitalism - in a GOOD way - on today’s show.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • We are all intrinsically creative. It is important to be bold in your engagement with other people’s creativity - which will also build your muscle to be creative yourself. 
  • There need be no poverty in the world - right now, poverty is a political choice of the system we live in. 
  • Civilizational transformation is usually the result of upheaval and catastrophe. It is rarely the result of a peaceful opt-in solution. It is our moral responsibility to be part of building and, then offering, those peaceful transitions.


 

"Community is intrinsically necessary for most people, even introverted people. Community is a sense of belonging that transcends the transactional. Transactions may come out of community, but they are not the point of community." —  Raman Frey


 

About Raman Frey:

Entrepreneur, Speaker and Founder of GP Dinners and Camp Earnest.

For the last 20 years, Raman has built businesses and communities in the Bay Area, bringing people together around meaningful conversations about art, technology, religion, politics and philosophy. He was a founder or co-founder of Frey Norris Gallery, Epicenter Arts, Dispatch Labs, Good People Dinners, and Camp Earnest.  Raman has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. As an event producer, public speaker, moderator, and interviewer, Raman enjoys improvisation and unscripted dialogues. Civil discourse, vulnerable conversations, and deep inquiry are common threads in all of his work.


 

Connect with Raman:  

Camp Earnest: https://www.campearnest.com/ Access code: earnestcampers

Ramen Frey website: https://www.ramanfrey.com/about.html

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RamanFrey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramanfrey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raman.frey/


 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy


 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Eric Dawson: When You Ask Young People How to Change the World, They Step Up and Lead!08 Feb 202200:38:22

This might be one of my favorite podcast interviews ever. Not just because I got to interview a dear high school friend who has positively impacted the world, but because of one word: HOPE.

Today, I speak with Eric Dawson, CEO and founder of Peace First and co-founder of Rivet, about empathy for today’s young changemakers, whether younger people are more or less empathetic than prior generations, and how we can empower them to impact change in their communities and the world now, not someday off in the future. We discuss what brands need to prove to young consumers today, and how they can leverage their influence and dollars to meet their business goals while supporting and delighting young changemakers and consumers - a virtuous cycle that leads to genuine goodness and real impact.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Young people are the only group of humans that are talked about, almost exclusively, as potential. This is not true - young people, right now, are building the world.
  • Those closest to the problems are also often the ones closest to the solutions. You cannot solve the problems of the world for others, only with them. 
  • As of 2020, young people control about $3 trillion in spending. They have choices - they no longer want to be consumers, they want to be citizens. 

 

"It is our small acts that make a difference. Think about what are those proximal things that you can do - who and how you hire, where you send your kids to school, voting. These are the things that are going to make a difference in the future of our lives and our country. And those are the things that, at the end of the day, matter." —  Eric Dawson


 

About Eric Dawson:

Eric Dawson, CEO/Co-Founder, Rivet; Founder of Peace First

Eric is CEO and Founder of RIVET, a new social impact venture that funds and amplifies youth-led social change through co-branded partnerships with leading brands and influencers. Previously, he was founder and CEO of Peace First, an organization he helped launch at 18 which now works in over 150 countries preparing young people to lead positive social action through compassion and courage.  Through a digital platform Peace First provides design tools, money and mentorship for youth to imagine and implement impactful social innovations.  A globally recognized expert on youth culture and movement-building, Eric received his degrees from Harvard University: a specialized B.A. in economics, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and political science; M.Ed in human development psychology; and M.Div. in pastoral care and counseling. He is an Ashoka, Echoing Green, and Pop!Tech Fellow.  Besides the odd jobs of bartending, electron microscopy, TV commercials, and serving as the driver for the author of Curious George, Eric got his professional start directing a summer camp in Boston’s public housing complexes.  His book for young readers, Putting Peace First: Seven Commitments to Change the World was recently published by Viking.

