Shows
The Empathy EdgeOctober Hot Take: On My 54th Birthday, I Have Something to SayOn her 54th birthday, Maria gets personal, fired up, and a little cheeky. She shares the story behind her brand-new speaker reel - three minutes, eighteen years of work, and all the vulnerability that comes with watching your life’s mission condensed into a single video. Then she reads an open letter she wrote to toxic male influencers and leaders, on behalf of boy moms everywhere, about the kind of strength, integrity, and empathy we actually want our sons to see modeled in the world. Because true strength is not force; it is the cou...
2026-10-2114 minThe Empathy EdgeMaria and Rob: Is Empathy an Emotion, Skill, Interaction, or Choice?Maria Ross and Rob Volpe are back! Today, we talk about empathy like it's an emotion: something that washes over you, or doesn't. But what if you don't feel it? Does that make you bad at empathy?The science doesn't offer a tidy answer. Some researchers show empathy is deeply felt, sometimes so intensely it leads to burnout. Others argue it's a choice we make, turned up or down depending on who's in front of us and what it might cost us. And at least one prominent thinker says we'd be better off with...
2026-10-081h 00The Empathy EdgeHot Take: You Are Your Decisions, Not Your IntentionsWhile many leaders want to lead with empathy, they often fail to translate that desire into actionable decisions. Today, Maria discusses the distinction between intention and decision and highlights the importance of making–and committing–to those decisions that lead to tangible changes. She also emphasizes the urgency of making the most of the opportunities we have today, not waiting for what might change in the future. Finally, Maria challenges listeners to use their agency to be empathetic leaders and to act now, regardless of external circumstances. To access the episode transcript, go to www.T...
2026-08-1113 minThe Empathy EdgeWhat Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 6: The Whole Messy Thing We Want to ProtectIn a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge.Synthesis, Contradictions & What We Actually Want to ProtectRob and Maria started this subseries with a single question: What does it mean to be human? Six episodes later, we don't have a tidy answer. And that might be the most human thing of...
2026-08-0655 minThe Empathy EdgeWhat Does it Mean to Be Human? Ep 5: Morals, Ethics, and The Stories We TellIn a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge.Morality, Conscience, Storytelling & CommunityWhere does our sense of right and wrong actually come from? Maria and Rob trace the roots of human morality across three sources: evolutionary wiring that hardwired empathy for group survival, cultural transmission passed down through family and co...
2026-07-3057 minThe Empathy EdgeWhat Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 4: Dream Forward, Remember BackIn a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge. Aspiration, Hope, Free Will & the Future-Oriented MindHumans don't just live in the present. We imagine futures that don't exist yet, then try to build them, and we do it using the same neural machinery that lets us remember our past....
2026-07-2355 minThe Empathy EdgeWhat Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 3: Feeling EverythingIn a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge.Is being vulnerable and admitting mistakes part of being human? Antonio Damasio is a professor at USC, not Vanderbilt. We apologize for any confusion.Emotion, Empathy, Vulnerability & LoveHumans feel, and we feel in ways that are layered, contradictory, and im...
2026-07-1656 minThe Empathy EdgeWhat Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 2: We Know We're Going to DieIn a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries on The Empathy Edge.Mortality, Impermanence & Why It Drives EverythingWe may be the only species that lives with the conscious knowledge of our own death. Maria and Rob sit with an uncomfortable truth of human existence: that we are finite, and that knowledge shapes how we love, create, grieve, an...
2026-07-091h 05The Empathy EdgeWhat Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 1: The Aware AnimalIn a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge.Self-Awareness, Consciousness & the Brain That Knows ItselfWhat does it mean to be aware that you exist? In this first episode of the What Does It Mean to Be Human? subseries, Maria Ross and Rob Volpe dig into one of the most profound and surprisingly un...
2026-07-0247 minThe Empathy EdgeFebruary Hot Take: Leading Humans in a Hurting WorldIn today’s timely hot take episode in this heavy world, Maria discusses the importance of empathy in leadership during challenging times, emphasizing that emotional connection at work is crucial. She highlights how unaddressed employee emotions lead to disengagement and reduced performance, and offers 3 practical ways for leaders to connect with their employees, regardless of how high their discomfort with emotion.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why emotional connection at work isn’t a “nice-to-have”.Why avoiding emo...
2026-02-1013 minThe Empathy EdgePass the Gratitude, Not the Gravy, to Drive PerformanceIn today's Hot Take, Maria talks about gratitude as a practice and catalyst for empathy, collaboration, and well-being.Listen in as Maria discusses gratitude as a leadership superpower, mental health booster, and cultural glue. She dives into what true gratitude means, why we should be expanding our circles of thanks, and gives us the science behind the strategy of gratitude with practical tips for your own life. Throughout, Maria acknowledges the complex history of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of holding space for both its positive and negative aspects to deepen both our gratitude and...
2025-11-1116 min
The Summit PodcastPurpose isn't Free: What Does it Really Cost? With Maria OwusuSend us Fan MailWhat if the most expensive thing you’ll ever buy is your own purpose? That line sits at the heart of our time with Maria Owusu—The Purpose Doula Coach—whose story of service, surrender, and hard pivots challenges the easy narratives about calling. We open with where our friendship began: serving behind the scenes and discovering the quiet power of moving people from where they are to where they’re meant to be. From there, Maria lays out a bold claim: purpose isn’t missing; it’s muffled by noise, unhealed pain, and a cultur...
