Meet Ida Pierce

We recently connected with Ida Pierce and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ida, 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?

I can point to several moments in my life that shaped how I see the world and the people in it. One of my earliest memories is tied to my mother’s military service and being what people loosely call a “military brat.” I never quite understood the term, but I knew how it made me feel. It planted the first seeds of empathy, helping me recognize the disconnect that happens when we assume we understand someone’s experience.

To me, empathy is the pause we take to consider someone else’s experience or feelings in a given moment. There’s more to it, of course, but that first step, choosing to pause is fundamental. It requires intentionality. It requires awareness. It’s in that moment of consideration that we create space for understanding.

I have countless playground memories of empathy in action while living in Germany within the military community. There, kids from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages instinctively looked out for each other. We understood what it felt like to be the new kid, to leave friends behind, to miss a relative, or to navigate the everyday pressures of childhood in an unfamiliar place. We didn’t call it empathy. We didn’t call it understanding. We just rallied around each other and lived.

My mother wouldn’t allow me to be shy. I’m grateful for this. “Go,” she would say. “Go introduce yourself, just tell them your name is Ida.” At first, it felt like an out-of-body experience, something terrifying for a shy kid. But once I did it, I quickly realized that the child across the playground, sitting alone, staring back at me, was similar to me. New. Uncertain. Unsure of the right next move.

Another defining moment in my life was my time living in Hawaii. By then, I was no longer a “military brat”, and the circumstances that led to being in Hawaii were abrupt and difficult. One day, I was a high school student in Columbus, Georgia. Next, I was on a Greyhound bus with my mother, heading to California, with plans to fly to Hawaii soon after.

The day before that bus trip, my mother picked me up from school early. When she turned to face me in the office, I saw the tension in her eyes, the weight of what was unspoken. That night, she told me to pack a few things. “We’re leaving tomorrow.” I called my boyfriend (who is now my husband). I called my best friend, Nikki. I called a few others, but I was numb. What should I pack? What about school? Where are we going? Are we coming back? I had so many questions, but I also knew things had been bad for a while. The unknown was safer.

Hawaii was beautiful, but survival there was brutal. My mother worked incredibly hard, but the struggle was real. I learned to adapt. I learned to hide. I learned to
survive. I learned to dream. Eventually, my mother made the decision to send me to live with my father, a choice that changed the trajectory of my life.
Empathy, in those years, was a silent partner I didn’t recognize until much later. I focused on moving forward, on finishing school and stepping into adulthood. But trauma doesn’t disappear just because life keeps going. Kids who have been through difficult experiences need to be seen, heard, and supported. For years, I didn’t fully appreciate my Hawaiian experience. It wasn’t until I committed to therapy and self-reflection, and finally found the courage to speak my truth that I began to see it for what it was: a lesson in empathy. Hawaii taught me invaluable lessons: every homeless person isn’t an addict, mentally unstable, or a criminal. Even those that did have those struggles deserved more. Many are just people, navigating circumstances beyond their control. I learned to value those who live outside of society’s definition of “normal.” I met people whose lifestyles and choices were judged by the world, but who never caused me any personal harm. Some lessons came from observation, but many came from a simple act: walking up, and saying, “Hi, my name is Ida. What’s your name?”
Last year, I returned to Hawaii. This time, I was with my mother, my husband, my daughter, and other loved ones. Blessed to create new memories—ones filled with joy, gratitude, and celebration. I wanted to thank God and my younger self for not giving up, for surviving. And, of course, I made sure to eat as much Matsumoto Shave Ice as I could!

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 am curious, thoughtful, and ambitious. Always evolving, always becoming. I am more than today or yesterday. This past year has been a season of big transitions, deep reflection, and intentional alignment with what truly matters. I’ve navigated grief after the sudden loss of a family member, uncertainty after a layoff from a meaningful and well-compensated role, and the complexity of family dynamics, both the conflicts and the celebrations. I’ve also had to redefine my identity outside of a traditional career path and embrace the opportunity to shape my future on my own terms. Through it all, with the support of family, I’ve leaned into the things that bring me joy, connection, and purpose.

As a part-time loctician, I am in community with incredible men and women, exchanging stories, healing through shared experiences, and making sure they leave feeling and looking good. I host paint parties, giving people the confidence to create and the space to bond. As a parent, I am constantly learning, growing, and giving my children love and support. I get to spend my days laughing and loving my partner—a beautiful, warm, funny and courageous human
who inspires me daily. And through it all, I am building something of my own—pursuing entrepreneurship in a way that aligns with my passions, values, and
vision for the future. I am in a chapter of bold reinvention, crafting a life where work is meaningful, relationships are rich, and every experience adds to our family’s legacy.

