“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.
Ruby 呜哔うび
Cultivating empathy has been an unexpected journey that not only shaped my artistic style but also revolutionized my entire perspective on commercial art. I understand why many artists hesitate to take on numerous VTuber design projects. They fear such work might be too commercial, lacking creative freedom. I once shared these concerns; however, it was precisely these challenges that nurtured my empathy and ultimately elevated my art to new heights. Read more>>
Jennifer Jukanovich
Jim Collins, of Good to Great, found that the most effective leaders are those who “display a powerful mixture of personal humility and indomitable will. They’re incredibly ambitious, but their ambition is first and foremost for the cause, for the organization and its purpose, not themselves.” I would argue that part of that humility is formed by recognizing you are part of something greater than yourself, knowing yourself, and realizing that your self-perception is limited and so you need the perspective of others. Understanding the perspective of others requires empathy, putting yourself in their shoes if you can. Read more>>
Mieke Lippstreu
Since childhood, I’ve been described as sensitive. Sometimes, that term was leveraged as criticism against me. I’ve since learned that my sensitivity is my strength. It is what makes me a deeply empathic person. And it is that empathy, coupled with a relentless curiosity, that shapes my approach to art. Read more>>
Erin Ploss-campoamor
I was born in Canada to American hippies, and grew up in a large, multicultural family that — ever since I was just three months old — has included my Papi (my Cuban-American stepfather), as well as my abuelos (grandparents), tíos/tías (uncles/aunts), and primos (cousins). Throughout my childhood, my Mother, Papi, and I moved all over North America, which gave me the opportunity to experience many different communities, languages, and beliefs. I learned from an early age that I needed to remain open to different perspectives; there was never just one way of seeing things.Read more>>
Camille Cabrera
To me, empathy allows us to fully embrace our connection to humanity. We’re a species programmed to crave connection with one another. Yet somehow, it often feels like our empathy and ability to relate becomes misconstrued or intentionally muted during daily activities. This dissonance makes it difficult for individuals within society to function. Read more>>
Erika Applegate
Usually the conditions that make me have most empathy for others are also the most difficult times and seasons I’ve been through. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is important, but once you live through something difficult, it is so much easier to relate and be empathetic towards another person. Read more>>
Maria Henry
Empathy has consistently been my subtle superpower, allowing me to see myself through another person. Early on in life, I was able to read a room easily. Growing up on a small farm, I developed strong connections with the animals around me. This early bond with animals heightened my ability to connect with others on a deeper level. Whether it was understanding the unspoken needs of a distressed friend or sensing the quiet joy in someone’s eyes, my empathetic nature became a guiding force in my interactions. Read more>>
Claire King
2 months into my freshman year of college at the University of California, Davis, Donald Trump got elected. Being from a privileged upper class family, the beginning of my college experience was eye-opening. The socio-political climate during those years made it painfully apparent how much I was unaware of and I quickly began to become politically active in my community. Read more>>