2025-10-0448 minThe Empathy EdgeDecember Hot Take: Empathy in Life AND at Work is Worth Fighting ForImagine a world where compassion is the norm. This is the world I'm trying to build with my work. In this final Hot Take episode of 2024, I talk about the importance of humanity, compassion, and empathy in all aspects of our lives and businesses and remembering those things that matter most as we go into 2025. With clear statistics from the 2024 Businesssolver State of Workplace Empathy report showing increased loneliness, toxic workplaces, and higher mental health challenges, it’s key that we fight against these negative trends by embracing our values, modeling them, celebrating them, and rewarding them in whatever sp...
2024-12-2418 minThe Empathy EdgeNovember Hot Take: Why History Needs Us to Be Empathetic Leaders Now More Than EverToday, I want to talk about something that’s been heavy on my heart: the importance of holding onto Real History as it’s unfolding, not just to understand today but to avoid repeating mistakes tomorrow. Lately, I have felt anxious about the world we’re building and the future we’re leaving for our kids. When I look at what’s happening, I can’t help but think about the role models I want my son to emulate. It’s not just about those leaders at the highest levels. We can be leaders even if we don...
2024-11-1212 minThe Empathy EdgeSeptember Hot Take: It's Finally HERE!“For all the bold leaders embracing a more human-centered approach and performing at the highest levels, your choices impact and influence your colleagues, families, and communities, that's a win for us all.” This is just a small snippet from the dedication of The Empathy Dilemma which is out today! I am so excited to share this book with all of you who have been with me as listeners to this podcast and during this journey. Listen in to find out how you can get your hands on the book, whether one copy or hundreds of copies, and to find out...
2024-09-1015 minThe Empathy EdgeAugust Hot Take: Joy as a Performance CatalystOnly 1 month away from the birthday of The Empathy Dilemma! I am so excited to share with you the last pillar today - joy. What the heck does joy have to do with empathy or high performance? Well, joy is where many leaders get stuck. When we talk about joy at work, it means ensuring people enjoy their work, encouraging work friendships, and creating a thriving culture, even when the work itself is challenging. Today, I break down how joy benefits teams and leaders, ways you can incorporate intentional joy into your organization every day, and give key strategies...
2024-08-1315 minThe Empathy EdgeJuly Hot Take: How Thoughtful Decisiveness Shows Your Team EmpathyToday we're diving into Pillar Four of the 5 Pillars of Effective Empathetic Leadership featured in the new book coming September 10, The Empathy Dilemma - Decisiveness. Yes, factoring in various viewpoints is the way forward for empathetic leaders - and enables us to see more opportunities and avoid more risks. But we must combine that with swift and decisive action to make a call. Leaving your people in limbo or avoiding difficult conversations is unkind. And leaves your people paralyzed, unsure of what to believe, do, or expect next. In ou...
2024-07-0917 minThe Empathy EdgeNovember Hot Take: How Gratitude Leads to EmpathyThe reports are in. Unless you've been living under a rock, you are hearing more and and more about how having an attitude of gratitude enhances our lives - and our performance. In this November Hot Take episode, Maria shares about how embracing gratitude will not only strengthen your empathy, but how it can help you to improve your life. To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:Despite the misinformation surrounding the Thanksgiving season, it is so valuable to...
2023-11-2106 minThe Empathy EdgeOctober Hot Take: Why We Need Empathy NOWYou may not know this, but you possess a superpower. One that helps you connect and engage with almost anyone and become a stronger leader, create a thriving culture and build business value. And the great news is, this superpower is innate to us as humans. But sometimes, for some of us, well, the power atrophies - but it can intentionally be strengthened if you know how.It's called empathy. Today Maria shares how she discovered this superpower not only to make our world better, but how it drives org...
2023-10-2412 minThe Empathy EdgeAugust Hot Take: Why Connecting Through Story Works So WellWe are too often sleepwalking through our lives. Rushing from here to there, where people we come in close contact with become mere extras in the screenplay of our day. But what if you could take some time and find a way to connect with someone over a shared joy, or frustration, or cool coffee drink - or gaudy pink flamingo earrings? What if you could do this with the people you see and interact with every day - your co-workers? To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.c...
2023-08-1512 minThe Empathy EdgeMay Hot Take: Words Matter AND Words Can DivideWords matter. As a brand storyteller, I have emphasized this in my work with clients. They can be used to provoke or unite us. To inspire or anger us. They can be used as peacemakers or weapons. You can just turn on the news or listen to political talking points to see this in action. In our highly charged politicized world, and the challenge of ever-changing language, it can be difficult to keep up with what is the current acceptable word and what, just a few years ago, is now no longer socially acceptable to say. But it...
2023-05-1611 minThe Empathy EdgeApril Hot Take: How to Engage Your Dream Customers With EmpathyPorsche and Honda both make cars. They do NOT have the same brand story. They are not selling to the same people. Customers buy from them for very different reasons - not simply "because I need a car." Your business, no matter what industry you are in, needs to understand this.People often ask me, "How the heck did you, as a brand strategist, come to now be an empathy advocate, author, and speaker?" And I tell them the truth: Empathy has been the success secret of my marketing career.Marketers get this. You can't...
2023-04-1111 minThe Empathy EdgeMarch Hot Take: Leaders, Do You Understand the Assignment?Leaders today need to understand the assignment. And it's no longer about telling people what to do like a ruler from on high, filling out paperwork, or even getting a cushy office. Unless your WFH space is decked out and super-glam.So I ask you: Do you fully understand the assignment….or are you working off an outdated model of the skills you need to be a successful leader? Key Takeaways:Foster collaboration - diversity enables your organization to look at challenges from every angle without missing anything. And it enables the bes...