At Pierce Creative & Consulting, we specialize in helping organizations navigate the evolving workplace by prioritizing employee experience, tech literacy, and change management. Our mission is to bridge the gap between innovation and human connection—ensuring that as businesses evolve, their people feel supported, empowered, and equipped for the future. One of the most exciting aspects of this work is helping organizations demystify AI and integrate it into their operations in a way that enhances—not replaces—human capabilities. AI is reshaping how we work, but many employees feel uncertain or even fearful about what that means for their roles. We provide programs that not only teach employees how to use innovative tools but also help them understand the ethical,
strategic, and practical implications of these technologies. We focus heavily on employee experience and change management. We know that the most successful
companies aren’t just those that adopt new technologies but those that create a culture where employees feel heard, valued, and included in the transformation process. Whether we’re helping leaders design a more inclusive workplace, rolling out new digital tools, or coaching teams through organizational shifts, our approach is always people-first.

We’re currently launching an AI Change Readiness program, where we work with organizations to assess their workforce’s adaptability, build strategic learning
pathways, and implement AI-driven solutions that enhance operations without disruption. We’re also launching a series of interactive workshops focused on preparing businesses for the next wave of workplace transformation. At the heart of what we do is the belief that technology should work for people, not the other way around. By combining expertise in innovative technologies, human-centered design, and organizational strategy, we help businesses future-proof their workforce while keeping people at the center of progress.

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?

The three impactful qualities that stand out have been Adaptability, Tech Literacy, and Human-Centered Leadership. These have shaped how I navigate change, lead with intention, and help others do the same.

1. Adaptability – (Embracing Change)
Change is inevitable, but how we respond to it can define our success. Whether it was moving across the world as a child, navigating career shifts, or launching Pierce Creative & Consulting, adaptability has been a key driver in my growth.
Get comfortable with discomfort. Growth happens in uncertain moments—lean into them.
Develop a learning mindset. The ability to pivot and acquire new skills will support your career.
Reframe failure. See setbacks as lessons, not roadblocks.

2. Technical Literacy and understanding technology’s role in the future of work.
AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, transforming every industry. During my first attempt at college, I studied Computer Science. I quickly learned that I was very far behind my classmates and I was in an environment that wasn’t inclusive to women. I also knew that I personally needed something more than the ability to develop programs or software. I needed to understand how people would use it (tech), why and to what benefit. I needed to understand the process, the risks. Finding the role of business analyst was the best thing that could have happened to me. I realized early on the importance of understanding how emerging technologies shape business and work culture. My advice:
Get hands-on with AI tools. Experiment with platforms and automation tools.
Understand the impact, not just the technology. Read about AI ethics, automation, and workforce shifts.
Stay curious. Technology evolves rapidly—commit to continuous learning.

3. Putting People First
Whether managing teams, consulting with businesses, or driving change, the most effective leaders prioritize people. A deep understanding of human behavior,
empathy, and communication has been essential in my journey.
Cultivate emotional intelligence. Strong relationships and self-awareness set leaders apart.
Master the art of communication. Learn how to tell compelling stories, influence, and connect authentically.
Lead before you have the title. The CFO at a previous company I worked for once said “lead from every seat” and it validated this feeling I had throughout my career to that point. Leadership isn’t a position—it’s a mindset. Start by leading yourself well.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is an organization or leader who values innovation, continuous learning, and the human side of change. The businesses and professionals we work
with are not just looking for solutions, they are looking for strategic partners to help them navigate transformation with confidence and clarity.

They understand that a thriving business starts with a thriving workforce.
They are looking for ways to enhance workplace culture, engagement, and overall employee well-being.
They are eager to explore how AI and emerging technologies can enhance productivity, creativity, and decision-making, without losing the human touch.
They are going through a period of transition; whether it’s implementing new technology, growing or restructuring teams, or redefining company culture.
They want program and change management strategies that prioritize communication, inclusion, and long-term success.
They are not afraid to challenge outdated ways of working and are willing to invest in strategies that align with the future of work.

At Pierce Creative & Consulting, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We work collaboratively to design strategies that align with each organization’s unique needs. If you’re a leader or organization that’s ready to embrace the future of work with people at the center—we’d love to partner with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://piercecreativeconsulting.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ida-pierce/