 

Connect with Eric Dawson

RIVET: https://joinrivet.org/

Peace First: https://peacefirst.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/peacefirstorg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-d-dawson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeaceFirst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacefirstorg/

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Pat Timmons: Empathy in Social Media Marketing01 Feb 202200:35:48

What does empathetic marketing even look like in today’s digital age, where everything seems to be done over email or social media? And what are some principles to help marketers embrace and turn it into action? Today’s guest, social media marketer Pat Timmons, wrote a great book called Feel Something: How to Embrace Empathy and Build Trust with Your Audience. As a frontline marketer, Pat has learned a lot about how to leverage social media to create strong customer relationships.

Today we talk about what empathy marketing is and some of the principles highlighted in the book. We also discuss how to leverage social media to cultivate empathy and why frontline marketers have a responsibility to be empathetic in their work. He’ll give us examples of brands that are marketing with empathy - and why empathy is vital beyond the sale in the  post-purchase experience - something marketers often forget about. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Be constantly curious about your audience and listen in full, saying “Yes! 100%.”
  • You can tell the emotions of your clients by the style of memes that are being posted. Listen to what your customers are saying, and how they are saying it, and utilize that in your own posts. 
  • You can’t just stop once you get the money. They’ve made a commitment to you, now you need to continue your commitment to them. 

 

"The only way you can really market to someone that will make them feel something is to feel what they're feeling. The way you can do that is by being curious about them, and really leaning into that." —  Pat Timmons

 

About Pat Timmons:

Pat Timmons, Social Media Expert and Author

Pat Timmons is a social media marketer with experience in tech, the music business, advertising, and PR. His journey in marketing began at Emerson College with his major in marketing communications and entrepreneurial studies. Since starting and finishing at Emerson, Pat has had roles in all forms of marketing and is a “swiss-army knife” in the discipline, working for companies such as Webflow, Chartmetric, and Drift.

While marketing is a strong passion for Pat, so is getting to know people and understand why people do things. Ever since he could remember, he has been constantly curious and relentlessly empathetic. Pat is the author of Feel Something: How to Embrace Empathy and Build Trust With Your Audience.

 

Connect with Pat Timmons:  

Website: https://www.feelsomething.co

Book: https://www.feelsomething.co/book

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattimmons/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pattimmons_

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice



Michelle Sherman: Why the Most Successful Leaders Combine Resilience with Imagination25 Jan 202200:39:02

Imagination and resilience are the hallmarks of successful leaders, those who can envision the goal before they even know exactly how to get there, and those who can bounce back and learn from failure rather than let it discourage them. Imagination and resilience are what we need, now more than ever, to create a more peaceful, harmonious world. That’s how we’ll tap into new ideas for how to work, collaborate, and perform. Today, my guest, Michelle Sherman, and I talk about the role of imagination and resilience in creating empathy. We discuss how most innovative leaders imagine the outcome they want before anyone even thinks it’s possible. We discuss cognitive replenishment and the role it plays in original thinking - and in coping with modern life challenges., and how original thinking is the result of intentional choices on a daily basis. Finally, we discuss how positive imagination is a skillset you can master, through small decisions you make every day.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Empathy and imagination go hand in hand because people need to know that when they give their best, it is valued. 
  • In order to imagine possibilities, the first step is cognitive replenishment so that you can be a better thinker of divergent thinking and become more optimistic naturally. 
  • We need to think in a new way to solve the problems we have been solving for thousands of years. We created the models, we can change them and think about things in a different way. 
  • What we lack is not goodness, what we usually lack is imagination.

 

"If you want to live an authentic life, be yourself. Be an original thinker, and you will be a much happier, healthier cell in the body of humankind. Only good can come of that." —  Michelle Sherman

 

About Michelle Sherman:

Michelle Sherman, Transformational Leadership Coach & Founder, VAST Institute

Renaissance woman. International business strategist. Inspirational speaker. Published author. Transformational coach. Leadership mentor. Citizen diplomat. Visionary pioneer. Spiritual companion. Proponent of World Peace. These are just a few titles earned by the founder of VAST Institute, Michelle Sherman. With a vibrant background in a myriad of industries, Michelle’s vast experience allows her to connect with clients from all walks of life—from C-suite executives to individuals simply seeking direction and a deeper meaning in life. Michelle is also the author of Kindling the Flame:The Art and Science of Cognitive Replenishment, an uplifting guide to optimism, inclusion, resilience and awakened leadership genius.

