The Empathy Edge

Oh the price we've paid - as both black and white people - because of racism. If we truly want to achieve racial solidarity, we have to start by talking about race, not racism. My guest today Daniel Jahn, DJ for short, has been involved with racial justice and solidarity work for 25 years. Today, DJ offers us a history lesson about where the concept of race comes from and the real motive behind why it was created. We discuss the evolution of the psychology of racism, and the inner work both black and white people need to do to find unity. DJ's approach is all about unity and what we can create together, rather than what we fight against. DJ shares his epiphany that we are all healing from racism: what it did to our society, the boxes it put us in, the division it caused, the narratives it created - and how we can do deep inner work to explore how racism has harmed us and how we can heal  from it. We also explored the question: What does the world look and feel like if racism no longer exists? And why it's better for us to have conversations about race, rather than racism. I was so moved by today's talk and can't wait to do more work on this journey to create a more equitable and inclusive world - hope you are excited as well!Key Takeaways:The purpose of creating race, about 315 years ago, was to create “whiteness” and an us-them dynamic. We don't learn about race. We learn about racism, but we do not understand, grow or learn about race. Most of America, not just white folks, don't understand our racial history, or our racial disconnect.Nobody is trying to usurp anyone else, we are just trying to create unity, equity, and harmony among people. We all have work to do to end racism. That work will vary based on our racial perspectives. "For me, ending racism is eradicating the value that is tied to race. We still have racial differences, we still value our uniqueness and our differences, but we all see each other as Americans." —  Daniel Jahn About Daniel Jahn, Racial Solidarity Trainer:Daniel Jahn has served on several nonprofit Boards focused on the development of black youth and school-based racial equity teams. He was a member of the National Strength and Conditioning’s Diversity Taskforce, the National High School Strength Coaches Unity Team and a founding participant in the Groundbreakers program focused on mentorship of black and brown boys. He’s presented nationally several times on issues of race in the performance training field, as well as consulted with schools and companies on their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work. Together, with his family, he helped found the David Jahn Memorial Sailing Scholarship Fund to provide opportunities for youth of color to sail. He is deeply committed to the mission and vision of the Soul Focused Group and believes its model to be the true path to racial unity and equity now and in the years to come.Connect with Daniel Jahn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniel_jahn/Soul Focused Group: https://soulfocusedgroup.com/ Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice We would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