2023-03-2109 minThe Empathy EdgeFebruary Hot Take: Why Can't We Do Business With Love?Think about your organization's values for a second. I bet you have values such as integrity, honesty, innovation, or others that are similar. Maybe you have something like, Take Risks, or Customer Obsession, or even Embrace Curiosity. But do you have the word "love" anywhere on that list? Does even saying that in a business context make you feel a bit nervous?While it's Valentine's Day season and we're talking about love in all its forms this time of year, I bet you never thought about including that word in any sort of business communications whatsoever except...
2023-02-1409 minThe Empathy EdgeDecember Hot Take: Who Do You Want to Be Next Year?It's already time to make space in your exceedingly full schedule to plan your goals for next year. So why does this happen to us, every year? I propose it's because we go about planning all wrong. We start with all the things we think we “should” want, rather than focus on what's already going right and setting intentions into motion that not only get us where we want to go, but give us more ease, flow, and clarity. Today,I share how you can set meaningful goals based on your values and some different ways...
2022-12-1308 minThe Empathy EdgeHot Take: Empathy for the Real Story of ThanksgivingAs we slide into Thanksgiving here in the United States, I'm facing mixed emotions about this holiday as I get older and wiser. Now, don't get me wrong, I have a lot to be thankful for, but let's talk for a second about the myth of thanksgiving. From a traditional perspective, gathering with friends and family and reflecting on all we have to be grateful for holds comfort and joy. No matter how dysfunctional our communities or our families may be, many of us are able to come together on this holiday, to eat amazing food, watch the kids...
2022-11-2910 minThe Empathy EdgeEsther Weinberg: How to Grow, Scale, and Thrive Through Change You Never Asked For!We've been through some serious business and culture shifts the last few years. But this is the way things always are. If it's not COVID, it will surely be something else in the future. Remember, the only constant is change, even if you don't ask or plan for it. How can you examine, design and measure your organization's ability - and your own leadership ability - to build trust so you can more easily adapt to change and bring your people along?My guest today is Esther Weinberg, Founder and Chief Leadership Development Officer of The Ready Z...
2022-11-2253 minThe Empathy EdgeDavid Weissman: From MAGA to Jewish Liberal ProgressiveCan we ever bridge our political divides here in the US? Every day, things seem to get worse. We argue over guns, abortion, civil rights, and whether removing state secrets from the White House and locking them in your safe at home constitutes a crime. But what would happen if people on both sides could engage in meaningful dialogue? What if we all took personal responsibility to spot the lies by getting curious and doing our homework? Today, I got to talk to a Twitter influencer I've been following for some time now, David Weissman. David and I...
2022-10-2552 minThe Empathy EdgeHot Take: Why Change is Hard - and How to Transform Despite the PainToday, Maria is not messing around! Learn why change is hard, even when it's a good thing, and what you can do to break free of past habits. When infusing more empathy into your leadership, culture, or brand, you may face internal or external resistance - but that has nothing to do with whether you are going in the right direction or not. It's a sign of transformation.Hear how our brains work and why it is so painful to learn new skills and habits even when they benefit us. She shares what her brain injury recovery...
2022-10-1810 minThe Empathy EdgeDaniel Jahn: Racial Solidarity and the Psychology of RacismOh 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 d...
2022-09-1350 minThe Empathy EdgeAugust Hot Takes: How to Run Your Business With EmpathyWelcome 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...
2022-08-3018 minThe Empathy EdgeAugust Hot Takes: Why One Workshop Won't Fix Your CultureWelcome 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...
2022-08-2315 minThe Empathy EdgeAugust Hot Take: Why is Active Listening So Hard?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 wil...
2022-08-1614 minThe Empathy EdgeAugust Hot Take: What Is - and Is NOT - EmpathyWelcome 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.
2022-08-0912 minThe Empathy EdgeAmer Kaissi: Humbitious Leadership Equals SuccessOne 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 l...
2022-07-0535 minThe Empathy EdgeRich Hua: Starting an EQ Revolution at AmazonSo…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...
2022-06-1445 minThe Empathy EdgeAnn Latham: The Power of ClarityYou 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 or...
2022-06-0732 minThe Empathy EdgeRob Volpe: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a TimeWhat 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 t...
2022-05-2443 minThe Empathy EdgeBen Easter: Are You a Nonviolent Communicator? (You May Not Be!)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 w...
2022-05-1753 minThe Empathy EdgeRon Gura: How Technology Helps People Navigate Grief and LossEvery 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 f...
2022-05-1047 minThe Empathy EdgeAaron Hurst: How Technology Helps You Scale Empathy and Ignite EngagementHow 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...
2022-04-2637 minThe Empathy EdgeLeah Neaderthal: The Keys to Successful SellingAccording 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...
2022-04-1242 minThe Empathy EdgeJosh Levine: Building an Empathetic CultureWhat 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...
2022-04-0542 minThe Empathy EdgeCarrie Melissa Jones: Building Successful CommunitiesWhy 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 t...
2022-03-2940 minThe Empathy EdgeMichele Wucker: How "Risk Empathy" Impacts Team PerformanceDo 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 comin...
2022-03-2239 minThe Empathy EdgeMichelle Kaplan: How Poetry Can Boost Team Collaboration and TrustHow 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...
2022-02-2231 minThe Empathy EdgeRaman Frey: How to Incentivize Empathy and Community in a Capitalist WorldHow 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 acce...
2022-02-1546 minThe Empathy EdgePat Timmons: Empathy in Social Media MarketingWhat 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...
