The Empathy Edge

Porsche and Honda both make cars. They do NOT have the same brand story. They are not selling to the same people. Customers buy from them for very different reasons - not simply "because I need a car." Your business, no matter what industry you are in, needs to understand this.People often ask me, "How the heck did you, as a brand strategist, come to now be an empathy advocate, author, and speaker?" And I tell them the truth: Empathy has been the success secret of my marketing career.Marketers get this. You can't influence or persuade someone - or build right-fit offerings for them - if you don't understand them. You must peek into their lives, see things how they see them, and ensure your solutions meet those needs, address those goals, and fulfill those aspirations. Or quite frankly, they should not be doing business with you. To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Your messaging needs to be about more than just the product. Your brand story should connect and engage with your audience. Research proves we often make decisions with subconscious emotion, then justify them with logic. Good marketing is not sleazy - when done right and genuinely with offering value as the intention, it’s a way to let people who need you the most find you. "Empathy in marketing is understanding the goals, desires, fears, values, and needs of your ideal audience and creating products and services that speak to them." —  Maria Ross  Episode References: My new course! Brand Story BreakthroughBranding Basics for Small Business, 2nd Edition (2014)Nike If You Let Me Play AdJust one of many Subaru ads I love!The Empathy Edge with Melina Palmer: Why Your Customers Can't Tell You What They Want Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

You're an executive who believes strongly in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Now what? Many executives fear taking action in this space because they are afraid to fail in public. My guest today is Renée Freeman, Principal and founder of Freeman Consulting, a DEIB expert who coaches executives on fostering a nuanced understanding of the importance and value of inclusivity and belonging in the workplace.  Renée conducts workshops, focus groups, and listening sessions for local and global organizations. Today we talk about effective frameworks for DEIB, visible and invisible diversity, what are microaggressions, and the difference between leadership and management when it comes to people.  Key Takeaways:Race is a social construct. You do not know what race somebody identifies as until you have a conversation and they choose to tell you their identity. The same goes for neurodiversity. The brain has both judgments and curiosities, but it cannot do both at the same time. We need to be mindful and aware of the questions we are asking, the biases we have, and the assumptions we are making. When you are in communication, there are more nuances than just the words being said. What is being verbalized is important, but how those words are landing with the other person is equally as important.  "Shame and blame is not an access point to belonging. If what we're trying to create inside an organization is belonging and innovation, and all those yummy things that come from inclusivity,  being able to create a space where folks can process is important." —  Renée Freeman About Renée A. Freeman, Principal & Chief Diversity OfficerFreeman Consulting & Associates provides cultural competency coaching for executives. It also conducts workshops, focus groups, and listening sessions for local and global organizations. The company’s purpose is to help its clients foster a nuanced understanding of the importance and value of inclusivity and belonging in the workplace.Renée A. Freeman is the Principal and Owner of Freeman Consulting. Before forming the company, she spent more than a decade working for IKEA and other global and multinational organizations. She is a Pepperdine University Master of Science in Organization Development alum and serves as Executive Co-Chair of the MSOD Alumni Council. She is an expert in various group dynamic methodologies, including Future Search, and is MBTI and Human Subjects Training certified.Connect with Renée A. FreemanWebsite: https://www.freemanca.comPersonal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneeafreeman/Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freemanca/Additional References:MOT Tools for Tolerance® for Professionals Programs https://www.museumoftolerance.com/for-professionals/programs-workshops/Brook Graham, https://www.brookgraham.comFuture Search Network, https://futuresearch.netThe Empathy Edge Podcast: Edwin Rutsch: How Empathy Circles Can Change the World Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Leaders are being asked to be more emotionally aware and embrace emotions at work. But how to do that in ways that are appropriate and comfortable for everyone? Gone are the days when we separated work and life and we now realize that we can't bring our whole selves to work without acknowledging our humanity. That can mean messy, uncomfortable emotions - and if you as a leader have not shored up your own emotional awareness, you may struggle. Nowhere is this more deeply felt than when having to conduct layoffs.Today, my guest, Daina Middleton, discusses how you can get comfortable embracing emotions at work and building rapport - yes, even if you're an introvert.  Daina shares her own C-suite story about her journey of learning to be aware of and embrace her own emotions to create more success at work and better relationships at home. Daina offers powerful and timely tips on approaching layoffs with empathy and intention, and ensuring you don't ignore those left behind. We talk about why last-hired/first-fired thinking can destroy your DEI progress and designing severance packages that are more inclusive and compassionate. To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:We are all human. We all have emotions and feelings. At the end of the day, if you want to enhance productivity, you need to make sure people can bring their whole selves to work. Listening is the most important thing you can do. Let the blank space be blank space, you do not need to fill it with your own story. Know when empathy and information should come from the leadership team, not just HR, legal, or middle management.  "If you truly want to propel and move the organization forward, you need to allow people to go through the grieving steps." —  Daina Middleton References Mentioned: The Empathy Edge Podcast: Lisen Stromberg: What Modern Leaders and Cultures Need to Succeed in the 21st CenturyHarvard Business Review, "Don't Let Layoffs Undermine Your DEI Efforts"Daina's book: Grace Meets Grit: How to Bring Out the Remarkable, Courageous Leader WithinA great article on Prismwork's site on human-centered layoffs.About Daina Middleton, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, PrismworkDaina Middleton is a former CEO and CMO, and current board member and advisor, strategy consultant, and growth architect with expertise in growing technology and services organizations. She has successfully grown and exited several marketing services businesses. Her success is fueled by focusing on creating market categories, driving thought leadership through partnerships and experiences, cultivating company culture, and executing operational excellence. Believing culture is the competitive advantage, Daina is currently creating culture transformations, inclusive leadership, and company purpose-driven strategies for businesses that wish to create better outcomes for all stakeholders.Connect with Daina MiddletonPrismwork: http://www.prismwork.comWebsite: https://dainamiddleton.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dainamiddleton/Twitter: https://twitter.com/dainamiddleton Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Leaders today need to understand the assignment. And it's no longer about telling people what to do like a ruler from on high, filling out paperwork, or even getting a cushy office. Unless your WFH space is decked out and super-glam.So I ask you: Do you fully understand the assignment….or are you working off an outdated model of the skills you need to be a successful leader? Key Takeaways:Foster collaboration - diversity enables your organization to look at challenges from every angle without missing anything. And it enables the best ideas to rise to the top.Take the time to get to know your team as individuals.Care about people as human beings. Understand their context. Empathetically listen before you start preaching. "You are absolutely required to inspire, listen, empathize, develop, collaborate, and foster trust.  And yes, deliver results." —  Maria Ross  References:Check out my newest digital workshop, How to Grow Your Business With an Empathetic Brand Statement. Perfect for marketers, business owners, entrepreneurs, PR and design professionals, coaches, and consultants!Gianna Driver: The Link Between Diversity, Inclusion, and PerformanceRhonda George-Dinniston: Why Betting On Your People Leads to Market DominationFebruary Hot Take: Why Can't We Do Business With Love?Lisen Stromberg: What Modern Leaders Need to Compete and Succeed in the 21st CenturyAmer Kaissi: Humbitious Leadership  Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

How can we elevate women by connecting and engaging with each other and holding ourselves accountable to our intentions? How can companies who want to attract and retain top talent do the same? I had a great time talking with my guest today, Tiffany Dufu, about her mission to support and elevate women. Tiffany shares her personal story and the mantra her mother used to tell her every day that she hopes to whisper into other women's ears. We discuss The Cru's mission and business model - and how they help women and companies achieve success through support, connection, and accountability. We also talk about why connection is so important to achieving goals (what The Cru calls intentions) and why empathy ensures successful engagement.Tiffany shares how the pandemic has affected women's career goals and why employers and leaders need to understand this new reality and respond accordingly. And she shares 3 tips for connecting across diverse backgrounds that could transform the way your teams get work done. Key Takeaways:If you want something you’ve never had before, you have to do something you’ve never done before. Women in the middle (whatever middle means for you in your life) tend to be looking for meaning, advancement, and integration. Limiting choices for women also limits choices for men, which then also trickles down and affects the children in the home. The intention of “finding a new job” doesn’t mean leaving an organization. Leaders and employers need to bet on their teams, especially their women, and make clear the opportunities that they have in the organization, within and without their teams.  "We are the most powerful change agents in our own journey." —  Tiffany Dufu  About Tiffany Dufu, Founder & CEO, The CruTiffany Dufu is founder and CEO of The Cru. Their algorithm matches circles of women who collaborate to meet their personal and professional goals. She’s also the author of the bestselling book Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less. According to foreword contributor Gloria Steinem, Drop the Ball is “important, path-breaking, intimate and brave.”Named to Entrepreneur's 100 Powerful Women and Fast Company’s League of Extraordinary Women, Tiffany has raised nearly $20 million toward the cause of women and girls. She was a launch team member to Lean In and was Chief Leadership Officer to Levo, one of the fastest-growing millennial professional networks. Prior to that, Tiffany served as President of The White House Project, as a Major Gifts Officer at Simmons University, and as Associate Director of Development at Seattle Girls’ School.Tiffany is a member of Women’s Forum New York, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., and is a Lifetime Girl Scout. She serves on the board of Girls Who Code and Simmons University and lives in New York City with her husband and two children. References Mentioned:The Empathy Edge podcast, Rhonda George-Denniston: Why Betting on Your People Leads to Market Domination - https://theempathyedge.com/rhonda-george-denniston-why-betting-on-your-people-leads-to-market-domination/  Connect with Tiffany  DufuThe Cru: https://www.thecru.comWebsite: https://tiffanydufu.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdufuBook - Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less: https://www.tiffanydufu.com/books Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Modern media and the state of journalism today is, well…interesting. With fake news, misinformation, and clickbait - combined with more news outlets folding or being snapped up by private equity companies - it's a bit of a minefield. So I reached out to my friend Dr. Gina Baleria to help us make sense of it all. Today, Gina and I talk about the state of the journalism industry. We discuss that in addition to knowing how to write, research, and interview, journalists need intangible skills such as empathy, curiosity, community engagement, and tenacity to ensure all voices are included and authentically conveyed.  We discuss how journalists balance empathy and connection with their task at hand. Gina also shares how we, as consumers, can reduce our draw to misinformation, why media plays to our emotions, and offers strategies to help us build media literacy so we  consume it in a more thoughtful way to engage and see each other's humanity, rather than disconnect.Key Takeaways:Social media allows for more voices to be heard that may not previously have had a platform. This is a double-edged sword.Journalists can put the information out into the world, but they do not have control over how consumers choose to engage with that content.Have external cues to stop yourself from Doom Scrolling on social media. The more “suggested for you” content you look at, the more you will be shown.Give yourself pause to do a little bit of research before you share inflammatory news articles or posts. You have the option to be discerning about what you choose to consume and share."As people are less aware of what's going on in their local community, and only see national news, studies show that lack leads to more polarization, which leads to less civic engagement, which leads to a whole host of issues." —  Dr. Gina BaleriaAbout Dr. Gina Baleria:Dr. Gina Baleria, Ed.D., is an assistant professor of digital media, media writing, podcasting, and journalism at Sonoma State University and a former broadcast and digital journalist. Her book, The Journalism Behind Journalism explores how to cultivate intangible journalistic skills, such as curiosity, empathy, tenacity, recognizing implicit biases, and writing inclusively. Gina also produces and hosts the podcast News in Context. Prior to teaching, Gina was an award-winning broadcast & digital journalist at stations including KCBS Radio, KGO TV, & KGO Radio in San Francisco; KXTV & KFBK in Sacramento; and KCAL in Los Angeles. She also helped create and manage a digital newsroom at the nonpartisan nonprofit governance organization, California Forward. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She and her husband live in San Francisco. Connect with Gina BaleriaBook: The Journalism Behind Journalism:  Going Beyond the Basics to Train Effective Journalists in a Shifting Landscape (Routledge 2021) Also available on Amazon.Her podcast: News in Context - http://newsincontext.net/Sonoma State University: https://coms.sonoma.edu/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginabaleria/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newsdawg13Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newsincontext/Twitter: https://twitter.com/newsincontextsfEpisode References: The Dart Center: https://dartcenter.org/Civity: https://civity.org/Edwin Rutsch: How Empathy Circles Can Change the WorldMónica Guzmán: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Divided Political TimesDon’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathyConnect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

If you're not in tech, you may not be familiar with Customer Success (CS) within your organization and how essential it is to the company's long-term success. Even if you do know what it is, perhaps your company isn't fully leveraging what it can do to catapult growth and revenue. Turns out, empathy is a key skill for CS managers, in addition to other traits my guest today will share. Emilia D'Anzica is the founder of Growth Molecules, an emerging management consulting firm that helps companies simplify customer success and become more profitable. Emilia speaks about her passion for SaaS products, women in tech, and customer success. Today we discuss how customer success is different from customer service, where the field is going, the traits that make a CS manager successful, and how to avoid common mistakes when building out your CS function that could do more harm than good. We also chat about working moms in the tech industry and her recent book, Pressing ON as a Tech Mom: How Tech Industry Mothers Set Goals, Define Boundaries & Raise the Bar for Success.Key Takeaways:Customer support is reactive. Customer success is proactive to retain customers and help them to thrive and stick around due to the great care they are receiving. Language shifts are really important when you're starting a customer success organization, ensuring that you're really thinking about how you speak about the people that you're going to bring in and the people you're serving.You have to put yourself in your customer's shoes. Not everyone's like you and they're looking at the challenge in a different way. "You need to be able to influence the rest of the organization so that they're able to see the customer journey as critical to the company's success." —  Emilia D’Ánzica About Emilia D'Anzica, Founder Growth MoleculesStarting her career in Silicon Valley, Emilia D’Anzica has developed a passion for SaaS products, women in tech, and customer success. She has cultivated rich experience and knowledge after leading teams at global companies including Jobvite, WalkMe, and BrightEdge. Emilia has also obtained an MBA from Saint Mary's College of California with a focus on Global Competition and Strategy. She then founded Growth Molecules, an emerging management consulting firm, helping companies simplify customer success and become more profitable. She is globally recognized as a top 25 leader in Customer Success, having received numerous accolades for her work, and is well-known as a customer success speaker. Emilia has also been featured in countless media including Forbes.com, been a speaker at SaaStr Annual Conference, Unleash 19, RD summit, among more.  Originally from Naples, Italy, Emilia is an immigrant and one of six children who grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia. She has lived and worked in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Rome, Italy early in her career. When she isn’t working or traveling the world, Emilia spends time with her partner, three children, and multiple animals exploring Sonoma County, where she now resides. Pressing ON as a Tech Mom is Emilia's first book.Connect with Emilia D'AnzicaHer company: Growth Molecules: https://growthmolecules.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/emiliadanzicaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliadanzica/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growthmoleculesBook: Pressing ON as a Tech Mom: How Tech Industry Mothers Set Goals, Define Boundaries & Raise the Bar for SuccessCustomer Success Academy for Customer Success Managers and Leaders - 16 courses and workshops.Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathyConnect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Does your organization actually bet on its people? Like, truly invest in and grow your people - even if you know they may not stay more than a few years? Well, today, you'll learn that doing so is a smart business strategy and one that has helped TBWA Worldwide dominate in the advertising industry across the globe. Today, we talk with the delightful Rhonda George-Denniston, Chief Learning Officer at TBWA Worldwide. We discuss why her company has elevated learning to the C-suite, what today's leaders need to succeed, how to lead multi-generational workforces and help each other collaborate well together, and why so-called soft skills of communication, empathy, and authenticity can make or break your company's success. We also discuss how industry leaders like TBWA devote resources and time to build those skills for ALL their people at every level - not just a select group. Key Takeaways:As a leader, you need to have relationships with your people and be willing to ask for honest feedback. You need to know how you are perceived and received by your team. Even the most experienced leaders can benefit from understanding or getting a little bit more insight into their leadership style and where they may have blind spots. Self-awareness is the most important trait good leaders can possess.The differences are your team's strengths. We all have something that we can learn from one another and how we each see the world and the work.  "Everyone wants to be treated with dignity. Everyone wants to know that they're doing meaningful work. Everyone wants to know that they're compensated for what they're worth, and that they're bringing value to the organization." —  Rhonda George-DennistonAbout Rhonda George-Denniston, Chief Learning Development Officer, TBWA WorldwideHaving spent her initial career in the dot.com boom, Rhonda brings an entrepreneurial spirit to her role. In 2001 she joined TBWA and landed on her mission—helping others to be their best selves. Rhonda is responsible for TBWA’s talent development strategy, ensuring key talent is retained, engaged, and thriving throughout their careers. Focusing on a systematic and interactive learning approach she advocates individual growth plans while bolstering TBWA's top talent. She’s a nurturer; an avid gardener and rescuer of discarded furniture — giving them a whole new life and purpose.References Mentioned:The Empathy Edge podcast: Brandon Miller: Do You and Your Team Really Know Your Strengths?Connect with Rhonda George-DennistonTBWA Worldwide Website: https://tbwa.