“Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.” – Mohsin Hamid

We believe empathy is one of the most important ingredients enabling effectiveness and so we connected with some amazing folks to ask them about the conditions that allowed them to develop into such empathic leaders.

Scott Blackerby

Having been given many “second chances”, I’ve come to understand that it is better to understand than to be understood. Everyone has a journey and many times that journey requires many “lessons” that help us to grow. My road has taught me to value these lessons. Read More>>

Tyrone Speaks

My empathy was shaped early on by going to the funeral home with my uncle, where I learned that grief needed presence, not avoidance. That early exposure helped me grow comfortable with loss and understand the quiet ways people hurt. Working in funeral service taught me how to listen beyond words and offer care in the smallest details. Read More>>

Tanya Stehler

My dignosis of IGA Nephropathy. Which is a rare disease that has no Cure at the moment. It allows me to see each day as a gift. It has shown me to be present in the moment I am in. It has taken me down a Spiritual Journey to deepen my relationship with Jesus Christ. It has given me a different perspective of what is important. Which is not the built up treasures on Earth. However it is running the good race towards the Kingdom of Heaven. Read More>>

Lamar Romero

Honestly, it came from a mix of adversity, observation, and necessity. I didn’t start Hire Dragons from a boardroom… I started it from the ground level, doing tastings myself, driving Uber, and finding every possible way to keep the dream alive. When you build a company with your own sweat, side hustles, and belief, you learn quickly how important it is to see people—really see them. Read More>>

Ashley-Marie Pineiro

My empathy was born from a life that made me grow up way too fast but never took away my ability to dream. I was raised in a matriarchy, surrounded by women who carried generations on their backs without ever needing credit. Culture, faith, and quiet strength shaped me.

I’ve lived many lives. I was born in New York City, raised between the streets of Jersey and the warmth of the Philippines. I studied in Italy, where I fell in love with slowness, beauty, and noticing the little things. Now I’m a designer and storyteller in San Diego, creating something entirely my own from all those experiences. Read More>>