Leadership is lonely. Most leaders don’t get enough support or positive feedback. And that includes our own boss too. Annie Riley and top executive coach Ed Batista break down why it’s so hard to empathize up— and how simple shifts like checking in or offering genuine positive feedback can change the dynamic, because sometimes the most powerful move is truly seeing the person behind the role.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Meet Ed Batista

02:36 Why empathizing up is so hard

03:48 The myth of the “invulnerable” leader

05:11 How to actually start empathizing up

06:45 Why your boss isn’t getting enough positive feedback

08:39 Empathizing up vs. managing up

09:56 Empathy does not mean agreement

12:03 What to do when your boss shuts you down

16:34 It’s probably not about you

20:07 Intent vs. impact 

24:50 Leaders as shock absorbers

31:49 Pain is mandatory. Suffering is optional.

33:50 The danger of overvaluing feelings at work

39:07 Is the story you’re telling serving you?

41:52 Leadership is intuition, not a formula

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