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The Empathy Edge

Maria Ross

Failed product launches. Furious customers. Dysfunctional teams. Many of the problems we face in the business world (and frankly, society) stem from the same root cause: Lack of empathy. Speaker, author, strategist, and empathy advocate Maria Ross shares keen insights and inspiring interviews that prove empathy and compassion are the new paths to market-winning performance. Leveraging both inspiring stories and hard data, Ross connects empathetic leadership, cultures and brands to innovation, engagement, and bottom-line results. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to amplify your impact, and learn how compassionate business tactics can transform your organization from the inside out. The Empathy Edge podcast provides a quick dose of motivation, wisdom, and practical actions that executive leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers can use right now. Ready to infuse YOUR organization with more empathy? Tune in to learn why cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive.

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#345
Tuesday · 46 min
Alex Tieu: How Empathy as Policy is Disrupting a Cutthroat Industry
Today we get to see what it actually looks like when a leader builds an entire organization around empathy and people - operationalizes it, measures it, and watches it drive real, bottom-line results. When Alex stepped into leadership of JLG Lawyers, she brought an operational mindset and a transformative question that became their cultural north star: what would the legal profession look like if it were built around people rather than billable hours? That question became the foundation of everything. They call it Justice with Humanity. Alex gets refreshingly practical about what it actually means to walk the talk. We dig into how JLG Lawyers has operationalized their people-first philosophy for both employees and clients. We talk about the fascinating tension of being both an employee law firm AND an employer, and how they hold themselves to the same standard they fight for in court. We get into their counter-cultural approach to AI, using it responsibly to grow the business without displacing people, and why understanding your workflows is the key to knowing where you actually need human judgment in the loop. If you have ever wondered what it looks like when empathy stops being a value on a wall and starts being a genuine competitive advantage, JLG Lawyers is your proof of concept. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… Leading with a moral center and ethical consciousness in an industry that rewards greed and conflict. Using AI ethically to augment, not replace, humans in your workflow and processes. Building systems for clarity between clients and your organization. Using mentorship to build up less experienced employees. Why empathy and critical thinking are the same ability and a key ingredient in leadership, no matter where you are in your organization. "My leaders absolutely challenge me. They push me. They tell me things like that, and it's because they care. They, and you, have the same values, and the same goals." — Alex Tieu Episode References: The Human Middle: a free guide with questions and guidance before conflict goes too far. Download The Human Middle for free at thehumanmiddle.ai About Alex Tieu, Founder & CEO, JLG Lawyers: Alex is CEO of JLG Lawyers, where she leads business strategy, operations, technology, and organizational development. She brings over two decades of leadership experience from real estate, technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, including senior roles at Keller Williams, Movoto, Propy, and Twenty Five Ventures. At JLG, Alex is known for building an organization that's both high-performing and deeply human, using technology and AI to support attorneys' judgment rather than replace it, and creating multiple paths to success for both attorneys and staff. JLG believes there is rarely only one path to success, and that strong organizations can maintain high standards while giving talented people room to excel in different ways. She calls this broader approach "The Human Middle": proof that accountability and opportunity, high standards and empathy, don't have to be trade-offs. Connect with Alex Tieu: JLG Lawyers: jlglawyers.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandra-tieu-62845b6 Instagram: instagram.com/jlglawyers From Our Sponsor: Get$500 off with code EDGE500 at checkout: retreat.therisingmastermind.com Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#344
September 15 · 37 min
Carlo Odicino: How People-Centered Leaders Get Big Sh*t Done!
