The Empathy Edge Sara Dean: What Moms and Caregivers Need from the Workplace
Caregivers in general, be they moms, dads or those caring for elder parents, are struggling at work right now in very specific ways. What can workplaces do to support them and see things from their point of view? Empathy combined with action will ensure you don’t lose top talent, but instead enable them to thrive and help your company succeed.
Today I have the utter joy to talk with Sara Dean, who knows a thing or two about moms and the many hats they wear at work and home. We talk about where exactly empathy is lacking for caregivers and what workplaces can do to better adapt and support them. Then, we switch gears to discuss the best ways to teach your kids empathy and share our personal journeys with our own kids so they can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences.
Key Takeaways:
- If the Corporate world gave all parents permission to be the default parent, we would better understand that everyone needs certain exceptions during certain seasons of their life and it would no longer be looked at unkindly or as weird when a mom needs to feed a baby during a meeting.
- While workplaces are getting better because of the increased focus on DEI, corporations still need to look at the other identities that are carried by the people in their organization, visible or invisible, that they need to be making space for.
- There are ways to discuss race with children, as young as 2 or 3, that are age appropriate and healthy. These small conversations will lead to children being inquisitive and wondering what it’s like to live someone else’s experiences and lead with empathy.
"We are all caretaking in really big ways right now. It ‘s important that we recognize the toll that it takes, and then create space for everyone's ‘One disappointment away from breaking.’" — Sara Dean
About Sara Dean, Creator and Host, Shameless Mom Academy Podcast
Sara Dean is a mindset, business and leadership coach. She is also the creator and host of the Shameless Mom Academy Podcast, a top rated podcast with almost 4 million downloads. Sara’s biggest passion is helping women own their space. After enduring her own identity crisis following the birth of her son, Sara took her background in psychology/health/ wellness and rebuilt her identity, one step at a time. Sara motivates and inspires women to stop shrinking and start shining. She is on a mission to inspire women and moms, in particular, to live bigger, bolder, braver #everydamnday.
Sara serves women through her podcast, her thriving Momentum Mamas membership community, her Tenacious Mamas business & leadership mastermind and her annual event, Shameless Mom Con (coming this spring!)
When she’s not supporting Shameless Moms, you’ll find Sara with her husband and 8 year old son - building Legos and pretending to understand Minecraft.
Connect with Sara Dean:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamelessmom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/115233012688776
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamelessmomacademy/
Podcast: https://shamelessmom.com/
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: HOPE TIMBERLAKE
Our guest today is all about helping women shine. But lots of you may feel like you don’t have a voice at work. While I’ve never been told I have a problem speaking up, the truth is that even as an extrovert, I’ve had moments of fear and discomfort in expressing myself. Maybe I was too junior, or the only whatever in the room, or had an unpopular opinion. We can all relate to those times.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you follow the rules, complete assignments, or feel comfortable when you’re prepared.When it comes time to contribute, maybe you lose focus or get interrupted. Or like me, you fly off course and start rambling! Or maybe people overtly intimidating you, making you feel like you don’t have a voice.
I want you to know: You have a lot to contribute and your workplace - heck, the WORLD- needs your input. Studies show that diverse viewpoints make for smarter and more successful business decisions.
One way to find your voice is to check out Speak Up, Dammit! How to Quiet Your Fears, Polish Your Presence and Share Your Voice, the newest book by Hope TImberlake.
Hope is a speaker, trainer and author who focuses on leadership communication. She’s passionate about persuasive messaging, executive presence, and elevating the voices of women and those underrepresented in leadership.
This book is for you if you have a hard time sharing your ideas when:
- You’re challenged or ignored
- You’re the most junior person in the room, and haven’t yet established credibility
- You’re worried your contributions will sound stupid.
- You don’t feel prepared
- The stakes are high
- Or, you’re the only one in the room who looks like you,
In Speak Up, Dammit! you’ll find inspirational stories, critical tools, lessons,and exercises that will help you, at any level, overcome obstacles and share your voice at work.
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Hope’s philosophy is focused on empathy. We have so many self critical thoughts inside our heads, and if you take that energy and push it outward, you’l be able to meet your listeners where they are.
Have the impact you’ve always wanted to have. Buy the book today at www.HopeTimberlake.com or at your favorite bookseller. And if you want to help your teams confidently share their voices, get a seat at the table, and sound credible, please visit www.HopeTimberlake.com and click on the Speaking tab to learn more about what Hope can deliver to your team.
The world needs what you have to offer. Speak now, and don’t forever hold your peace!
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