The Empathy Edge

Most high achievers never look back and see how far they've come. They tend to focus on perfection and not wanting to let anyone down. Because of their outward focus on others - colleagues, customers, or employees - They often don't know how to be empathetic and tender with themselves.Empathy starts with self-awareness and self-care so leaders who want to achieve their goals would be wise to practice tenderness and empathy for themselves first. This kind of self-reflection and tenderness for self will help them be an effective and inspiring leader for others.Today, author and leadership coach Lauree Ostrofsky joins us to talk about self-empathy and owning your leadership style. Lauree shares how challenging and yet worthwhile self-empathy can be. We discuss the downside of empathy and how to balance focusing on others with caring for yourself. She talks about how to develop our sense of self so we don’t fear reinvention, we can take better risks, and avoid unnecessary worry or anxiousness that doesn't serve us. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Dig into your fears and discomforts. It may just be an opportunity that is outside your comfort zone and making you feel vulnerable. Fear is an opportunity. Make a list of compliments you receive as you receive them - we need the physical evidence of what we have accomplished and where we have been to see how we’ve gained the confidence we have now.Sometimes you have to give yourself space before you can give space to the other person to hear and empathize with what they’re saying and needing. Own who you are without apology. You can invite people in and invite them to also own who they are. "There's a way to value people and value yourself at the same time, and it really takes understanding of yourself." —  Lauree OstrofskyFrom 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 Lauree Ostrofsky, Founder, Simply LeapLauree Ostrofsky, PCC, CPC helps women leap: clarify what they want and feel more confident putting themselves out there. For more than two decades, she has been an author, coach, and hugger with a client roster that includes executives at IBM, Microsoft, Harvard, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Her books are, Simply Leap, a happy how-to about facing the fear of reinvention and enjoying the crap out of your life, and I'm Scared & Doing It Anyway, a memoir about her reinvention after a devastating brain tumor diagnosis at 28. Connect with Lauree Ostrofsky:Simply Leap, LLC: http://simplyleap.com LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/laureeostrofsky/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/SimplyLeap Instagram: http://instagram.com/lauree_ostrofsky/ Threads: http://threads.net/@lauree_ostrofsky  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!

What can stoicism teach us about empathy in modern life? This centuries-old philosophy can be directly applied to what we face now in our workplaces and our world.Shermin Kruse is here to talk to us about her latest book, Stoic Empathy. She shares what stoic empathy means and how the fusion of these seemingly opposing forces is particularly relevant today. She shares her personal story and how her immigrant journey shaped her understanding of empathy and stoicism. Sher also talks about how she leveraged stoic empathy as a lawyer to great success. We discuss practical tools for building influence and emotional regulation that you can start using today with your employees, your partner, or your kids!Whether you’re a corporate leader, educator, parent, or simply seeking tools to navigate personal and professional challenges with integrity, you will love this conversation! To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Most of our relationships are long-term. Those are whom you owe a long-term duty to engage in and sustain that relationship.Our control in this world is not fixed - everything changes, everything evolves, and we need to be able to accept that we can’t change and control everything.Stoicism allows you to make informed and deliberate decisions rather than reactive decisions, especially in difficult situations.Create relationships where you feel safe and are willing to trust the other person, even if you may not understand or agree in the moment."Know that silence is not submission, pause is not acceptance, and that even understanding is not agreement." —  Shermin KruseEpisode References: Robin Dreeke: Spycraft and the Leadership Code of TrustChris L. Johnson: When Leaders Pause, They WinRenee Metty: Why Mindfulness Makes You a Better LeaderLaura Vanderkam: https://lauravanderkam.com/ 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 Shermin Kruse: Corporate Advisor, Law Professor, and Author of Stoic EmpathyShermin Kruse is a globally recognized author, negotiation consultant, law professor, and TEDx producer specializing in stoic Empathy, leadership, and complex negotiation, leadership, and complex negotiation. Born in Tehran during political upheaval, she immigrated to Canada as a child, later earning degrees in philosophy and neuropsychology from the University of Toronto and a law degree from the University of Michigan.She is the author of Butterfly Stitching, a critically acclaimed novel, and Global Transactions and Regulation, a key resource for law and business professionals. Her latest book, Stoic Empathy, blends cognitive empathy with stoic principles to offer a transformative framework for leadership, influence, and resilience.Shermin continues to champion empathy, resilience, and ethical leadership through her work in academia, business, and the non-profit sector.Connect with Shermin ("Sher") Kruse:Website: sherminkruse.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shermin-kruseFacebook: facebook.com/sher.kruseInstagram: instagram.com/sher_kruseBook: Stoic Empathy. Also on her website. 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!