 

Connect with Michelle Sherman:

Website: https://www.vastinstitute.com

Her book: Kindling the Flame

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vastmatters

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vast-institute/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadershipGenius

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vastinstitute/

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Woodson Martin: Balancing Corporate Success with Humanitarian Work18 Jan 202200:34:33

Do you have to choose between a successful corporate career and humanitarian work? Or can they live in harmony? Today’s guest proves that you can not only do both, but that you can engage your team and such work can make you a better, more empathetic leader! It’s a beautiful cycle and one I’m thrilled to talk about with Woodson Martin. Today, Woodson shares how he achieves that balance, and offers advice on how you can do both as well. We talk about how his community work has benefited him as a leader, helped engage his team, and how he bounces back and forth between these different worlds. He also shares great stories about how his tech teams have been able to use their unique talents to solve non-profit challenges, hopefully sparking some ideas for you!


 

Key Takeaways:

  • It doesn’t require travelling the world to do humanitarian work. There is a lot of need for it within the borders of your own country. 
  • Any kind of change requires courage. If you don’t ask, you will never know what kind of reaction you will get.
  • Seeing leaders engage in humanitarian work frees employees to feel that they can, too. It also helps to build relationships, not only with your employees, but with your customers and partners. 
  • Values create value. Committing yourself, your company, and your employees to giving back to your community is an investment in your business. 


 

"Do not underestimate the power of giving back and developing a corporate commitment to do that." —  Woodson Martin

 

About Woodson Martin:

Woodson Martin + EVP & GM, Salesforce AppExchange

Woodson has been with Salesforce for over 15 years, and has had the opportunity to wear many hats in roles ranging from marketing, including serving as CMO of Marketing Cloud, to recruiting. Prior to his current role, Woodson was GM of Salesforce IoT. Woodson also spent nine years at Business Objects, where he led the purchase and implementation of Salesforce as their CRM system in the early 2000s and got hooked on the potential of the cloud. Woodson balances and blends his work at Salesforce with community service through several non-profit organizations focused on humanitarian and legal assistance for people seeking asylum in the United States.


 

Connect with Woodson:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/woodson_martin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/woodsonmartin/

Sales Force: www.salesforce.com

AppExchange: www.appexchange.com

Team Brownsville: www.teambrownsville.org

Mobile Pathways: www.mobilepathways.org


 

FROM OUR EPISODE SPONSOR: VAST INSTITUTE

Our guest today will be talking all about how you can balance corporate success with being a humanitarian leader. Business professionals listen up! The world needs more “conscious” leaders and the great news is that operating in this way is goodness for all parties involved: you as a leader, your team, your organization -and yes, the world!

On our next episode, you’ll hear from Transformational Leadership Coach and founder of the VAST Institute, Michelle Sherman. So it’s perfect to mention her work and her fabulous book Kindling the Flame:The Art and Science of Cognitive Replenishment. The book is an uplifting guide to optimism, inclusion, resilience and awakened leadership genius.

Backed by science and psychology, Michelle’s book really opened my eyes to how we can create the world we want, if we simply stop burying ourselves under layers of outdated business models, inauthentic interactions, and toxic media! What we imagine, we can create. What we consume, impacts our frame of mind. What we believe is possible, defines our life.

The VAST Cognitive Replenishment practice outlined in the book Kindling the Flame offers professionals a simple set of tools “to mentally recharge your life, heighten problem solving capabilities, reset to healthier boundaries and tune up your leadership skillset”.

Seriously, I loved this book. It's so helpful and full of insights that will make you a better, stronger and more mindful leader.

