In this episode, Maria and Steve discuss:

• Technology for a purpose, not just for technology’s sake.
• Why data tells a story and this requires empathy
• Excellent 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 start from common ground and build back up is where you're able to really pull that empathy out
• It exponentially helps you be more successful when you are empathetic and compassionate and get to know people on a real level, and then you can be as ambitious and competitive as you want to be as a result.

"We need to just say ‘hi’ and get to know people and for them to feel like you're a real person as well as their leader...the empathy, that connection, leads to some of the greatest outcomes." —  Steve Hartman

About Steve Hartman: Steve Hartman is an investor and advisor, and a seasoned executive with a unique mix of extensive experience across eCommerce, marketing, analytics, and technology.  He is an inspirational leader with a long track record of success in building and inspiring strong global teams and cultures, driving transformational organizational change, and delivering outstanding business results.

Steve has a broad range of industry experience across omni-channel retail, technology, storage, and financial services.  Most recently he was the President and Chief Growth Officer of Windsor Fashions, a women’s specialty retailer with over 190 stores in the US.  Formerly, he was CMO & SVP Ecommerce at Eddie Bauer, Managing Director of Ecommerce and Marketing at Urban Outfitters, SVP of Marketing at CubeSmart, and the Senior Director of eBay Partner Network.  He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and dual MBAs from Columbia University and Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.

Connect with Steve:

Steve’s LinkedIn: Steve Hartman

Steve’s Instagram: @shartman32

Keep It Local Seattle: KeepItLocalSeattle.org

Keep It Local Seattle on Instagram: @keepitlocalseattle

Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Buy The Empathy Edge on Amazon! www.bit.ly/empathyedge

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

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Twitter: @redslice

Facebook: Red Slice