What are inclusive cities? How can we shape our cities to be more inclusive for individuals and organizations? Too often, we take things for granted when designing cities and don't realize how they actually may not work for many of our citizens. Whether it's public transport, green spaces, or even how we decide what to plow first after a snowstorm - there are perspectives we don't consider in our very male-focused, majority group-biased urban planning processes. Today, my guest is Safaa Charafi, an architect, urbanist, and founder of Urban Inclusion. With over 10 years of experience in her field, Safaa shares valuable insights on gender-inclusive urban practices. We talk about why empathy is a pillar in building inclusive cities.  Safaa shares how she ended up in this niche field and how our cities fail us - particularly women and marginalized communities. She defines spatial justice and how it is linked to social justice. You'll also learn about some wonderful concepts you may never heard of, such as feminist cities, the right to the city, and even cities for kids To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:Diversity in a decision-making group will bring better solutions to community problems. You can’t know what people need if you don’t talk to a wide group of people. Diversity is not just a trendy topic. Building a community around diversity requires learning new things and unlearning things we thought we knew.Empathy is not about pleasing everybody, but about factoring their perspective into the decision-making.  "Cities need to use empathy and rely more on listening to each other,  reflecting the needs and aspirations of their inhabitants. Cities are made for people, but also by people and that's something we tend to forget." —  Safaa Charafi Episode References: The Empathy Edge podcast: James Ehrlich: The Neighborhood Of The Future Is HereFeminist City: Reclaiming Space in a Man-Made World by Leslie KernFrom Our Partner:Download the 2024 Ninth Annual State of Workplace Empathy study from Businessolver: www.businessolver.com/edge Discover more valuable content from Businessolver on The Benefits Pulse vodcast: www.businessolver.com/benefits-pulse About Safaa Charafi: Architect Urbanist, Founder of Urban InclusionSafaa Charafi is an architect and urbanist and the founder of Urban Inclusion, a consulting firm at the intersection of gender, diversity, and urban development. With a strong academic background and practical qualifications, she brings over 10 years of experience to her field. Safaa's expertise lies in social research and urban development, with a special focus on diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. Currently, she serves as a policy officer for UNOPS, she is also a fellow of Allianz Foundation, Belgium’s 40 under 40, entrepreneur, lecturer, and speaker, sharing valuable insights on gender-inclusive urban practices.Connect with Safaa Charafi Urban Inclusion: https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaa-charafi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaa-charafi/Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: http://red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! https://bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024! Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: 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: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge

Let me be clear: Humans ARE animals. Empathy for animals is not about thinking they're cute. It's about creating a strong connection where we understand their unique needs and habitats so we can be part of the solution to increase biodiversity, avoid extinction, and promote a healthy planet for ALL of us.Today, I am delighted to speak to Jim Wharton. We talk about how and why to create stronger connections between humans, animals, and nature at large, why empathy is required to make change, how to make conservation personal, and when and how we can use strategic anthropomorphism (that's when we attribute human traits to animals!) without actually causing harm to them. And Jim shares the amazing 2024 expansion at the Seattle Aquarium featuring animals and habitats from the Coral Triangle which allows them to tell a more globally connected story of ocean conservation. It sounds amazing! To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:The disconnection to nature is artificial and allows people to externalize conservation and not embrace it as something that affects them as fellow animals.The disconnect between humans and nature is an illusion that falsely elevates humans above everything else.Anthropomorphism is not necessarily the problem. The real problems come with anthropocentrism - thinking the human experience is the central defining experience leading to humans harming the animals they are trying to care for. "Developmentally we all start out being deeply, deeply connected to everything around us. We begin our lives looking at animals as anthropomorphic peers, the same as your brother or sister, there’s no difference to you. And then gradually, over time, we have “difference” educated into us and “connection” educated out of us." —  Jim WhartonEpisode References:Empathy Initiatives at the Seattle Aquarium: seattleaquarium.org/about-us/in-our-community/fostering-empathy-for-wildlifeCitizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us by Jon AlexanderInternet of ElephantsAbout Jim Wharton, VP, Conservation Engagement & Learning, Seattle AquariumDr. Jim Wharton is the Vice President of Conservation Engagement and Learning at the Seattle Aquarium. Jim joined the Aquarium in 2012 from Mote Marine Laboratory where he served as Vice President of Education. He holds a B.S. from the University of Michigan, an M.S. in marine resource management from Oregon State University, and a Ph.D. in educational measurement and evaluation from the University of South Florida. Jim and the team at the Seattle Aquarium have been working with partners to explore how fostering empathy in our audiences can contribute to conservation outcomes. The Aquarium has shared effective practices and strategies for fostering empathy through publications and workshops with over 70 zoos and aquariums with a combined attendance of more than 75 million annually. The Aquarium partnered on a children’s book (and puppet show), Catastrophe by the Sea, that encourages readers to empathize with less traditionally charismatic animals. Jim is also an advocate for diversifying the way we talk about and portray sharks, shark scientists, and shark conservation in popular media.Connect with Jim WhartonSeattle Aquarium: seattleaquarium.orgX: https://x.com/jimwhartonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimmwhartonJoin the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024! Connect with Maria:Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning CAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge

Empathetic marketing is having a moment. But really, this trend has been a long time coming. Buyers today are savvy, everything is available online, and they have no patience for brands that don't understand them or their needs. My guest today, Tim Leon, coined the term Return on Empathy and talks about all that companies gain when they engage in more empathetic marketing tactics.We discuss what empathy marketing means, why marketers should embrace it, and how it applies equality to B2B as well as B2C brands. We share data that shows why buyers are choosing empathetic brands, and why this is not just a trend, but a transformative moment in how we market and sell. And finally, we share actionable strategies to inject more empathy into your marketing - not least of which is understanding where marketing's limitations end and your culture, leadership, and policies need to also become part of the effort. To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:Ask customers what challenges they’re facing, not just what they think about your product or service. You’ve got to go deeper to better understand and empathize with them. Now more than ever, the companies that portray ads that promote well-being and comfort are the companies that people want to do business with. They don’t want a hard sell, they want to feel good about the brands they’re working with. You have to sell to people, whether you’re working B2B or B2C. People want authenticity and empathy from the organizations they work with, no matter what industry they’re in.  "Return on Empathy means if you're delivering empathy authentically and honestly, you're building customer loyalty and protected market share." —  Tim Leon Episode References:Geile Leon Marketing Communications Return on Empathy white paper: https://bit.ly/44MiSrYPepsiCo/Ipsos Mori research study on empathy and brandsDenise Roberson: Mistakes Leaders and Boards Make When Thinking About PurposeLisa McLeod: Selling with Noble Purpose to WinPhil Preston: Profit with PurposeEmily Vernon: Are You Gathering the Right Customer Insights?Sandy Thompson: How to Make People Fall in Love with Your BrandAbout Tim Leon, President, Geile Leon Marketing CommunicationsTim Leon is the President of Geile Leon Marketing Communications. The firm was founded in 1989 and has served clients locally, regionally, and nationally. The firm is celebrating its 34th year in business and is located in The Hill Neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, Tim's role at the agency includes brand strategy/planning for clients, new business development, and a host of other duties that come with owning a small business!Connect with Tim Leon:Geile Leon Marketing Communications: geileon.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timleonFacebook: facebook.com/GeileLeonMarketingCommunicationsJoin the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!Connect with Maria:Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: 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: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge

According to the NIH, an estimated 6.7M Americans 65+ are living with Alzheimer's dementia. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060 barring the development of medical breakthroughs. Today, you'll learn why dementia is not a disease, but a symptom, and what caregivers go through, experience, and need - especially from their managers and workplace colleagues.I talk with Barbara J. Huelat about what dementia is, how emotional interventions are more effective than cognitive ones, and how to create more healing environments in hospitals and workspaces. You’ll gain empathy for your colleagues who are dementia caregivers, as Barbara shares her personal experience caring for her mother and husband, and she talks about what workplaces can do to better support caregivers in the office to help them continue to perform and do their best work. To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Emotional memories are those with our senses - these memories can reach a person with dementia where language or cognitive memories cannot.It is critical to prepare your helpers and part-time caregivers if you are away to give everyone the best chance for success, much like having a disaster plan.Be flexible, don’t try to change reality, and give information rather than asking questions. You can go far with that, even when there are mistakes and challenges."Be understanding of what they're going through. There's a very large emotional drain on the person. The caregiver is often considered the second patient as their health risks skyrocket while taking care because it’s long-term chronic stress that doesn’t go away like acute stress." —  Barbara HuelatAbout Barbara J. HiuelatBarbara J. Huelat is a prominent Human Centric Healthcare Designer, author, and speaker. She has created healing environments and solved health challenges for more than 300 healthcare organizations and serves as a healing environment consultant to healthcare facilities, product manufacturers, academia, institutions, and the architectural design community. By placing humanity at the core, her pioneering mindset proves that human-centric designs impact healing, improve the human experience, affect health outcomes, and are cost-effective.Ms. Huelat’s latest work, Taming the Chaos of Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide to Interventions that Make a Difference, provides a compassionate and insightful guide to those facing the tumultuous journey of dementia, offering solace, support, and practical strategies to navigate this challenging path. Currently, she shares human-centric designs globally via lecturers at international conferences, universities, and organizations and through research collaborations with government agencies and universities, contributing to white papers and research articles. Always fascinated with the beauty of science and the science of design, she believes human-centric design experiences can mitigate human misery.Connect with Barbara HuelatWebsite: barbarahuelat.comX: x.com/huelat92456LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/barbara-huelat-fasid-aahid-edac-89061213Facebook: facebook.com/barbarajhuelatInstagram: instagram.com/bhuelatBook: Taming the Chaos of Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide to 9 Interventions that Make a DifferenceJoin the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!Connect with Maria:Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: 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: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge

Today we're diving into Pillar Four of the 5 Pillars of Effective Empathetic Leadership featured in the new book coming September 10, The Empathy Dilemma - Decisiveness. Yes, factoring in various viewpoints is the way forward for empathetic leaders - and enables us to see more opportunities and avoid more risks. But we must combine that with swift and decisive action to make a call. Leaving your people in limbo or avoiding difficult conversations is unkind. And leaves your people paralyzed, unsure of what to believe, do, or expect next. In our dive into decisiveness today, I talk about what decisiveness is and why it is important. And I’ll hone in on six strategies that you can start using today to be more decisive. More details, examples, and tactics to try can be found in The Empathy Dilemma, so don’t forget to snag your presale copy now at TheEmpathyDilemma.com.   To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:Avoiding employees until you have something to report isn’t empathetic - get in the habit of giving status updates, even if it is just “we’re working on it.”Dithering over your decision does not demonstrate empathy. Not knowing what decision to make, no matter how you mask it, demonstrates fear and insecurity.Learn to be clearer more quickly. Talk openly about the choices you’re making whenever possible.Put a deadline on your thoughts. It’s not about making good choices, it’s about making good choices in a timely manner.  "Perfection isn’t the goal, even when it comes to high-stakes choices. Don’t succumb to analysis paralysis. Instead, gather input, decide, and move forward with a sense of curiosity and experimentation." —  Maria Ross Join the community and discover what empathy can do for you: http://red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! https://bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024! Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: 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: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge

What does it mean to tap into empathy and reimagine the life and experiences of someone only mentioned in a few sentences in history, whose story remains untold?My guest is Esther Goldenberg, educator and author of the Biblical fiction novel, The Scrolls of Deborah. We discuss how a few lines in the Bible sparked Esther's curiosity to imagine this woman's entire life story and perspective, how seeing historical events from other points of view can be so valuable and fill in gaps or change hearts, and how books and stories help us nourish empathy and relate to others from a safe distance. We also talk about how writing can be a lonely endeavor and what creating something for the world that only exists in your head feels like.Esther even reads us a passage from the novel that is a shining example of an empathetic conversation so pay attention to that debrief as well!To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Build a practice of engaging in literature, music, documentaries, movies, and other media created by people and about people who have different life perspectives than you. It will build and foster empathy.As human beings, we can become numb to large numbers surrounding tragic events. By bringing it into the story of one person or one family, such as in historical fiction, it can remind the readers that it is about the one, even among the many.Scenes in books and movies can model empathy for those who do not necessarily see it in their daily lives. "Through fiction, people get to really see themselves in the characters and see the characters as people who they get to know. And that really creates fertile ground for empathy." —  Esther GoldenbergEpisode References:Shira Guru and the unSTUCK methodThe Empathy Edge podcast: Chris L. Johnson: When Leaders Pause, They WinAbout Esther Goldenberg, Educator and Author, The Scrolls of DeborahEsther Goldenberg is a native Chicagoan, author, educator, and mother. Once a reluctant reader, but always someone who enjoyed a good story, she developed a passion for writing.  Her much anticipated Biblical fiction novel, The Scrolls of Deborah, is available in paperback, e-book, and audio formats. Esther continues to write and teach students of all ages, with most of her workshops now tying in with themes from her book.Connect with Esther Goldenberg: Website: EstherGoldenberg.comBook: The Scrolls of Deborah: amazon.com/Scrolls-Deborah-Esther-Goldenberg/dp/195590541XFacebook: facebook.com/EstherGoldenbergAuthorInstagram: instagram.com/EstherGoldenbergAuthorJoin the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!Connect with Maria:Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: 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: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge

Dr. Nicole Price, an empathy revolutionary with a background in engineering, discusses the vital role of empathetic leadership in analytical fields. She shares her journey of transformation sparked by personal loss and the misconceptions surrounding emotional connection in technical professions. The conversation covers how understanding emotions can enhance performance and problem-solving, the barriers to empathy, and diverse approaches to fostering emotional intelligence. Dr. Price emphasizes that empathy can reshape workplace dynamics and improve organizational success.

We talk a lot about the importance of self-awareness and self-care in helping you be a more empathetic and effective leader. In fact, those are two of my five pillars in my book, The Empathy Dilemma because they are vital to being a more effective leader and human. You may think of the traditional modalities, but have you considered hypnosis?Today, my guest is Amy Koford. We discuss how Amy got into this work, the power she's discovered in how hypnosis works, why it transforms lives, and she busts some myths about hypnosis. Amy talks about how trauma can show up, how to take traumatic memories and replace the associated emotions, how people show up as work based on who they are and what they've been through, and how you can embrace forgiveness through empathy to rise above past trauma. She'll share how you can show up as the leader and colleague you want to be. To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Everyone can be hypnotized, it may take different forms for some people, but it does not negate the potential benefits.Insecurities are a bigger deal than many realize. Many successful people are extremely insecure and those insecurities push them to prove themselves to others and fill the void of the insecurities, but still be in turmoil inside.A lack of empathy often causes many social misunderstandings and team dysfunctions, but the root of that is usually fear."People don't want to grow up to be a jerk or to be an annoying person at the workplace. That's just not what they really want to be…When we're in the workplace, it's important to understand that people are the way they are for reasons and very good reasons. And that helps you have empathy." —  Amy KofordEpisode References:The Empathy Edge episodes on trauma:Katharine Manning: How Trauma Impacts Performance – And What Smart Leaders Can DoCharna Cassell: Recognizing And Regulating Trauma At Work – Yours And OthersAbout Amy Koford, the Happy Hypnotist & author of Hardwired to RiseAmy, The Happy Hypnotist has been a professional hypnotist, public speaker, hypnosis show performer and more for several years to transform the lives of numerous people. She’s the creator of The Trauma Protocol which takes individuals from traumatized to optimized in just weeks. Amy is the author of, Hardwired to Rise: Eye-Opening Truths about How Fear Holds You Back, Causes Suffering - and How to Liberate Yourself to Have the Thriving Life You Deserve.She has traveled the world to attend hypnosis conferences and has been trained, mentored, certified, and taught mastery skills from the top hypnotists on the planet. Amy specializes in happiness and peace with various techniques that are effective in helping people resolve and let go of the past and change their center to become positive, confident, empowered individuals who know their amazing abilities to live their best lives.Connect with Amy:Amy the Happy Hypnotist: amykoford.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-koford-012637184Facebook: facebook.com/amythehappyhypnotistInstagram: instagram.com/amythehappyhypnotistThreads: threads.net/@amykofordBook: Hardwired to Rise: Eye-Opening Truths about How Fear Holds You Back, Causes Suffering - and How to Liberate Yourself to Have the Thriving Life You DeserveJoin the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!Connect with Maria:Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: 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: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge

The book is coming! September 10 is the day that The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries hits shelves to help leaders dedicated to people-centered practices to get the best performance possible and balance the demands of the business with the needs of their people.I am so excited to share this with you! For the next 5 months, I'll be devoting a Hot Take episode to one of the 5 core pillars of EFFECTIVE empathetic leaders, outlined in the book. Because the reality is that we want a more human-centered workplace culture. But we have to get actual work DONE!  You can do both, but only when you are able to show up fully and have the capacity to take in other perspectives without fear, stress, or defensiveness. So today we're diving into Pillar Three of the 5 Pillars - clarity. Clarity is the key to being an empathetic leader while also still holding people accountable. Learn more about why this is such an important pillar to creating an empathetic - and high-performing - culture.Today, I share are five strategies to try to be more clear. More details, examples, and tactics to try can be found in The Empathy Dilemma, so don’t forget to snag your presale copy now! To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com  Key Takeaways:Five strategies (though not a comprehensive list) include: Revisit Purpose and ValuesClarify Roles and ExpectationsLink Clarity to AccountabilityTell People WhyAsk Better QuestionsLacking a reason why can create an empathy gap between leaders and the rest of the team. Even if they don’t like the reason, people want to know why they are being given tasks or goals. Without clarity, there is no accountability. People cannot be appropriately held to standards that they know nothing about. "Resentments build where misunderstandings thrive…Clarity helps people feel seen, heard, and valued, reduces the likelihood of conflict, and enables everyone to work together more effectively." —  Maria RossJoin the community and discover what empathy can do for you: http://red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! https://bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024! Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: 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: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge

The research is clear: investing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging contributes to your bottom line. I hate to be so crass about a topic that should just be something we care about as humans connecting with other humans, but with all the recent backlash about diversity and equity initiatives, we have to get executive attention somehow.Today, you will hear about what’s driving that backlash and how we can fight against it through empathy and understanding. And why quite frankly, exclusion is bad for business.My guest is the charming Michael Bach. Michael shares how he got into this work, the stereotype of DEI practitioners, how to think about disability, the more dangerous role of apathy in fighting back against exclusion, the difference between diversity and inclusion, and he gives us a short primer on the Alphabet Soup of LGBTQ2+ initialism. To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:If you’re trying to create any change, you need to understand how the organization operates from the inside.Disability is not one thing - there are hundreds of disabilities under the umbrella term. It needs to be considered as a range, not just one form of accessibility.It is not a competition. If we’re creating safer environments for everyone, regardless of how they identify or what they need, it creates a safer more inclusive environment for everyone.There is a big difference between having diversity and being inclusive. The company is the soil that needs to be right for the seed of talent to thrive.  "It's very difficult to quantify, but if you just look at it simply you can figure out that exclusion is just bad for business. And the reality is that most employers have figured that out." —  Michael BachAbout Michael Bach, CEO. IDEA Hub Consulting, IDEA thought leaderMichael Bach is an author, speaker and thought leader in inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). He has worked globally in the IDEA field, including as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), CCDI Consulting and Pride at Work Canada.He is the author of the best-selling and award-winning books Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right and Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work.In 2023, he was named as one of the 10 Most Influential DE&I Leaders Revamping The Future by CIO Views Magazine.Connect with Michael:IDEA Hub Consulting: michaelbach.comBooks:Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion RightAlphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at WorkNew book: All About Yvie: Into the OddityX: twitter.com/themichaelbachLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/themichaelbachFacebook: facebook.com/themichaelbachInstagram: instagram.com/themichaelbachThreads: threads.net/@themichaelbachJoin the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024!Connect with Maria:Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: 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: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge