The Empathy Edge

In today’s climate, where DEIB efforts are under attack, smart organizations know that embracing diverse perspectives leads to better decisions, stronger innovation, and thriving teams. Today, I’m thrilled to talk with Asheli Mann-Lofthouse about how to build and sustain impactful DEIB efforts—whether you’re just starting or already well along the journey.We dive into how DEIB differs between nonprofits and for-profits, why the ultimate goal is to make DEIB programs obsolete, and what’s needed at every stage—budget, buy-in, ROI, and more. Asheli also breaks down the difference between sponsors and allies, how cis white individuals can spark change in spaces where representation is low, and why your team’s culture matters more than their job responsibilities.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:DEIB isn’t going anywhere, no matter what the politics say. People are just getting creative in how they describe it, talk about it, and structure it.While allyship is important, sponsorship is equally important. The more diverse voices you have, the better business decisions you’re going to make. "We shouldn't need these elaborate structures and all these different ways to make sure we're being inclusive, because we should already be doing it. It should be holistically built into our system." —  Asheli Mann-LofthouseFrom 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 Asheli Mann-Lofthouse, President & CEO, Cultural Outreach and Racial Equity CollectiveAsheli Mann-Lofthouse is an Organizational Anthropologist who draws collectively from her afro-indigenous background and 15 years of DEI, human resources, and organizational development experience to lead the design and implementation of strategies that foster a culture of belonging and inclusion aligned with entity imperatives. With expertise in the development and execution of structured initiatives, Asheli empowers communities and organizations to break down systemic barriers, heal divisions, align value-driven priorities, and support diverse populations, allowing each individual to thrive. Her unique anthropological approach promotes awareness, allyship, and social justice by understanding holistic and diverse human experiences.Asheli is actively committed to contributing to social and organizational impact efforts in partnership with local, state, and federal organizations, educational institutions, non-profits, communities, and businesses from all sectors in need and has a proven track record of delivering results in equitable [and efficient] process and program management, research, evaluation, and organizational improvement through learning and leadership development. Asheli is a servant leader and lifelong learner, committed to understanding individuals from all perspectives, using anthropological and ethnographic methodologies to overcome barriers for those facing adversity.Connect with Asheli:Cultural Outreach and Racial Equity Collective NFP: core-collective.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/asheli-mann-lofthouseInstagram: instagram.com/core_collectivenfp Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

Self-awareness is the first pillar of effective empathetic leadership in The Empathy Dilemma. If you don't know what's going on for you, you will never be able to make room for empathetic leadership.I highly recommend working with a leadership or executive coach to guide you in this self-discovery process. But the world of coaching is like the Wild West, with so many people promising the moon, engaging in unethical tactics, and giving the industry a bad name.Today, my guest, Bridgette Boudreau, talks about effective coaching relationships and how to embrace empathy to get the results you want. We had a meandering and meaningful conversation about false confidence, tips to find and work effectively with a coach, red flags to avoid, and how to recognize certain behavior patterns that are stopping you from getting the results you want. We also talk about the coaching industry and how ethical, genuine coaches can lean into marketing and selling with integrity so the right clients can find them.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Try doing some changes internally and seeing what changes about the situation - everybody at work that we're disagreeing with is not the enemy. Don’t write off coaching forever if you have had a negative coaching experience.Vibes are important - if you are feeling in the flow, an openness, and like you're energetically on the same page, that's what you want in a coach.Take what you want and leave the rest. Be curious, try new things, and see what works for you. "Never give up your discernment. If something doesn't feel right, bring it up in the session. And if that doesn't feel safe, then that's not the right coaching relationship for you." —  Bridgette Boudreau Episode References: Three OG Coaches PodcastFrom 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 Bridgette Boudreau, Master Certified CoachBridgette Boudreau is a Master-Certified Coach and Business Consultant with a passion for helping people at midlife+ figure out what's next, small-scale entrepreneurship, and mentoring other coaches. Bridgette's coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and finding one's intrinsic motivation versus pushing or hustling. She acts as a strategic thought partner, providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients to grow. With over 16 years of coaching experience, she has developed the Mosaic Framework to help people create a fulfilling next act on their terms. Bridgette’s coaching style is like the love child of Bob Ross and Mary Poppins: She's going to love and encourage the hell out of you to do it your way, and you're going to get it done. Bridgette lives in Seattle with her partner Stephanie and their dog-son, Mr. Beverly Wiggins.Connect with Bridgette:Bridgette Boudreau Coaching: bridgetteboudreau.