The Empathy Edge

What if the key to self-advocacy wasn’t being louder—but rewiring how you think, feel, and connect with empathy?Today, I’m joined by executive coach and podcast host Jamie Lee, who specializes in helping women and underrepresented leaders rise through the ranks without compromising their integrity. We dive into how empathy and neuroplasticity form the foundation of effective self-advocacy — and how rewiring internal narratives can lead to greater confidence, deeper connection, and clarity when speaking up. Jamie shares evidence-based techniques for regulating the nervous system so you can show up with presence and poise in high-stakes conversations. Plus, we touch on the six types of intelligence you can access to build connections and ask for what you want.If you’ve ever struggled with self-advocacy or want to communicate with more impact and empathy, this episode is for you.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Defining self-advocacy and neuroplasticity in terms of empathy. Compassion as an action is the key to rewiring your brain. Ways to access your parasympathetic nervous system in your thinking brain and get out of your automatic stress response.Leveraging mirror neurons with empathy and compassion.  "The brain adapts. The brain grows. It changes according to the practices that you expose it to. Compassion is the missing link that helps us be able to access those self-advocacy muscles for ourselves." —  Jamie Lee Episode References: Book a free hour-long consultation for 1:1 coaching with Jamie: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/applyThe Empathy Edge podcast: Dia Bondi: How to Ask Like an AuctioneerMelissa Tiers' Anti-Anxiety Toolkit: https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Anxiety-Toolkit-Melissa-Tiers-ebook/dp/B0073HU3EGJames Tripp's website: https://www.jamestripp.onlineAbout Jamie Lee, Coach, Trainer, Podcast Host Jamie is an executive coach who specializes in women and underrepresented leaders who are "allergic" to office politics. She focuses on helping them get promoted and better paid without compromising their integrity or throwing anyone under the bus. In her practice, she blends proven self-advocacy strategies with evidence-based neuroplasticity tools.Over a decade, Jamie has trained thousands of professionals in effective self-advocacy at leading organizations, including Citi, Unilever, Association of Corporate Counselors, American College of Cardiologists, UC Berkeley School of Business, and Smith College.She's also the host of the Risky Conversations podcast, where she has honest talks with thought leaders on topics often considered taboo or "too risky" at work -- negotiation, mental and reproductive health, office politics, social injustices, and unconventional ways smart women navigate their path forward despite a flawed workplace. From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Jamie:Jamie Lee Coach: jamieleecoach.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie Instagram: instagram.com/jamieleecoach  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to lead a fast-growing business or team with heart, humor, and humanity, today is your masterclass.Annalee Hagood-Earl is the CEO and co-founder of Bash Creative Inc. Under her leadership, Bash has become a magnet for some of the biggest names in the world—not just because of its stunning creativity and flawless execution, but because people can feel the company’s values in every interaction.Annalee’s not just talking about values—she lives them. She’s led her team through seasons of explosive growth and through moments when, as she puts it, “the bottom dropped out.” And she’s done it all while staying grounded in empathy, transparency, and joy. In our conversation, we dig into building a thriving business while investing in your team’s self-development, what it looks like to lead through uncertainty, and how to redefine success by what your team feels while they’re producing, not just what they produce. We also dive into some golden leadership lessons: the difference between values and ideals, why Annalee insists on hiring people smarter than herself, what she learned from her worst managers, and why she and her business partner went through a kind of leadership couples counseling to make their company stronger.It’s like she ticked every box in my Five Pillars of Effective Empathy, and the results on her culture, retention, and revenue speak for themselves.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why reinvesting a headcount into developing your team means they can grow instead of relying on past experiences and traumasWhy you should consider counseling with your business partners, your C-Suite, and other leadersWays you can walk the talk and model self-awareness, joy, and learning Why allowing your people to be who they are means they can get further, faster How communication and transparency will take you a long way on so many levels"We take a lot of time to interview and recruit. We're looking for aligned values, not aligned ideals. I want people with different perspectives on my team. I want to learn from them." —  Annalee Hagood-EarlEpisode References: Follow the Founder: https://followthefounder.co/ The Empathy Edge podcast: Claude Silver: Leading with Heart at Vayner MediaAbout Annalee Hagood-Earl, Founder & CEO, Bash Creative, Inc.Annalee Hagood-Earl is the CEO and co-founder of Bash Creative Inc., an agency known for designing world-class events and experiences for global brands. Guided by both her company and personal values, Annalee has led her team through seasons of explosive growth as well as times when the bottom dropped out. Under her leadership, Bash has attracted some of the largest companies in the world as clients — not just for its creativity and execution, but because its values-driven approach creates trust and a culture people can feel. This commitment to values has even inspired clients to reflect on their own, discovering alignment they hadn’t previously articulated. Annalee speaks internationally on values-based leadership and how aligning values with action inspires resilience, clarity, and lasting impact.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Annalee:Bash Creative: bash-creative.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hagood-earl-annalee-78848a6Instagram: instagram.com/bashcreativeConnect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

