In this conversation, Erin and Gayathri Shukla explore the critical role of empathy in leadership and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They discuss how storytelling can be a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding in diverse environments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of story listening, balancing empathy with accountability, and practical techniques for effective storytelling. Erin and Gayathri also highlight the need for repetition in developing these skills and encourage listeners to engage with curiosity and openness.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is often the missing link in DEI initiatives.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for building empathy.
• Understanding lived experiences is crucial for effective leadership.
• Leaders must create safe spaces for sharing stories.
• Balancing empathy with accountability is essential in leadership.
• Story listening requires engaging with curiosity, not judgment.
• Repetition is key to changing behaviors and developing skills.
• Telling stories from a place of empowerment is important.
• Cultural nuances can impact leadership styles and perceptions.
• Leaders should challenge their own assumptions about professionalism.

Connect with Gayathri:

• Website: www.campfirekinship.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/campfire_kinship
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/campfire-kinship
• Hearth 2 Heart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/balancing-empathy-with-accountability-erin-thorp/id1579260488?i=1000671583593

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 explores the critical role of empathy in leadership and personal growth, particularly in the context of setting and achieving goals for 2025. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own emotions and the emotions of others, challenging limiting beliefs, and fostering emotional awareness within teams. Through actionable insights and personal anecdotes, Erin illustrates how empathy can transform leadership dynamics and enhance team collaboration.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy begins with understanding our own emotions.
• Challenging our beliefs is essential for taking action.
• Feelings are signals that require our attention.
• Overwhelm often stems from unchallenged beliefs.
• Writing down overwhelming tasks can clarify priorities.
• Emotional awareness builds trust within teams.
• Leaders must be equipped for emotional conversations.
• Curiosity about emotions fosters better communication.
• Empathy can lead to collective goal achievement.
• Reflection on feelings is crucial for personal growth.

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: Developing and Understanding Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/resource

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In this episode, Erin discusses the complexities of navigating holiday dynamics with grace and empathy. She shares personal experiences and practical strategies to help listeners manage emotions, practice self-empathy, and handle conflicts that may arise during family gatherings and work situations. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's feelings, setting boundaries, and approaching interactions with curiosity and compassion to foster connection and understanding during the holiday season.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• The holiday season can bring joy but also stress and tension.
• Recognizing and validating your feelings is the first step to managing them.
• Self-empathy is crucial for treating others with kindness.
• Setting boundaries is necessary for emotional well-being.
• Redirecting conversations can help avoid conflict during gatherings.
• Curiosity can help resolve conflicts and foster connection.
• Taking time for self-care is essential during busy times.
• Practicing empathy for yourself allows you to empathize with others.
• Handling conflict with compassion can turn divisive moments into opportunities for connection.
• The holiday season is a time for peace, connection, and self-care.

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 Matthew Elliott as discusses his leadership journey and the importance of empathy in the workplace, especially in the context of remote work. He shares insights on the challenges faced in communication and team dynamics due to the shift to remote work, emphasizing the need for leaders to maintain personal connections with their teams. Matthew offers practical advice on fostering empathy through regular check-ins, maintaining face-to-face interactions, and creating a supportive work environment. He also reflects on his personal experiences that shaped his understanding of empathy in leadership.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is essential for effective leadership today.
• Remote work has changed how we communicate and connect.
• Regular check-ins can help maintain team morale.
• Face-to-face interactions enhance empathy and understanding.
• Technology often overlooks the human aspect of work.
• Nurturing relationships is crucial for early career development.
• Clear agendas improve the effectiveness of remote meetings.
• Personal experiences shape our approach to leadership and empathy.

Connect with Matthew:

• Website: Blog.ManningGlobal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishmaninzagreb/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manningglobal/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-elliott21
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/manning-global-gmbh

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 explores the concept of unboundaried empathy and its detrimental effects, such as burnout and exhaustion. She introduces the Tactical Empathy Framework, which emphasizes the importance of curiosity, perspective, information, and repetition in practicing empathy effectively. Erin provides actionable steps to manage energy and set emotional boundaries, encouraging listeners to prioritize self-care and practice saying no. The episode concludes with a challenge to set one clear boundary and reflect on the experience, reinforcing that empathy is a powerful tool when balanced with self-awareness and limits.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Unboundaried empathy can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
• The Tactical Empathy Framework consists of curiosity, perspective, information, and repetition.
• Curiosity involves asking thoughtful questions to understand others better.
• Perspective allows us to hold our own experiences while empathizing with others.
• Information helps separate facts from feelings in conversations.
• Repetition is crucial for developing empathy skills over time.
• Self-empathy is the first step to supporting others effectively.
• Setting emotional boundaries is essential for maintaining energy.
• Practicing boundaries can start with low-stake situations.
• Empathy is a gift that requires limits to be sustainable.