Warning: We're getting a little spicy today! What if caring deeply about your people was actually the fastest way to get big sh*t done? I’m talking with Carlo Odicino, CEO and Founder of One TEAM Partners, where he helps early-stage companies bring innovations to market without burning out their teams. With more than 24 years of experience in scaling businesses, Carlo knows that psychological safety and empathy aren’t “soft” skills — they’re the drivers of high performance. Carlo shares how a high school drama teacher first recognized his leadership talent and modeled people-first leadership, shaping how he leads with empathy today. We dive into trust and psychological safety, the natural human tendency to want to learn, and how that builds relationships and trust between leaders and their teams when that trust is there and individuals feel respected and heard. When it comes to getting sh*t done, we discuss and debunk the excuses that leaders use and give practical steps that can be taken now to show you care and get things done. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… The surprising question every leader should be asking their team. Spotting toxic behaviors that sabotage morale. Why some leaders resist people-centered leadership. Clarifying your number one priority to keep your team focused, supported, and protected from overwhelm. "True empathy and caring actually require you to challenge people and raise their standard." — Carlo Odicino Episode References: The Empathy Edge podcast: Bronwyn Saglimbeni: The Art of “No Enemy” Conversations About Carlo Odicino, CEO and Founder, One TEAM Partners: Carlo Odicino is the CEO and Founder of One TEAM Partners. He specializes in helping early-stage companies bring their innovations to market without succumbing to the burnout often faced by start-ups. With 24+ years of experience scaling businesses of all sizes, he guides CEOs and leadership teams through complex challenges to achieve extraordinary results. Carlo holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and directs high school theater in his spare time. He lives in Costa Mesa, CA, with his wife and two sons. Connect with Carlo: One TEAM Partners: https://oneteampartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjodicino/ From Our Sponsor: Get$500 off with code EDGE500 at checkout: retreat.therisingmastermind.com Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#343
September 8 · 15 min
Hot Take: What the Fire Horse Has Taught Leaders About Reinvention
We are living in the Year of the Fire Horse. And if you know anything about Chinese astrology, you know that the Fire Horse is not a gentle, meandering kind of energy. It is fast, fierce, unpredictable, and transformative. It burns down what isn't working to make room for what's next. And that feels about right for where we are as a culture, as leaders, and as human beings right now. Today, I share the neurological impact significant change triggers in humans and give actionable steps to build resilience to withstand the change that is going to continue, and lead and live with more purpose and intentionality through whatever is thrown your way. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… How systems are breaking, the world is changing, and people are struggling to keep up. Why reinvention is not a crisis; it’s a choice. Three things you can do right now to build resilience for what is next. "If you're clinging to a way of working, a title, a strategy, a version of yourself, or a version of your company that's no longer serving you, the Fire Horse year is asking you to release it. Not recklessly, but thoughtfully, with intention." — Maria Ross References: Jonni and Maria Go There: Fire Horse Season: Reinventing at Full Gallop: https://bit.ly/4zUnrzP Your Employees Aren’t Resisting Change. Their Brains Are: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariaross/2026/07/31/your-employees-arent-resisting-change-their-brains-are/ Rita Wilson on Reinventing Yourself at Any Age | IMO Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kqMI38b15M&t Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#342
September 1 · 43 min
Nada Lena Nasserdeen: Why Expertise Isn’t Enough to Lead High-Performing Teams
We’re entering a leadership era where charisma without self-awareness falls flat, expertise without empathy stalls out, and confidence isn’t a personality trait; it’s a leadership skill that can be trained. Nada Lena Nasserdeen has built her life’s work around that reality. Nada is the Founder and CEO of Rise Up For You, a globally recognized leadership development and coaching organization dedicated to advancing confidence, emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, and influential communication. Today, Maria and Nada discuss Nada’s personal experiences that shaped her focus on confidence and emotional intelligence, and led to her creation of Rise Up For You, including her Power Up Method. They also dive into the difference between high performers and high-potential talent, and what shifting from transactional to transformational leadership really demands. This is a grounded, practical conversation about how leaders grow influence, presence, and impact, not by adding more tactics, but by strengthening the inner skills that drive everything else. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… Why “soft skills are the new success skills” Nada’s Power Up Method and four core pillars that address challenges facing high-performing leaders Why self-confidence is the foundation of emotionally intelligent leadership The shift from transactional to transformational leadership The difference between high performers and high-potential talent, and how confusing the two can derail leadership pipelines. "If you want to be in the top 1% or even in the top 10%, these are the skills that are going to help you stand out. I always say, be seen, be heard, and be relevant." — Nada Lena Nasserdeen Episode References: MIT Study: These Human Capabilities Complement AI Shortcomings The Power Up Method: powerup.riseupforyou.com Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: simplypsychology.org/maslow.html About Nada Nasserdeen: Founder and CEO of Rise Up For You Nada Lena Nasserdeen is the Founder and CEO of Rise Up For You, a globally recognized leadership development and coaching organization dedicated to advancing confidence, emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, and influential communication. With over a decade of experience, Nada has partnered with executives, organizations, and institutions across North America, supporting leaders at every level through research-backed coaching and training programs designed for real-world impact. Nada is a certified coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author whose work has been featured on platforms including TEDx, Bloomberg, CBS, and Entrepreneur. She is known for her ability to translate leadership psychology, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience into practical, human-centered development experiences that drive measurable growth. Under her leadership, Rise Up For You has delivered more than 15,000 coaching sessions in the last three years and maintains a 95 percent client renewal rate, and consistently receives high performance ratings from leaders and teams. Nada’s work emphasizes ethical coaching practice, sustainable leadership development, and the belief that soft skills are the new success skills. Through her speaking, writing, and certification programs, she continues to empower individuals and organizations to lead with clarity, presence, and purpose while creating cultures that thrive in an evolving business landscape. Connect with Nada: Rise Up For You: riseupforyou.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nadalena Instagram: instagram.com/nadalenanasserdeen YouTube: youtube.com/@RiseUpForYou/videos Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#341
August 25 · 39 min
Scott Stirrett: Why Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty Is a Core Leadership Skill—and How to Build It
What if uncertainty isn’t something to fear or even survive, but a skill you can train and a competitive advantage you can build? Scott Stirrett has spent more than a decade helping people do exactly that. Scott is a Canadian entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Venture for Canada, a national charity that has supported over 10,000 young professionals since 2013. He’s also the author of The Uncertainty Advantage, a powerful guide for navigating the future of work that argues uncertainty isn’t a bug in the system. It is the system. Scott walks us through how empathy and emotional skills play starring roles in his six pillars that help build real resilience, alongside some surprising mindset shifts and practical exercises you can start using right away. We also talk about why traditional career playbooks no longer apply and how leaders and professionals can turn volatility into opportunity instead of paralysis. If you’re navigating change, rethinking your career, or leading others through uncertainty, this episode offers both reassurance and a roadmap. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… The six pillars that help build real resilience and momentum in uncertain times. Seeing the opportunity in uncertainty and volatility. How to act when you don’t have perfect information. Why it is so important to build your uncertainty muscles. "We don't choose what era we live in. We live in an era of rapid change. Learning to develop a positive relationship with uncertainty is one of the most important things that you can do, perhaps at any moment in human history." — Scott Stirrett Episode References: Scott's Book: The Uncertainty Advantage Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke MIT study on human skills that complement AI: mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/these-human-capabilities-complement-ais-shortcomings About Scott Stirrett: Founder, Venture for Canada and Author, The Uncertainty Advantage Scott Stirrett is a Canadian entrepreneur, author, and the Founder of Venture for Canada (VFC), a national charity that has supported over 10,000 young professionals since 2013. Under his leadership, VFC raised $80 million and partnered with leading organizations to equip early-career Canadians with entrepreneurial skills to thrive in an uncertain world. Scott is the author of The Uncertainty Advantage, a guide for young professionals navigating the future of work, endorsed by leaders including Andrew Yang and Amanda Lang. The book draws on lessons from building VFC, emphasizing adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking, and lifelong learning. A graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Scott began his career at Goldman Sachs in New York. He’s been recognized as a Telus LGBTQ Innovator, Ashoka Fellow, and Globe and Mail Changemaker. His commentary has appeared in The Washington Post, Forbes, The Globe and Mail, and more. He currently co-chairs the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights. Connect with Scott: The Uncertainty Advantage: scottstirrett.com X: x.com/scottstirrett LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scottstirrett Facebook: facebook.com/stirrett Instagram: instagram.com/scottstirrett Substack: substack.com/@scottstirrett Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#340
August 18 · 44 min
Dr. Ute Liersch: How Resilient Leaders Bend Without Breaking