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bboudreauFacebook: facebook.com/bridgette.boudreauInstagram: instagram.com/bridgetteboudreau Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge.Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com.In today's always-on business culture, how can leaders cut through digital noise to regain mental clarity? Kim Bohr sits down with Timothy Swords, a mindfulness-focused executive coach who blends Harvard MBA-level acumen with over 2,000 hours of mindfulness practice. Timothy reveals how simple grounding techniques transformed executives from being the "scary person in the room" to creating harmonious relationships.This conversation explores why self-awareness might be more valuable than an MBA, how stress contagion undermines organizational performance, and why working beyond 50 hours delivers diminishing returns. Timothy shares practical "mindfulness hacks," including a grounding technique for meetings, plus how 10 minutes of practice increases self-awareness by 35%.Whether you're struggling with digital overwhelm, managing stressed teams, or seeking authentic leadership approaches, discover how mindfulness becomes a competitive advantage. Learn why emotions last 30 seconds unless we feed them with thoughts. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Mindfulness is "lucid awareness from paying attention on purpose in the present moment"A leader's emotional state directly impacts team performance through stress contagionWorking beyond 50 hours shows diminishing returns; 70-hour weeks produce no more than 55-hour weeksSimple grounding technique: Feel your feet on the floor during meetings to interrupt anxiety cyclesJust 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice increases self-awareness by 35% in 6-8 weeksAuthentic leadership starts with clarity on personal values aligned with organizational valuesTwo types of self-compassion: tender (being kind) and fierce (setting healthy boundaries) "An emotion on its own lasts like 30 seconds. But if you're feeding it with thoughts, it goes on and on—it gets worse and worse. If you want to do anger management, you've got to stop that cycle, because you're actually creating your own anger." — Timothy SwordsAbout Timothy Swords: Timothy Swords blends corporate acumen with mindfulness training to guide senior leaders in integrating mindfulness into decision-making and leadership effectiveness. His experience includes CFO and strategic transformation roles at Fidelity Investments, MUFG Union Bank, and PwC. Timothy holds an MBA from Harvard University and is a certified mindfulness instructor with over 2,000 hours of practice, including training with renowned teachers Jack Kornfield, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Sharon Salzberg.About SparkEffect: 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.Connect with Timothy: Website: MindfulLeadership-Coaching.com   Email: Timothy@MindfulLeadership-Coaching.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothyswordsFree Resources: mindfulleadership-coaching.com/free-videos Connect with Kim Bohr & SparkEffect:SparkEffect: sparkeffect.comCourage to Advance recording and resources:sparkeffect.com/courage-to-advance-podcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sparkeffectLinkedIn for Kim: linkedin.com/in/kimbohr Connect with Maria:Learn more about Maria's work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

Unhappiness at work causes poor performance, disengagement, mistakes, absenteeism, mental health issues, and ultimately poor customer experience and anemic sales.But defining happiness at work seems so squishy. Is the leader's job to make people happy? Garrett Delph looks at happiness the way I look at empathy - as an intentional business strategy that can be operationalized and scaled.Today, we talk about the causes of unhappiness in a business culture, why increasing happiness and decreasing stress are good for the bottom line, how clarity plays a huge role in engaging your people, and what it looks like from a process and operations point of view. He shares why culture is operational and that people need a structure that enables them to understand expectations, communicate easily and safely, and collaborate -  or they will just leave.  We had a great conversation about how empathy is linked to happiness and why it needs to be modeled and discussed from the top. Lastly, Garrett leaves you with two paths to take if you suspect your business could be more effective, so you can take the next right steps to improve results. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Clarity is a form of empathy at work - when we are clear, we help people avoid anxiety, stress, and confusion, which leads to greater happiness.You have to balance the load with your managers - if you don’t know what they are doing or who they are managing, you cannot understand where the workflow bottlenecks are.We are all needed for the business to function. And people need direction and instruction to ensure we’re all on the same page."As leaders, often we hire great people and we buy the lie ‘hire great people and set them free’ not realizing you can't do that, or you fail the people." —  Garrett DelphThe Empathy Edge Episode References: Dr. Tracy Brower: The Secret to Happiness at WorkBrent Lowe and Susan Basterfield: How Innovative Organizations Lead and Scale - No Managers RequiredSetting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny MeyerFrom 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 Garrett Delph, Founder & CEO, Clarity OpsGarrett Delph stands at the forefront of business transformational solutions for the new generation of leaders. He is the Founder and Chief Clarity Officer of Clarity Ops, LLC. A serial entrepreneur, he has established a track record of founding three successful international businesses that have collectively generated over $50 million in revenue. Garrett's new-generation business solutions are created for leaders who need faster, easier, and more profitable step-by-step ways for scaling businesses.Connect with Garrett:Clarity Ops: clarityops.coX: x.com/garrettdelphLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garrettdelph Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

