The Empathy Edge

Hosted by Maria Ross

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324

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Jun 2026

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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, engagement, and bottom-line results. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to amplify your impact, and learn how compassionate business tactics can transform your organization from the inside out. The Empathy Edge podcast provides a quick dose of motivation, wisdom, and practical actions that executive leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers can use right now. Ready to infuse YOUR organization with more empathy? Tune in to learn why cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive.

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June 16, 2026Episode 32556 min

Meghan French Dunbar: Work Isn't Working for Anyone Right Now

If work feels harder than it should—more exhausting, more fragmented, more misaligned—it’s probably not because people are failing. It’s because the system is. Meghan French Dunbar, has spent her career studying organizations like an anthropologist, looking beneath policies, perks, and performance metrics to understand why modern work so often isn’t working for the humans inside it.Meghan is a workplace strategist, speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of the bestselling book This Isn’t Working, which explores how working women (and men) and the organizations they lead can move beyond stress, guilt, and overload toward a more sustainable definition of success. Her work has reached more than a million people worldwide.We dive into some of the juiciest insights from her book. We talk about why empathy isn’t a “feminine” skill”- or a soft one - and how the same patriarchal systems that burn out women also do irreparable harm to men. We unpack the difference between sacrificial leadership and sustainable leadership, and why research shows that holistic leadership - where performance and well-being aren’t at odds - is actually the most effective way to lead.Meghan also shares the most powerful things leaders can do to access healthy leadership traits like empathy - and how empathy enables more customizable workplaces that truly engage younger generations. This is a conversation about redesigning work, so it actually works for people and for business.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…How to run a thriving organization while also thriving yourself.Why it is not about feminine or masculine traits, but rather about human traits.What holistic leadership means at its core.How vulnerability and authenticity lend credibility to you as a leader. "Autonomy, having control and agency in your life, is one of our core intrinsic motivators, and when you strip it from people, it's one of the primary causes of chronic stress and burnout." —  Meghan French Dunbar Episode References: The Empathy Edge: Michelle Feferman: How Leaders Create Psychological Safety When Employees Are AfraidAbout Meghan French Dunbar: Workplace Strategist, Speaker, Author, This Isn't WorkingMeghan French Dunbar is a “business anthropologist” who studies organizations to find solutions that improve work for everyone. As an author, entrepreneur, workplace strategist, and speaker, her work has touched the lives of over a million people worldwide. She's the author of the best-selling This Isn’t Working: How Working Women Can Overcome Stress, Guilt, and Overload to Find True Success.Meghan co-founded the first nationally distributed print magazine in the U.S. focusing on impact-driven business, Conscious Company Magazine, where she interviewed more than 1,000 business leaders worldwide. As a leadership and workplace strategist, she works with leadership teams at companies like Coach, Kate Spade, Leonard Green, Charter Next Generation, and more while writing for outlets like Forbes, Fast Company, and Inc. about her key insights.Connect with Meghan French DunbarWebsite: meghanfrenchdunbar.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/meghanfrenchdunbarInstagram: instagram.com/meghanfrenchdunbarSubstack: meghanfrenchdunbar.substack.comBook: This Isn't Working: How Working Women Can Overcome Stress, Guilt, and Overload to Find True Success: https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-isn-t-working-how-working-women-can-overcome-stress-guilt-and-overload-to-find-true-success-meghan-french-dunbar/3775a58ced9d08f8 Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

June 9, 2026Episode 32436 min

Robert Coleman, Ph.D: Only 14% Get Empathy Training — and It's Costing You Everything