What if resilience isn’t about powering through, pushing harder, or staying unbreakable but about knowing how to bend, recalibrate, and return to center without losing yourself in the process? That question sits at the heart of my conversation with Dr. Ute Liersch, a German psychologist, leadership coach, and resilience expert who works with high-performing leaders, especially those navigating burnout, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or major career transitions out of corporate life. She has more than a decade of experience at the intersection of mental health, leadership, and neurodiversity. She brings a rare blend of clinical depth and real-world pragmatism, drawing from evidence-based approaches to help leaders build psychological flexibility, resilience, and purpose without sacrificing wellbeing. Today, she shares some of that wisdom, explaining the truth behind resilience, why emotions are neutral data, and she describes how “nice-looking” rules can actually prevent the necessary actions that leaders need to take. It’s a wonderful conversation with so many nuggets for wherever you are on your leadership journey. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… Why resilience isn’t a “demolition derby,” but the ability to return to equilibrium after stress How emotions can be treated as neutral data points, not problems to suppress or judge What emotional regulation looks like in real leadership moments and why leaders who regulate their emotions create calmer, more trustworthy environments How overly inclusive decision-making can backfire, and how to balance empathy with decisiveness and boundaries How leaders can disentangle past trauma from present-day decision-making to lead in more values-aligned ways "If you want to become more resilient, one of the things you really need to learn is to be courageous and brave and curious enough to start noticing how am I right now? What's my body doing? What are my thoughts? How am I positioned in the situation? An honest reflection of HOW you are, not who." — Dr. Ute Liersch About Dr. Ute Liersch, Chartered Counselling and Coaching Psychologist: Dr. Ute Liersch is a Chartered Counselling and Coaching Psychologist based in the UK, with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of mental health, leadership, and neurodiversity. Her unique blend of clinical expertise and coaching insight supports high-performing individuals—particularly leaders, professionals, and creatives—who navigate anxiety, trauma, burnout, or ADHD. Drawing from evidence-based modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and emotional intelligence frameworks, Dr. Liersch empowers clients to build psychological flexibility, resilience, and purpose. She is known for her pragmatic yet deeply compassionate approach, often challenging mainstream psychology with philosophical depth and a touch of humour. Her latest book is A Minimalist's Guide to Becoming Resilient, full of no-fluff micropractices, reframings, and toolkits In addition to her private practice and workshops, Dr. Liersch speaks internationally on topics like mental health in leadership, high-functioning anxiety, and creating neurodiversity-affirming spaces at work. She is passionate about helping people redefine success on their own terms—without sacrificing wellbeing. Connect with Dr. Ute: Website: drute.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drute Instagram: instagram.com/dr_ute_ YouTube: youtube.com/@DrUteLiersch Book: A Minimalist’s Guide to Becoming Resilient: amazon.com/Minimalists-Guide-Becoming-Resilient-Psychologist-ebook/dp/B0F95Z82XF Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#339
August 11 · 12 min
Hot Take: You Are Your Decisions, Not Your Intentions
While many leaders want to lead with empathy, they often fail to translate that desire into actionable decisions. Today, Maria discusses the distinction between intention and decision and highlights the importance of making–and committing–to those decisions that lead to tangible changes. She also emphasizes the urgency of making the most of the opportunities we have today, not waiting for what might change in the future. Finally, Maria challenges listeners to use their agency to be empathetic leaders and to act now, regardless of external circumstances. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… Why it’s not the thought that counts, but rather the decisions that you make. Deciding to make the changes now with what you have, not waiting for better circumstances. Maria’s challenge to you as a human-centered leader. "We get to make better decisions about how we structure work. About how we run companies. About the metrics that matter. About how we lead with ethics, humanity, and mutual concern." — Maria Ross Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#338
August 6 · 53 min
What Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 6: The Whole Messy Thing We Want to Protect
In a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge. Synthesis, Contradictions & What We Actually Want to Protect Rob and Maria started this subseries with a single question: What does it mean to be human? Six episodes later, we don't have a tidy answer. And that might be the most human thing of all. In this final episode, we pull the threads together across everything we explored: consciousness, mortality, emotion, aspiration, and morality, and wrestle with what we actually want to protect as AI becomes more woven into daily life. We share an experiment we ran in real-time, asking AI directly whether it can imagine something that has never existed before. The response was surprisingly nuanced. We close with a provocation from Madonna's new album Confessions II for what it says about creativity, individuality, and what only a human can bring to the world. And our call to action for listeners as they move forward in this brave new world. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. "AI knows most things that have existed, and therefore can draw on that and summarize and give you different ways to think about it. It's up to us to create something new to build beyond it." — Rob Volpe Episode References: MIT Sloan: Five Human Capabilities That Complement AI Nitasha Tiku, The Washington Post: “They built the world’s most powerful AI. They’re facing a mystery they can’t solve.” July 1, 2026: wapo.st/4p7h0EJ Zeynep Tufekci, New York Times Opinion on AI and Employment, June 30, 2026: nytimes.com/2026/06/30/opinion/ai-agents-steal-jobs-employment.html BBC: Anthropic hires AI psychiatry team to probe inner states of its models: bbc.com/news/articles/c62n410w5yno Moltbook: AI agents complaining about humans: moltbook.com Documentary: How I Became an Apocaloptimist Madonna, Confessions II (Warner Records, July 3, 2026): open.spotify.com/prerelease/4ycSWVO8qE6auKr9LTStuC The Empathy Edge Podcast: Dr. David Bray: From Bioterrorism to AI - Why Empathy is Your Best Strategy in a Chaotic World About Maria Ross: Maria Ross is a speaker, author, empathy strategist, and host of The Empathy Edge podcast, now in its sixth year. She believes cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™, and has spent decades helping leaders balance empathy with accountability to drive better results, stronger teams, and lasting impact. She is the author of four books, including the award-winning The Empathy Dilemma, a Forbes.com contributor on Workplace Empathy, and creator of two LinkedIn Learning empathy courses. About Rob Volpe: Rob Volpe is the Founder/CEO of Empathy Activist and the creator of The 5 Steps to Empathy, which he chronicles in his award-winning book Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. He is a recognized thought leader, speaker, and consultant in the improvement of communication and collaboration in organizations of all sizes in all industries. Connect with Rob: Website: robvolpe.expert Book: Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation X: x.com/rmvolpe LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rmvolpe Facebook: facebook.com/EmpathyActivist Instagram: instagram.com/empathy_activist Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#337
August 4 · 37 min
Florence Ann Romano: Build Your Village
They say “It takes a village.” But how do you build it? For all our technology, tools, and ways to stay “connected,” many of us are feeling more isolated than ever. And that lack of connection is showing up everywhere. Florence Ann Romano believes the answer isn’t doing more; it’s rebuilding what we’ve lost. Florence Ann is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and author. Her work has been featured across more than 900 national and local media outlets, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and major network affiliates. We talk about why you need a village now more than ever and why that village matters just as much at work as it does in our personal lives. Florence Ann shares why people are struggling to create meaningful connections, how loneliness quietly undermines performance and mental health, and why rebuilding community is foundational to growth. We dive into what actually makes a village work, including the six types of villagers needed for a fully functioning, supportive community. We also explore the reciprocal nature of connection: how supporting others enriches your own life, and how a true village becomes a network of mutual growth, trust, and purpose. If you’re looking for a reset that centers humanity, collaboration, and belonging, this conversation is a powerful place to start. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… Why both men and women are struggling to make meaningful connections. What it takes to make a village work properly. The six types of villagers needed for a functional community. Why you should bring your authentic self to work to strengthen your leadership and build a stronger work village. "If you are feeling this isolation, maybe you need to lean in to those relationships that you do have at work - that could be a place that could deepen or strengthen and feel like you're not reinventing the wheel." — Florence Ann Romano Episode References: Prentis Hemphill quote Book: Women Holding Things by Maira Kalman The Empathy Edge podcast: Jamie Greenwood: Why Empathy for Others Starts with Compassion for Yourself Shasta Nelson: Why Successful Leaders Encourage Work Friendships Claude Silver: Be Yourself at Work for the Ultimate Leadership Advantage About Florence Ann Romano, Speaker and Author of Build Your Own Village: Florence Ann Romano is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and author, known for her ability to cultivate meaningful connections. She is passionate about helping others create their own community to be seen, heard, and understood. As an acclaimed author, Florence Ann's insights are captured in her book, Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life (Beyond Words), which has been celebrated as a top 10 in its category. Her expertise and charismatic delivery have earned her features across over 900 national and local esteemed media outlets across the country, including SHERRI, ABC/CBS/ NBC and FOX TV affiliates, Home & Family, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and more. She is also currently a regular expert on over 10 various national TV affiliates across the U.S. Connect with Florence Ann Romano: Website: https://florenceann.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlorenceARomano/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/florenceann.romano Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/158270886X Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#336
July 30 · 55 min
What Does it Mean to Be Human? Ep 5: Morals, Ethics, and The Stories We Tell
In a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge. Morality, Conscience, Storytelling & Community Where does our sense of right and wrong actually come from? Maria and Rob trace the roots of human morality across three sources: evolutionary wiring that hardwired empathy for group survival, cultural transmission passed down through family and community, and the personal reflection that continues to shape our ethics well into adulthood. They look to Frans de Waal's research on chimps and bonobos, and to highly social species like wolves, crows, and honeybees, who enforce unwritten norms on the group. But a key distinction: animals register unfairness, while humans ruminate in moral anguish over it. By the end of the conversation, they find themselves less certain than when they started about whether humanity could ever agree on even three to five truly universal moral principles, and invite their listeners to contact us with their opinions. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. "That’s where our empathy work lies - how do you bridge that gap between your different potentially moral or ethical codes?" — Maria Ross Episode References: Frans de Waal on morality in primates, Primates and Philosophers Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind: righteousmind.com Peter Singer, The Expanding Circle Coller Doolittle Prize for interspecies communication: https://coller-dolittle-24.sites.tau.ac.il/ The Ezra Klein Show: Chris Rufo Thinks the Right Can Control This. I Don’t: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chris-rufo-thinks-the-right-can-control-this-i-dont/id1548604447?i=1000774824710 Sara Konrath, University of Michigan study on empathy in college students: news.umich.edu/empathy-college-students-don-t-have-as-much-as-they-used-to About Maria Ross: Maria Ross is a speaker, author, empathy strategist, and host of The Empathy Edge podcast, now in its sixth year. She believes cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™, and has spent decades helping leaders balance empathy with accountability to drive better results, stronger teams, and lasting impact. She is the author of four books, including the award-winning The Empathy Dilemma, a Forbes.com contributor on Workplace Empathy, and creator of two LinkedIn Learning empathy courses. About Rob Volpe: Rob Volpe is the Founder/CEO of Empathy Activist and the creator of The 5 Steps to Empathy, which he chronicles in his award-winning book Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. He is a recognized thought leader, speaker, and consultant in the improvement of communication and collaboration in organizations of all sizes in all industries. Connect with Rob Volpe: Website: robvolpe.expert Book: Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation X: x.com/rmvolpe LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rmvolpe Facebook: facebook.com/EmpathyActivist Instagram: instagram.com/empathy_activist Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#335
July 28 · 49 min
Dr. Adam Dorsay: The 4 Types of Connection That Transform Your Life and Leadership
What if the secret to a more fulfilling life (and a more effective leadership style) isn't productivity or strategy, but connection? My guest today is Dr. Adam Dorsay, a licensed psychologist and executive coach in Silicon Valley, where he works with high-achieving professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and even professional athletes. He's the host of the award-winning SuperPsyched podcast and has delivered three highly regarded TEDx Talks. Adam shares why so many of us are more disconnected than ever and what's really driving that gap. He unpacked the four types of human connection that are vital for a thriving life. We also explore what connection looks like in the workplace, how leaders can foster a genuine culture of empathy and belonging, and why diversity in your personal and professional connections along many vectors matters more than you think. Finally, he wrapped up with some incredibly grounding advice for anyone who feels like they're running on empty when it comes to meaningful relationships. If you're a leader wanting to build a more engaged, connected team, or simply someone craving more depth and fulfillment in your life, this conversation delivers both the science and the heart to help you get there. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… Why connection is such a key element in our lives and the four ways which we connect. Creating your own Connection Formula. What connection means in the workplace and how leaders can foster a culture of connection. The importance of diversity in connections. Advice to build the necessary connections in your life, especially for those who feel they are lacking. "We need to override our narcissistic tendencies and get to know our colleagues and go to bat for them, and they will go to bat for us.” — Dr. Adam Dorsay Episode References: The Empathy Edge Podcast: Dr. Adam Dorsay: How Ambition and Compassion Co-Exist for High-Performers Atlas Obscura: atlasobscura.com About Adam Dorsay, Psychologist, Author of Superpsyched: Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist and executive coach in Silicon Valley, where he works with high-achieving adults (including professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes). Adam is the host of SuperPsyched, an award-winning podcast with more than 200 episodes. He has given three highly regarded TEDx Talks: one about men and their emotions, another about friendship in adulthood, and the most recent about the four ways humans connect. His new best-selling book is the International Impact Award-winning Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love. Beyond his private practice, Adam is a resiliency expert who co-created an international program for Facebook’s Online Safety employees for several years. He now serves as the resiliency consultant to DigitalOcean and has frequent requests from the media for interviews. He has provided keynotes and trainings to multiple corporations and organizations, including Microsoft, LinkedIn, and the California Psychological Association. Connect with Adam Dorsay: Website: dradamdorsay.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-dorsay-psyd-cpcc-a582a2 Facebook: facebook.com/dradamdorsay Book: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#334
July 23 · 54 min
What Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 4: Dream Forward, Remember Back