If you are an ambitious, hard-driving leader who never stops to take a breath - you need to listen to today's episode. Pausing as a leader is vital to making better decisions, regulating your emotions, and creating stronger relationships with your team. You may think that rapid pace is the way to find success, but it will just burn you and your team out. Today my guest is Dr. Chris L. Johnson,  author of The Leadership Pause: Navigating the Future with Clarity, Focus & Empathy.  Today we talk about why she chose pausing as the topic of her leadership book, why pausing is both mental and physical - and why it's simple but not easy! We discuss the benefits of pausing, both for you as a leader and for your team's performance. We also dive deep into the connection between triggers and mindful pausing - and why being unable to stop long enough to recognize your triggers can lead to disastrous results - personally and professionally. Key Takeaways:There is no fully separating your work self and your personal self. What is going on at home will impact your work, and what is going on at work will impact your personal life. Beginning to pause is about a full body practice. It is about dropping from our monkey mind, and dropping into the body and the sensations to allow us to start to shift gears. Triggers are normal. We shouldn’t squash them, but we should learn from them about ourselves, our old strategies, and new strategies for moving forward in our leadership. People are trying to juggle too much, they feel too overwhelmed and too busy. In fact, that's a result of not pausing.  "Every time we do a reset, it isn't just mental, it resets our biology. And when it does that, we have more access to the resources that all of us bring to the table in the first place." —  Dr. Chris L. Johnson About Chris L. Johnson, Consultant and Author, The Leadership PauseChris Johnson, PsyD. has devoted her life to the deep listening that underpins ‘what matters most’ in people’s lives.  She’s the founder of Q4 Consulting, Inc. a Chicago based consulting firm committed to cultivating exemplary leaders, collaborative teams, healthy workplaces and engaged, thriving communities. An experienced psychologist, mindfulness teacher and executive leadership coach, she's known for creating trust with those who value her honesty, deep listening and commitment to their success.Chris is the Chair of Conscious Capitalism Chicago and on the leadership team of Ellevate Chicago. She just released her book, The Leadership Pause: Navigating the Future with Clarity, Focus & Empathy. When she’s not working, Chris is likely either gardening, reading a great book, making art, or at the aikido dojo where she practices and teaches the art of peace.Connect with Chris L. JohnsonQ4-Consulting, Inc.: https://www.q4-consulting.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drchrisljohnsonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Q4ConsultingIncBook: The Leadership Pause: Navigating the Future with Clarity, Focus & Empathy.  https://q4-consulting.com/the-leadership-pause-sharpen-your-attention/Her upcoming course, Calm the Chaos for Busy Professionals, starts in mid-September 2022 and cohorts run ongoing. See her website for more details. Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice We 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 August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.How can I run my business with empathy?Whether you are part of a billion dollar organization or you are a solopreneur, there are valid business reasons to embrace empathy as part of your business model. And it warms my heart to get this question, as it means that people are finally putting a spotlight on empathy as a way to run a more sustainable, successful business.  We want to embrace empathy in how we lead our teams and run our businesses. But we're not always sure how. Let's talk about the ways in which you can infuse empathy into your business and reap the rewards.Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format. Key Takeaways:Easy ways you can practice empathy at work start with asking questions and being an active listener. State your common goals out loud - it reminds everyone involved that you’re actually on the same team and want the same things. Your community is made of real people with needs, desires, goals and aspirations, not numbers, subscribers, or dollar signs.  "It's very easy to show empathy at work. It's not as complicated as people think. It just requires self awareness and emotional intelligence." —  Maria RossResources Mentioned:Client Love: Maria's digital course on how to nurture the customers you already have so you can attract even more.3 Ways to Show More Empathy to Your Customers5 Ways Empathy Benefits Your BusinessLet's Redefine "Kind" in Business3 Ways to Practice Empathy at Work5 Ways to Use Your Business to Make the World  Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice We 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 August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.Will one empathy workshop fix our culture?Empathy is like a marathon or any other skill you master over time. You need to train for it. Building up an empathy practice with a sustained curriculum and processes is the way to change behaviors. But you have to make systemic changes to reward and model empathy and show that "this is how we do things around here."Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format. Key Takeaways:Empathy as a skill and as a culture is built over time with practice and engagement. Building an empathetic culture starts with your hiring process. Creating transformational change takes time and effort. It is not a one and done workshop.  "While one workshop is a great start, if empathy is lacking in your organization, it’s a marathon, not a sprint." —  Maria RossResources Mentioned:I incorrectly attributed the “Empathy is the input, diversity and inclusion is the output” idea to podcast guest Mike O'Bryan. Mike O'Bryan: Narrative Intelligence. It was actually Rich Hua of Amazon talking about how he is starting an EQ revolution at Amazon. Apologies!Ann Latham: The Power of ClarityMaria's empathy keynotes and workshops, Please email me to discuss your specific needs or if you’d like guidance to put together an effective curriculum!  Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice We 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 August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.This week: Why is active listening so hard? Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format. Key Takeaways:Active listening is not a natural skill to master. It is more complicated than basic listening. As much as you are able, taking notes during a conversation will allow you to better listen to what is being said, not allowing your mind to wander afar. Repeat back and validate what the other person is saying. This doesn’t mean you agree with what they are saying.  "If you find it difficult to actively listen, just know you're not alone. And know, it is an exercise, it is a muscle you can isolate and strengthen just like empathy." —  Maria Ross Resources Mentioned:Empathy Circles: https://www.empathycircles.com/Institute of Organization Development: Active Listening: Why is it so difficult?Empathic Listening: 9 Strategies for Empathic Communication Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