When it comes to empathy at work, there are a hundred different ways to infuse empathy into your operations and systems - in real, practical, non-emotional ways. One of those ways is to look at compensation strategies and professional growth and development.Today, Scott Trumpolt talks about empathy in compensation that leads to better employee engagement and more strategic growth. We discuss both the pitfalls of pay transparency leading to a dead end, but also the upside in how it catalyzes your company to reflect on and improve internal practices. He talks about how compensation is more than just salary, and the overlooked piece of career architecture - a concept that supports the Clarity pillar of empathetic leadership. Scott shares why programs fail, but culture shifts succeed, the #1 element to think about in determining competitive compensation structures, and why empathy is vital to ensure that compensation is about a one-on-one conversation and not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Scott also shares how HR leaders can strengthen credibility with business leaders and move the needle on company growth.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Driving solutions aimed at employee engagement.Why compensation is not a one-size-fits-all solution and needs to be tailored to your employees and organization.Balancing pay transparency and directing packages and compensation for the individuals.Why job titles and compensation matter."There's a reason why compensation is not in finance. Yes, I use a lot of numbers, but we do it in a completely different way, and we are impacting the individual directly." —  Scott TrumpoltEpisode References: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel PinkThe Empathy Edge: Rhonda George-Denniston: Why Betting on Your People Leads to Market DominationAbout Scott Trumpolt, Managing Director & Compensation Consultant:Scott Trumpolt’s career is defined by a seamless evolution from corporate leadership to independent consultancy, reflecting over 30 years of expertise in compensation planning, HR leadership, and rewards strategies. For 18 years, Scott excelled in the corporate world, holding leadership roles in HR and Compensation across the United States and Germany. In 2012, he launched Trumpolt Compensation Design Solutions (TCDS) to provide bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of organizations worldwide.Scott’s corporate experience provided a solid foundation for mastering market-based pay structures, sales incentive plans, and job classification systems. Transitioning into independent consultancy, Scott has spent the past 12 years leveraging this expertise to deliver innovative, client-focused strategies. Scott’s global reach includes projects across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America/Caribbean, reflecting his adaptability to diverse work cultures. He is a Certified Global Remuneration Professional (GRP), holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, and has maintained an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, underscoring his commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Scott:  Trumpolt Compensation Design Solutions: hrcompensationconsulting.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-trumpolt-m-a-g-r-p-257a6b317 BBB profile: bbb.org/south-east-florida/login/page/0/?li=1 Scott's Book: The Defragmented Consultant: https://www.amazon.com/DEFRAGMENTED-CONSULTANT-Transition-Independent-Consultant/dp/B0G53SY2Y7 Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What if the key to leading others with empathy… is learning how to lead yourself first?Today’s guest, Heather Younger, is here to show us how self-leadership isn’t just a personal development buzzword — it’s the foundation of truly impactful, caring leadership that achieves real ROI. As a global expert on active listening and workplace culture, Heather has helped Fortune 100 companies transform the way they engage employees—starting from the inside out.In this episode, we learn about Heather's journey as a culture bearer and customer experience professional, what self-leadership is, and why it matters - why doing the inner work helps you lead with grace and drive results,  and why treating employees with care isn’t just a moral choice but a business strategy that drives innovation and performance. She shares powerful examples and offers actionable first steps to help you lead more effectively, take ownership of your career, make smarter choices, and advocate for yourself.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…What self-leadership is and why it matters.How can you change your office culture to an empathy-driven culture?The power of getting curious within yourself.The power of giving and receiving feedback within your sphere of influence.  "Take back your own power to lead yourself in the way you, intuitively, already know you're supposed to be doing." —  Heather R. YoungerFrom Our Sponsor: Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross About Heather R. Younger: CEO, Keynote Speaker, Author:Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP, is a trusted contributor to leading news outlets, like Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, NBC, and ABC, and one of the world’s leading experts on Caring Leadership® and active listening at work. She is the visionary Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a preeminent employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm for Fortune 100 companies. Employee Fanatix conducts annual research on workplace culture, relying on employee voices for what is relevant now, to help companies redefine their culture strategy. Heather has personally read over 30,000 employee surveys and facilitated over 100 employee focus groups, including her signature “Art of Active Listening Sessions.”With over 25 years of successful management of teams, she has worked in customer experience, sales, and large account management for multi-million dollar accounts and multiple industries such as tech, staffing, healthcare, professional services, the public sector, and the financial sector. She's a renowned keynote speaker, drawing insights from current data and putting into practice what she teaches in her Caring Leadership Transformation Model™.Heather is an award-winning leader in the area of Employee Engagement, as recognized by Inspiring Workplaces, is a LinkedIn Learning course partner, a 3-time bestselling author, a TEDX speaker, and the host of the popular Leadership With Heart Podcast.Connect with Heather:Employee Fanatix: heatheryounger.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger Facebook: facebook.com/HeatherRYounger Instagram: instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficialX: x.com/HeatherRYounger Her new book: The Art of Self-Leadership 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: @redslicemariaKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Many leaders come to empathy in their style and communication based on their own challenges. Today's guest shares how vulnerably sharing her story led her down the path of teaching and training on empathy, and how you can boldly leverage vulnerability as an asset in your communication, leading to stronger connections and better results.Sharon Steed is a keynote speaker, author, and empathy expert specializing in communication and collaboration. As the founder of Communilogue, she helps organizations build more inclusive, connected teams through the power of vulnerability and empathy. A stutterer since childhood, Sharon uses her personal experience to illustrate how embracing discomfort fosters growth. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, tech leaders, and global organizations, delivering impactful talks and workshops. Sharon is also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor with multiple courses on empathy. She hosts a weekly live podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube on empathy in the age of AI called Empathy In Automation. Her work empowers professionals to lead with authenticity and compassion. Sharon shares her powerful story and discusses how to be vulnerable and communicate with empathy in productive ways—ways that influence and ignite your team, customers, and other stakeholders. We also had an interesting discussion about the intersection of empathy and AI and how to keep humanity in a tech-driven world.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why curiosity is an empathetic power.What it means to communicate with empathy and how to overcome communication barriers.The power of setting your conversational intentions out loud.The importance of empathy in the age of AI.  "Everybody swears that they are terrible at communicating. And (I say), well, no, every single time you enter a room, you are communicating." —  Sharon SteedEpisode References: The Empathy Edge podcast episodes:Dr. Michelle Zhou: Empathic AI is Real, and It’s Here – But We Need Everyone Involved!Chris L. Johnson: When Leaders Pause, They WinAbout Sharon Steed, Speaker and Founder, Communilogue:Sharon Steed is a keynote speaker, author, and empathy expert specializing in communication and collaboration. As the founder of Communilogue, she helps organizations build more inclusive, connected teams through the power of vulnerability and empathy. A stutterer since childhood, Sharon uses her personal experience to illustrate how embracing discomfort fosters growth. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, tech leaders, and global organizations, delivering impactful talks and workshops. Sharon is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor, with courses on Communicating with Empathy and Driving Inclusion with Empathy; she hosts a weekly live podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube on empathy in the age of AI called Empathy In Automation. Her work empowers professionals to lead with authenticity and compassion. From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Sharon:Communilogue: communilogue.coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-steedLinkedIn Learning Course: Communicating With EmpathyYouTube: Empathy in AutomationLinkedIn Newsletter: linkedin.com/newsletters/7107818443042656256/ 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: @redslicemariaKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