Purchase Kindling the Flame: The Art and Science of Cognitive Replenishment

Learn more about VAST Institute and their leadership programs and resources:

https://www.vastinstitute.com


 

Connect with VAST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vastmatters

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vast-institute/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadershipGenius

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vastinstitute/

 

 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Khalilah Lyons: DEI Done Right for Leaders - and Our Kids04 Jan 202200:46:58

If you don’t think diversity, equity and inclusion are hard, then you haven’t been paying attention. Of course it’s hard! Most things worth doing to make our world a better place are hard! It requires us to examine biases, rethink old assumptions, and take the time to empathize and see other points of view. And it’s totally worth it, not just to society as a whole, but to your organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent and make smart decisions. Today, I have the honor of talking with the energetic and determined Khlaliah Lyons about DEI done right - and where it can go horribly wrong if you’re not careful. We talk about DEI and why it needs to be a mindset, not a project. We discuss why we need to consider impact more than intention - and where well-intentioned allies can do better. And finally, we discuss the importance of talking about diversity with our kids early and often - and why doing so helps normalize and celebrate difference. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • There is more to DEI than just having a diverse team and marking it off your annual checklist.
  • Leaders need to understand how understanding different identities can connect us and drive engagement and drive performance.
  • DEI is a wicked problem, not a tame problem. There is no beginning and end with everyone coming to the same perspective, like a finance or engineering problem. It can be ambiguous, with no beginning and end, no right or wrong - simply a focus on getting better.
  • As a well-meaning ally, your intention matters less than your impact. It's also really important to take in that privilege piece, and be okay with it if it's uncomfortable in this work.

 

"You can have diversity, but absolutely no inclusion or equity. I want leaders to understand how understanding different identities can connect us and drive engagement and performance." —  Khalilah Lyons

 

About Khalilah Lyons:

Khalilah Lyons, DEI Leader & Co-Founder, Candidly Connecting

Khalilah Lyons, DEI leader and co-founder of Candidly Connecting, a storytelling and community platform dedicated to igniting bold, candid and essential conversations about diversity, equity and belonging between children and their parents. With decades of experience in the corporate world, she has devoted herself to the advocacy of the underrepresented and to elevating the untapped talent in women. Before stepping off the corporate track, Khalilah led DEI initiatives at Discover Financial Services including educational strategy and an impactful leadership task force across the organization. She continues her work through consultancy and now partners with a handful of organizations that are early in their journey to building DEI excellence. 

Led by an appreciation for the rhythms of cultures and people, and the necessity to respect those rhythms, her work as a keynote speaker, mentor, advisory council member, thought leader and volunteer have provided powerful platforms to share actionable insights and to empower the brilliance of others.

Khalilah's mission is to curate the beautifully messy stories that shift perspective, create empathy and ignite change by sharing the nuanced experiences of people we wouldn’t normally connect with.


 

Connect with Khalilah Lyons:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilahlyons/

Candidly Connecting Podcast: https://www.candidlyconnecting.com/


 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

 

 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Melina Palmer: Why Your Customers Can't Tell You What They Want28 Dec 202100:34:10

We, as humans, don’t buy for the reasons we think we do, and there are ways to communicate our message so that we tap into those mental models and frameworks - not to manipulate, but to make your case in a way our brains can understand and connect with.  My guest today, Melina Palmer, CEO of The Brainy Business, and author of What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You, will share exactly what behavioral economics is and why it matters to your success as a business, as a marketer, and as a persuasive communicator. Melina also shares why our customers can’t even always tell us what they want, and we explore the concept of Behavioral Baking and how it works to better connect with customers.


 

Key Takeaways:

  • Look for anywhere you’re communicating: “10% fat” instead of “90% fat-free” and see where you can flip it and reframe it to more appealing language and messaging (even if it is, logically, the same thing). 
  • Reframe your messages as a question to get people talking and understanding what they are looking for. 
  • Customers are distracted and are, habitually, buying 95% of the time. You need to understand which side of the habitual line you are on. 


