Tactical Empathy

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin explores the theme of leadership and personal growth through the lens of embracing one's future self. She discusses the importance of stepping into a new identity, the discomfort that comes with change, and the necessity of effective communication during this transition. Through personal anecdotes and client experiences, Erin emphasizes the significanc...

In this conversation, Erin chats with Matthew Stafford, he shares his transformative journey from a concrete business owner to an e-commerce expert, emphasizing the importance of empathy in leadership. He discusses how personal experiences shaped his understanding of empathy and the role it plays in effective communication and relationships. Matthew also explores the impact of dark retreats on his...

In this episode, Erin explores the complex emotions surrounding guilt, particularly as we transition into new routines in September. She distinguishes between healthy guilt, which can motivate personal growth, and unhealthy guilt, which can lead to shame and stagnation. Through personal anecdotes and practical insights, Erin emphasizes the importance of empathy—both for ourselves and others—as a t...

Part 3 of the 3-part grief series concludes with Erin, Christine and Kristen discussing the multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing its individual experience and the concept of disenfranchised grief. They discuss the impact of loss on identity and roles, the challenges of navigating grief in personal and professional life, and the societal pressures surrounding grief timelines. They highlight th...

In part 2 of our 3-part series on grief, Erin and Kristen explore the profound themes of empathy, grief, and the importance of support systems during challenging times. Kristen shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her husband, emphasizing the significance of compassion for oneself and others. They discuss the impact of words, the difference between sympathy and empathy, and...

In part 1 of our 3-part series on grief, Erin and Christine discuss the complexities of grief and the importance of empathy in supporting individuals who are grieving, particularly in the workplace. Christine shares her personal experiences with grief and highlights common misconceptions about the grieving process. They explore how grief manifests in different ways, the impact of unresolved grief,...

In this conversation, Erin chats with Andrea Janzen they discuss Andrea’s leadership journey and the work of Ambition Theory, focusing on transformational leadership skills in the construction industry. Andrea emphasizes the importance of empathy, the barriers women face in leadership roles, and the differences between mentorship and sponsorship. The discussion also covers the 'above and below...

In this conversation, Erin chats with Marvin as he shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of empathy in leadership. He emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and understanding the impact of our actions on others. Marvin and Erin discuss the challenges of self-awareness and how mindset plays a crucial role in our interactions. He provides insights into fostering collaborat...

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin discusses the challenges leaders face during times of disruption and the importance of empathy in navigating uncertainty. She emphasizes that leaders should not aim to eliminate uncertainty but rather help their teams build capacity to handle it. Through practical strategies, Erin illustrates how leaders can normalize feelings of anxiety, focus on known fa...

In this conversation, Erin chats with Genevieve as she shares her inspiring leadership journey, detailing her transition from a corporate career to founding the Pajama Program, which provides pajamas and books to children in need. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and leading with love in both personal and professional settings. Genevieve discusses the challenges of expressi...

In this episode of the Tactical Empathy Podcast, Erin shares insights from her recent work with a high-performing leadership team that struggled with communication and connection under pressure. Through the Positive Intelligence Framework, the team embarked on a seven-week journey focusing on empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Erin highlights the importance of building trust and co...

In this conversation, Erin chats with Barbara as she shares her insights on the importance of empathy in leadership. Drawing from her extensive corporate experience, Barbara defines empathy as the ability to feel with others without losing oneself in their emotions. She emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, curiosity, and understanding fairness in fostering empathy. Barbara provides real-...

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 signif...

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-...

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...

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 organizat...

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...

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 langu...

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 envir...

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...

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 th...

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...

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin Thorp discusses the challenges of organizational change and the importance of empathy in leadership. She explores the neuroscience behind resistance to change, the emotional responses that arise, and practical strategies for leaders to support their teams through transitions. By acknowledging and validating emotions, leaders can create a safe environment t...

In this conversation, Erin chats with Janelle Sandboe as she shares her experiences as an elected official, business owner, and mother, emphasizing the critical role of empathy in politics and leadership. She discusses the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, the importance of community engagement, and practical strategies for practicing empathy in everyday life. Janelle highlights th...

In this episode, Erin explores the nuances of empathy across different generations, highlighting the unique strengths and blind spots of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Each generation faces specific challenges in practicing empathy, and Erin provides actionable steps for improvement, emphasizing the importance of emotional literacy, vulnerability, boundaries, and face-to-face communi...