Welcome to August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.First up: What is empathy? And what is it NOT?Let's get on the same page about what empathy in the workplace means, and bust some myths and misconceptions leaders have about it that prevent them from embracing it.Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format. Key Takeaways:When the heart and the head come together and take action, that is where empathy flourishes.. You can understand someone’s point of view and where they are coming from without being a doormat and letting them walk all over you. The way you approach a difference of opinion is what makes it an empathetic exchange or not. "Just because you agree with someone doesn't mean you're empathetic. And just because you're empathetic, doesn't mean you agree with someone. It just means you're going to find a way forward and you're going to keep seeking that common ground." —  Maria Ross Resources Mentioned:Empathy Circles: https://www.empathycircles.com/ Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

Would you ever throw a dinner party and not even think about guest allergies, or how to make your guests feel most comfortable? Of course not! You would prepare. If only we approached language the way we approach hosting a party! Often on autopilot, we don't stop and think about the words we use and if they are inclusive or if they're damaging them in some unseen way. Words matter and we unintentionally could be hurting others or making them feel unseen by the language we use. This not only harms our relationships, it can lead to low-performing teams, high turnover, or lack of collaboration and innovation.Today, I have a great conversation with Dr. Suzanne Wertheim, a national expert on language and bias. Suzanne shares the fascinating story of how she got into linguistic anthropology and how it led to her current work. She attempts to define inclusive language, and why it's more than just being politically correct: it's vital to collaborative success and belonging. We talk about the perspective shifts required and why The Golden Rule doesn't go far enough. And we discuss good outcomes of inclusive language and bad outcomes when you choose to ignore it. Suzanne also shares some quick tips to get you started and unpacks the principles of inclusive language.  Key Takeaways:Language changes based on social context, particularly among minority groups.Inclusive language is more than just a list of words you can or cannot say. The impact of the words changes as society changes and it is not a stagnant list.Perspective taking is a cognitive skill - the first part is a role shift, the second is taking into account the different perspective that's brought to the situation, because of the other person's different lived experience.The word "professionalism" is often used in a very non-inclusive way to gatekeep people who are just showing up, are very competent, and are delivering high quality things on time. "We know that we have to practice foreign languages to become fluent. So too with inclusive language:  you can't expect to just get it right away. You have to practice and make mistakes." —  Dr. Suzanne Wertheim About Dr. Suzanne Wertheim, Language and Bias Expert:Dr. Suzanne Wertheim is a national expert on language and bias. After getting her Ph.D. in Linguistics from Berkeley, she held faculty positions at Northwestern, University of Maryland, and UCLA. In 2011, she left the university system in order to apply her expertise to real-world problems. As head of Worthwhile Research & Consulting, Dr. Wertheim specializes in analyzing and mitigating bias at work. Using the tools of linguistic anthropology, she guides clients to more inclusive language, content, and workplaces. Dr. Wertheim's book, Let's Talk Inclusive Language, will be published by Berrett-Koehler in 2023. Connect with Dr. Suzanne Wertheim:Website:https://www.worthwhileconsulting.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorthwhileRandCLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-wertheim-ph-d-1508464/LinkedIn Learning Course: Strategies to Foster Inclusive Language at WorkResources Mentioned:If you're part of a larger organization and interested in the Executive Institute on Inclusion program Suzanne and I mentioned to create a customized DEI program based on data and your unique needs, check it out as just one offering through Susan Freeman's amazing Conscious Inclusion Company:  https://consciousinclusioncompany.com/   Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