2022-02-0138 min
Jonni and Maria Go There!Welcome to Jonni and Maria Go There!Welcome to Jonni and Maria Go There! A show about opinions….yours and ours. Your voice matters so USE it.Who are we? We’re Jonni Ressler and Maria Ross. We’re two feisty redheads with fierce hearts and fiercer opinions. We’re both business owners, moms, part-time actresses, leaders and spouses - and eager to use our work to make the world a better place. We aim high, make mistakes, get angry, laugh at ourselves and love to cry happy tears. This podcast is for big-dreaming, progressive women with goals, whether those are to adv...
2022-01-1105 minJonni and Maria Go There!Welcome to Jonni and Maria Go There!Welcome to Jonni and Maria Go There! A show about opinions….yours and ours. Your voice matters so USE it.Who are we? We’re Jonni Ressler and Maria Ross. We’re two feisty redheads with fierce hearts and fiercer opinions. We’re both business owners, moms, part-time actresses, leaders and spouses - and eager to use our work to make the world a better place. We aim high, make mistakes, get angry, laugh at ourselves and love to cry happy tears. This podcast is for big-dreaming, progressive women with goals, whether those are to adv...
2022-01-1105 minThe Empathy EdgeJerome Deroy: Why Stories Engage and InspireYour 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...
2021-12-0747 minThe Empathy EdgeMarc Champagne: How to Summon Your Personal SocratesWhy is it important to ask questions, of ourselves and of others? Well, if you’re been here at this podcast for a minute, you know that curiosity is the #1 trait of empathetic people. My guest today, mental fitness practitioner, Marc Champagne shares how we are all one question away from changing our lives. Today, we talk about Marc's obsessions with questions to get clarity, embrace intentionality, and explore possibility. We also talk about the Socratic Method and why you should care about the questions you ask - or don’t ask - in life and business. He shares some...
2021-10-2633 minThe Empathy EdgeSherianna Boyle: Why You Need an Emotional DetoxIt’s not healthy that we have numbed our feelings so much as a society simply because we can’t process them. This shows up in so many different negative ways, but actually impacts our business success. My guest today is on a mission to get millions of people feeling again and we’ll talk about the impact to your team’s success, your company’s ability to innovate and your capacity to operate at peak potential. Today, Sherianna Boyle and I discuss what an emotional detox is and why leaders and teams need it, how emotions can support, not detrac...
2021-10-1931 minThe Empathy EdgeHope Timberlake: Speak Up, Dammit!When you don’t speak out, the world misses out on what could be your game-changing idea, inspiring perspective or important cautionary tale. Too often women and underrepresented people are too afraid to speak up, share their authentic opinions and experiences, and actually make their organizations more successful. That’s a tragedy. Today, I speak with leadership communication expert and author Hope Timberlake about what speaking out and authenticity really mean and what holds even the most extroverted among us back from expressing our ideas. We discuss how empathy is the key to getting over some of those fears, and...
2021-10-1241 minThe Empathy EdgeIlana Ben-Ari: How the Empathy Toy is Changing the WorldAt what age did we lose our sense of play? What role does play have in boosting trust, collaboration, and creativity? A big role, it turns out. My guest today, Ilana Ben-Ari, says research shows we gain tremendous amounts of communication, collaboration, and empathy skills in kindergarten, but they then drastically decline as the education system demands more metrics and less play from us. Science shows us that the act of play fosters innovation, collaboration, and empathy - AT ANY AGE. Today, we talk about her path from empathetic design to running a company dedicated to boosting empathy and co...
2021-10-0538 minThe Empathy EdgeRoberta Matuson: Managing Difficult Conversations at WorkNothing requires empathy more than going into a difficult conversation at work - asking for a raise, telling a coworker they are not pulling their weight, or even delivering a less-than-stellar performance evaluation to an employee. You know it’s not a conversation they want to have and you steel yourself for a fight. Today, my guest, Roberta Matuson and I talk about these exact conversations and coach you through them! Roberta also shares her best tips on how to navigate those conversations and step up, even when it’s a conversation you’d rather avoid. Key...
2021-09-2836 minThe Empathy EdgeTamsen Webster: Great Stories are Empathy MachinesHave you ever thought about a story as a persuasive argument or as making a case? Because that is what a good story does - it moves us to think or act in a new way. There is a structure to every good story that inspires, ignites, and moves people to action, whether that action is to make a change, donate money, or invest in your product or service. Today, I talk with my guest, Tamsen Webster about her red thread strategy for great storytelling. We talk about why good storytelling is required if you want to move people...
2021-09-2145 minThe Empathy EdgeMinter Dial: How Being Yourself Makes You a Better LeaderBeing an effective leader requires you to be able to truly see yourself as you are - to know who you want to be, where you’re strong, and where you might fall down - and that requires hard inner work! In today’s episode, I had the great pleasure to talk to leadership, branding, and transformation expert, speaker and multiple award-winning author Minter Dial. We talk about the importance of empathy in being a leader, why everyone on your team is technically an individual contributor, what living through 9/11 in Manhattan taught him about perspective and knowing if you trul...
2021-09-1452 minThe Empathy EdgeKevin Perlmutter: When Emotional Motivation Meets Brand DesireWe like to tell ourselves that we make purely logical purchase decisions, but we’re human and we do not. Regardless of the type of business you are in, humans have emotional reactions to every single decision they make, whether they know it or not. Today, brand strategist, Kevin Perlmutter, and I discuss the brain’s limbic system, why marketers should care about it, and how to uncover your customers’ emotional motivation so you can create more compelling messaging and solutions. We also talk about good questions to ask (and which ones not to) and why you need to spend...