As I love to say, empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a powerful tool for strategic and creative excellence.Joining me today is Vanya du Toit, the Associate Director for Wiedemann Lampe, a brand and business consultancy, who leads with empathy to drive brand transformation, team growth, and meaningful client partnerships.In this episode, Vanya shares how listening—truly listening is the foundation of successful brand strategy and how embedding empathy into both client work and internal culture unlocks innovation, better output, and stronger relationships. We discuss cultureful brands, regenerative economics, and a host of other important new concepts. We also dive into how their own agency is empathically designing their new studio space to support diverse working styles, rejecting the one-size-fits-all open office in favor of an environment where everyone can thrive.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:A brand is more than just the logo. A brand is how a customer interacts with every aspect of your company, which begins with listening and understanding.Listening is a key component of human respect. Listening builds trust and respect, which makes for a better relationship and better work. Honesty and directness are also empathy. You can have boundaries and give constructive feedback and still be empathetic. Lying is not empathetic. "Without that internal change, you cannot manifest external change. You can't get a team of unwilling employees to live and breathe your values and your vision and your mission." —  Vanya du ToitEpisode References: The Empathy Edge: Rebecca Friese: How to Build a “Good” CultureFrom 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 Vanya du Toit, Associate Director, Wiedemann Lampe:Vanya is the Associate Director for Wiedemann Lampe, a brand and business consultancy, and she has over 15 years’ experience leading client relationships and project management teams in brand strategy, brand development, and brand delivery projects. Their firm creates brands that shape, unite, and inspire the world – harnessing the unifying force of brand to bring people together and inspire change from the inside out, and clients include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, New York State Parks, Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, and more. She’s responsible for all commercial and operational aspects of the business, new business strategy and conversion, and the integration of new clients into project teams, ensuring that the right focus and resources are allocated for every client.Connect with Vanya:Wiedemann Lampe: https://wiedemannlampe.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanya-du-toit-1068b992/ Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

Where do empathy and compassion impact corporate profits, employee experience, and customer satisfaction? In healthcare, and yes, in your industry, no matter what it is, it starts at the local level, as my guest today shares.  Today, Geoffrey Smith and I talk about his journey as an employee experience professional in healthcare, but how he didn't really understand his work or purpose until he saw it through the patient's eyes during his wife's cancer battle, and how the power of human connection relates to patient and customer outcomes. Geoffrey shares why annual employee pulse surveys are not the most actionable, and instead create more continual feedback loops to identify high-performing leaders and teams at the local level so you can replicate their actions and achieve company-wide engagement. He offers practical examples of how busy leaders can check in with employees and achieve measurable results. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Innovation happens in big and small ways. You can change someone’s life with low-tech solutions that only require being present in the moment.Employee engagement is a local phenomenon. It's not an organizational metric, it's a team metric - where the work happens.Checking in with your employees weekly doubles the engagement of checking in monthly. Measuring team by team in real time will allow you to know where your teams are shining and where they are struggling. "Keep your eyes open and stay authentically present, because you never know when those small moments are going to change everything." —  Geoffrey SmithFrom 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 Geoffrey Smith, Chief Mo-ment OfficerGeoffrey leverages a diverse 25+ year career in Human Capital Management, specializing in employee engagement, leadership development, and culture change initiatives in the workplace.  His journey has ranged from working for the corporate industry leader to building his entrepreneurial start-up from the ground up. Currently, he supports innovative employee/patient/caregiver/human experience leaders, nurse and clinician entrepreneurs, and hospital administration, consulting them on modernized people and talent activation strategies to make a true impact on those who both provide and receive care.Geoffrey also hosts the Mo-ments of Experience podcast on the People Forward Network.  Inspired by his faithful 14-year-old beagle Mo, whose unwavering spirit and love lifted his family during challenging times, the Mo-ments of Experience podcast highlights the meaningful Mo-ments that shape us, move, and inspire us to pursue our purpose.Connect with Geoffrey:Mo-ments of Experience, LLC: mo-mentsofexperience.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geoffreypsmith Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

