In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin engages in a deep conversation with guests Mad and Lucy about the importance of empathy in bridging gaps in understanding, language, and identity. They explore their personal journeys into coaching and podcasting, define empathy from their perspectives, and discuss the challenges of using language to foster belonging. The conversation highlights the significance of curiosity in empathy, the impact of generational stereotypes, and the difficulties in maintaining empathy in professional settings. In this conversation, the speakers explore the complexities of empathy in personal and professional relationships. They discuss the importance of navigating difficult conversations with honesty and connection, the power of empathy in fostering understanding, and the significance of asking the right questions. The dialogue also touches on generational differences in empathy and offers practical tips for integrating empathy into daily interactions.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is attention—where you choose to focus is everything.
• Curiosity and empathy are inseparable; asking better questions builds deeper connection.
• Belonging is in the eye of the beholder—intent isn’t enough.
• Empathy without boundaries leads to burnout—know what’s yours to carry.
• You don’t need to feel empathy to practice it—just take action.
• Generational stereotypes are distractions—connection comes through conversation.

Connect with Lucy and Mad:

• Website: https://www.youtube.com/@Leadify_Blanchard 
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/20NmtCpFtZb8wxNaJzuBZT?si=fc72d9fe3bb04155

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In part 2 of this 2-part series, Erin explores the concept of empathy overload, particularly how the desire to help others can lead to burnout. She discusses the signs of empathy fatigue, introduces a preservation toolkit to help manage emotional energy, and emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. Erin shares personal experiences and practical strategies for rebuilding self-care practices, ultimately guiding listeners to find a sustainable balance in their empathetic engagements.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy can lead to burnout if not managed properly.
• Signs of empathy overload include emotional exhaustion and resentment.
• It's essential to prioritize self-care to avoid compassion fatigue.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining empathy without collapsing.
• Self-care practices can be simple yet effective in rebuilding capacity.
• Asking yourself what you need is a vital self-care strategy.
• Empathy is an energy that needs to be preserved.
• You don't have to carry everything that others bring to you.
• Finding your center helps in managing empathy effectively.
• Both extremes of empathy are part of being a human leader.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills
• Listen to Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tactical-empathy/id1721613074

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In part 1 of this 2-part series, Erin  explores the complexities of empathy in leadership, focusing on the extremes of being perceived as the villain in someone else's story. She discusses the emotional challenges leaders face when empathy is blocked or overextended, and offers practical tools for navigating difficult conversations and maintaining healthy relationships. The episode emphasizes the importance of reframing blame, practicing curiosity, and the power of pausing before reacting.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy can be a powerful tool for leaders.
• Being misunderstood can trigger defensiveness and hinder empathy.
• It's important to recognize when we are seen as the villain.
• Reframing blame as pain can help us respond with empathy.
• The pause is crucial in emotional conversations.
• Curiosity leads to better understanding and communication.
• Asking 'what' and 'how' questions fosters dialogue.
• Regulating our emotions is key to effective leadership.
• We often carry stories about ourselves that others may not understand.
• Empathy stretches us in moments where relationships thrive or fail.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode, Erin chats with Justin McMenamy as he shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of empathy in leadership. He discusses his experiences in various organizations, the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy, and the impact of metrics-driven cultures on leadership behavior. Justin provides practical insights on how to cultivate empathy within teams and organizations, highlighting the significance of building a supportive culture that prioritizes human connection over mere business results.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy involves understanding different perspectives.
• Leaders must balance hard decisions with care.
• Business results should be a by-product of culture.
• Metrics can hinder empathetic leadership.
• Caring for employees is a leadership burden.
• Empathy can be active, not passive.
• Information flows fastest along relationship lines.
• Leaders should be approachable and accessible.
• Building a culture of empathy requires intentionality.

Connect with Justin:

• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grody-unprofessional/id1761211065

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Valeria Rusnak as she discusses her journey as a podcaster and community leader, focusing on the themes of rejection and empathy. She emphasizes the importance of removing shame associated with rejection and how empathy can serve as a powerful tool in understanding others. Valeria shares her insights on establishing emotional boundaries, practicing empathy in real-life situations, and the significance of self-awareness in developing empathy skills. The discussion also touches on the challenges people face in practicing empathy and offers practical tips for listeners to enhance their empathetic abilities.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Valeria Rusnak is a podcaster focused on celebrating rejection.
• Empathy helps remove the shame associated with rejection.
• Establishing emotional boundaries is crucial in practicing empathy.
• Self-awareness is the foundation for effective empathy.
• Empathy is a skill that can be developed over time.
• Listening and validating others builds trust in relationships.
• People's reactions often stem from their own struggles, not personal issues.
• Practicing self-compassion enhances our ability to empathize with others.
• Exposure to diverse stories broadens our understanding of human experiences.
• Reading fiction can improve our empathy skills.

Connect with Valeria:

• Website: rss.com/podcasts/rejected-premed/
• Instagram: @the_rejectedpremed_podcast
• Email: [email protected]
• Booking Link: calendly.com/valerusu55

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Karl Pontau.They discuss the significance of empathy and storytelling in building human connections. Karl shares personal experiences that shaped his understanding of empathy, particularly during his treatment for brain tumors. The discussion delves into how leaders can use empathy to navigate emotional reactions, develop mindfulness, and recognize body language and status behaviors to foster a supportive workplace culture. Karl emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for vulnerability, which ultimately leads to stronger relationships and a more productive environment.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Storytelling builds human connection at scale.
• Empathy is crucial for influencing behavior.
• Emotions drive decision-making in business.
• Creating a safe space encourages vulnerability.
• Mindfulness helps in recognizing feelings in others.
• Status behaviors reveal underlying emotions.
• Body language communicates more than words.
• Leaders should actively use empathy as a skill.
• Understanding deeper stories enhances connections.
• A supportive culture leads to a thriving workplace.

Connect with Karl:

• Podcast: www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin discusses the critical role of feedback in leadership, emphasizing the need to deliver tough messages with empathy and care. She introduces the Conscious Competence Model and the SBI framework as tools for effective feedback conversations. Erin highlights the importance of understanding an individual's learning stage and fostering a collaborative environment to enhance growth and trust within teams. The episode concludes with a recap of key strategies for delivering feedback that promotes development rather than judgment.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Feedback conversations are essential for leadership growth.
• Empathy is crucial when delivering tough feedback.
• Understanding the Conscious Competence Model aids in feedback delivery.
• The SBI framework helps structure feedback effectively.
• Creating a collaborative environment enhances feedback reception.
• Feedback should focus on specific situations, behaviors, and impacts.
• Leaders should ask for permission before giving feedback.
• Discernment in feedback promotes growth and development.
• Feedback is a two-way conversation, not a one-way correction.
• Practicing feedback can lead to improved communication skills.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Henning Bech as he shares his insights on the importance of empathy in leadership, describing it as a 'bridge of courage' that connects different perspectives. Henning discusses the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy, often due to misconceptions about its nature. Through personal anecdotes, Henning illustrates the profound impact of empathy on team dynamics and individual growth. He emphasizes the need for leaders to cultivate self-awareness and curiosity, moving from a compassionate approach to a more empathic one. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for fostering empathy in professional settings, particularly in career coaching.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is a bridge that connects different perspectives.
• Practicing empathy requires courage to look within oneself.
• Leaders often misunderstand empathy as a weakness.
• Empathy is essential in today's leadership landscape.
• Real-life experiences can deepen our understanding of empathy.
• It's important to allow space for team members to not always perform at their best.
• Shifting from compassion to empathy can enhance leadership effectiveness.
• Staying curious is crucial for empathetic leadership.
• Asking open-ended questions fosters better communication.
• Empathy plays a vital role in career coaching and personal development.

Connect with Henning:

• Website: www.henningbech.com
• Book: www.pivotaledge.me
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/henningbech

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin discusses the challenges and strategies for balancing organizational goals with employee wellbeing in the context of return to office mandates. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership, providing a three-step process for navigating employee concerns and ensuring a smooth transition back to the office. Through case studies, Erin illustrates the consequences of rigid policies versus flexible approaches, ultimately advocating for a people-first strategy that enhances engagement and retention.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Balancing organizational goals with employee wellbeing is crucial.
• Rigid return to office policies can lead to increased turnover.
• Empathy in leadership is essential for navigating transitions.
• Listening without judgment helps understand employee needs.
• Transparency about policy changes fosters acceptance among employees.
• In-office days should focus on meaningful collaboration.
• Flexibility is a key retention strategy in today's job market.
• Case studies show the benefits of a four-day work week.
• Employee feedback is vital in shaping return to office strategies.
• A people-first approach leads to better engagement and productivity.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode, Erin chats with Marisol Solarte-Erlacher as she shares her journey as a leader, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence in leadership roles. Marisol discusses the challenges leaders face in balancing empathy with boundaries and the necessity of understanding one's emotional triggers. She provides practical insights on how leaders can cultivate self-awareness and navigate emotional challenges, ultimately highlighting the significance of creating a supportive environment where team members feel heard and valued.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Marisol's journey into leadership began in her family context.
• Empathy involves holding both your own and others' emotional states.
• Self-reflection is crucial for understanding personal triggers and boundaries.
• Leaders often struggle with balancing empathy and decision-making.
• Imperfect action is better than inaction in leadership.
• Emotions are a primary driver of human behavior in the workplace.
• Creating space for emotional awareness enhances team productivity.
• Empathy without boundaries can lead to emotional overwhelm.
• Self-compassion is essential for leaders when they make mistakes.
• Regular reflection can help leaders improve their emotional responses.

Connect with Marisol:

• Website: https://www.marisolerlacher.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisol_resilience_expert/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisol-solarte-erlacher/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.