Taryn Voget: How to Activate Your Genius through Empathy

Jan 14, 2025

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Can genius and empathy coexist or are we doomed to put up with tortured, erratic leaders to find breakthroughs? People cite examples of temperamental, even bullying, genius leaders who create toxic workplaces and use their ability to unlock innovation as an excuse for their damaging behavior. My guest today, Taryn Voget, debunks this myth, shows us what genius is all about, and how empathy serves as a catalyst for genius.

Today we discuss what genius is and why it's not simply about being born with it. Taryn shares the link between genius, spirituality, and empathy - and some unique ways leaders have leveraged empathy to achieve innovative insights. She shares how genius actually works and offers you tips on how to enhance your and your team's genius in the workplace. You will leave today's episode inspired to embrace and cultivate your own genius.

To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com

Key Takeaways:

Genius is a verb, it is not something you can measure on a test.
Effective engagement and genius happen when you try to see things from the other person's point of view and address those goals, fears, needs, expectations, and aspirations.
Are you excited as a leader? The energy you bring will be the energy that the team feels. If you’re not operating from excitement, how can you expect your team to be?

"Genius is activated through excitement, because that is the driving engine that creates continuous improvement, getting better over time." — Taryn Voget

Episode References:

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Empathy Edge podcast: Denise Roberson: Mistakes Leaders and Boards Make When Thinking About Purpose

From Our Partner:

SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.

Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.

About Taryn Voget: Founder, EveryDay Genius

Taryn Voget is a leading expert on genius and the founder of Everyday Genius, a media and education company that unpacks the strategies of genius from the world’s top minds. Through her engaging and relatable videos and podcast, Taryn shares these strategies with actionable insights that help people fast-track their growth and unleash their genius.

Known for her dynamic talks on genius, innovation, passion, purpose, and business, Taryn inspires audiences to think bigger and aim higher. She’s the author of six books on the strategies of genius (plus a memoir!) and works with individuals and organizations to uncover and amplify their unique genius.

Taryn's clients include industry giants such as SpaceX, Disney, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gap Inc., Genentech, and many more.

Connect with Taryn:

Everyday Genius: everydaygenius.tv

Taryn Voget Consulting: tarynvoget.com

X: x.com/tarynvoget

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarynvoget

Facebook: facebook.com/tarynvoget

Instagram: instagram.com/tarynvoget

YouTube: youtube.com/@tarynvoget

Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com