The data proving empathy is smart business has always been there, it's all we talk about here - but now it's bigger, broader, and more impossible to ignore than ever. Dr. Robert Coleman is Director of Research and Thought Leadership at Dale Carnegie and Associates, where he leads ongoing research into the issues facing leaders, employees, and organizations worldwide. He comes bearing serious receipts in the form of Dale Carnegie's white paper, The Power of Empathy: A Key Soft Skill for the Future of Work. Now in its third consecutive year of global research with roughly 4,000 respondents. This isn't a one-off survey. This is an ongoing comparative study that is building an airtight case for empathy as a core business strategy.Robert walks us through what the data actually shows -  and it is compelling. Employees in high-empathy workplaces dramatically outperform those in low-empathy ones on retention, satisfaction, and goal achievement. Teams in high-empathy organizations are significantly more likely to meet and exceed their targets. And here's the stat that stopped me cold: only 14% of employees say they've received training specifically focused on empathy, despite its proven link to performance and retention. Not because employees don't want it, they are craving it. It's the interpersonal skills they know matter most. And yet companies continue to underinvest. We dive deep into the data together and then pull back out to make sense of what it means for your organization and why you need to pay attention right now.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…How one interaction can shape someone’s view of your organization.Why roll fit should be addressed from the front end, and not assumed to be fixed later.Statistics around empathy as a retention and job satisfaction driver.Why accountability is important for engagement at all levels. "Without empathy, emotional intelligence loses its effectiveness, because empathy makes it actionable. It's how people experience it, and it is that action piece that transforms emotional awareness into those meaningful leadership outcomes that people are looking for." —  Robert Coleman, Ph.DAbout Robert Coleman, Ph.D., Director of Research and Thought Leadership, Dale CarnegieRobert A. Coleman, Ph.D., is the director of research and thought leadership for Dale Carnegie and Associates, where he is responsible for ongoing research into current issues facing leaders, employees, and organizations worldwide.Connect with Robert:Dale Carnegie & Associates: dalecarnegie.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertcoleman5 Dale Carnegie White Paper: The Power of Empathy: A Key Soft Skill for the Future of Work: https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/state-of-organizational-health Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

June 2, 2026Episode 3231 hr 9 min

Mitch Shepard: Unfiltered! The Leadership Gender "Rules” That Hurt EVERYONE

What if the biggest thing holding leaders back isn’t a lack of ambition or skilL but outdated operating systems we’ve never questioned?Mitch Shepard lives at the intersection of truth-telling, leadership, and systems change. She’s an Applied Behavioral Scientist, Chief Truth Teller, and CEO of HUMiN, Inc., and a trusted advisor to leaders at some of the world’s most influential companies.In this unfiltered conversation, the throughline is clear: we must all embrace authentic leadership, equity, and courage to be fully human at work and in life.This is a bold, honest, and expansive conversation about legacy. How leaders can do truly great work by creating equity, telling the truth, and inviting men and women alike to bring all of who they are so we can solve hard problems together.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…How leaders can  stop performing and start telling the truthWhy can’t we keep focusing on “fixing the women” and instead must confront the systems we operate withinThe tension and power between masculine and feminine leadership, and why embracing both makes leaders strongerHow societal expectations shape what we teach young men and women about success, and how we can model something healthier for our kidsHow to sell your strengths better when they defy outdated normsHow to honor people for who they are, not who the system rewards them for pretending to be"If you observe environments, it turns out men really are more likely to have the masculine traits in excess or higher quantities, women are more likely to have feminine ones. But this is where the narrative has to shift. None of us are off the hook on learning ALL the skills." —  Mitch Shepard Episode References: Outward Bound: outwardbound.org The Athena Doctrine: goodreads.com/book/show/16250170-the-athena-doctrine“Prime Minister” Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34965625/ The Empathy Edge: Ilana Ben-Ari: How the Empathy Toy is Changing the WorldClaude Silver: Leading with Heart at Vayner MediaAbout Mitch Shepard: Chief Truth Teller and CEO, HUMiN, Inc.Mitch Shepard is an Applied Behavioral Scientist and trusted advisor to some of the world’s top leaders. She began her career leading wilderness expeditions through the rivers, canyons, and peaks of Utah and Colorado, guiding teams to achieve bold goals in unpredictable environments.That foundation, combined with a formal education in Economics and Behavioral Science, prepared Mitch for two decades navigating the equally wild terrain of corporate America. She has since built three companies and coached hundreds of leaders across tech and biotech - from scrappy startups to the Fortune 500.Mitch is known for her candor, warmth, truth-telling, and sharp strategic mind. She is also an author, mama, wife, sought-after speaker, cancer ass-kicker, social justice warrior—and passionate global citizen.Mitch’s first book, Lessons From My Daughter, will explore the generational updating of our operating systems from one generation of women to the next. Connect with Mitch:  HUMiN Inc: humininc.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mitchshepard Facebook: facebook.com/mitch.loomisshepard Instagram: instagram.com/mitchshepard  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossLinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

May 26, 2026Episode 32238 min

David Grossman: Why "Good Enough" Leadership Is Your Biggest Risk

Most leaders think they're doing fine. Their teams think otherwise. And that gap - hiding in plain sight across organizations everywhere - is exactly what my guest today has spent his career trying to close. David Grossman is one of America's foremost authorities on leadership and change communication inside organizations. He's a six-time author, and his latest book is The Heart Work of Modern Leadership: 6 Differentiators of Exceptional Leaders.David shares findings from a survey he conducted in partnership with Harris Poll to find out what 2,200 employed Americans thought of their leaders and what they revealed about the dangerous gap between how leaders see themselves and how their teams actually experience them. We get into the three gaps preventing good leaders from becoming exceptional, why the poker face problem is quietly undermining your credibility and connection, and why David pushes back on calling empathy a soft skill. He makes the case that empathy is actually an intelligence system, and we discuss why exceptional leaders blend both heart and head skills, how vulnerability builds trust in ways nothing else can, and that the most important leadership skill might be learning to hear what people aren't saying out loud.If you think you're a pretty good leader, this conversation is going to reveal how you can be an exceptional one.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The three gaps that good leaders aren’t thinking about but should be. The six differentiators of exceptional modern leaders.Why David wants to get rid of the term “soft skills” and start talking about the “human skills” necessary to be an exceptional leader.How to move past the Poker Face Problem. Modifying your leadership style to handle times of uncertainty. The advanced listening skills everyone should work on. "Part of our responsibility as leaders is to help create stability for our folks. We create that stability by being predictable, by leveraging these all-important heart skills as a means to get to results. I want to ensure leaders hear the need for balance between strategic thinking and empathy, or EQ - this is not an either/or proposition." —  David Grossman About David Grossman, Founder and CEO, Author, The Heart Work of Modern Leadership:David Grossman is one of America's foremost authorities on leadership and change communication inside organizations. An award-winning author, keynote speaker, and trusted executive coach to the C-suite, he also advises academic institutions, offering guidance on curriculum and programs. David is the founder and CEO of The Grossman Group.A media source for his expert commentary and analysis on employee and leadership issues, David has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Sun Times, Fast Company, Forbes, Fortune, Newsweek, the World Economic Forum, Directors & Boards, and CBS MoneyWatch, among many others.David is a six-time author, and his latest book, The Heart Work of Modern Leadership: 6 Differentiators of Exceptional Leaders, is an Amazon Best Seller in Communication, Leadership & Motivation, Workplace & Culture, and Business Culture.Connect with David:The Grossman Group: yourthoughtpartner.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidgrossmanaprabc Get the book! The Heart Work of Modern Leadership: 6 Differentiators of Exceptional Leaders: www.thegrossmangroup.co/edge Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

May 19, 2026Episode 32140 min

Dr. Jay Jakub: Economic Mutuality and the Empathy of Purpose

What if business wasn’t just about profit, but about creating mutual value across stakeholders and communities that would actually DRIVE more profit? That’s the question driving today’s guest, Dr. Jay Jakub. Jay is the Executive Director of the Economics of Mutuality Foundation. Jay is no stranger to transforming big ideas into practice. He spent years as Senior Director of External Research at Mars, Inc., has taught in business schools around the world, and is an international speaker and author.We dig into the Economics of Mutuality, how stakeholder capitalism differs from shareholder capitalism, and why purpose is so essential to mutual value creation. Jay shares amazing real-world examples of how this approach produces impressive ROI. We talk about what it takes for leaders to embrace new KPIs to include social and human capital, how to convince allies inside your organization, and how empathetic leadership plays a critical role in reimagining business as a platform to tackle society’s biggest challenges while still generating healthy profit.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The difference between mutual value creation and traditional shareholder capitalismCreating purpose-driven businesses and stakeholder ecosystemsWhy you should be measuring social, human, and natural capital as performanceUtilizing empathy, deep listening, and understanding stakeholders' pain points to tackle society’s biggest challengesHow you can use your business as a platform to solve societal challenges profitably "We're trying to remove the perceived trade-off of doing some good, but always at a cost to profit, and demonstrating that you can actually create more profit and growth by solving problems than you can by creating them to…profit for yourself." —  Dr. Jay JakubReferences:The Economics of Mutuality Operating model: www.mutualvaluelabs.comThe Empathy Edge:Joanna Cea: Beloved EconomiesRaman Frey: How to Incentivize Empathy and Community in a Capitalist WorldMichael Ventura: How to Apply Empathy to Tough Business ChallengesAbout Dr. Jay Jakub, Executive Director, Economics of Mutuality (EoM) Foundation:Dr. Jay Jakub is the Executive Director of the Economics of Mutuality Foundation, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. He also serves as Chief of Staff for the EoM Alliance’s Mutual Value Labs consultancy and for its Mutual Value Investments PE company. Jay is on the Boards of Doma-Livanta, a healthcare advocacy and IT company based in Virginia Beach, and the Human Flourishing Foundation in Switzerland. He is a Board advisor for the Thompson Family Office in Richmond, Virginia, that is seeking to build a smart city between Washington, DC, and Richmond, and for Eagle Ventures, which invests in technology to defeat human trafficking, with offices in Fort Worth, Zurich, and Singapore. Jay also advises the Singapore government’s Alliance for Action on Corporate Purpose. He is an international speaker, a business school professor, an author, and a former Senior Director of External Research at Mars, Inc.Jay is the co-author of Completing Capitalism: Heal Business to Heal the World, and is a contributing co-author of Putting Purpose into Practice: The Economics of Mutuality.  His doctorate is from Oxford University, St. John’s College.Connect with Jay:  Economics of Mutuality Alliance: eom.org LinkedIn: Jay Jakub  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

May 12, 2026Episode 32039 min

Dr. David Bray: From Bioterrorism to AI — Why Empathy Is Your Best Strategy in a Chaotic World

Dr. David Bray is one of those rare humans who has done so much, across so many high-stakes arenas, that his bio almost reads like fiction. David is Chair of the Accelerator at the Loomis Council and a Distinguished Fellow with the Stimson Center. He is a Principal at LeadDoAdapt Ventures, and was previously the Executive Director of a bipartisan National Commission on R&D.At 15 years old, he got a job offer from the U.S. government after he built a program to track the ozone layer's deterioration - you'll hear more of that crazy story. And his non-partisan, solutions-first DNA? It wasn't an accident — it was baked in from childhood.Dr. Bray helps leaders and organizations understand how geopolitics shapes technology and how technology reshapes geopolitics. Because in today's world, you simply cannot understand one without the other.And why government should NOT be run as a business.We cover a lot of ground, all with a bent toward how empathy and collaboration across diverse points of view lead to more creative solutions. If you care about where technology, humanity, and democracy are headed, and how empathetic leadership just might save all three, listen in.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why AI is neither doomsday nor utopia — and what it actually is and isn't capable ofThe actual neuroscience behind why we see the world differently — and how laughter helps us truly listenWhy unexpected voices at the table can change everythingWhy the government cannot and should not be run like a business!The science of making decisions together - how to get from "me" to "we"And a novel, genuinely hopeful solution for getting us back to compromise and common ground"When humans feel stressed, doomsdayism becomes almost a fad, and I think it's more symbolic of that than it is the reality of the situation." —  Dr. David BrayReferences:MIT Report on the human skills required to complement AIThe Empathy Edge:Dr. Claire Yorke: Can Empathy Fix Broken Politics?About Dr. David Bray, Chair of the Accelerator, Stimson Center, and Principal, LeadDoAdapt Ventures:Dr. David A. Bray is Chair of the Accelerator at the Loomis Council and a Distinguished Fellow with the Stimson Center. He is also a non-resident Distinguished Fellow with the Business Executives for National Security, and a CEO and transformation leader for different “under the radar” tech and data ventures seeking to get started in novel situations. He is Principal at LeadDoAdapt Ventures and has served in a variety of leadership roles in turbulent environments, including bioterrorism preparedness and response from 2000 to 2005. Dr. Bray previously was the Executive Director for a bipartisan National Commission on R&D, provided non-partisan leadership as a federal agency Senior Executive, worked with the U.S. Navy and Marines on improving organizational adaptability, and aided the U.S. Special Operations Command’s J5 Directorate on the challenges of countering disinformation online. He has received both the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award and the National Intelligence Exceptional Achievement Medal. Business Insider named him one of the top “24 Americans Who Are Changing the World” under 40, and he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. For twelve different startups, he has served in President, CEO, Chief Strategy Officer, and Strategic Advisor roles.Connect with David:Stimson Center: stimson.org/ppl/david-brayLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dbrayMore from David: cxotalk.com/bio/dr-david-a-bray-distinguished-chair-of-the-accelerator-stimson-center Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

May 7, 2026Episode 31937 min

Brandon Peele: What America's 250th Birthday Is Really Asking of Us

America is about to turn 250 years old. My guest today believes this moment is asking something from all of us. Not a celebration or parade, but a reckoning, a chance to find our way back to each other. Brandon Peele is a bestselling author of 6 books on purpose and civic leadership, is Executive Director of the National Pilgrimage, and a trusted keynote speaker and consultant. His work sits at the intersection of purpose, democracy, and what it means to be a nation. On June 9th, 2026, a caravan of diverse Americans will set out on the National Pilgrimage — driving through the heart of this nation, sitting with people along the way, and asking the questions our political system never asks: What values should guide us? What would it take for this to be a great place for all of us to raise children? What kind of country do we want to leave for the next generation? The journey culminates in the National Assembly — a virtual gathering open to everyone on July 6th and 7th, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm PDT, where your voice will be heard and counted. Six storytellers will then travel to Chicago, and on July 9th — the anniversary of the 14th Amendment — they will read aloud a new national covenant. PBS documentarians are capturing every mile.You'll learn more details and how to get involved. We discuss why empathy is the core mechanism of e pluribus unum — out of many, one — and why, just like any organization, we need a shared moral vision to know where we're going and who we want to be. Brandon shares the three layers of democracy and why our nation's problems are as much moral, psychological, and spiritual as they are political.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The purpose of government and how we have forgotten the core vision of our democracyHow the founding beliefs of spirituality and Natural Law shaped the countryA shared vision of what we can all be as diverse AmericansWays you can join in or support the pilgrimage and virtual assembly "This is not about politics. This is about a shared moral vision that includes all of us, and so I don't care how you voted or if you voted. I don't care how you make love. I don't care how much melanin is in your skin. You're an American, and you belong in this conversation." —  Brandon Peele References:The Empathy Edge:Dr. Claire Yorke: Can Empathy Fix Broken Politics?Sam Daley-Harris: Reclaiming Our DemocracyJames Coan: Closing the Perception Gap that Tears Us ApartAbout Brandon Peele: Executive Director, National PilgrimageBrandon Peele is a best-selling author and the Executive Director of the National Pilgrimage. He's trusted as a keynote speaker, consultant, and program leader by organizations such as Google, Harvard Business School, Johnson & Johnson, Stanford University, JDRF, Morgan Stanley, U.S. Marine Corps, YPO, University of California - Berkeley, Vistage, Forum for Workplace Inclusion, LinkedIn, the U.S. Navy, Slalom Consulting, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the University of Minnesota.He is the author of Bison Medicine (2025),  Purpose Work Nation (2022), The Purpose Field Guide (2019), and Planet on Purpose (2018), and co-author of Purpose Rising (2017) and The Purpose Blueprint (2015). His work has been featured by news organizations such as USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, the US Business Journal, and Forbes.Connect with Brandon:Brandon Peele: nationalpilgrimage.usLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bpeeleInstagram: instagram.com/natnlpilgrimageThe National Pilgrimage and Assembly: chuffed.org/project/nationalpilgrimageSynanim (platform enabling the Assembly’s virtual collaboration): synanim.comConnect with Maria:Books: Red-Slice.com/booksSpeaking: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossLinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

May 5, 2026Episode 31843 min

Ceallaigh Smart: The Power of Being Seen

The power of being seen can change everything. We see it in the workplace and in our world. And one way to strengthen empathy and build that connection is through photography.  A single photograph—placed in someone’s hands—can affirm dignity, spark connection, and grow empathy on both sides of the lens. That’s the heartbeat of Print the Love, the nonprofit founded 15 years ago by today’s guest, Ceallaigh Smart. We explore how photography creates empathy, how international travel to under-resourced communities expands perspective, why giving back in any capacity is healing, and how ethical photography and storytelling train our empathy muscle—through permission, protection, and honoring people’s stories. Ceallaigh also shares a vulnerable personal journey of healing that led to her love of global travel and a desire to serve. That’s the power of being seen. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The transformation that comes when people see a photo of themselves for the first time.The power of being seen.The ethics of taking photos of strangers.Creating empathy through photography, especially in underserved communities.The power of celebrating life’s moments, as they are, right now. "I want to live in a world where a stranger says, ‘You are beautiful today, no matter what, and here's a memory for you and your family to keep for a long time to bring you joy."  —  Ceallaigh SmartEpisode References: Join an international trip with Print the Love:  printthelove.org/tripsHumans of New York - InstagramFujiUltraproThe Empathy Edge podcast episodes:Woodson Martin: Balancing Corporate Success with Humanitarian WorkTeri Schmidt: Empathy-Infused Team Building for Lasting ImpactAshley Jones: How to Courageously Lead and Support Through GriefAbout Ceallaigh Smart, Executive Director, Print the Love:Ceallaigh (pronounced Kelly) founded Print the Love in 2015 and has worked in nonprofits for over 20 years. In addition to her work at Print the Love, Ceallaigh is the Executive Director of Haiti Outreach. With a background and education in Arts Administration (MA), Experiential/Adventure Education and Art Therapy (BA), and Colorado Outward Bound Alum, Ceallaigh brings a unique depth of leadership experiences and knowledge to the international NGO space. She is passionate about humanitarianism, international travel, narcissistic abuse recovery, Jesus, peace activism, running, the arts, self-care, the outdoors, social justice, fighting for the oppressed, crushing the patriarchy, and finding an awesome new keto dessert or mocktail recipe. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her husband, rescue pup, and two amazing teens.Connect with Ceallaigh:Print the Love: printthelove.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ceallaighsmart Facebook: facebook.com/printthelove Instagram: instagram.com/printtheloveorg  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

April 28, 2026Episode 31744 min

Dr. Jaime Goff: How Secure Leaders Rewrite Unhelpful Stories to Find Success

What are the hidden, unconscious forces that shape how we lead—why we react the way we do, why some situations knock us off center, and how we can build the internal security to lead with more empathy, clarity, and connection?My guest, Dr. Jaime Goff, is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and founder of The Empathic Leader, where she now works full-time helping leaders “lead from security, not fear.”With a Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy and two decades in organizational leadership, Jaime translates attachment theory, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence into practical tools leaders can use immediately. Her new book, The Secure Leader, helps readers uncover the narratives shaping their leadership, regulate under pressure, and create environments where their teams can thrive.We dig into why our brains love stories, and how those stories can limit us, what to do when leaders can’t see their own unhelpful narratives, why adaptive challenges can’t be solved with technical solutions, and the essential first step to emotionally regulate in today’s turbulent world.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The connection between parenting leadership and team leadership. How early experiences influence leadership behavior. How insecurity blocks empathy and team flourishing.What leaders can do to build internal security and lead with more calm and clarity.Strategies and daily habits for emotional regulation and stress tolerance to be a better leader."You end up stifling the growth and development of your team because you're holding on to so much control that you don't let go of the reins and you don't empower them. You don't let them experiment, innovate, learn, and grow.” —  Dr. Jaime Goff Episode References: Dr. Jaime Goff's Secure Leader Style Scan: https://drjaimegoff.com/secure-leader-style-scanAbout Jaime Goff, PhD, Founder, The Empathic Leader, and Author of The Secure Leader:Dr. Jaime Goff is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and founder of The Empathic Leader, where she now works full-time helping leaders “lead from security, not fear.” She previously served as Director of Leadership Development at CHRISTUS Health, designing programs for more than 45,000 associates, and she brings a powerful blend of research and real-world experience to her work.With a Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy and two decades in organizational leadership, Jaime translates attachment theory, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence into practical tools leaders can use immediately. Her new book, The Secure Leader, helps readers rewrite unhelpful narratives shaping their leadership, regulate under pressure, and create environments where their teams can thrive.Whether delivering a keynote, facilitating workshops, or engaging in one-on-one coaching, Jaime is known for weaving research with relatable stories to spark insight and lasting behavior change.Connect with Jaime:The Empathic Leader, LLC: drjaimegoff.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoffInstagram: instagram.com/dr_jaimegoffBook: The Secure Leader by Dr. Jaime Goff Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

April 21, 2026Episode 31649 min

Kevin Perlmutter: Sparking Brand Desire with Empathy

Do you know that customers who are highly emotionally connected to your brand are 53% more loyal than those who are merely satisfied with your products and services?Today I’m talking with Kevin Perlmutter. We explore why traditional brand strategies often miss the mark, how branding has evolved beyond surface-level connections, and Kevin’s concept of Limbic Sparks—those moments when emotional motivation meets brand desire. You’ll learn the three steps to spark brand desire and how even B2B brands can connect emotionally. Kevin shares why talking directly to customers beats cold data alone and staying in the thick of the details will make you more successful than just relying on AI. And we chat about marketing ethics and the crucial difference between being a customer habit versus gaining their loyalty.Finally, Kevin shares the one big lesson he wants every leader to take away from his book. We could have talked forever about one of my favorite topics, so enjoy the insights and take a listen!To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Maintaining ethical behavior when deploying and evolving the brand.How to spark customer interest using emotional insights.Why the difference between habits and loyalty is important to understand.How to balance AI and humans to better serve your customers.The three steps for embracing a limbic spark mindset."Limbic sparks are what you feel when emotional motivation meets brand desire. It's that moment when you encounter a brand, and it feels like it was designed with you in mind." —  Kevin PerlmutterEpisode References: The Empathy Edge podcast: Kevin Perlmutter: When Emotional Motivation Meets Brand DesireMelina Palmer: What Your Employees Need But Can’t Tell YouMelina Palmer: Why Your Customers Can’t Tell You What They WantMIT Article on human skills that complement AI shortcomings: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/these-human-capabilities-complement-ais-shortcomings About Kevin Perlmutter, Chief Strategist & Founder, Limbic Brand Evolution:Kevin Perlmutter is Chief Strategist and Founder of Limbic Brand Evolution, a brand strategy and neuromarketing consultancy that puts emotional insight at the center of how brands attract and retain customers. He is also the Author of BRAND DESIRE: Spark Customer Interest Using Emotional Insights. Based near New York City, he works with business and brand leaders to create stronger connections between their brand and the people they want to reach – as a consultant, speaker, and workshop facilitator – to guide the development of more effective methods for brand evolution and customer engagement.Connect with Kevin Perlmutter:Limbic Brand Evolution: https://www.limbicbrandevolution.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinperlmutter/ Book: BRAND DESIRE: Spark Customer Interest Using Emotional Insights www.BrandDesireBook.com  Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com