Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bryan Alexander Edens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Bryan Alexander, 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?
Empathy, for me, has been shaped by a combination of diverse, global, multicultural experiences and intentional choices. I grew up in the rural Southern United States, shielded from many realities but instilled with an enhanced sense of curiosity, fantastical creativity, and a very strong and resilient sense of Justice.
Later in life, after moving to the expansive Western US and studying and living in Asia, I was fortunate to be exposed to many different cultures and perspectives, which instilled in me an understanding that people’s stories are often complex and deeply layered. Empathy starts with listening—not just hearing words, but really absorbing the emotions and experiences behind them. At times, and in disparate environments, I’ve been exposed to a myriad ideas different from what I took to be objective truths and internalized them as my own.
Running a foundation and working against injustices against women, children and vulnerable populations such as migrants and indigenous people in multiple geographies including conflict zones taught me that effective leadership requires not just strategy, but genuine care. Working in creative fields and managing artists and others with voices to raise have also opened my eyes to the countless ways people express their hopes, struggles, and dreams. As I traveled and immersed myself in other languages and cultures, I was reminded time and again that empathy is universal—it’s the bridge that allows us to connect across borders, languages, professions, and beliefs.
Ultimately, I believe that empathy isn’t something we’re born with fully formed; it’s a skill that develops through lived experiences, a commitment to staying open, and a willingness to be vulnerable alongside others. I strive to carry that with me in everything I do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve long been intimately involved in creative expression with a associated sense of social justice and humanitarianism. I’ve been trained in business, international relations and law and through choices I’m very proud of, have been blessed to work at the highest levels of creative industries, often also concomitantly enhancing the voices of the voiceless.
I’m currently principally occupied by working in entertainment and media tech. I’m also working on several films based around histories and personal stories arising out of the longest-running conflict in the West, Colombia.
Based around this work, I’m committed to working on behalf of vulnerable and conflict-impacted communities, especially children, in Latin America, especially Colombia. The long-term plan is to expand to work in West Africa and Asia. I’ve long worked in places such as Cambodia and Turkey/Syria.
One of two foundations with which I work, Fundación Sin Miedo, is in process of being established along with social leader partners in Colombia. I’ve been on a few missions to deliver supplies to children on behalf of the other, the well-established Amigos Near foundation, based in Miami. Please find information here and stay tuned for an upcoming crowdsourced campaign (nearly zero administrative expenses): https://amigosnear.org/
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?
Language/linguistics, law and legal studies and experience, self-discipline and focus developed through family and years of martial arts and athletics.
Try, try and try again. Avail yourself of all healthy outlets whether inside or outside your comfort zone!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Literally everyone I encounter teaches me something. Some more than others.
There are a few noteworthy people who have made tremendous and lasting impressions, specifically on my humanitarian work.
Kami Tajik, a spectacularly strong man and asylum-grantee originally from Iran, taught me resilience and patience through his journey to California from Istanbul, where we met.
Juan Alfonso (I’ll refrain from disclosing his full name in the interest of his safety) has shown me through his experience and our mutual experience working together on the ground that traumas can be recycled into tremendous strength and become the source of great courage and generosity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @baedens
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/bryan-alexander-edens-804400
Image Credits
One photo includes the chef, Jose Andres.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