The pandemic has changed all the rules of work - they were actually evolving for a while, but COVID accelerated those changes, which left many leaders scrambling. How do we make hybrid work, digital work, remote work WORK for your organization? So many leaders are being thrown into uncharted waters. You may be confused, fearful, angry, stubborn, or unsure about how to make hybrid work, or if your team can perform in such an environment.Today, my guest, Neil Miller, and I chat about what hybrid work actually is and where it's going. We discuss the real meaning of culture and how you replicate it when your team is distributed or remote - Neil shares some powerful strategies on how you can co-create the rules with your team so your work experiences are equitable and inclusive. We discuss the role of empathy in the hybrid workplace - not just for employees but for leaders who are unsure how to navigate this new reality. We joked about how so many companies misunderstand what "culture" really means - and why the old way of thinking about it won't serve them in this new environment. And Neil invites you to think through when in-person is worth it so you maximize those opportunities and get other work done remotely. Key Takeaways:While many studies are showing that people are more productive when working from home, it is not the right fit for every person. Culture is how we treat each other and how we get work done. It is more than just people being in the same place at the same time. In order to solve the complex problems of our day, collaboration is essential. Meetings are great. They do a lot, but they don't have to do everything for you. You don't have to rely on them for every type of collaboration you do.  "Culture is how we work, how we do meetings, how we do everything. In a digital world, you're forced to deal with that in a much more explicit way than when you're in the office." —  Neil Miller About Neil Miller: Director, The Digital WorkplaceNeil Miller is the Director of The Digital Workplace. He has talked with over 200 of the best thinkers and leaders in the world about how to rebuild work for the digital age by redefining productivity, collaboration, leadership, technology, and culture. He’s a prolific thought stealer and curator of the most amazing list of check in questions in the world.Connect with Neil MillerWebsite: www.thedigitalworkplace.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/NeilMiller3000LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilamiller/Guide and video course for how to run effective digital meetings: https://thedigitalworkplace.com/digital-meetings/Resources Mentioned: The Empathy Edge interview with Rebecca Friese: How to Build a "Good" CultureThe Empathy Edge interview with Paul Marobella: Leading Through Crisis  Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

The Holy Grail of brand success is to really understand and engage with your ideal customer. But how do some brands seem to do this so effortlessly, while others throw marketing campaign after marketing campaign out there and get nowhere? Today, my guest is Sandeep Dayal. Sandeep advises senior executives at Fortune 500 companies in industries spanning pharmaceuticals, financial services, and consumer products.  He shares how he got into cognitive science-based branding and shares examples of it in action. We talk about how brands can enhance experiences based on cognitive science, why marketers need to spend more time understanding behavioral motivation and how our brains work so they can influence choice - and most importantly, how to ethically influence subconscious choice. You'll learn a great three question test that every marketer should ask to police themselves! We talk about the difference between brands with empathy and brands with values, and how branding has changed and what modem marketers need to know to be more successful.Key Takeaways:If you don’t understand what your client or customer is going through, you will not be able to help them effectively. Brands with values need to have authentic values. It can't just be a list of things that are on a pretty poster on a wall, but rather they are the values that the company is living and supporting. Good marketing is about elevating the truth of your story so the people who need you or your product can find you. It is your responsibility, as a marketer, to understand how you're going to tap into the way the brain naturally works. "Subconscious choice is a part of what we do every day.  There's no getting away from it, but you have to do these things in an ethical way." —  Sandeep Dayal About Sandeep Dayal: Managing Director, Cerenti and Author, Branding Between the EarsSandeep Dayal is the managing director of the consulting firm Cerenti. He advises senior executives at Fortune 500 companies in industries spanning pharmaceuticals, financial services, and consumer products.  His latest book Branding Between the Ears has been described by some as the definitive advance in the understanding of what makes some brands truly iconic. It draws on his years of experience in working with some of the most successful consumer brands and his company’s proprietary knowledge capital.Connect with Sandeep DayalWebsite and book, Branding Between the Ears: https://www.sandeepdayal.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandeepdayalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-dayal-8361b61/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064465411245&is_tour_dismissed=truesandeepdayal004/Resources Mentioned:The Empathy Edge interview with Michael Ventura (GE story): How to Apply Empathy to Tough Business Challenges.The Empathy Edge interview with Melina Palmer (Behavioral Economics): Why Your Customers Can't Tell You What They Want  Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

Mike O'Bryan discusses the importance of centering humanity in work and systems. He delves into narrative intelligence, shared humanity, dehumanization, and the impact of lacking narrative intelligence on racism and violence. The conversation also explores the future of work, economic policies, and the necessity of building inclusive cultures that prioritize belongingness and equity.