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/RhondaG30391043LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-george-denniston/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhonda.george.796Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhondageorge/  Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Think about your organization's values for a second. I bet you have values such as integrity, honesty, innovation, or others that are similar. Maybe you have something like, Take Risks, or Customer Obsession, or even Embrace Curiosity. But do you have the word "love" anywhere on that list? Does even saying that in a business context make you feel a bit nervous?While it's Valentine's Day season and we're talking about love in all its forms this time of year, I bet you never thought about including that word in any sort of business communications whatsoever except maybe to say "We love our customers" or "We love a challenge."Your invitation today is to think about the role love plays in your company's mission, culture, and success, in the way you operate with each other, and to not be afraid of it anymore. We’re in this together. But we need to show up in ALL areas of our lives and business. Don't be afraid to make work personal.  Get aligned. Choose love.  Key Takeaways:We don't all have a common definition or construct around love, even though it's one of the most important human emotions."Love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect, and trust." - bell hooksChoose love - you can start small with those in your circle and let it grow from there. We are in this together, but we need to show up and choose love in all aspects of our lives.  "Now is the time to use your voice and choose love - as a leader, as a colleague, and as an organization." —  Maria RossReferences Mentioned:bell hooks: All About Love: New VisionsRed Slice blog post: Choose Love  Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

If we help young people develop empathy throughout their educational journey, they can boost understanding, reduce bias, and nurture a culture of belonging and increased well-being. Of course, many of us adults need this, too! My guest today, Ed Kirwan, founder, and filmmaker of Empathy Week, is tackling the challenge for future generations so that maybe someday there won't be a need for empathy books like mine because this skill will be so ingrained in our consciousness, starting from a young age.Today, Ed talks about his journey from teacher to filmmaker and how he discovered the power of film to expand minds and activate behavior in his own classroom. Now through Empathy Week, he leverages films to develop empathy and expose students to different cultures, lifestyles, and points of view so they can better collaborate and create belonging. If you are a parent, teacher, or administrator, please look into Empathy Week for your school. Enjoy the conversation! Key Takeaways:Film gives us an excuse and a reason to reflect and talk about our past experiences and to start conversations to connect with one another. Empathy is not soft or weak. It will increase productivity. It will increase retention. It will strengthen your bottom line. We need to spend more time listening and asking questions. Listening is great, but unless you're asking questions, you're not having a conversation, and you're not learning. "It's about increasing the number of experiences and the diversity of those experiences. Where films and arts can be so powerful are with low-cost, scalable actions to change perspective and build empathy." —  Ed Kirwan Ed Kirwan, CEO and Founder, Empathy WeekEd Kirwan is the CEO, founder, and filmmaker at Empathy Week - an award-winning global educational event and programme using the power of film to develop the skill of empathy.Empathy Week has so far engaged over 140,000 students across 40 countries with a mission to build the #EmpathyGeneration. Having worked with Cambridge University, Empathy Week has proven that empathy can be developed and also help increase students' self-esteem whilst reducing othering and stereotypes.Previously a teacher and Head of Chemistry in a North London School for 3 years, Ed also completed a Masters in Education and Leadership at UCL IOE. He then moved into a career of filmmaking and human-led storytelling.Ed believes that in order to change the world we first have to understand the people in it. Empathy is the number one skill to develop and underpins other vitally important skills such as leadership, creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Whilst also being a catalyst for well-being and mental health, it is crucial to leading a better personal and professional life.Connect with Ed KirwanEmpathy Week Ltd: https://www.empathy-week.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdKirwanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-kirwan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathyweek/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathyweek/Check out a trailer for Empathy Week -  2023's starts week of Feb 27!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8dMvssAkWowww.empathy-week.com Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathyConnect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com