 

"Essentially, behavioral economics is the psychology of why people buy and understanding what's really happening within the brain. It's so important for everyone in life and in business because our subconscious brains are making 99% of our decisions at any given time." —  Melina Palmer


 

About Melina Palmer:

Melina Palmer is founder and CEO of The Brainy Business, which provides behavioral economics consulting to businesses of all sizes from around the world. Her podcast, The Brainy Business: Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy, has downloads in over 160 countries and is used as a resource for teaching applied behavioral economics for many universities and businesses. Melina obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration: marketing and worked in corporate marketing and brand strategy for over a decade before earning her master’s in behavioral economics. A proud member of the Global Association of Applied Behavioral Scientists, Melina has contributed research to the Association for Consumer Research, Filene Research Institute, and runs the Behavioral Economics & Business column for Inc Magazine. She teaches applied behavioral economics through the Texas A&M Human Behavior Lab and her first book, What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You, published in May 2021


 

Connect with Melina:

Website: https://www.thebrainybusiness.com

Book: What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You http://bit.ly/WhatYourCustomerWants

Get your free copy of the 111-page PDF Companion Workbook by joining the BE Thoughtful Revolution Community: https://be-thoughtful-revolution.mn.co/share/Pg3nbLXqOXyRiFZI?utm_source=manual

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrainybiz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melina-palmer-36ab8712/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrainybiz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrainybiz/


 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy


 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Jessica Swank: How Box Navigates the New World of Work28 May 202400:37:36

Post-pandemic leadership can be challenging. With the current market and increased expectations workers, leaders, and mid-level managers are squeezed, balancing the needs of the business with the demands of their people. This is why I'm excited to talk to a Chief People Officer of a global organization that is doing the work, navigating the journey, and experimenting with ways to better support their people.


Today, I talk with Jessica Swank about how her company's leaders are navigating the challenges and still taking care of themselves and their people. We discuss the importance of clarity and support when setting high expectations, and how transparency, communication, and listening are vital with hybrid and remote work experimentation. We discuss specific ways Box integrates values into their decisions and develops and enables their managers to be more successful. Whatever your culture, Jessica offers her best advice on where you can start supporting your leaders.


To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at TheEmpathyEdge.com


Key Takeaways:

  • In your organization, you cannot be clear enough. Hold high expectations, but also give a clear understanding that you’ll be supporting your team and that you’re available for that support.
  • Actions speak louder than words and other people notice. You continue to show your empathetic culture every time you talk about caring for each other and empathy in service and follow it up with actions.
  • Setting boundaries is both self-care and empathetic. It gives you space to recharge and be more present in the difficult conversations that need to be had in business.
  • Work-life balance is not real. You need to understand priorities and boundaries to ensure you’re healthy with your life in the season you’re in.
  • It is a journey to understanding and managing the needs of your team. Be willing to take that journey and gather information from your employees on what is working and what is not.


"It's not just up to the business to say, ‘Here's what I need from you.’ It is incredibly valuable for every person to have that open dialogue with their managers, ask them when they need support, clarification, feedback, not just sitting back and waiting to be told, but also engaging in that dialogue." —  Jessica Swank


"It's all about juggling, and you're going to drop some balls, just make sure that the balls are going to bounce versus shatter." —  Jessica Swank


About Jessica Swank, Chief People Officer, Box

Jessica has a proven track record helping companies define and amplify their people and culture strategy (including diversity, talent development, employee experience, workforce planning, people analytics, and internal communications). She has been with Box since December 2018, and currently leads all People (HR), Belonging, Community (including Box.org), Places (workplace services and real estate), and Internal Communications. Prior to Box she led the People team at Blue Bottle Coffee, a high-growth global coffee company. Previously, Jessica led HR for Aruba, a fast-growing subsidiary of HPE, and spent ten years at HP/HPE in a variety of global HR roles. Her early career included executive search and recruiting for CEO's, CFO's and other key leadership positions.


Connect with Jessica Swank:

Box: box.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-venner-swank


Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.com


PRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, or yourself and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!


Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast & book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria & her work: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

X: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Threads: @redslicemaria


Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com



Jyoti Patel and Emily Griffin: Let's Play More at Work!21 Dec 202100:54:58

When was the last time you felt a sense of play at work?  Our current workplace paradigms and power structures no longer serve us, and we’re called to rethink them to have more impact and financial success. My guests today are Jyoti Patel and Emily Griffin. These two powerhouses joined together to create The Empathy Tour, where they spent the fall of 2020 talking to all types of leaders, both traditional ones and those underrepresented in the business world, to talk about how they lead, what challenges they face, and the very real ways they are having impact and success through empathy. 

Today, they share what role play has in organizational success and the common misconceptions of what we mean by a playful culture. We examine how you can embody play to foster impact and collaboration. They share best practices about creative facilitation and experience design and how they teach teams to be in creative flow. We also discuss the barriers that exist to creating more inclusive, empathetic cultures, and what they learned from leaders during The Empathy Tour on how to get past them. If you are a leader in any capacity or industry, this episode is not to be missed!


 

Key Takeaways:

  • Play opens up creativity and imagination, and it decreases the fear of judgment, as well as the pressure and tension of the day-to-day work dynamics. 
  • Innovation does not come when employees are being constrained. Play creates an opening for everybody to speak up and participate.
  • Play is an art - do it for its own sake. 
  • The first step is listening and making it safe for employees to share their feedback, whether that's anonymously, or openly in a team setting.


 

"Play really opens up the team process, it opens up the human element, it makes empathy and creativity center to a team facilitation process rather than on the side. Ultimately, you end up with results that folks can really get on board with." —  Jyoti Patel


 

About Jyoti Patel and Emily Griffin:

Jyoti Patel - Principal and Owner, Spille LLC

I teach leaders and teams to harness greater power using empathy, creativity, & systems thinking.

I integrate my identities as a global leader of change, a woman of color, an artist, and a mother to design experiences that are inclusive, innovative, and delivered in the context of complex, technical work.

For the first act of my career, I led integrated flight test engineering teams, global design/build teams, enterprise learning & development programs, and deep transformations across commercial and defense test programs at a Fortune 50 company. I was on an executive track, when I decided to leave to start my own consultancy.

I design and deliver experiences that address the systemic dysfunctions I experienced during my corporate management tenure, including short-term, myopic thinking, systemic bias, poor communication, lack of team alignment, and resistance to change.

I believe culture and strategy development is a team sport, and people support what they help create

 

Emily Griffin

Emily Griffin is a multidimensional producer with roots in broadcasting, publishing & DJing. She’s led global creative teams in technology, art & entertainment for over 20 years, conducting an array of events, campaigns, courses and digital products. 

Woven into her professional accomplishments is her commitment to embodiment, healing and transformation. As DJ GriffinGrrl, her ongoing collaborations within the dance music community continue to uplift and inspire. Emily brings her unmatched energy and an empathetic approach to her new consultancy Emily Griffin & Co, offering creative leadership, experience design & facilitation.


 

Connect with Jyoti and Emily:

Website: https://www.spilleplay.com

Website: www.emilygriffin.co

Download your free guidebook with prompts and lessons from leaders: www.theempathytour.co

Twitter: https://twitter.com/spilleplay

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyotibfly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spilleplay

Instagram: www.instagram.com/spilleplay

 

The Empathy Tour:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/theempathytour/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theempathytour/

Twitter: ​​https://twitter.com/EmpathyTour

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theempathytour


 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy


 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Susan McPherson: The Lost Art of Connecting14 Dec 202100:29:21

If we’ve learned anything over the last few years of dealing with a global pandemic, it’s our insatiable human need for connection. I’m not talking about likes on a post, or how many business cards you get to hand out at an event. I’m talking about genuine connection - connections that fuel you, inspire you, make you laugh, and spark ideas. Today, my guest Susan McPherson shares her lifelong commitment to connection in her new book The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships. We talk about how her parent’s pre-social media methods of connecting influenced her connecting philosophy, how her Gather, Ask, Do method works for building generous and meaningful connection, how we can best revitalize our relationships in a post-pandemic world, and the role technology can play now and going forward.


 

Key Takeaways:

  • Having an ongoing curiosity about people is the heart of empathy and the key to connecting. 
  • It isn’t about helping 50,000 people. It is about 2-3 actions per week and building them in as a habit. You will receive goodness back and people will remember your connections with them when you’re being helpful. 
  • Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself and your connecting. 
  • We are all experiencing this global pandemic together, and now is the time to reach out when we are all in this strange situation together. 


 

"We have all these technology tools, so ask the recipient, whether it's a colleague, or a friend, or a donor, or a funder, how they want to be in contact with you. To me, it's a very personal question. We all have our likes and dislikes." —  Susan McPherson


 

About Susan McPherson:

Susan McPherson + Founder and CEO

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships (McGraw-Hill). Susan has 25+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly at industry events including Inspirefest/Dublin, BSR, Center for Corporate Citizenship's Annual Summit, DLD and Techonomy, and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.

Susan is the recipient of Forbes magazine’s 50 over 50—Impact 2021 award. She has also won numerous accolades for her voice on social media platforms from Fortune Magazine, Fast Company and Elle Magazine. Currently, Susan invests in and advises women-led start-ups, including: iFundWomen,Inc., Messy.fm, Our Place, The Riveter, Park Place Payments, Hint Water, Apolitical, Arlo Skye, Giapenta and The Muse. She serves on the boards of USA for UNHCR, The 19th News, and the Lower Eastside Girls Club, and serves on the advisory boards of The List and Alltruists. Additionally, she is a member of the MIT Solve Women and Technology Leadership Group and serves as an adviser to several nonprofits, including Girls Who Code, She’s The First, and The OpEd Project. Susan is a Vital Voices global corporate ambassador. She resides in Brooklyn.


 

Connect with Susan McPherson:

Book: The Lost Art of Connecting

Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanmcp1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmcpherson/

Facebook:https://m.facebook.com/susanmcpherson1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanmcp1/


 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy


 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

Jerome Deroy: Why Stories Engage and Inspire07 Dec 202100:47:15

Your organization has a story. Are you leveraging empathy for your audience and telling it? You may not think story has a place in business, but if you want to engage employees, partners, or customers it most certainly does. Why do stories engage us so much? And how do we craft a good story? Today, my guest, Jerome Deroy, and I break down why storytelling is the way we make connections, get inspired, and take action. We talk about the role of story in onboarding new employees, retaining existing ones, and creating a more inclusive culture. We also share some great ideas on how to make sure your company values actually mean something to your people - and that they truly feel like this is the tribe they want to be part of. You may not think you’re not a natural born storyteller, but guess what? You are and this episode will convince you!


 

Key Takeaways:

  • Everybody has a story, and you can learn to tell it. 
  • Ultimately it is about people. Stories are one of the most effective ways to communicate in life and in business. 
  • Your unique story lives in the details of your story. The more detailed your story, the more universal your story becomes. 
  • Stories bring cultures together, even in a work environment. 


 

"With stories, the more we listen to them and the more we create spaces for people to tell stories, the more they're actually going to be wanting to tell stories. Story begets story." —  Jerome Deroy


 

About Jerome Deroy:

Jerome Deroy, CEO, Narativ

Jerome joined Narativ in 2007 after the founders, Murray Nossel and Paul Browde, handed him a shoebox full of notes and said, “We think there’s a company in here.” Jerome had recently left a position at BNP Paribas, Hong Kong, and came to New York to pursue a career in filmmaking. He jumped at the challenge—and transformed Narativ into the business it is today.

Through his storytelling work, he has come to understand the power stories have to share culture viscerally, in an engaging and lasting way.


 

Connect with Jerome and Narativ:

Check out the website and book a discovery call: https://narativ.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/narativ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromederoy/

Facebook:: https://facebook.com/narativ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narativ

 Book: Powered by Storytelling by Murray Nossel: https://narativ.com/book/


 

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy


 

Connect with Maria: 

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice

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