Tactical Empathy

In this conversation, Erin and Wendy discuss Wendy's journey through career transitions, the importance of coaching, and the role of empathy in leadership and parenting. Wendy shares her experiences of working with Erin over the years, highlighting the significance of holding space for oneself and others, and how this practice has influenced her personal and professional life. They explore the challenges of leadership without a formal title, the tools that have aided Wendy's growth, and the lessons learned from difficult experiences. The conversation concludes with reflections on the evolving nature of careers and the importance of aligning with one's values.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Wendy has been a customer success manager for a project consulting company.
• The coaching journey began during COVID when Wendy sought career guidance.
• Holding space is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Empathy plays a significant role in leadership and parenting.
• Leadership can exist without a formal title.
• Tools like SL2 and mental fitness have been impactful for Wendy.
• Learning from challenges is essential for growth.
• Personal and professional lives are interconnected.
• It's okay to change career paths as values evolve.
• Self-empathy is important during transitions.

Connect with Wendy:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-fortna-41ab0b33/

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/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode, Erin explores the concept of burnout, particularly in relation to empathy. She discusses how burnout is often misunderstood and emphasizes the importance of completing the stress cycle to regain empathy. The conversation highlights the significance of body work, physical movement, and self-care practices in managing burnout and maintaining emotional capacity. Erin introduces a four-part series on burnout, starting with body work and its role in stress management, and sets the stage for future discussions on emotional expression, creative expression, and rest.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Burnout is often an unfinished stress cycle.
• Empathy can weaken if not practiced on oneself.
• Physical movement is essential to complete the stress cycle.
• Stressors can keep our bodies in a state of fight or flight.
• Body work practices help in managing stress and burnout.
• Regular exercise can significantly improve mental clarity.
• Energy work and somatic practices are beneficial for emotional health.
• Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity for empathy.
• Recognizing stress is the first step, but action is required to resolve it.
• You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

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/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin reflects on her journey of self-understanding and the importance of empathy in leadership. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection and the challenges of self-judgment, while encouraging listeners to build their capacity for empathy both for themselves and others. The episode serves as a reminder that empathy is a foundational skill for effective leadership and personal growth.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is about understanding oneself and others.
• Self-empathy is often the hardest part of leadership.
• Taking time for self-reflection can lead to powerful insights.
• We are our own harshest critics, which hinders self-understanding.
• Understanding ourselves is a lifelong journey.
• Empathy is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly.
• Self-judgment can prevent us from leading effectively.
• The journey of self-discovery is not linear but spiral.
• Each experience provides new information for self-understanding.
• Empathy is the foundation for effective leadership.

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/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this final episode of 2025, Erin reflects on the importance of empathy, self-care, and setting boundaries. She discusses her personal struggles with over-empathizing and the resulting feelings of resentment. Erin emphasizes the need for self-empathy and radical honesty, encouraging listeners to recognize their own emotions and needs. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to practice self-care and reflect on their experiences as they move into the new year.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is a leadership tool that requires self-awareness.
• Resentment can be an early warning signal for personal boundaries.
• Over-empathizing can lead to feelings of being unsupported and resentful.
• Setting healthy boundaries is essential for personal well-being.
• Self-empathy is often the hardest type of empathy to practice.
• Radical honesty with oneself is crucial for emotional health.
• Ignoring emotional signals can lead to burnout and disconnection.
• Practicing discernment helps in setting healthy boundaries.
• It's important to recognize when you're giving more than you receive.
• Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for effective leadership.

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/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, we flipped the script! A client, Adriana Mercader interviews Erin, exploring the profound impact of empathy in personal and professional relationships. Erin shares her journey of understanding empathy, the importance of self-awareness, and how empathy can transform leadership and team dynamics. The conversation delves into the challenges of self-empathy, the distinction between empathy and sympathy, and practical steps to navigate feelings and burnout. Erin emphasizes the need for genuine connection and understanding in all aspects of life, encouraging listeners to embrace their emotions and foster empathy within themselves and their teams.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy starts with understanding ourselves.
• The hardest part of work is often relationships.
• We practice what we are, not what we pretend to be.
• Feelings are our internal GPS system.
• Empathy is not about fixing others' problems.
• Self-empathy is crucial for personal growth.
• Leaders can inspire change through understanding.
• Burnout can be addressed by allowing ourselves to feel.
• Empathy requires self-responsibility and accountability.
• Transformation happens when teams engage in tough conversations.

Connect with Adriana:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adriana-mercader-7350318

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/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In this episode, Erin explores the themes of leadership and inclusion, particularly for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on recent conferences, she emphasizes the importance of empathy, the need for systemic change, and the dual responsibility of both individuals and organizations to foster an inclusive environment. Erin shares insights on how lived experiences can drive meaningful conversations and the necessity of creating spaces where truth can surface, ultimately leading to more effective leadership.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Inclusion should feel like the rule, not the exception.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of leadership.
• Empathy is a powerful tool in navigating tough conversations.
• Women in leadership need spaces that validate their experiences.
• Systemic change requires both individual and collective action.
• Lived experiences should be treated as expertise.
• Creating conditions for truth is essential in leadership.
• Leadership is about understanding emotions and boundaries.
• The importance of sponsorship over mentorship in career advancement.
• Small shifts in language can lead to significant cultural changes.

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/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Jay Floyd as he shares his journey as a leader and coach, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-discovery, and embracing one's uniqueness. He discusses how personal trauma shaped his leadership style and the significance of finding the right environment for growth. Jay also highlights the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy and the need to overcome biases. He encourages listeners to audit their strengths and lead with authenticity, especially in the context of the evolving landscape of AI.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Jay Floyd emphasizes the power of empathy in leadership.
• He believes that titles do not define one's identity.
• Empathy involves holding space for others, even in disagreement.
• Being rare on purpose means embracing one's unique strengths.
• Jay's journey includes overcoming personal trauma to become a leader.
• Finding the right room is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Leaders must confront their biases to foster a supportive environment.
• Toxic positivity can hinder genuine emotional experiences.
• Self-audit of strengths is essential for effective leadership.
• In the age of AI, embracing human uniqueness is vital.

Connect with Jay:

• Website: www.iamjayfloyd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjayfloyd/
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iamjayfloyd/

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/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode, Erin discusses the concept of overwhelm, reframing it from a personal failure to a signal indicating a lack of resources. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing when to step back to manage one's resources effectively.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Overwhelm is a signal, not a personal failure.
• Recognizing overwhelm can lead to better resource management.
• Taking a pause can help assess personal needs.
• Self-awareness is crucial in managing overwhelm.
• It's important to identify when you're under-resourced.
• Reframing thoughts about overwhelm can be empowering.
• Understanding your limits can prevent burnout.
• Acknowledging feelings of overwhelm is the first step.
• Effective resource management leads to better mental health.

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/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin and Susan explore the significance of empathy in leadership. Susan shares her journey through various leadership roles and emphasizes the importance of seeing employees as whole human beings. They discuss personal experiences with empathetic and non-empathetic leaders, the benefits of practicing empathy in the workplace, and the challenges leaders face in implementing empathetic practices. Susan also highlights her current work in workplace culture and the importance of fostering trust and psychological safety within teams.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is foundational for effective leadership.
• Leaders should see employees as whole human beings.
• Personal experiences significantly impact workplace engagement.
• Empathy can enhance loyalty and dedication to an organization.
• Leaders must balance empathy with accountability.
• Understanding generational differences is crucial in leadership.
• Empathy is often misunderstood as a weakness in leadership.
• Creating a culture of empathy can lead to greater financial success.
• Trust and psychological safety are essential for workplace culture.
• Empathetic leadership can transform workplace dynamics.

Connect with Susan:

• Website: www.elevateworkplaceculture.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-loberg-570b1549/

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/free-chapter/
• Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In this conversation, Erin discusses the importance of identifying and engaging in energizing and high-impact work, which she refers to as 'refueling.' She emphasizes that this work is unique to each individual and is essential for creativity, clarity, and emotional fulfillment.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Energy leaks—tasks that drain you without impact—are often where burnout hides.
• Discomfort isn’t always a red flag; sometimes it’s the signal that growth is happening.
• You don’t need to earn your rest or explain why ease matters.
• You lead you first—before the team, the metrics, or the outcomes.
• “Good enough” is sometimes exactly what’s needed to move forward.
• Naming and honouring your needs is a powerful act of leadership.

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/free-chapter/
• Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.