“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.
Valmik Puri
Burnt skin. Wires in his hand. Six strips of Alprax. A glass of water. You have yourself a suicide cocktail. Anil lies on the ground, motionless. He is the husband of my family’s domestic help, Anita — a vivacious woman who’s been a part of our home for over a decade. Anita’s 7-year-old son Arjun was born in our house and grew up with us in a space resembling the equivalent of a sibling. Read more>>
Brianna Barrett
I’ve found we never truly know what someone else is going through, and being kind to them doesn’t cost you a penny. I suffer from chronic autoimmune diseases that have affected how I deal with people and how I strive to be kind to others. These multiple chronic illnesses are invisible to the naked eye. I know them, my family knows them and sees them but if you met me on the street you wouldn’t realize I suffer daily with these conditions. I’ve hidden my conditions for decades, until now. I truly feel these conditions have helped me to have empathy for others who are going through health issues. Read more>>
Sherman Havelaar
I have two, special-needs, kids. A son and a daughter. Both have always been in a special classroom with specialized instruction throughout their years. They have both been in adult transition programs. Understanding first hand what mainstream parents do not encounter, parents of kids and/or adults with disabilities sometimes feel like they are on an island by themselves. The program I run is inclusive to all with disabilities. It also allows parents to connect and share resources that are beneficial for their loved one. Read more>>
