We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jen Goodall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jen, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
What does “empathy” truly mean to each one of us? A profound moment for me was during my trip to Cambodia in 2011. Amidst its beauty, I encountered a vast burning trash site. Shockingly, children, many of them orphans, were living there, sifting through the waste to collect plastic to sell. To give perspective, a 12-hour effort could garner enough plastic to earn just a dollar. Witnessing such stark poverty and adversity first-hand heightened my empathy. It was why for many years, I worked for Small Steps charity delivering food and aid supplies to children on trash sites in East Timor, India, and Cambodia.
Yet, the reality is that we don’t need to cross oceans to witness hardship; signs of it are right outside our windows if we choose to see. Driven by my empathy, I’ve been volunteering at the Community Resource Center here in Nashville and am privileged to be part of the fundraising board.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the co-founder of Clary Collection, an organic skincare brand boasting MADE SAFE® certified products that my partner Adriel Denae and I created during our pregnancies, a time filled with uncertainty and the overwhelming pressure of not knowing how to nourish our skin properly. Frustrated by the lack of options, we delved into the age-old wisdom of plant-based healing, and Clary Collection was born. We aim to promote sustainable and ethical practices in the skincare industry while providing an alternative to synthetic and harmful skincare products. Nature has provided us with everything we need to care for our skin, and we strive to harness its power in every product we create.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal qualities stand out:
Resilience: Owning a small business has been essential in overcoming challenges and setbacks. Instead of seeing hurdles as roadblocks, I perceived them as learning opportunities. This mindset allowed me to persevere and adapt to difficult situations.
Continuous Learning: The organic skincare industry is constantly changing, often clouded with misinformation. Our commitment to continuous education, by our decision to certify our products as organic through MADE SAFE, positions us at the cutting edge of the industry. This dedication ensures that we maintain unwavering transparency at all times.
Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others, be it team members, or customers has been invaluable. By placing myself in their shoes, I’ve built strong relationships, collaborated more effectively, and made decisions that consider the broader impact on our customers.
These qualities have shaped my path, driving both personal and professional growth.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The best thing my parents ever did for me was to travel around the globe with me as a child. Their adventurous traits to explore new horizons exposed me to various environments, experiences, and cultures. Growing up in three different countries and transitioning through 14 schools instilled in me adaptability and mindfulness toward others. This experience has been invaluable in shaping the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clarycollection.com
- Instagram: clarycollection
- Facebook: clarycollection
Image Credits
Robert Morley + Claire Foth