Masculine traits. Feminine traits. Can we please stop gendering leadership skills and focus instead on the human traits that will enable us to thrive?Today, I speak with culture and leadership expert Moe Carrick about gender traits in leadership.  We discuss the traditional leadership narratives and the negative impact that has on both men and women in the workplace. We talk about the crisis for men and boys right now and why men are falling behind in all sectors. Moe shares the difference between emotionality and emotional intelligence and how we can help debunk outdated myths of masculinity. And she shares some great stories from past clients and what they were able to achieve as a leadership team in tough times when they embraced emotional intelligence and vulnerability. We dissect the current backlash toward more "masculine” energy in the workplace, which will only hinder our innovation and success, and the role women leaders can play to encourage healthier, more emotionally grounded leadership. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Gender has nothing to do with being a successful leader. While some traits may be considered more masculine or feminine in energy, skills are not gendered - they are all human traits.There is a difference between emotionality and emotional intelligence. Emotionality is unmetabolized emotional expression. Emotional intelligence is a source of data helping us navigate emotionality.Everyone needs to resist their own internal messaging about what good leadership looks like - it is not command and control or blaming and shaming. It is empathy and collaboration. "If we're going to encourage male vulnerability and male emotions in the same ways we experience and give women permission to express feelings, we need to be prepared to not jump into fixing and solving what they're struggling with." —  Moe CarrickEpisode References:The Empathy Edge: Pam Fox Rollin: How to Grow Your Group Into a TeamThe Athena Doctrine By John Gerzema and Michael D'AntonioAtlas of the Heart by Brené BrownRichard Reeves: Institute for Men and BoysSuitsFrom 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 Moe Carrick, CEO and Culture and Leadership PioneerMoe Carrick is a pioneer in workplace culture and leadership, known for her award-winning frameworks that have helped companies like Nike, Reddit, and Amazon improve engagement, reduce burnout, and drive performance. A TEDx speaker and bestselling author, Moe’s work has transformed businesses across industries for over two decades. She specializes in creating environments where people thrive, rooted in her deep expertise in leadership, human connection, and innovative workplace practices.Connect with Moe:Moementum, Inc: moementum.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/moecarrickInstagram: instagram.com/moecarrickCulture Pulse Check: moementum.com/people-culture-pulse-checkWorkMatters Kit: moementum.kit.com/workmattersTedX: Rethinking Women's Role in Defining MasculinityTedX: Workplaces Fit for Humans 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.What happens when the HR executive who once handled outplacement for others suddenly finds herself on the receiving end? In a candid role-reversal conversation, Kim Bohr sits down with Karen Hague, a former Head of HR who experienced executive outplacement firsthand and transformed that challenge into an opportunity by becoming a career coach for executives facing similar transitions. Together, they explore how leaders can navigate career disruption with grace, purpose, and strategic vision.This candid conversation reveals how outplacement—often viewed as an ending—can become a powerful catalyst for professional growth and personal transformation. Karen shares vulnerable insights from both sides of the table: implementing outplacement as an HR leader and experiencing it personally.Discover practical strategies for building authentic professional relationships, leveraging your network effectively, and aligning your next career move with your core values. Learn why creating a structured approach to career transitions can transform uncertainty into opportunity.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:How to overcome the shame and vulnerability that often accompanies executive transitionsThe critical importance of authenticity when crafting your transition storyWhy values alignment should drive your next career decisionPractical networking strategies that build genuine two-way relationshipsHow organizations can approach outplacement with empathy and strategic wisdom "When you show up as your authentic, transparent, vulnerable self, you're at your best. And it took me a while to realize what was my best, but I can't fake it. When I don't show up that way, it's not a good situation for anybody." —  Karen HagueAbout Karen Hague: Karen is an experienced HR leader and executive coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 30 years in human resources, her career spans roles across all HR disciplines, culminating as Head of HR for a company that transitioned from private equity ownership to public status during her tenure.Karen's unique perspective comes from experiencing both sides of executive transitions—implementing outplacement strategies as an HR leader and navigating her own career pivot. Today, she channels this experience into coaching executives through career transitions, helping them discover authentic paths forward aligned with their values and strengths.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 Karen Hague:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhague/Connect 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: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!