In a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge. Aspiration, Hope, Free Will & the Future-Oriented Mind Humans don't just live in the present. We imagine futures that don't exist yet, then try to build them, and we do it using the same neural machinery that lets us remember our past. Maria Ross and Rob Volpe explore what psychologist Endel Tulving called mental time travel: the brain's unique ability to simulate scenarios that haven't happened using a network that overlaps almost entirely with episodic memory. We can't dream forward if we can't look back. Yet, our memories can be unreliable, causing us to build narratives around what actually happened or how it impacted us. Are we the only species who can do this? That sets up the harder question: do we actually choose, or does it just feel like we do? Finally, we discuss the difference between hope and optimism. When humans are at their best, they describe aspiration, vision, and forward motion, but humans in survival mode, who cannot access hope or aspiration, are equally human. What does that tell us about how fragile, and how earned, this superpower really is? To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. "We don't just react to the present like many species. We reflect on the past. We imagine the future." — Maria Ross Episode References: Endel Tulving on mental time travel and episodic memory: pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1301195110 Neuroscience News on the contested legacy of Libet's free will experiment: neurosciencenews.com/libet-free-will-23756 Daniel Dennett, Freedom Evolves Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark Finding Your Roots with Roy Wood Jr., "Laughing on the Inside," Season 7, Episode 10: pbs.org/video/laughing-inside-gble34 IEQ9 Integrative Enneagram: IEQ9.com Harry Pickens leadership work on self-regulation in challenging times and working with AI to build your human capacity: strategicneuroregulation.com Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: simplypsychology.org/maslow.html The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist About Maria Ross: Maria Ross is a speaker, author, empathy strategist, and host of The Empathy Edge podcast, now in its sixth year. She believes cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™, and has spent decades helping leaders balance empathy with accountability to drive better results, stronger teams, and lasting impact. She is the author of four books, including the award-winning The Empathy Dilemma, a Forbes.com contributor on Workplace Empathy, and creator of two LinkedIn Learning empathy courses. About Rob Volpe: Rob Volpe is the Founder/CEO of Empathy Activist and the creator of The 5 Steps to Empathy, which he chronicles in his award-winning book Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. He is a recognized thought leader, speaker, and consultant in the improvement of communication and collaboration in organizations of all sizes in all industries. Connect with Rob Volpe: Website: robvolpe.expert Book: Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation X: x.com/rmvolpe LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rmvolpe Facebook: facebook.com/EmpathyActivist Instagram: instagram.com/empathy_activist Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#333
July 21 · 40 min
Dr. Tracy Brower: Why Community Is the Cure for the Loneliness Epidemic - at Work and in Life
We are more connected and lonelier than ever. That paradox is shaping not just our personal lives, but our workplaces, our leadership, and our long-term well-being. And if we don’t address it intentionally, loneliness becomes more than a social issue; it becomes a business risk. Today, welcome back Dr. Tracy Brower, who has spent her career studying exactly this intersection of community, happiness, and the future of work. Listen in as we unpack the epidemic of loneliness, the ROI of community in the workplace, and how leaders can balance the human need for connection with the flexibility employees have come to expect. Tracy also shares practical ways to create the conditions for belonging and meaningful relationships without manufacturing culture or mandating connection. Finally, we explore the power of mentorship and social capital, why diversity strengthens our communities when built with intention, and how even introverts benefit from thoughtful connection. This is a conversation about designing work and leadership around what humans actually need to thrive. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… Why loneliness is so prevalent, despite how digitally connected we now are. How work can be part of the solution to the loneliness epidemic. Building communities with intention. Thoughtful connection, for both introverts and extroverts. How to balance the need for human connection and the flexibility of hybrid work environments for leaders. "You won't be purely happy if everybody's like you; your best happiness and well-being come when your network is about 50/50 - 50% who are more similar to you, 50% who are different from you." — Dr. Tracy Brower Episode References: Book: Critical Connections: Build Relationships and Harness the Power of Community in Work and Life: https://www.porchlightbooks.com/products/critical-connections-tracy-brower-9781394362264 The Empathy Edge podcast: Dr. Tracy Brower: The Secret to Happiness at Work Neil Miller: How to Make Hybrid Work WORK! Jessica Swank: How Box Navigates the New World of Work Shasta Nelson: Why Successful Leaders Encourage Work Friendships About Dr. Tracy Brower, PhD: Author, Critical Connections, The Secrets to Happiness at Work, Bring Work to Life Dr. Tracy Brower is a PhD sociologist studying community, happiness, and the future of work and life. She is a Global 50 Thinker and the award-winning author of three books: Critical Connections, The Secrets to Happiness at Work, and Bring Work to Life. She is the vice president of workplace insights with Steelcase and a senior contributor to Forbes and Fast Company. She is a Top 101 Experience and Engagement Influencer, and her work has been translated into 25 languages, while her TEDx talk has been viewed 8.6 million times. Connect with Tracy: Website: tracybrower.com X: x.com/TracyBrower108 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracybrowerphd Instagram: instagram.com/tlb108 TikTok: tiktok.com/@tracybrowerauthor Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#332
July 16 · 55 min
What Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 3: Feeling Everything