In today's Hot Take, Maria talks about gratitude as a practice and catalyst for empathy, collaboration, and well-being.Listen in as Maria discusses gratitude as a leadership superpower, mental health booster, and cultural glue. She dives into what true gratitude means, why we should be expanding our circles of thanks, and gives us the science behind the strategy of gratitude with practical tips for your own life. Throughout, Maria acknowledges the complex history of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of holding space for both its positive and negative aspects to deepen both our gratitude and our empathy.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Gratitude is the cultural glue to keep your team happy and thriving.Recognizing the Thanksgiving paradox and inviting both sides of the conversation.The science behind gratitude and how you can start practicing gratitude today to improve performance and well-being. "Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring problems — it means facing them with perspective. It’s emotional range training, and emotional range is leadership power." —  Maria Ross Episode References: The Empathy Edge Podcast Episodes:Logan Mallory: How a Culture of Gratitude Boosts Engagement and Mental HealthNovember Hot Take: How Gratitude Leads to EmpathyStudies and Data:NIH National Library of Medicine: The Effects of Gratitude InterventionsGratitude in Organizations: A Contribution for Healthy Organizational ContextsHarvard Health, Giving Thanks Can Make You HappierDr. Michelle Rozen: Gratitude in Leadership: A Strategic AdvantageLearned Optimism: Is Martin Seligman’s Glass Half Full?Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross  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: @redslicemariaKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

What does it take to leave a high-powered career and change the world, one child at a time? And how can empathy fuel ripple effects of change, no matter your role in a company or society?Dr. Abraham George is a social entrepreneur with a unique background. He shares his powerful journey and the life-changing moment when he almost died. Dr. George shares the blueprint for how any leader or entrepreneur can create real change and move beyond existing for-profit models, and the compounding power of helping or inspiring just 100 people who, in turn, help 100 more. We discuss lessons on how to build your leadership legacy, no matter where you sit.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The role education plays in lifting up economic equity and social justice.Understanding the impact you want to have on other people’s lives.Different ways you can do good in the world and how you can have a bigger impact than you know now.Creating the leadership legacy you want to leave behind.The benefits of leading a corporation with a heart. "The way to deal with social injustice is through economic opportunity for those people, and the way to get economic opportunity is through excellent education." —  Dr. Abraham George Episode References: Albert Schweitzer, Out of My Life and ThoughtBertrand Russell, The History of Western PhilosophyThe Empathy Edge: Woodson Martin: Balancing Corporate Success with Humanitarian WorkAbout Dr. Abraham GeorgeAbraham George is a social entrepreneur committed to providing opportunities and resources to the most underserved populations in India. Growing up in India, Dr. Abraham was painfully aware of the social injustices surrounding him. After working 22 years as a finance executive and Army veteran, Dr. Abraham returned to India to fulfill his promise of creating social change. He founded The George Foundation through which he runs several projects. One such project is Shanti Bhavan, a school educating children from India’s poorest communities. Over the past 27 years, they have transformed the lives of over 15,000 people. By empowering marginalized children, they create opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. The 2017 Netflix documentary Daughters of Destiny centers on Shanti Bhavan’s efforts to educate and empower girls.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Dr. Abraham George:Dr. Abraham George Foundation: drabrahamgeorge.comShanti Bhavan: shantibhavanchildren.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abraham-george-519315274 Facebook: facebook.com/dr.abrahamgeorge?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram: instagram.com/dr_abraham_george?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

We've got work to do! Yes, we do. And it will likely not stop. So, WHY should you make time for joy, even in the toughest work environments? Why should you even do it when we have spreadsheets, deadlines, and goals to hit?The better question is: How can you NOT find the time? It's the 5th pillar of being both an empathetic AND effective leader. And it's not a luxury. It's a vital way to build team culture, engagement, and reduce stress and anxiety when you can.But HOW do you do it?Today, I get the joy of talking about joy with Lisa Even. Lisa shares her transformative leadership story and how she infused joy into her own life and at work to build a winning culture, and how she helps leaders do the same. Lisa shares many examples and stories, and we discuss informal power, trying on others' glasses, and how to check in with your team and start infusing joy in small ways that make a big difference.  Lisa shares the 3 ingredients necessary to create a joyful culture: desire, belief, and permission. We talk about how to encourage accountability and impact while creating joy, and Lisa shares a fantastic way to avoid "forced fun” with your most skeptical, cranky employees! To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title.Listen in for…How to sneak joy in before, during, and after everything you do.Small steps to inject joy into your life and work.The power of taking accountability for crappy to happy. Why you should be finding connection through other people’s joy. "Make a list of the most unglamorous things, the things that just drive you bonkers. It's your job to find a little happy after the crappy." — Lisa EvenKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross About Lisa Event, Keynote SpeakerLisa Even believes that you happen to the world, not the other way around. Life isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about showing up, creating connections, making an impact (Have Good Ripple Effect), and making joy your job. From serving farmers and truckers at a small café in high school to leading multi-million-dollar budgets—and juggling life—she’s passionate about helping people think beyond their backyards and build meaningful careers and lives.Now, Lisa brings that same energy to organizations nationwide. The author of Joy Is My Job, host of the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast, and in-demand keynote speaker, she has spoken to hundreds of teams across a wide range of industries.Stay tuned for her newest book, What’s Your Ripple Effect? And Why It Matters More Than Ever: A Leader’s Guide to Creating Lasting Impact and Influence.Connect with Lisa:Lisa Even International: lisaeven.