Tactical Empathy

In part two of this series, Erin explores what happens when empathy becomes too much and begins to impact your ability to lead. She unpacks how over-identifying as an empath and constantly holding space for others can lead to overwhelm without strong boundaries and self-awareness. Erin reframes empathy as a matter of capacity—not just feeling—and offers a more sustainable way to practice it in lea...

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin explores both the power and the risk of empathy in the workplace—what happens when a leadership strength starts to work against us. Through real-world examples, she unpacks how empathy can be misused or overextended, from avoiding hard conversations to unintentionally applying pressure through emotional leverage. Erin introduces discernment as the key to u...

In this insightful interview, Erin chats with Brandon Walker as he shares his leadership journey, blending military discipline with emotional intelligence. Discover practical practices for self-awareness, team building, and maintaining resilience in demanding environments. Today on Tactical Empathy: Trust in oneself is key to authentic leadership. Understanding different parts of oneself enhances...

Celebrating the 100th episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin reflects on her journey from engineering to leadership, emphasizing the importance of empathy in tough conversations and team dynamics. This episode explores how staying present in conflict and building safety can transform leadership and foster authentic connections. Today on Tactical Empathy: Empathy is not about being soft; it's about...

In this episode, Erin chats with Yvonne as she shares her insights on leadership, empathy, and the importance of addressing grief and addiction within our communities. Drawing from her experiences as a nurse and a mother, she emphasizes the need for proactive conversations about grief and the role of empathy in supporting those facing challenges. Yvonne advocates for creating compassionate communi...

In the final episode of this 4-part series - Erin explores the importance of rest in restoring capacity and preventing burnout. She shares personal experiences, insights from the book 'Sacred Rest,' and practical strategies for integrating various types of rest into daily life to enhance empathy, resilience, and overall well-being. Today on Tactical Empathy: Rest is essential infrastructur...

In this conversation, Erin chats with Jason as he shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and vulnerability in effective leadership. He reflects on transformative moments in his life that shaped his understanding of leadership and the necessity of emotional intelligence in navigating corporate environments, especially during restructuring. The discussi...

In part 3 of this 4-part series, Erin discusses the significance of creative expression as a means to reclaim empathy and restore personal capacity. She emphasizes that creative expression is not about artistic talent or production but rather about engaging in activities that bring joy and presence. Through various examples, Erin illustrates how creative practices can help individuals reconnect wi...

In this conversation, Erin and Jordan Dellinger explore the complexities of empathy, particularly in leadership roles. Jordan shares his journey of writing his book, 'Congratulations, You Feel Everything,' which aims to help empaths navigate their emotions sustainably. They discuss the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy, the importance of self-awareness, and the personal experie...

Apple Summary: In part 2 of this 4-part series, Erin discusses the importance of emotional expression in the healing process from burnout. She emphasizes that burnout is not just a result of a busy schedule but also stems from unexpressed emotions. The conversation explores how acknowledging and expressing emotions can help close the stress cycle, leading to a restoration of capacity and 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...

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 fou...

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 leader...

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...

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 di...

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 ho...

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...

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....

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 em...

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. Disco...

In this episode, Erin chats with Candice Van Dertholen discusses the importance of grounding oneself in personal experience and self-awareness to foster empathy and take aligned action. She emphasizes the need to understand the body's signals and the internal communication of energy to effectively hold space for others. Today on Tactical Empathy: The more we ground into our own experience, the...

In this episode, Erin reflects on her recent retreat experience, discussing the emotional and physical aftermath of holding space for others. She emphasizes the importance of community support, self-care, and the need to process emotions post-event. Erin shares insights on trust in leadership, the significance of discernment, and the necessity of giving oneself permission to rest and recover after...

In this conversation, Erin chats with Joni Goodman, founder of JDG Advisors. Joni shares her journey from biochemist to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of empathy in personal and professional development. She discusses her understanding of empathy, the challenges she faced in developing this skill, and the barriers that often prevent individuals from practicing empathy. Joni also highligh...

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin discusses the common trap of leaders running on empty and the importance of self-care in effective leadership. She emphasizes the foundational elements of energy management: sleep, hydration, and nutrition, and how neglecting these can impair decision-making and overall effectiveness. Erin shares personal anecdotes and research insights, urging listeners t...

Apple Summary: In this conversation, Erin and Kathy discuss the often-overlooked topic of hormonal health, particularly in the context of the workplace. Kathy, a nurse practitioner, shares her journey and expertise in hormonal health, emphasizing the impact of hormonal changes on cognitive function and work performance. They explore the importance of empathy in healthcare, the need for better unde...