Here are some reflections and key takeaways from a recent webinar I co-hosted with my brilliant colleague and friend, Minette Norman. It was called “What’s Next: “What’s Next: The Future of Empathy and Inclusion in the Workplace.” MInette is the co-author of The Psychological Safety Handbook and author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader.  And together, we had things to say!The goal of the session was simple but powerful: to create community during tough times and talk honestly about where we’re at, what’s challenging us, and where we go from here when it comes to empathy and inclusion at work.Let me tell you—the conversation was real, and it was energizing! To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Even with the current resistance to DEI, there is still a strong business case for it. DEI initiatives are proven to drive innovation, performance, and revenue.Sometimes, rebranding DEI work as “belonging” or “inclusion” can help get buy-in.Asking “What are we missing?” can unlock better outcomes, reduce risk, and help teams innovate."In these tough times, community matters. Empathy and inclusion are not trends—they’re leadership imperatives." —  Maria Ross Episode References: Share your opinion! Please fill out the short survey here at https://bit.ly/edge-feedbackMinette Norman: https://www.minettenorman.comThe Psychological Safety Handbook: https://thepsychologicalsafetyplaybook.com/The Boldly Inclusive Leader: https://www.minettenorman.com/boldlyinclusiveleaderMedium: The Great DEI Hustle: White Americans Are the Real DEI Hires by Dr. Lauren TuckerFrom 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!

When you think of workplace wellness, you may picture gym memberships and yoga mats. But joy, empathy, and inclusion also create a healthy and high-performing workplace culture! We need to reimagine what wellness means!Today, Misha Safran, shares how empathy intersects with inclusion to foster innovation and equity. We also discuss how to reframe the misconceptions about empathy that exist in high-pressure workplaces. With brilliant mindset shifts and practical tips, she shares how leaders can model empathy without feeling performative, and how to navigate conflict using empathy and emotional intelligence. Misha shares the four elements of joy and why you can be more successful when you embrace them so your team can break free from chaos and transform that energy into creativity, problem-solving, and success. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Empathy is love, care, and concern - not agreement. It’s having conversations, it’s listening to know what’s going on, and it’s having healthy boundaries.Empathy before accusation.Empathy might look different depending on personality - it doesn’t have to mean being touchy-feely or crying on the floor with your employees.Especially in conflict, urgency causes chaos - slow down, take a pause, take a breath, and respond, don’t react. Slow down to build up. "Ask questions for the person in front of you to grow, not for you to know." —  Misha SafranFrom 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 Misha Safran, Founder, Center for Empathy and Emotional IntelligenceMisha Safran, an engaging keynote speaker and author, holds a Professional Coaching Certification (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is the founder of CEEQ, the Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence, LLC, and in 2022 was honored with the CEO Award from the National Institute of Health (NIH) for her impactful work on a DEIA training team.With infectious positivity, intuitive insights, and deep empathy, Misha creates safe spaces for individuals and teams to navigate discomfort while building essential skills. Her unique ability to support organizations in transforming conflict into connection, collaboration, and currency inspires communities to thrive, celebrate achievements, and foster renewed enthusiasm for collective work.Misha’s passion lies in empowering people to reset their mindset, unlocking renewed energy, improved problem-solving, heightened creativity, and more thoughtful communication. She has dedicated her career to cultivating inclusive, sustainable relationships and fostering environments where everyone can succeed.Connect with Misha:CEEQ: ceeq.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/misha-safranFacebook: facebook.com/CEEQempathyInstagram: instagram.com/mishasafranWorkplace Wellness Program: Laughter to Joy Wellness Experience for Connection, Collaboration, and Sustainable Success - Schedule a consultation: misha@ceeq.orgBook: A Teacher's Companion: Centering Empathy & Emotional Well-Being for Yourself and Your Students and bonus package for schools! 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!

There's a powerful psychological state that can paralyze us, interfere with effective relationships, block our empathy, and cause us to inflict harm. It's called shame.Today, David Bedrick shares what shame is, how it’s created, and its connection to trauma. Some say shame keeps us humble, but David shares why we don’t need shame because it's not the same as embarrassment or regret. We unpack why shame is not a feeling but a psychological state that can leave you numb - and how you can instead create a space of safety and security within yourself. David shares how we can snap out of a shame spiral in the moment and also gives insights as to why some people may feel a need to shame others. David makes us think about our need to “solve,” or pathologize as he puts it, shame, anger, depression, and the like rather than process root causes to make meaning. He offers an intriguing thought experiment to try to break yourself of this tendency! Lastly, we touch on how to unashame conflict and dialogue through conflict in a more productive way. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Shame is different from embarrassment or humiliation. Shame is a psychological state that may have feelings associated with it. Negative feelings are not bad - they can even be helpful for understanding our behavior and lead us to making an action toward repair. Say the criticisms in your head aloud from the perspective of the negatives - it gives you a chance to respond and advocate for yourself.  "If shame enters my system, the only thing I care about is removing the bad experience I have in myself. I don't care about you. I care about being low. In the fully shame psyche, you don't exist as a person that matters to me at all." —  David Bedrick, JD, Dipl. PW Episode References:The Unshaming Way: amazon.com/Unshaming-Way-Compassionate-Dismantling-Shame-Heal/dp/B0CWL19X7GThe Empathy Edge: Edwin Rutsch: How “Empathy Circles” Can Change the WorldFrom 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 David Bedrick, JD, Dipl. PW Founder, The Santa Fe Institute for Shame-based Studies and Author of The Unshaming WayDavid is a teacher, counselor, and attorney. He was adjunct faculty at the University of Phoenix and the Process Work Institute in the U.S. and Poland. He is the founder of the Santa Fe Institute for Shame-based Studies, where he offers facilitation training to deepen the skills and awareness of therapists, coaches, and healers and workshops for individuals to further their own personal development. He is a writer for Psychology Today and the author of four books: Talking Back to Dr. Phil: Alternatives to Mainstream Psychology; Revisioning Activism: Bringing Depth, Dialogue, and Diversity to Individual and Social Change; and You Can’t Judge a Body by Its Cover: 17 Women’s Stories of Hunger, Body Shame and Redemption. His recent book, The Unshaming Way, has been endorsed by Gabor Mate. Connect with David:Santa Fe Institute for Shame-based Studies: davidbedrick.com Facebook: facebook.com/david.bedrick.9 Instagram: instagram.com/david.bedrick  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!

Truthbomb: A collection of people working in the same department, function, or even office are not necessarily a team. And if you want high performance, you need to know the difference.Today, Pam Fox Rollin shares the important difference between groups and teams - if you don't understand this, you may be consistently beating your head against a wall! - and the factors that help you turn your collection of people into a truly high-performing team. We talk about how empathy drives team performance and the transformation she has seen when leaders learn to bring empathy to their work. Pam introduces the concept of Conversations for Relationship and why understanding that those exist, even when you can't hear them, impacts performance. eWe discuss the intersection of teams and communities, and how to build a “team brand” that helps you succeed within your organization. Finally, Pam shares real-life examples from her clients on how to develop empathy and use it wisely while avoiding the pitfalls.  To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:There are four essential conversations teams must have: Conversation for Possibility, Conversation for Decision, Conversation for Action, and Conversation for Relationship. If there is low trust, there will be slow change. If you want your organization to change faster, you must build that trust.Take a stand, put a stake in the ground, and give people accurate information about what you’re about and what your purpose is.  "They needed something more, and that something more is fundamentally two things: one, a shared promise, and two…a commitment to coordinate to fulfill that promise." —  Pam Fox Rollin Episode References: Right to Be: https://righttobe.org/ The Empathy Edge podcast: Carrie Melissa Jones: Building Successful CommunitiesFrom 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 Pam Fox Rollin, Executive Team Coach, and Co-Author, Growing Groups Into TeamsPam Fox Rollin coaches senior executives and C-suite teams in Silicon Valley and globally. Pam guides tech, biotech, and healthcare organizations to succeed in strategic transformation, executive development, and culture initiatives. With her Altus Growth Partners team, she is co-author of the new book Growing Groups into Teams. Her MBA is from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where she later served as a Guest Fellow in Leadership and Master Coach. Pam is known as an impactful speaker and valuable thought partner to leaders navigating complex change.Connect with Pam:  Altus Growth Partners: altusgrowth.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pamfoxrollin Book: Growing Groups into Teams: Real-Life Stories of People Who Get Results and Thrive Together: growinggroupsintoteams.com  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!

Traditional Management Models Are Failing (And What Actually Works)What if Gen Z's approach to work isn't just different, but better? Join Kim Bohr and Dr. Meisha Rouser as they challenge "kids these days" stereotypes and explore why traditional management is failing this generation.Discover why questions about pay transparency and work-life boundaries signal evolution, not entitlement. Learn how leaders can adapt by understanding economic realities, setting clear expectations, and transforming feedback approaches.Dr. Rouser shares practical leadership strategies to create meaningful growth opportunities that retain Gen Z talent while building more adaptive, high-performing teams.Tune in every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge for the Courage to Advance episodes! To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Why the "pay your dues" mentality is driving away top talentHow to transform feedback and development approaches for maximum impactThe importance of clear expectations and boundariesUnderstanding the economic realities shaping Gen Z workplace needsWhy challenging workplace norms isn't entitlement but evolution "This generation isn't just challenging workplace norms - they're showing us a better way forward. When they ask 'why do we work this way?' they're not being difficult, they're pushing us to create workplaces that actually work for everyone." – Dr. Meisha Rouser, PCCAbout Dr. Meisha Rouser, PCCMeisha is a recognized expert in organizational development, leadership, and change management with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in cultural transformation, executive coaching, and building high-performing leadership teams.  As an organizational psychologist, her research on Gen Z in the workplace provides groundbreaking insights for creating productive and meaningful work environments. She skillfully navigates organizational culture to ensure lasting impact and strategic success. Meisha holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, a Master’s in Organizational Development, and an Executive Leadership Certificate from MIT Sloan school of business. She has worked with clients including HP, FujiFilms, Intel, Jackson Laboratories, and the U.S. Navy. About SparkEffectSparkEffect 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 Dr. Meisha Rouser:  Website: https://meisharouser.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meisharouser/ Connect 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: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!

Courageous empathy. Yep - it takes courage and strength to break existing leadership paradigms and embrace empathy in our world today.  We don't acknowledge that often enough. Embracing empathy as a leader is as much a self-development exercise as it is a leadership style! Today I speak with Sanela Lukanovic about courageous empathy, how the identity of empathy gets in the way of embracing it at the top, how it can be used against you, and how to practice empathy while avoiding burnout by starting with self-compassion.  Sanela shares how her knack for coaching difficult people without blocking change can enable you to deal with the person rather than the problem. And why we sometimes swing too far between polar opposite paradigms of cold dictatorship and submissive chaos before we can land on what works right for us. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Be brave enough to be the type of leader that is required in our workplaces and our world.You must set boundaries around empathy. If you don’t, you are risking burnout, people-pleasing, and submission in your leadership. You don’t want to wall yourself off, but you don’t want to be walked all over either.Boundaries allow you to see and allow a back and forth (like over a fence). Barriers impede progress.  "It takes a lot of courage to sit across from somebody and be open and willing to hear their perspective." —  Sanela Lukanovic Episode References: The Daring Greatly Programme, based on research by Dr. Brené Brown: selfdom.life/daring-greatlyThe Empathy Edge podcast episodes: Daina Middleton: How to Do Layoffs with Humanity, Inclusion, and CompassionM.E. Hart: How to Have Honest Conversations at WorkFrom 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 Sanela Lukanovic: Transformational Coach and Daring Way™ FacilitatorSanela Lukanovic is a Transformational Coach and founder of Selfdom. With over two decades of experience, Sanela empowers individuals to lead with authenticity, purpose, and courage. She is a public speaker, thought leader, and expert in coaching women leaders to overcome unique challenges and create value-aligned change.Using somatic and neuroscience tools, Sanela helps clients achieve holistic personal growth. Her impactful talks and group programs focus on building courage, empathy as a shame resilience tool, perfectionism, boundaries, and self-compassion. Her background in management consulting and cross-sector experience in leadership development enrich her coaching approach.Connect with Sanela:Selfdom: selfdom.life LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sanela-lukanovic-682927 Instagram: instagram.com/selfdom_life  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!