2021-09-0734 minThe Empathy EdgeMichael Ventura: How to Apply Empathy to Tough Business ChallengesHow do we apply empathy to solve tough business challenges? Taking the time to gather empathic insights might seem like it’s slowing you down, but doing so can actually help you solve the right problems, exceed your goals, and accelerate growth. In my conversation today with Michael Ventura, you will hear fascinating stories about how he creatively gathered empathic brand insights for clients like GE and Levi’s. Michael cites actual business improvement and market share growth by encouraging his clients to think creatively and take a risk in being willing to diagnose the larger context in totally uniq...
2021-08-3141 minThe Empathy EdgeDr. Adam Dorsay: How Ambition and Compassion Co-Exist for High-PerformersWhat can a psychologist who works with high-performers like Silicon Valley executives and professional athletes share with you about empathetic leadership? You’re about to find out from my guest, Dr. Adam Dorsa.! Today, we talk about the biggest reason ambitious leaders back away from empathy and if there are certain people who can never be empathetic. He’ll share breakthroughs his high-performing clients have had around embracing curiosity and empathy rather than falling back on “Suck it up!” as a leadership strategy. Dr. Adam also shares many psychological tenets that further point to empathy as a success strategy, and why...
2021-08-2439 minThe Empathy EdgeJamie Greenwood: Why Empathy for Others Starts with Compassion for YourselfEmpathy for others starts with empathy for yourself. Today’s guest, Jamie Greenwood, is going to break down exactly why this is true and how self-compassion makes you a strong leader. She reveals the truth about what self-care really means (and it is not what you think), why ambitious leaders resist self-compassion, and how that can have negative consequences for themselves and their teams. We also discuss the intersection of empathy, self-care and self-compassion, and how it affects you as an organizational leader and in your own personal relationships. Listen in as we break down exactly what self-care and se...
2021-08-1738 minThe Empathy EdgeSandy Thompson: How to Make People Fall in Love with Your BrandThe billion dollar marketing question: How do you make people fall in love with your brand? First step is that it requires you to understand your customer not as a “target” but as a real human being, with values, aspirations, and a life story. While data-driven insights are important, we need to move beyond traditional focus groups. My guest today, Sandy Thompson, shares her successful career in building connections between brands and customers by taking an innovative approach to research. Take a listen as Sandy shares some delicious stories about how her unique eXploring™ insights have led to brand and po...
2021-08-1034 minThe Empathy EdgeDennis Geelen: Are you Truly Customer-Centric? You May Not BeWhat does it really mean to be customer centric? It’s more than just polite customer service or occasionally asking customers what they think of you. It’s an ongoing mindset that is backed up by processes, structures, and tools to continue staying in lockstep with your customers - and engaging their input and needs to drive business decisions. My guest today, Dennis Geelen, shares his formula for customer centric success. We also discuss why some businesses have thrived during the pandemic while others have failed, why data and customer centricity are not the same thing, and tips to help...
2021-08-0327 minThe Empathy EdgeEvo Heyning: The Future of Virtual Connection and ExperiencesThe metaverse, virtual reality, immersive experiences - this is the future of how we connect. While some of you have embraced virtual connection this year, others have lamented the loss of empathetic connection. Today, I talk with Evo Heyning about creating immersive experiences and participatory spaces that leverage technology to foster more connection and collaboration than we’ve ever been able to imagine. Evo has been creating immersive experiences that bridge real and virtual worlds for more than 20 years, and today she shares her experience as we talk about metaverses and virtual worlds as ways to better connect, how we...
2021-07-2736 minThe Empathy EdgeHeather Hiscox: The Surprising Empathy Gap in Social Impact That Hinders ChangeWhen you think of empathetic organizations, you think of nonprofits and community organizations. Today, I talk with Heather Hiscox who discusses the need for those in the social impact space to embrace empathy so they can innovate, iterate, and better serve the communities they seek to benefit. We talk about how social impact organizations can apply design thinking and we tackle the mindset shift social impact leaders need to make from “creating for” to “creating with” their stakeholders. Finally we discuss how leaders of any sector can prepare for the journey of empathy and embrace vulnerability in order to understa...
2021-07-2034 minThe Empathy EdgeDaniel Murray: Embedding Strategic Empathy into Business ModelWhat is strategic empathy? It’s ensuring you embed empathy into your business model - operationalize it, reward it, model it, and hold others accountable. Just as with any other brand value, when you’re all talk and no action, you can never truly reap the benefits that empathy can bring to your team and organization. In this episode, Daniel Murray and I discuss just this topic. As one of the world’s leading experts in strategic empathy, Daniel reveals how you can embed empathy into your business model and we offer a not so gentle reminder about how brains...
2021-07-1349 minThe Empathy EdgeLisa McLeod: Selling with Noble Purpose to WinBeing a purpose driven organization is not just a nice-to-have, it actually leads to more revenue, higher performing teams, and better engagement and retention. When salespeople are able to reframe their thinking from how to simply “close more deals” to how they can improve a customer’s life, they find more success and more satisfaction and happiness in their work. In my conversation today with sales expert and author Lisa McLeod, we talk about why teams with a purpose beyond just “the money” actually make more money, how empathy makes you an assertive (not aggressive) salesperson, and articulating your purpose. L...
2021-07-0639 minThe Empathy EdgeDavida Ginter: How Leaders Can Avoid Burnout and Build Emotional ResilienceBurnout is costing us more than we think, but new research has emerged that shows empathetic leadership can help prevent burnout. My guest today, Davida Ginter, helps leaders and organizations prevent burnout so they can scale impact. We talk about how leaders can better sustain themselves and set boundaries to avoid burnout. We discuss how you can start building a practice of emotional resilience to better face adversity, and we bust some myths about empathy and self-care that could be getting in your way of success or even your physical health. Key Takeaways:W...