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 Thorp and Tracy Litt explore the profound connection between self-leadership and empathy in effective leadership. Tracy shares her journey from corporate America to becoming an empathetic leader, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and energy in leadership roles. They discuss the concept of empathy as an open-hearted, non-judgmental approach to leadership, and the challenges of delivering feedback without the traditional sandwich method. Tracy highlights the need for leaders to evolve their identities and cultivate practices that enhance their empathetic leadership skills, including the use of a non-judgmental observer and intentional breathing techniques.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• All leadership is self-leadership.
• The key to leadership is about who you are when you lead.
• Energy doesn't lie; it affects team dynamics.
• Empathy is open-hearted, non-judgmental, and fully available.
• Feedback should not be delivered with judgment or attachment.
• The sandwich method of feedback is often ineffective.
• Leaders must evolve their identities to be effective.
• Conscious leadership requires personal growth and healing.
• Practicing empathy is essential for authentic leadership.
• Breath awareness can enhance leadership presence.

Connect with Tracy:

• Website: https://theschoolofbecoming.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetracylitt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelittfactor/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylittlester/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracylitt
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SchoolBecoming
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOIM65xDoF7-EbOh-ddJsg
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-of-within/id1533276485
• The Ascension Assessment: https://theschoolofbecoming.com/the-ascension-assessment-test/

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 Reg Malhotra about his leadership journey and the importance of empathy in leadership. Reg emphasizes the need for leaders to meet people where they are at, understanding their unique perspectives and experiences. He shares practical techniques for self-reflection and highlights the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy. Reg also discusses the significance of language in understanding others and the impact of self-awareness on effective leadership.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy in leadership means meeting people where they're at.
• Understanding different models of the world is crucial for effective leadership.
• Words can have a profound impact on people's feelings and perceptions.
• Leaders must be clear about expectations and boundaries.
• Self-awareness and self-acceptance are essential for leaders.
• Practicing mindfulness and self-reflection can enhance empathy.
• Language reveals a lot about a person's model of the world.
• Engagement and innovation require understanding and empathy.
• Leaders should focus on long-term gains over short-term results.
• Effective communication is key to successful leadership.

Connect with Reg:

• Website: https://www.neuromastersacademy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regmalhotraofficial/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@regmalhotra
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@regmalhotra

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 and Jackie explore the significance of empathy in leadership. Jackie shares her journey from engineering to leading teams focused on providing safe water, emphasizing the importance of understanding others' feelings and perspectives. They discuss the barriers leaders face in practicing empathy, the role of self-awareness, and the necessity of building trust within teams. The conversation highlights practical applications of empathy in the workplace and concludes with a powerful quote about understanding and love.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is the ability to understand how someone else is feeling.
• Leaders with stronger empathy create more productive teams.
• Engineers often struggle with emotional expression due to process focus.
• Recognizing personal triggers is essential for practicing empathy.
• Building trust is crucial for high-performing teams.
• Tactical empathy involves active listening and understanding.
• Self-awareness helps in setting boundaries for better interactions.
• Transparency about needs fosters team cohesion.
• The problem should be the focus, not the people involved.
• Understanding others leads to deeper connections and love.

Connect with Jackie:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkyriacou-herman/

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. 

Episode Number/Title: 39. Mini Series Part 3: Stepping into Their Shoes: Visualizing Empathy

Apple Summary:

In the final installment of the 3 part mini series, Erin discusses the importance of visualization as a powerful tool for enhancing empathy in leadership. She introduces three guided visualization techniques: stepping into someone else's shoes, recalling the last time one felt understood, and visualizing future interactions. The episode culminates in a guided visualization exercise, encouraging listeners to connect deeply with others' experiences and emotions. Erin emphasizes the significance of debriefing after the exercise to gain insights and foster better relationships.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy can be practiced through specific techniques.
• Visualization helps in stepping outside one's own perspective.
• Guided meditations can enhance emotional understanding.
• Reflective practices deepen self-awareness and empathy.
• The last empathy moment connects individuals to their feelings of being understood.
• Future connection visualizations prepare for upcoming interactions.
• Debriefing emotional shifts is crucial for insight.
• Empathy is essential for effective leadership.
• Practicing these techniques can improve relationships.

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/
• Mini Series Empathy Freebie: www.erinthorp.ca/resource

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin discusses the importance of reflective practices in cultivating empathy. She introduces five journal prompts designed to help individuals process their emotions and enhance their self-awareness. The episode emphasizes the role of emotional literacy in understanding behavior and reactions, and provides practical tips for implementing these reflective practices in leadership and personal development. 

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Reflective practices enhance self-awareness and emotional literacy.
• Journaling can help individuals process emotions effectively.
• Understanding personal triggers is key to practicing empathy.
• Empathy is built through understanding and connection.
• Curiosity can lead to deeper empathy in challenging situations.
• Empathy strengthens relationships and fosters deeper bonds.
• Identifying who we empathize with easily can reveal insights.
• Listening is a crucial skill for developing empathy.
• Implementing reflective practices requires patience and time.
• Guided visualizations can further enhance empathy skills.

5 Journal Prompts:

1. Think of a time you felt misunderstood. How did you react and how did that experience shape your behavior?
2. Write about a situation where you struggled to empathize with someone. Why do you think it was hard?
3. Reflect on a time when someone showed you deep empathy. How did that affect your relationship?
4. Who do you find it easiest to empathize with and why?
5. What’s something about the way you interact with others that you’d like to change to become more empathetic?

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.