The Empathy Edge

How can we balance performance and purpose to sustain growth? Well, look no further than a successful non-profit for the answer to that! And while your organization may sell anything from software to shoes to services, you can indeed leverage a clear, co-created purpose to ignite performance. And you can embrace empathy for employees or customers who are nothing like you in order to do it.Today, Shilpa Alva shares the powerful childhood experiences that led her to this work, with a stopover in corporate America, where the skills she learned now serve her very well in the non-profit world. We discuss what her shift from corporate culture to the non-profit world was like, and how she balances mission with results, like 70% growth! She talks about values versus process and why values light the fire, so your people will achieve results. Shilpa shares how they co-create solutions with local partners, gathering input from everyone to get the most impactful ideas, and offers a great model for clearly communicating back those final decisions to increase buy-in. To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:We are all part of a shared humanity and are way more alike than different. Exposure to different perspectives can help build your empathy muscle.Partner with the community, don’t just assume you know what is best for the community.The organization and structure that got you to where you are today is not going to be the same one that gets you to your wildest, most audacious goals.Bring all stakeholders in your ecosystem together in the vision to make your goals a reality. "You keep your values and your foundation strong so that it doesn't shift. But then you use those values to guide you in achieving your goals." —  Shilpa Alva Episode References: Joy McBrien of Fair AnitaThe Empathy Edge podcast: Heather Hiscox: The Surprising Empathy Gap in Social Impact That Hinders ChangeAbout Shilpa Alva, Founder & Executive Director, Surge for WaterShilpa Alva is the founder and Executive Director of Surge for Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the cycle of poverty through access to safe water and sanitation solutions. Since its founding 15 years ago, Surge has impacted hundreds of thousands of people in 12 countries. Shilpa's journey didn’t start in the International Nonprofit world. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a Chemical Engineering degree, she joined the corporate world and earned her MBA from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota. After a successful corporate career in Supply Chain Management, she made the bold choice to follow her purpose and live fully in alignment with it. She went from running the organization on nights and weekends to going all the way in!Connect with Shilpa Alva Surge for Water: surgeforwater.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shilpa-alva-858b841  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.comKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross

My guest today, Steve Durbin, shares why empathy, agility, and resilience are vital to managing risk and keeping your organization secure. Steve shares the biggest threats to organizations right now and how empathetic leaders foster the resiliency needed to adapt. We discuss how CISO's and risk officers can create an empathetic culture where trust and transparency flow to help protect the organization. Steve shares how letting go of control can keep you safer, and how curiosity and listening help you communicate in ways people understand. He candidly shares that CEOs who don't understand empathy are a risk. And finally, Steve offers ways to balance a culture of experimentation and empowerment with effective risk management. To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:When assessing risk, people are your greatest risk, but they are also your greatest asset and your greatest opportunity for solutions. It is not the machine or the algorithm that will solve your risk problem; it is your people. You risk losing your best people if you’re not willing to adapt to what needs to be done for the best of your organization, employees, clients, and other stakeholders. "You increase awareness by explaining why people need to be aware, why they should care, and you may have to make it personal." —  Steve DurbinAbout Steve Durbin: CEO, Information Security ForumSteve Durbin is Chief Executive, Information Security Forum (ISF). His main areas of focus include strategy, information technology, cyber security and the emerging security threat landscape across both the corporate and personal environments.He is a frequent speaker and commentator on technology and security issues, and, since 2016, the host of the ISF Podcast.Formerly at Ernst & Young, Steve has been involved with IPOs, mergers and acquisitions of fast-growth companies across Europe and the USA. Having previously been senior vice president at Gartner, he has advised a number of NASDAQ and NYSE listed global technology companies.Steve has served as a Digital 50 advisory committee member in the United States, and he has been ranked as one of the top 10 individuals shaping ow organizations and leaders approach information security careers. He has also been featured on the top 20 most influential list of leaders whose companies have a vision that shapes the conceptual landscape of their respective industries.Steve is a Chartered Marketer, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Forbes Business Council Member and a lecturer at Henley Business School, where he speaks on the role of the Board in Cybersecurity.Connect with Steve:Information Security Forum: securityforum.org X: x.com/securityforum LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevedurbin YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCyTu0HsWQd_ucrt0Zo0042A  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.comKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross

How do some leaders show up, almost effortlessly, with a proactive point of view and clear messaging? I'd bet you money that for most, it's a matter of intention and skill-building, not just natural talent! The ability to balance warmth, confidence, and competence is not just within reach for extroverts, either, according to today's guest.Today, Laura Camacho and I talk about what executive presence means (it's not just how nice your suit fits!), how empathy relates to executive presence, specific challenges for more introverted leaders to increase their empathy, and what the C-suite is looking for to promote someone internally. Laura shares that the true purpose of executive presence is to help others have confidence in YOU as a leader, and she shares some tools on how to be clearer and empathetic in your messaging, as well as tips to mentor others, especially introverts. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:You have to be both a storyteller and a data driver. It is not a hard binary. Even the most analytical people are driven by emotion.If you are stressing about saying something badly, say it anyway - it likely won’t be bad, and you can always course correct on the off-chance that it is.Prepare in advance to speak out in meetings about your domain. Be prepared to speak up early and with structure. "Connection, competence, and confidence - you need all of those. You cannot have executive presence without empathy." —  Laura CamachoAbout Laura Camacho, Executive Presence Coach:Laura Mixon Camacho, PhD, is an executive presence coach. When leaders communicate with authentic executive presence, it builds a healthy culture with a better bottom line.From her deep dive research into luxury brand messaging, winning political campaigns, and neuroscience, she takes a bespoke approach to teaching highly intelligent high-performers how to connect, engage, and inspire people to improve business outcomes and build culture.Her articles on influence and culture have been regularly featured in several publications, including Forbes, The Southern C, Lionesses of Africa, and Training Industry.She is also author of the Cultured Communication Workbook and The Practical Guide to Effective Communication. Her podcast, Speak Up with Laura Camacho, is ranked #2 in the world for communication skills podcasts and is in the top 2.5% of all podcasts in the world.Connect with Laura:Mixonian Institute: speakupwithlaura.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauramcamachoInstagram: instagram.com/speakupwithlauraExecutive Presence Mastery System: a 90-day intensive coaching program to prepare mid-level managers for senior leadership: speakupwithlaura.com/executivepresence Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.comKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross

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.As AI revolutionizes how we work, what makes human executive coaching irreplaceable? Kim Bohr sits down with Rod Bacon, SparkEffect's Chief Coaching Officer, to explore why transformative leadership breakthroughs happen through human connection, not algorithms.Rod reveals what he calls "sacred pressure" in coaching relationships – the ability to create breakthrough moments through presence and challenge blind spots in ways AI cannot replicate. This conversation explores the neuroscience of trust-building, why discomfort drives growth, and how mirror neurons enable coaches to move executives from stress to creative insight.Whether you're defending coaching investments or seeking authentic development, discover why trust acts as a "force multiplier" in organizations and how vulnerability-based leadership creates the psychological safety teams need. To access the episode transcript, please scroll down below.Key Takeaways:Biological synchronization between the coach and the executive creates conditions for transformationAI can ask questions, but cannot synchronize nervous systems or create a calming presenceGrowth requires "sacred pressure" – productive tension that human coaches apply with precise timingTrust acts as a "force multiplier," enabling innovation, agility, and resilienceWithout trust, teams make false commitments in meetings but have real conversations elsewhereMirror neurons enable coaches to regulate nervous systems, moving executives from stress to creativityThe future is leveraging both AI efficiency and irreplaceable human wisdom "Trust is the new strategic capital...it's the interstitial connections which holds everything together." —  Rod BaconAbout Rod Bacon: Rod Bacon serves as Chief Coaching Officer at SparkEffect, developing world-class executive coaches and working with C-suite leaders across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and technology industries. His philosophy that "personal growth is professional growth" has guided transformative leadership development worldwide.Connect with Rod Bacon:  Website: sparkeffect.com/about/rod-bacon/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rodbacon/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/kimbohrConnect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.comKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross

Years ago, I was introduced to a former Marine and FBI counterintelligence officer whose job was to recruit spies to help protect our country. His secret weapon? Empathy. Finding out what is important to someone so that they can then build trust and find shared goals.Robin Dreek joins us again today to talk about his latest book, Unbreakable Alliances: A Spy Recruiter's Authoritative Guide to Cultivating Powerful and Lasting Connections. He shares the four keys to communication and the difference between inspiration, influence, and manipulation. He shares the behaviors of trust required to inspire people to feel safe. We talk about how to engage empathy to inspire people to open up, share their context, and forge those unbreakable alliances. Finally, Robin shares a great definition of active curiosity and what it can do for both your relationships and success. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Every little word and emotion matters.You have to balance the dichotomy of vulnerability and confidence.Four keys of communication: seeking the thoughts and opinions of others; talking in terms of challenges and priorities that other people are dealing with; non-judgmental active curiosity; and empowering people with choice.We need to be asking better questions - focus on what they want to share, not what you want to ask."Active curiosity is taking it to the next level - don’t just be curious about what it is you want to know, but be curious about what it is they want to share." —  Robin Dreeke Episode References: The Empathy Edge podcast: Robin Dreeke: Spycraft and the Leadership Code of TrustAbout Robin Dreeke, Executive Coach, Speaker, Former FBI, and Author, Unbreakable AlliancesRobin Dreeke is an accomplished Executive Coach, Best-Selling Author, and Professional Speaker with an impressive background. As a Marine Corps Officer and retired FBI Special Agent, he served as Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, where he honed his skills in Recruiting Spies and Behavioral Assessment. Today, Robin has translated his expertise into his unique Interpersonal Communication Strategies that focus on Recruiting Allies in business. Since 2010, he has been working with Executives, Corporations, Entrepreneurs, the Military, and Law Enforcement to help them Forge Trust, Solve Challenges, and Lead. Robin's People Formula has helped countless individuals and teams achieve quick, measurable results and maximum success. Whether you're a newly promoted leader, executive, sales team member, or customer relations specialist, Robin's proven strategies will help you excel.Connect with Robin:Website: robindreeke.comX: x.com/rdreekeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rdreekeFacebook: facebook.com/ForgedbyTrustInstagram: instagram.com/rdreekeBook: Unbreakable Alliances: A Spy Recruiter's Authoritative Guide to Cultivating Powerful and Lasting ConnectionsConnect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.comKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross

Today’s episode is a little more personal. A reflection. A struggle.Because lately, I’ve been wondering: Is empathy under attack? And if so, how do we as leaders, parents, citizens—and humans—continue to lead with empathy in a world that sometimes seems to mock, punish, or politicize it?So today, I want to pull back the curtain and talk about what it’s like to do this work, and why—despite it all—I continue to fight for empathy at work, in leadership, and our culture at large.Let’s dive in. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:In a chaotic world, cruelty often gets mistaken for strength. Empathy is not about coddling and indulgence but about the courage to pause and listen, not to react.Three small but powerful steps to resist the tide of cruelty and amplify empathy instead: model it, name it, protect it."Empathy is not weak, naive, or political. It is what allows us to build trust, resolve conflict, and create workplaces where people—and performance—can thrive." - Maria RossEpisode References: FREE upcoming 2-day virtual leadership event with me! Let's have a chat first and see if this aligns with your goals and where you are right now. Visit www.TheEmpathyEdge.com/event to sign up for a time.VAST InstituteRobert Reich's Substack article, ”Trump, Musk, and The Empathy Bug”: https://robertreich.substack.com/p/trump-musk-and-the-empathy-bugListener Feedback! Please fill out the short survey here at https://bit.ly/edge-feedback Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.comKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross

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

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

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

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