Lighthouse Leadership Consultants Founder Kristi Straw shares what really makes the leadership difference: it all starts with empathy and honesty. "Do not water yourself down just because the truth is hard to swallow. And then I added on to it, yeah, they can choke." Culture is either an accelerant or literally sabotages long term success. Empathy isn't soft. It's strategic, profitable and the competitive advantage you may be ignoring.