AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
If we help young people develop empathy throughout their educational journey, they can boost understanding, reduce bias, and nurture a culture of belonging and increased well-being. Of course, many of us adults need this, too! My guest today, Ed Kirwan, founder, and filmmaker of Empathy Week, is tackling the challenge for future generations so that maybe someday there won't be a need for empathy books like mine because this skill will be so ingrained in our consciousness, starting from a young age.
Today, Ed talks about his journey from teacher to filmmaker and how he discovered the power of film to expand minds and activate behavior in his own classroom. Now through Empathy Week, he leverages films to develop empathy and expose students to different cultures, lifestyles, and points of view so they can better collaborate and create belonging. If you are a parent, teacher, or administrator, please look into Empathy Week for your school. Enjoy the conversation!
Key Takeaways:
"It's about increasing the number of experiences and the diversity of those experiences. Where films and arts can be so powerful are with low-cost, scalable actions to change perspective and build empathy." — Ed Kirwan
Ed Kirwan, CEO and Founder, Empathy Week
Ed Kirwan is the CEO, founder, and filmmaker at Empathy Week - an award-winning global educational event and programme using the power of film to develop the skill of empathy.
Empathy Week has so far engaged over 140,000 students across 40 countries with a mission to build the #EmpathyGeneration. Having worked with Cambridge University, Empathy Week has proven that empathy can be developed and also help increase students' self-esteem whilst reducing othering and stereotypes.
Previously a teacher and Head of Chemistry in a North London School for 3 years, Ed also completed a Masters in Education and Leadership at UCL IOE. He then moved into a career of filmmaking and human-led storytelling.
Ed believes that in order to change the world we first have to understand the people in it. Empathy is the number one skill to develop and underpins other vitally important skills such as leadership, creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Whilst also being a catalyst for well-being and mental health, it is crucial to leading a better personal and professional life.
Connect with Ed Kirwan
Empathy Week Ltd: https://www.empathy-week.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdKirwan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-kirwan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathyweek/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathyweek/
Check out a trailer for Empathy Week - 2023's starts week of Feb 27!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8dMvssAkWo
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 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
Twitter: @redslice
Facebook: Red Slice
Achieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge
Book your free seat to Maria's masterclass here- https://bit.ly/4StepBrandStory