“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.
Sarah Dear
Empathy starts with really learning how to listen. Not just to hear, but to understand where someone is coming from. I think a great starting point for understanding empathy is that everyone has their own reality and their own unique experience, even if we’re sharing a moment together. Read more>>
Stephanae McCoy
“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” ~Alfred Adler Despite facing a tumultuous upbringing and lifelong struggles with major depressive disorder, she persisted. Confronting adversities such as single motherhood, substance abuse, physical abuse, and homelessness, she continued onward. In the depths of despair, convinced of her worthlessness from her relentless self-criticism, she attempted suicide multiple times. Read more>>
M’Keba Evone Barksdale
The conditions that allowed me to develop empathy are a combination of things. Most importantly, I believe seeing loved ones at a young age transition or contract incurable illness was the catalyst for understanding the importance of having empathy. One thing we as humans don’t fully understand is that at any moment the one thing that you think would never happen to you could in fact happen. Read more>>
Emily Campanella
As a child, I naturally empathized with others, but I struggled to manage this empathy without proper guidance. I often found myself overwhelmed by the emotions of those around me, feeling compelled to carry their burdens as my own. However, through my own emotional development journey from within my home and with the guidance of a skilled therapist, I’ve come to understand the true essence of empathy. Read more>>
Lisa Goesling
That is a good question. I believe it is part of my nature, perhaps it comes from unconsciously studying people’s behavior growing up. There were always extra people hanging around our home in addition to my four siblings, parents, and grandparents. I remember my Great Aunt Florence telling me that it was uncanny how I knew that my Papa wasn’t well, even at a very young age. Read more>>
Sierra Mack
Trauma has profoundly influenced my empathy. Experiencing personal pain has enabled me to better understand and connect with the struggles of others. Through my own healing journey, I’ve learned the importance of compassion and empathy in fostering connection and support. Read more>>
Donna Sweetin
Empathy is an emotion I haven’t consciously thought about too much. I think it’s part of your DNA, or if it’s not, it’s something you can develop. I was blessed to have a mom who regularly displayed care and empathy for others. She welcomed every stray animal, and every troubled kid into our home, without hesitation. Read more>>
Kelly Ella
What an excellent question! Empathy is such an important quality when working in a client based business. I was raised a one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and from a very young age I was taught how important empathy was. This was made evident by helping people, regularly volunteering, along with listening to others with the intent to encourage and support them. This core foundation helped me build my empathy, and I continue my volunteering today. Read more>>