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-even-have-good-ripple-effect-0778b112 Facebook: facebook.com/lisaeven11 Instagram: instagram.com/lisaeven_ Books: lisaeven.com/books  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: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.comKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross

October is Maria’s birthday month—and her wish this year? More empathy and compassion in leadership. In this special solo episode, Maria shares why we must stop accepting toxic leadership as “normal,” and how you can turn the tide toward human-centered, high-performing workplaces.Plus, she’s got a special birthday and holiday gift for you (and maybe one for her, too!): Buy The Empathy Dilemma in bulk for your clients or teams and get a free 30-minute virtual Author Fireside Chat if you order 50+ copies by Dec 31, 2025.She also shares three powerful, practical actions any leader can take to be a more empathetic leader and increase engagement, performance, and accountability —and reminds you where to go for more inspiration, including her upcoming virtual leadership events and her Forbes column.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title.Highlights:Maria’s 53rd birthday reflections: why empathy matters more than ever.The myth of “tough” leadership and what to replace it with.Her birthday/holiday book, discounted bulk order promotion, and how it benefits your team.Three actions leaders can take right now to model empathy.Details on Maria’s virtual Leadership Events.Where to find her latest Forbes articles. "There’s clearly no more data I can show you. Now, it's a question of you deciding what kind of leader - and person - do YOU want to be?" —  Maria Ross Episode References: Buy The Empathy Dilemma in bulk at a discount: https://www.TheEmpathyDilemma.com. Buy 50 or more copies and contact me to get your free virtual Author Fireside Chat to guide discussion and enable action.Join an upcoming Leadership Event: https://red-slice.com/leadership-workshopRead Maria’s Forbes column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariarossArticle on the 996 trend: https://www.wired.com/story/silicon-valley-china-996-work-schedule/ Sponsor Message: Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross 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: @redslicemariaKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

How well do you listen? Like, really listen? We waste so much time, energy, resources, and money due to a lack of effective listening. It causes misunderstandings, rework, mistakes, and in some cases, dangerous outcomes. My guest today is a Listening Whisperer! Oscar Trimboli starts out sharing his epiphany moment in a meeting that led to his current work. With over 35,000 people in his research database, Oscar shares the 4 common listening villains that cause barriers at work - and perhaps you can select which one you might be! I share my common villain with all of you, too. We talk about what the best listeners have in common, how listening changes when it's face-to-face versus online, and practical ways to improve your listening at work and in meetings to ensure engagement and positive outcomes. Oscar shares what he's learned about how deaf and blind people listen, and he even reveals some ways to listen better when you are utterly bored by a presenter or in a meeting.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title.Listen in for…The four most common listening barriers at work. When interrupting can be an empathetic action.Characteristics of the best listeners. Ways we can engage when we don’t feel engaged. "If you focus on the speaker, you're starting from the wrong place. Listening starts with you. You need to shut down the browser tabs in your own mind so you can create enough space in your working memory." —  Oscar TrimboliEpisode References: Take the Listening Quiz! www.listeningquiz.comApple's award-winning podcast Deep Listening Oscar's BooksThe Empathy Edge podcast:August Hot Take: Why is Active Listening So Hard?Pam Fox Rollin: How to Grow Your Group Into a TeamAbout Oscar Trimboli: Speaker, Podcaster, and Author, Deep ListeningOscar Trimboli is an author, host of the Apple award-winning podcast Deep Listening, and a sought-after keynote speaker.Along with the Deep Listening Ambassador Community, he is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the workplace.Through his work with chairs, boards of directors, and executive teams, Oscar has experienced first-hand the transformational impact leaders can have when they listen beyond words. He is the author of How To Listen - Discover The Hidden Key To Better Communication, the most comprehensive book about listening in the workplace. He's also the author of Deep Listening - Impact Beyond Words And Breakthroughs: How To Confront Assumptions. Oscar loves his afternoon walks with his wife, Jennie, and their dog Kilimanjaro. On the weekends, you will find him playing with Lego with one or all four grandchildren.Connect with Oscar:  Oscar Trimboli: oscartrimboli.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oscartrimboli  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: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.comKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross