Why True Leadership Starts with Loving Yourself, with Espree Devora

What does it take to build a real community in a world that rewards hustle over humanity?

Espree Devora has spent over a decade answering that question.

She’s the founder of We Are LA Tech and host of Women in Tech, where she’s spent thousands of hours connecting entrepreneurs, creators, and founders (and learning the hard way what it means to lead with empathy).

In this episode, Healey Cypher sits down with Espree to explore the science and soul of connection. From raising venture capital with no introduction to Sequoia, to learning the power of boundaries, breathwork, and burnout recovery, Espree shares how to build communities that last, starting with yourself.

You’ll hear:

- Why community is a human survival tool, not a marketing strategy

- The simple mindset shift that made Espree fall in love with herself

- How to set boundaries without shutting people out

- Why “curious compassion” can fix almost any conflict

- The real reason most founders burn out

- What Tony Hsieh taught her about culture and core values

- How to build belonging without losing yourself in the process

This conversation is equal parts tactical and deeply human. It’s about self-worth, leadership, and why the most successful communities are built on something simple but radical: love.

🎧 Listen now to this episode of Don’t Be a Jerk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Follow along for more conversations on empathy, leadership, and the art of human connection:

@healeycypher | @dontbeajerkpodcast