2021-06-2926 minThe Empathy EdgeNate Smith: Leading with Values, Recruiting with EmpathyHow does a company lead with their values and, as a result, achieve phenomenal success for itself and its customers? Today, I talk with Nate Smith, the CEO and co-founder of Lever, a leading talent relationship management solution that makes it easy for talent teams to reach their hiring goals and to connect companies with top talent. Lever leads by example by leading with their values, both internally and externally, Nate and I talk about how they have weathered the storm and come out stronger than ever over this past year and how the company’s value of “cross-functional empa...
2021-06-2238 minThe Empathy EdgePhil Preston: Profit with PurposeIs it really possible to balance purpose and profit? My guest, Phil Preston, the business purpose guide, talks about how it’s not only possible, it’s profitable! On today’s show, we discuss exactly what purpose is (and what it isn’t), and the criteria for a great purpose statement. We’ll talk about how modern business mindsets are evolving with some examples of how purpose-driven organizations benefit financially from a brand perspective, and how purpose leads to profit growth. Finally, we’ll discuss the first steps leaders can take to align profits with purpose. Sit back, enjoy, and take hea...
2021-06-0128 minThe Empathy EdgeMimi Nicklin: Softening the EdgesRight now, our interactions feel prickly and pointed so maybe it’s time to come back to our human roots and embrace humanity’s oldest leadership trait: empathy. That’s what today’s guest, Mimi Nicklin, has devoted her work to advocating. Mimi and I discuss what softening the edges means in practice and how empathetic leaders show up. We also talk about finding empathy across generations in the workplace, about balancing humanism with capitalism, and also how her diverse cultural experience has helped her find commonalities rather than differences across cultures. Key Takeaways:All cre...
2021-05-2535 minThe Empathy EdgeVal Ries: How to Be the Leader Everyone Wants to Work ForWhat makes a great leader? The leader everyone is dying to work with, the leader whose team is so engaged, motivated, and high-performing that others in the company wonder how the heck they make it happen? My guest, Val Ries, believes everyone can be that kind of leader - a leader who serves as Chief Inspiration Officer, no matter how big or small their team. In today’s episode, we discuss what exactly a Chief Inspiration Officer is and how to get there, and we talk about how to create microcultures for success. Val reveals a magic phrase for fl...
2021-05-1828 minThe Empathy EdgeJohn Lee Dumas: The Common Path to Uncommon SuccessSuccess is not easy; it's hard work. That might seem obvious, but many experts have made a fortune selling “secrets” to hungry entrepreneurs to make them think the road will be easy. While super rewarding, entrepreneurship is definitely not easy. No one knows this better than my guest, John Lee Dumas. Today, John and I talk about his first traditionally published book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success, about the REAL reason why entrepreneurs fail at a high percentage and how people have been lied to by online business “experts.” John shares lessons from over 3000 interviews with successful entrepreneurs, and lets...
2021-05-0623 minThe Empathy EdgeHolly Ruxin: Evolving the Finance Industry to Move Money with EmpathyWhen we think of empathy, we don’t often think of the finance industry. In fact, anything to do with money seems to be the antithesis to an empathetic way of doing business. My next guest is leading a revolution to change that and tells us how money was, actually, created to be empathetic. We’re talking today with Holly Ruxin who shares her very personal experience with seeing the impact on customers when an entire industry is not built for empathy, even when the people involved are very kind and compassionate. She gets real about why we don’t asso...
2021-04-2035 minThe Empathy EdgeAmy J. Wilson: Leadership’s Larger Duty and Avoiding Empathy Deficit DisorderHow do we even start creating a more empathetic society? Even more specifically, what is our own personal role and responsibility in enriching the world? These are just two of the questions that I talk about with my guest, community builder, innovation expert and author Amy Wilson on today’s episode. Creating a more empathetic society starts with all of us taking action, but it also requires leaders who understand and value this duty as well. If we want systems or organizations to change, we need to get innovative about new solutions and new definitions of power - b...
2021-04-1337 minThe Empathy EdgeDon Mamone: People First, Then ProfitIn today’s episode, I talk to Don Mamone, whose long career in hospitality instilled in him the importance of customer service and relationship marketing. Don and his wife, Emily, run a successful photography studio based on the people first, then profit philosophy. Throughout this episode, we discuss what people first, then profit really means, and practical ways in which you can implement it in your business. We talk about redefining profit and identifying how you measure your wealth. We also talk about the importance and the value of relationship marketing, as you create, build and scale your business, an...
2021-04-0629 minThe Empathy EdgeEdwin Rutsch: How “Empathy Circles” Can Change the WorldIn our world with so many diametrically opposed beliefs regarding politics, or policy, or religion, or anything else, is it possible to have too much empathy? Is it possible to connect with those who believe things that appear to be drastically different from our own beliefs? My guest today, Edwin Rutsch, and I talk about how the answer to what we need is, in fact, more empathy in the culture and more support for those practicing empathy. Edwin has created and rolled out a powerful framework for harnessing empathy and getting people from all walks of life to open...
2021-03-2339 minThe Empathy EdgeRobin Dreeke: Spycraft and the Leadership Code of TrustIf you’re curious to hear what spycraft, leadership, and building strong relationships have in common, keep listening. Author, speaker and former FBI agent Robin Dreeke used to recruit spies for a living so he knows how to create a relationship and build trust with all kinds of people! Today Robin and I talk about how to shift the focus from yourself to others, the 6 signs to predicting behavior and inspiring trust, and how to avoid manipulation in sales or leadership by understanding also the crucial difference between convincing someone and inspiring someone. Stay tuned for a refreshing take on...
2021-03-1648 minThe Empathy EdgeBronwyn Saglimbeni: The Art of "No Enemy" ConversationsDo you ever wish you were a communications rockstar and the kind of person who can persuade, inspire, delight, and motivate in any given situation? Well, my guest today will share how it’s not a magic trick or something you have to be born with - you can learn to be a great communicator and feel like you have developed a superpower. On the show today, Bronwyn Saglimbeni and I discuss the essential ingredients to being a great communicator, how empathy plays a pivotal role in being a superstar on stage, and how to have No Enemy conversations th...
2021-03-1031 minThe Empathy EdgeChristopher Melcher: Do Divorce Attorneys Have Empathy for Their Clients?Isn't it funny how we see certain professions as more empathetic than others? When you think of empathetic jobs, health care workers, counselors, or teachers come to mind; when you think of jobs that may result in a lack of empathy, you may believe that it could be a tax attorney, or someone that works for the IRS, or perhaps a divorce lawyer. Well, my conversation with today’s guest, Christopher Melcher, is going to shatter your myths about the importance of empathy in his success as a top divorce attorney in California. Christopher shares with us about the im...
2021-03-0935 minThe Empathy EdgeGina Hortatsos: Empathy as an Inside-Out Advantage for Market SuccessMore and more, companies are learning that simply bragging about features and functions is not enough. Customers, especially those in the younger generations, want real value and a brand and story they can believe in. Today’s guest, Gina Hortatsos, is one of the modern marketing leaders that know how to make time to stay connected to the changing customer needs, even under constant pressure. In our conversation today, Gina shares how an empathetic, authentic culture attracted her to the company she is with now and how they continue to leverage those values for positive leadership and a high pe...
2021-02-0239 minThe Empathy EdgeLeRon Barton: Why Telling Your Story Encourages More EmpathyWe all have a platform and we all have a story. What many of us don’t realize is the power that is in our stories and in our vulnerability. All of our stories matter and there are so many different ways in which we can tell our stories. Today, I get to have a conversation with LeRon Barton, an author, a speaker, and an essayist whose topics cover racism, mass incarceration, politics, gender, and dating. As we discuss his story, we spoke about why many diversity and inclusion programs don’t work, why it is important to share your...
2021-01-2648 minThe Empathy EdgeKaren Catlin: How to be a Real AllyAllyship at work is how each and every one of us, on an individual level, can support and empower underrepresented groups to ensure everyone can thrive at work - and that only leads to more goodness for the company. Today, author, speaker, and inclusive workplace expert Karen Catlin and I discuss how to be a real ally, what allyship means, and a shocking new way to look at privilege in your life. She shares practical tips on how to be an ally in your everyday interactions, thus creating a more engaged, inclusive workplace. Key Takeaways:
2021-01-2132 minThe Empathy EdgePatrick Morrissey: How Empathy Leads to Sales and Marketing SuccessToday I have a great conversation with Patrick Morrissey, whose previous and current experience gives him an insight into how empathy can lead any sales and marketing team to success. In this episode, we talk about how empathy is a success trait in marketing and sales, what role it plays in effective storytelling, and how empathy is required to adapt to your customer’s changing needs, as well as how marketers can leverage empathy to more effectively support salespeople. He also shares how to flip the model of selling to one that is more customer-centric, and what executives need to...
2021-01-1936 minThe Empathy EdgeRodney Hutton: Authentic Leadership, Honest Dialogue, and Taking a Brand StandIn today’s episode, I have the opportunity to speak with brand leader and CMO Rodney Hutton. In his 25 years of experience with some of the world’s most notable brands, he has honed his full expertise in business management, design, merchandising, creative development, and global marketing strategies. Rodney shares his unique journey into leading some of those global brands, and how he has done so through honest conversations with his team regarding business, crisis, and race. We discuss why brands can take a stand and do the right thing, and the difference between being “political” and simply being humane.
2021-01-0548 minThe Empathy EdgeAlessandra Cotugno: Humanize Your Data to Reveal EmotionsData-driven leaders, tune in to today’s episode! We don’t often think about creativity as being integral to the role of data analysis, but it is. Today, I talk with Alessandra Cotugno, a global brand strategist and an advocate and pioneer of humanizing data to identify behavioral change. She believes that the data speaks to us if only we ask the right questions. She also explains that to hear what it has to say, a data analyst needs to be both creative and empathetic to uncover the unconscious Why. She has amazing insights into these topics and more for...
2020-12-1534 minThe Empathy EdgeMarty Neumeier: The Key to Good Marketing and Brand DesignIn today’s episode, I have an amazing conversation with one of the true leading brand innovators in the industry - Marty Neumeier. Marty has worked with so many innovative companies to advance their brands and culture and written many books on the topic that I, and millions of others, have fallen in love with. With empathy being such a strong thread through everything he talks about, we discuss the role of empathy and good design in creating a charismatic and authentic brand. Key Takeaways:You have to have empathy for your audience - but...
2020-12-1136 minThe Empathy EdgeKristen Elliott: Living Your Brand Values No Matter the CostGear up for this sneak peek into the mind of marketing leader Kristen Elliott, VP of Marketing for Eddie Bauer and how she encourages creativity and makes tough decisions. In this episode, Maria and Kristen talk about how a global brand thrives while still maintaining its values and how to stay connected, both as employees and with their customers, even during this time of physical separation. They also explore how Kristen’s passion for her work as an end-of-life doula translates over into her role at Eddie Bauer in embracing the “soft skills” to connect and create in an honest...
