Failed product launches. Furious customers. Dysfunctional teams. Many of the problems we face in the business world (and frankly, society) stem from the same root cause: Lack of empathy. Speaker, author, strategist, and empathy advocate Maria Ross shares keen insights and inspiring interviews that prove empathy and compassion are the new paths to market-winning performance. Leveraging both inspiring stories and hard data, Ross connects empathetic leadership, cultures and brands to innovation ...
…
continue reading
Learning Evaluation Strategist Podcasts
1
Learning to Design: Course Design Made Easy with Sarah Wilson
Sarah Wilson, M.Ed., Instructional Designer, eLearning Design, and Learning Evaluation Strategist
Are you interested in instructional design? Instructional designers have never been in such great demand. Whether you've been asked to create some training at work, or to whip up a presentation, or even to create some kind of elearning, you're in the right place. Have you ever felt like creating great learning content is a bit tricky or maybe just out of reach? Do you ever wonder about how you can make your learning designs more interesting and effective? Do you know how to really connect wi ...
…
continue reading
1
Lisa Even: Building a Culture with Good Ripple Effect
45:13
45:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:13We've got work to do! Yes, we do. And it will likely not stop. So, WHY should you make time for joy, even in the toughest work environments? Why should you even do it when we have spreadsheets, deadlines, and goals to hit? The better question is: How can you NOT find the time? It's the 5th pillar of being both an empathetic AND effective leader. An…
…
continue reading
1
October 2025 Hot Take: My Birthday Wish: More Empathy, Less Excuses
16:34
16:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:34October is Maria’s birthday month—and her wish this year? More empathy and compassion in leadership. In this special solo episode, Maria shares why we must stop accepting toxic leadership as “normal,” and how you can turn the tide toward human-centered, high-performing workplaces. Plus, she’s got a special birthday and holiday gift for you (and may…
…
continue reading
1
Oscar Trimboli: The Four Listening Villains: How to Listen Deeply to Lead Better
47:40
47:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:40How well do you listen? Like, really listen? We waste so much time, energy, resources, and money due to a lack of effective listening. It causes misunderstandings, rework, mistakes, and in some cases, dangerous outcomes. My guest today is a Listening Whisperer! Oscar Trimboli starts out sharing his epiphany moment in a meeting that led to his curre…
…
continue reading
1
Lane Byrum: When Lack of Empathy Costs Your Company Millions
36:46
36:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:46How much better does taking an empathetic approach impact not just your leadership, but your ability to bring the right products and services to market nd truly connect with your ideal customers? Turns out, it can help you avoid costly advertising campaign failures! Today I talk with Lane Byrum, EQ coach and Director of Corporate Accounts for Five …
…
continue reading
1
Ursula Taylor: Conflict and Negotiation Reimagined
40:02
40:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:02What if the real solution to conflict is not about persuading the other side, but in transforming yourself first? That’s the provocative question we explore in today’s episode with my guest, Ursula Taylor. We discuss why self-awareness and authenticity must precede empathy, versus what some other thought leaders you may be following are saying. We …
…
continue reading
1
Mark A. Mears: How to Grow From Leader to Legacy Builder
35:43
35:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:43How can you challenge yourself as a leader to embrace empathy and think bigger, not just about success, but about significance? Joining me today is Mark Mears, a visionary business leader, best-selling author, keynote speaker, consultant, and visionary business leader. He has a significant track record of building stakeholder value, driving innovat…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: CEO Evaluation Reimagined: The 360-Degree Approach Every Board Needs with Mike Humphries
34:19
34:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:19Featuring guest Mike Humphries, SparkEffect CEO and former Fortune 500 Executive. Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge. Our show is launching off on its own! Come check us out for twice-monthly episodes at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com or subscribe to Courage to …
…
continue reading
1
Dr. Helen Riess: The Science Behind Empathy's Power on Business Results
42:13
42:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:13The power of empathy for organizational success is not just proven in all the data. Neuroscience backs up our human need to connect and form relationships. But why does empathic communication lead to better business results, improved wellness, decreased burnout, and better workforce retention? We explore that today with Dr. Helen Riess. Persuaded b…
…
continue reading
1
Dan Tocchini: How Leaders Can Turn Conflict into Breakthroughs with Empathy
39:44
39:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:44Turns out your organization's inability to adapt and align in this era of great change may have little to do with structure, sales, or cutting costs and more to do with how you are investing in building your team's people skills: you know, old-fashioned communication, empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Sorry to break it to you, but re…
…
continue reading
1
Rai Cornell: The Psychology of a Savvy Buyer
42:00
42:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:00Empathy is the key to effective marketing. You've heard that here before. But what is really going on in the brains of savvy buyers, and how can we tap into that - not to manipulate, but to connect and engage with what they need and who they want to be? Today, Rai Cornell shares her unique journey, including being a psychologist in the prison syste…
…
continue reading
1
Saqib Rasool: An Engineer's Approach to 21st Century Leadership Development
43:15
43:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:15The skills and sensibilities we needed in the industrial age are no longer working. But according to my guest today, Saqib Rasool, we are approaching skills development as if we were machines - just sprinkle some knowledge or insert some new information and BAM we will transform our leadership style. Instead, he offers a different way to navigate t…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: The 90% Training Waste: Why Your Leadership Development Budget Is Failing Without Coaching with Rod Bacon
38:50
38:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:50Welcome 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. After overwhelming listener response to our AI and coaching conversation, Kim Bohr and Rod Bacon r…
…
continue reading
1
Marisol Solarte-Erlacher: Prioritizing Well-Being Goes Beyond Perks
41:57
41:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:57While multiple studies show that we are experiencing mental health crises, burnout, and stress at alarming levels, I don't have to tell you that you're feeling it. It impacts your ability and your team's ability to perform at the highest level. To innovate, problem solve, and focus. Some workplace stress is a given, but what about the stress we can…
…
continue reading
1
Special Livestream! The Empathy Dilemma with PeopleForward Network!
1:03:08
1:03:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:08Empathetic leadership drives engagement, performance, and innovation. It's a fact. Yet post-pandemic, leaders are struggling to balance the needs of their people with the demands of the business and their own mental health. This livestream session with empathy expert, speaker, author, and podcast host of The Empathy Edge, Maria Ross, will enable le…
…
continue reading
1
Shilpa Alva: Non-Profit Leadership Lessons to Drive For-Profit Success
42:07
42:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:07How 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 w…
…
continue reading
1
Steve Durbin: How Empathetic Leadership Strengthens Cybersecurity and Risk Management
44:58
44:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:58My 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 …
…
continue reading
1
Laura Camacho: Developing Your Empathy and Executive Presence
43:14
43:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:14How 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, L…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: Why AI Can’t Call BS: The Irreplaceable Human Edge in Executive Coaching with Rod Bacon
39:57
39:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:57Welcome 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…
…
continue reading
1
Robin Dreeke: Spy Lessons for Leaders: Forging Unbreakable Alliances Through Empathy
43:13
43:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:13Years 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 Allia…
…
continue reading
1
July Hot Take: Empathy Under Attack: Leading with Heart in Hostile Times
13:32
13:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:32Today’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 wha…
…
continue reading
1
Asheli Mann-Lofthouse: The Nuts and Bolts of DEIB, By Stage
51:23
51:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:23In 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 …
…
continue reading
1
Bridgette Boudreau: Choosing an Ethical Coach to Transform Performance from Within
51:00
51:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:00Self-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 Wil…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: From Digital Overwhelm to Mental Clarity with Timothy Swords
43:17
43:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:17Welcome 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 …
…
continue reading
1
Garrett Delph: Operationalizing Happiness
42:56
42:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:56Unhappiness 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…
…
continue reading
1
Vanya du Toit: The Listening Advantage: Embedding Empathy into Brand, Culture, and Space
41:44
41:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:44As I love to say, empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a powerful tool for strategic and creative excellence. Joining me today is Vanya du Toit, the Associate Director for Wiedemann Lampe, a brand and business consultancy, who leads with empathy to drive brand transformation, team growth, and meaningful client partnerships. In this episode, Vanya s…
…
continue reading
1
Geoffrey Smith: How Compassionate Moments, Not Corporate Mandates, Spark Engagement and Customer Satisfaction
41:48
41:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:48Where do empathy and compassion impact corporate profits, employee experience, and customer satisfaction? In healthcare, and yes, in your industry, no matter what it is, it starts at the local level, as my guest today shares. Today, Geoffrey Smith and I talk about his journey as an employee experience professional in healthcare, but how he didn't r…
…
continue reading
1
Vivian Acquah: How DEI Manages Risks, Lowers Costs, and Opens Eyes
44:38
44:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:38We have talked a lot on this show about the benefits of a diverse and inclusive culture and how it leads to outstanding business results. But did you also know how DEI helps your company manage risk and future-proof against churn, productivity loss, and potentially falling behind in the market? Today, you will hear one of the best definitions of DE…
…
continue reading
1
James Coan: Closing the Perception Gap that Tears Us Apart
34:42
34:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:42Given the country's political divide, we often hear that conversations are the key to empathy and connection. Which is true. But that also doesn't scale very well. One way to combat this is to correct dangerous political misperceptions and help us find more overlap. In fact, a Hidden Tribes study shows that 85% of Americans are more similar than we…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: The Talent Advantage: Strategic Recruitment in Uncertain Times with Tim Sprangers
55:27
55:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:27Welcome 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 uncertain job market, what separates endless applications from landing your ideal role?…
…
continue reading
1
May 2025 Hot Take: Why Legacy Leadership is Messy
12:22
12:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:22Building leadership muscles and practicing leadership is not always pretty. It’s got to get messy if you want to master it. Nothing brought this home to me more than a recent CrossFit workout where I really started to understand the power of muscle memory and why constant skills development is required to keep yourself sharp. Leadership is like thi…
…
continue reading
1
Lauree Ostrofsky: Hey Rockstar Leader, Don't Forget About YOU
43:57
43:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:57Most 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…
…
continue reading
1
Shermin Kruse: Why Stoic Empathy is the Balance Leaders Need
50:29
50:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:29What 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 releva…
…
continue reading
1
Moe Carrick: Redefining Leadership Beyond Gender B.S.
55:16
55:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:16Masculine 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 wome…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: From HR Leader to Job Seeker: Mastering Authentic Career Transition with Karen Hague
45:05
45:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:05Welcome 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…
…
continue reading
1
April Hot Take: What’s Next for Empathy and Inclusion in the Workplace?
11:04
11:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:04Here 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, …
…
continue reading
1
Misha Safran: Joy + Empathy + Inclusion = A Winning Team
38:33
38:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:33When 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 …
…
continue reading
1
David Bedrick, JD, Dipl. PW: The Unshaming Way
41:58
41:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:58There'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 …
…
continue reading
1
Pam Fox Rollin: How to Grow Your Group Into a Team
50:22
50:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:22Truthbomb: 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 w…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: Leading Gen Z with Dr. Meisha Rouser
44:08
44:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:08Traditional 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 boun…
…
continue reading
1
Sanela Lukanovic: Daring to Be an Empathetic Leader
42:26
42:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:26Courageous 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 identit…
…
continue reading
1
Sara Taylor: Thinking at the Speed of Bias
39:55
39:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:55Diversity, equity, and inclusion have become polarizing terms in our world and that is likely because they are greatly misunderstood. Part of that misunderstanding comes from our unconscious filters - how we see the world, how we take in information, and how we assume we are “the norm" but others are different when the reality is we are ALL differe…
…
continue reading
1
Jason Silver: How to Enjoy Your Work More
54:55
54:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:55Work can be one of the biggest drivers of positivity in your life, but no one ever really explains how to be successful without sacrificing everything outside of the office. When you enjoy your work, you’re more successful and any joy you feel on the job spills over into the rest of your life as well. Kind of like practicing empathy at work and bri…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: The AI Leadership Crisis with Kevin Oakes, CEO, i4cp
39:15
39:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:15Welcome 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 CourageToAdvancePodcast.com. The AI skills gap is widening between high-performing organizations and those falling behind. With onl…
…
continue reading
1
Jen Stark and Jarrid Green: The DEI Flashpoint and How We Move Forward
50:52
50:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:52Today I speak with Jen Stark and Jarrid Green, Co-Directors, of the Center for Business and Social Justice. We candidly discuss how DEI and other topics became flashpoints and ideological hostages rather than sustained corporate efforts, and how companies can break this cycle. We explore the questions executives and boards are asking, how companies…
…
continue reading
1
February Hot Take: A Rant, a Perspective, and a Challenge
19:41
19:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:41This month's Hot Take is a bit of a hodgepodge. You're going to get the chance the tell me more about you and what you want to see on the show this year (and maybe share what you wish were different) - and I warn you: I'm gonna go on a bit of a rant about how we need to desperately stop moving backwards and band together to keep achieving progress …
…
continue reading
1
Tamsen Webster: Say What They Can't Unhear: Communicating for Lasting Change
57:23
57:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:23When we have information to give, the communication doesn't start and end with just one email, announcement, or conversation. Effective communication is more than just the info you deliver, or the words you say. It requires empathy. This is a note for anyone needing to communicate strategic shifts, return-to-work policies, performance expectations,…
…
continue reading
1
Elizabeth Lotardo: Leading Yourself Despite Imperfect Bosses and Annoying Cultures
37:32
37:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:32What do you do when striving to be a more human-centered leader or colleague, trying to advance your career, build your skills, and make a difference, and you're stuck with an imperfect leader, dysfunctional culture, or too much work? You start by leading yourself! Today, Elizabeth Lotardo and I discuss making the most of a job that’s not your drea…
…
continue reading
1
Jonathan Beck: Integrating Compassion, Impact, and Profit in Your Business Model
43:13
43:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:13You've heard me talk about Both/And leadership and about Both/And business models. The ability to balance mission-driven, social impact work with sustainable profit and growth AT THE SAME TIME. It is possible, and it's not just a theory. Today, we talk with Jonathan Beck, someone who knows this firsthand. Today, Jonathan and I discuss the tension b…
…
continue reading
1
Courage to Advance: Breaking the ‘Things Will Get Better’ Cycle with Aaron Delgaty, PhD
1:03:55
1:03:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:55Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge. Tune in here every 3rd Thursday, or visit CourageToAdvancePodcast.com. Kim Bohr and anthropologist Aaron Delgaty, PhD dive deep into the "arrival fallacy" - the pervasive belief that happiness and fulfillment lie just beyond th…
…
continue reading
1
Taryn Voget: How to Activate Your Genius through Empathy
42:50
42:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:50Can genius and empathy coexist or are we doomed to put up with tortured, erratic leaders to find breakthroughs? People cite examples of temperamental, even bullying, genius leaders who create toxic workplaces and use their ability to unlock innovation as an excuse for their damaging behavior. My guest today, Taryn Voget, debunks this myth, shows us…
…
continue reading