Ed Locher, a seasoned executive with over 25 years in tech and cybersecurity, joins Claire Hayek for a raw, honest conversation about emotional intelligence, feedback, and what it really takes to grow as a leader.
Ed shares how one moment—being told he had no empathy—pushed him to shift from reactive defensiveness to self-reflection. Claire adds brain-based tools around the Default Mode Network and how language becomes a mirror for what the brain repeats. Together, they break down why empathy is a trainable skill and why humility under pressure is a leader’s greatest unlock.
Topics Covered:
Timestamps (HH:MM):
00:00 – Cold open: “You have no empathy”
02:00 – Ed’s background + what happened in that pivotal moment
04:30 – Claire explains DMN and brain loops during stress
06:00 – Performance vs. presence in leadership
09:30 – Ed on managing internal resistance and staying grounded
12:00 – Words as neural commands + the RAS
15:00 – Vulnerability vs. control: Ed’s learning curve
18:00 – Listener challenge: Tune into your reactive phrase this week
20:00 – Closing reflections + connect with Claire
Mentioned Resources:
The NeuroLeadership Edge Podcast is produced by Claire Hayek. All opinions are those of the host and guests. For more leadership resources, visit www.mspteambuilding.com.