2020-11-2440 minThe Empathy EdgeSusan Hunt Stevens: The ROI of Psychological SafetyThe ability for you to be you at work and feel like that is respected, valued, and appreciated. That is psychological safety. While not always talked about or viewed as important, psychological safety is one of the key factors in building a high-performance team and company. More importantly, it is the key to activate your employees to align and buy into your company’s purpose and mission. In this episode, Maria and Susan discuss these and other crucial factors encompassed in the intersection of empathy and psychological safety. Key Takeaways:An organization truly comes alive...
2020-11-1748 minThe Empathy EdgeIan Bentley: Conscious Consumerism Meets Conscious Brands for the WinIn this episode, Maria and Ian discuss:Building a business out of empathy that is sustainable and serves the community. The growing trend of conscious consumerism and making it a priority in your business.Parker Clay’s mission and how it is helping to attract the right customer and keep them loyal. Key Takeaways:There is no business without people - they make your business. As consumers, we should champion the brands that are really working hard to celebrate the value of people and make a beautiful product, because both can exist together.The more t...
2020-10-2745 minThe Empathy EdgeRenee Metty: Why Mindfulness Makes You A Better LeaderIn this episode, Maria and Renee discuss:What mindfulness is, how it fits into your busy life, and why it matters. The link between mindfulness and empathy.Practical skills you can use to practice presence.Why there is a strong correlation between teams and leaders that operate with mindfulness and how they perform, innovate, and collaborate. Key Takeaways:One of the benefits of mindfulness is that it brings a level of awareness to the world around you. Without that awareness, you can’t take action and you can’t do anything about it. You cannot...
2020-10-2244 minThe Empathy EdgeKara Goldin: On Undaunted LeadershipIn this episode, Maria and Kara discuss:Why Kara calls herself an “accidental entrepreneur.”How to stay close to customer needs as your business grows. Kara’s new book, Undaunted, and what she hopes aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders will take from it.Building a profitable growth company while still maintaining integrity. Key Takeaways:Social media is a constant way to gain insight from your consumers, far better than any focus group. Stay active, stay connected, use it as a communication tool with your client. There is power in being an individual on social media. When employ...
2020-10-1351 minThe Empathy EdgeKathy Klotz-Guest - Trust, Improv, & Humor for a More Innovative CultureIn this episode, Maria and Kathy discuss:Creating an environment of trust in the workplace and why it matters. How to use improv techniques to enhance innovation and creativity.Using comedy and improv to create a safe space. Key Takeaways:When trust goes up, humor goes up, and when humor goes up, trust goes up. It’s a virtuous cycle! If we are not hitting that minimum viable culture of safety, you will never get to the good stuff - ever. Trust is both a short-form improv game and a long-form improv game - you're...
2020-10-0645 minThe Empathy EdgeCory Custer: How a Compassionate Culture Leads to SuccessIn this episode, Maria and Cory discuss:What a compassionate culture looks like and finding the passion in compassion. What a Director of Compassion is and how that benefits an organization. How you can hire for empathy so that a compassionate culture can take root. Key Takeaways:Empathy and compassion are innate to humans and can always be improved, even if they were conditioned out of us. It's so clear that this is our natural state, and we need to get back to it.Younger talent generations are demanding a compassionate culture and environment in...
2020-09-2240 minThe Empathy EdgeKim Bohr: How Empathy Leads to Operational ROIIn this episode, Maria and Kim discuss:How empathy at senior levels of leadership drives operational performance. Why being curious as a key leadership success factor. A three phase approach to running empathetic meetings where everyone can thrive and, yes, work can actually move forward. Key Takeaways:Clear, deliberate, constructive feedback is empathetic. Be detailed in your praise of your coworkers and employees. By giving those specifics, those actions and results can be replicated. Getting curious allows you to take advantage of the unique and interesting insights and varying perspectives of your team and those...
2020-09-1531 minThe Empathy Edge5 Ways Empathy Benefits Your Bottom LineIn this episode, Maria discusses:5 benefits empathy brings to your leadership, business, and brand.The costs of disengagement and the benefits of engaged employees. Engaging with Millennials and Gen-Z. Key Takeaways:Empathy has been shown to have a direct impact on everything from customer loyalty to innovation to profits.When we really understand our customers from a three-dimensional level, we can then understand the context of where our products and our services fit in.What gave employees the edge was that they exhibited collaboration, empathy, communication skills, and that took them farther faster.
2020-09-0920 minThe Empathy EdgeSteve Hartman: Why Data is EmpathyIn this episode, Maria and Steve discuss:Technology for a purpose, not just for technology’s sake.Why data tells a story and this requires empathyExcellent models of leadership with bottom-line success through empathy.Habits and tips to maintain an empathetic mindset.Key Takeaways:Data is more than being cold, hard, and analytical. What you're really trying to do is get this data to tell a story and get it to provide a perspective. The stories and the insights that you get out of it are really where the magic happens.Being able to...
2020-08-1851 minThe Empathy EdgeWhat is Empathy?In this episode, Maria discusses:What empathy is and how it can be leveraged by brands, leaders, and teams. The soft skills that allow us to create bottom-line benefits for organizations. Connecting with your clients and motivating your team through empathy. Key Takeaways:Empathy takes two forms - affective empathy and cognitive empathy. It is a method of perspective - of gathering information and then using that information to inform a decision or an action.If you've cultivated your own confidence and are secure enough in your own skills and ability, you are much mor...
2020-08-1815 minThe Empathy EdgeWelcome to The Empathy Edge with Maria RossWelcome to The Empathy Edge podcast. On today's show, host Maria Ross walks you through what this podcast is all about, why leaders, marketers, and changemakers should tune in each week and what you can gain from each episode. She'll also give you a sneak peek into why she even wrote a business book about empathy - and how her research was a refreshing surprise about how leaders and brands are succeeding with empathy.
2020-08-1212 min