We have talked a lot on this show about the benefits of a diverse and inclusive culture and how it leads to outstanding business results. But did you also know how DEI helps your company manage risk and future-proof against churn, productivity loss, and potentially falling behind in the market?Today, you will hear one of the best definitions of DEI and how it enhances your organization. And the definition will leave you hungry for dessert!Vivian Acquah shares a very clear - and delicious - definition of DEI, how the strategies and mindsets ensure your organization manages risk effectively,  the financial costs you pay when you actively shy away from DEI, and an amazing look at how she uses virtual reality to help leaders truly understand what many in their organizations experience daily. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:While the term DEI has been vilified recently, DEI is just like the best carrot cake - every aspect of the ingredients, the cooking temperature, and all of the elements make it great.Company loyalty is no longer guaranteed just because you pay your employees. Partnering with, not overpowering, your employees gives you better, stronger, and longer-term results. What motivates you may not be what motivates your employees. We all have different motivators. "What I see happening now with the companies that are walking away, they are making a lot of short-term decisions that are going to impact them in the long run." —  Vivian AcquahEpisode References: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel PinkHelp Them Grow or Watch Them Go by Julie Winkel Giulioni and Beverly KayeTEDx: I've Lived as a Man and as a Woman: Here's What I Learned - Paula Stone WilliamsFrom 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 Vivian Acquah, Certified DEI TrainerVivian Acquah CDE® is a respected DEI executive known for creating inclusive workplace environments. Her strategic approach blends analysis and practical tools to address systemic barriers to equity and equality. Passionate about DEI education, she uses innovative methods like virtual reality for immersive and transformational learning. With engaging training, she drives cultural transformation and boosts employee engagement.Her name, which translates to 'water,' symbolizes her role as an extinguisher of DEI-related fires. Vivian provides tangible strategies for embracing inclusive changes, benefiting high-profile clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google, Indeed, Deloitte, TIBCO, Cargill, Swift, Acrolinx, KLM, and Zalando.Connect with Vivian: Amplify DEI: amplifydei.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vivianacquah Instagram: instagram.com/vivalavivenl Threads: threads.net/@vivalavivenl Enjoy this deal!Amplify DEI Cards Conversation starters for your team or other group to start down the DEI journey:  https://cards.amplifydei.com/amplify-dei-cards-bundle/ Get 10% off when you use code EMPATHY at checkoutConnect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

Given the country's political divide, we often hear that conversations are the key to empathy and connection. Which is true. But that also doesn't scale very well. One way to combat this is to correct dangerous political misperceptions and help us find more overlap. In fact, a Hidden Tribes study shows that 85% of Americans are more similar than we think.Today, James Coan explains the Perception Gap and how it forces us to see each other as threats rather than with compassion. This applies to the workplace as much as politics. He talks about why conversations are great, but indirect interceptions also help close this gap and bring us together. This includes More Like US's work in education, journalism, and the arts to portray each other in a more accurate light. James also shares some advice for creatives and creators on how they can help. The work is intriguing and frankly, makes a lot of sense - and it can be used by corporate leaders as well. This conversation could not be more important right now, so please learn more about their work and take a listen. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Books, movies, and other media that feature characters who are “not like us” are not there to convert your children; they are there to expose people to different experiences and lives for better understanding. We're never going to be able to tap into the conversations and the empathy of listening to one another until we realize that we're closer than we think we are.People who feel threatened, especially to their safety and security, are more open to authoritarian tendencies. By focusing on the desire for atypical leadership, people are able to work better together rather than fight.  "Every day Americans tend to be more similar ideologically than fellow Americans tend to realize. An average Democrat or Republican will agree on more and are less extreme than people realize." —  James CoanEpisode References: Mónica Guzmán: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Divided Political TimesEdwin Rutsch: How Empathy Circles Can Change the WorldSimilarity HubTrusting NewsHidden Tribes StudyBridge Entertainment LabsBuildersBraver AngelsStanford Strengthening Democracy ChallengeFrom 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 James Coan, Co-Founder and Executive Director, More Like USJames Coan is Co-Founder and Executive Director of More Like US, which corrects dangerous political misperceptions of each other at scale. He previously served as DC Alliance Co-chair and Mid-Atlantic Regional Lead for Braver Angels, one of the largest organizations dedicated to reducing political divides, and previously co-led social media and Ambassador outreach nationally. He has been involved closely in the field since shortly after the 2016 election, with a main interest in achieving goals at scale. He brings 10+ years of strategy consulting experience and has worked at a think tank after receiving a degree in public policy from Princeton.Connect with James Coan More Like US: https://www.morelikeus.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-coan-6465b15/  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge. Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com. In today's uncertain job market, what separates endless applications from landing your ideal role? Kim Bohr sits down with Tim Sprangers, CEO of Orin Rice, a Seattle-based sales recruiting firm, to uncover the levers you can control in the process. With over a decade of experience connecting top talent with leading companies, Tim offers practical guidance for navigating what he calls the current "uncertain market," where both employers and candidates hesitate to make moves. This insightful conversation explores how leaders can approach their job search like a sales cycle, effectively pivot between industries or functions, and simplify their value proposition to stand out. Tim shares what recruiters look for in resumes, why networking before you need it pays dividends, and how to determine if a recruiting partner truly adds value. Whether you're hiring talent or seeking new opportunities yourself, discover strategies for gaining a talent advantage even in challenging market conditions. Learn to position yourself effectively, leverage your network strategically, and approach career transitions with confidence. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:We're in an "uncertain market" where both employers and candidates hesitate to make moves Track your job search like a sales cycle to identify exactly where you're falling short When pivoting careers, focus on either transferable skills or industry knowledge Make your resume content-rich with measurable achievements rather than fancy formatting Network proactively before you need it, and help others without expectation Your questions during interviews often matter more than your answers "If a seven-year-old can't understand what you do, it's overcomplicated."  "You can control the input. Sometimes you can't control the output... you've got to control the things that you can, which is your effort and your energy and the time that you're putting into it." —  Tim SprangersAbout Tim Sprangers: Tim Sprangers is the CEO of Orin Rice, a Seattle-based sales recruiting firm connecting top professionals with leading Pacific Northwest companies. With over a decade in recruitment, Tim's quality-over-quantity approach ensures employers and candidates find the right fit through understanding each party's needs. Orin Rice donates a portion of profits to nonprofits, including FARE and Treehouse.About SparkEffect: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.Connect with Tim Sprangers:  Website: https://www.orinrice.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsprangers/ Orin Rice Google ReviewsConnect with Kim Bohr and SparkEffectSparkEffect: sparkeffect.comCourage to Advance recording and resources:sparkeffect.com/courage-to-advance-podcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sparkeffectLinkedIn for Kim Bohr: linkedin.com/in/kimbohr Connect with Maria:Learn more about Maria's work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

Building leadership muscles and practicing leadership is not always pretty. It’s got to get messy if you want to master it. Nothing brought this home to me more than a recent CrossFit workout where I really started to understand the power of muscle memory and why constant skills development is required to keep yourself sharp.Leadership is like this - we are never done learning, never done changing, and that means we cannot quit as we authentically embrace new models of leadership, work with those in our communities, and aren’t afraid to look messy.  To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Leadership doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be authentic. Find your community - find those who will be honest with you, hold you accountable, help you sharpen your skills, and help you hone your human-centered leadership skills. Embracing new models might feel uncomfortable and take time to embrace while getting the results you want, but that doesn’t mean you stop. Just keep going.  "It's the people that keep learning, growing, striving, and sharpening that edge that are the ones that become the legacy leaders." —  Maria RossEpisode References: I have a FREE upcoming 2-day virtual leadership event with me! Let's have a chat first to see if this aligns with your goals and where you are right now. Visit www.TheEmpathyEdge.com/event to sign up for a time.Maria's Latest Forbes Article: Gen Z and the Empathy Expectation https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariaross/2025/04/30/gen-z-and-the-empathy-expectation-what-workplace-leaders-need-to-know/Coach Scott of Stoneway Fitness: https://www.instagram.com/scottmrodriguez/Listener Feedback! Please fill out the short survey here at https://bit.ly/edge-feedbackFrom 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. Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!