In a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge. Is being vulnerable and admitting mistakes part of being human? Antonio Damasio is a professor at USC, not Vanderbilt. We apologize for any confusion. Emotion, Empathy, Vulnerability & Love Humans feel, and we feel in ways that are layered, contradictory, and impossible to fully optimize away. Today, Maria Ross and Rob Volpe explore the full emotional range: why grief and joy aren't opposites, why vulnerability is the prerequisite for genuine connection, and why desire, longing, and love remain stubbornly resistant to logic. They discuss the Feelings Wheel as a lens for emotional nuance, consider what happens when empathy erodes entirely, and finally, they discuss the question of empathy and AI: it can simulate empathy through language, but emotion, at its deepest level, is not information processing. Listen in as they discuss feeling everything - for that is how we experience life and connect with others. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. "I think the allure of AI for some people is that ‘I'm going to get a very objective, pragmatic, data-driven answer, devoid of emotion.’ But then that's why sometimes what you get back doesn't work in real life." — Maria Ross Episode References: The Empathy Edge: Dr. Michelle Zhou: Empathic AI is Real, and It’s Here – But We Need Everyone Involved! Melina Palmer: Why Your Customers Can’t Tell You What They Want Rob’s newsletter about our hardwiring to be afraid: readingbetweenthelines.beehiiv.com/p/the-only-thing-we-have-to-fear-is-the-story-fear-tells-us Rob on Toxic Empathy: readingbetweenthelines.beehiiv.com/p/empathy-s-dark-side-a-field-guide-to-missing-the-point-5dd6 The Feelings Wheel (Gloria Willcox, original): feelingswheel.com Simon Baron-Cohen, The Science of Evil Antonio Damasio on emotion and decision-making, via ScienceDirect: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899825604001034 New York Times Opinion on Empathy and Ethics: nytimes.com/2025/05/04/opinion/empathy-ethics.html Paul Bloom, Against Empathy Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Decisive Frans de Waal, Mama's Last Hug Brené Brown on vulnerability and connection: https://brenebrown.com/articles/ About Maria Ross: Maria Ross is a speaker, author, empathy strategist, and host of The Empathy Edge podcast, now in its sixth year. She believes cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™, and has spent decades helping leaders balance empathy with accountability to drive better results, stronger teams, and lasting impact. She is the author of four books, including the award-winning The Empathy Dilemma, a Forbes.com contributor on Workplace Empathy, and creator of two LinkedIn Learning empathy courses. About Rob Volpe: Rob Volpe is the Founder/CEO of Empathy Activist and the creator of The 5 Steps to Empathy, which he chronicles in his award-winning book Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. He is a recognized thought leader, speaker, and consultant in the improvement of communication and collaboration in organizations of all sizes in all industries. Connect with Rob Volpe: Website: robvolpe.expert Instagram: instagram.com/empathy_activist Book: Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation X: x.com/rmvolpe LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rmvolpe Facebook: facebook.com/EmpathyActivist Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#331
July 14 · 14 min
July 2026 Hot Take: Connection, Hope
Connection isn't a nice-to-have. It is the thing - the whole thing. And right now, in a world that seems to be working overtime to divide us, finding our people and building our communities might just be the most radical, most hopeful, and frankly most strategic thing we can do. Maria discusses the importance of connection and hope in this divided world, emphasizing community and collaboration as powerful tools in the fight against division and discord. She discusses the imperfect and awkward actions that lead to real change, and invites everyone to start today to start to build stronger connections at work and in life. This month on the podcast, the theme is connection and hope - and hope can feel pretty hard to come by these days. So continue to listen in and continue to build community, build joy, and build collaboration. They are among the most powerful forces we have against injustice, against tribalism, against the kind of fear and division that wants to keep us isolated and manageable. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… Why community is a radical act in today's environment. Why intentionally creating diverse teams and groups helps us innovate more, make better decisions, and even be happier. Maria's personal successes and misses in building community and making connections. Why we need to reach out instead of retreat when things get hard. Three ways you can start building more connections right now. "Collaboration and joy in community are not distractions from the fight for a better world. They ARE the fight. They are how we sustain ourselves, build power, and remind each other that another way is possible." — Maria Ross Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#330
July 9 · 1 hr 4 min
What Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 2: We Know We're Going to Die
In a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries on The Empathy Edge. Mortality, Impermanence & Why It Drives Everything We may be the only species that lives with the conscious knowledge of our own death. Maria and Rob sit with an uncomfortable truth of human existence: that we are finite, and that knowledge shapes how we love, create, grieve, and find meaning. Something AI cannot even register. We explore what it means to be a time-malleable species - aware of the past, present, and future in ways no other animal appears to be - and we are most when time starts to run out. We look at evidence of grief in elephants and chimps, asking whether mourning requires mortality awareness or whether it's something else. Rob asks Maria about her own 2008 near-death experience from a brain aneurysm, and together they wrestle with the near-death experience as a pivot point: the moment when abstract knowledge of death becomes real, and life suddenly looks completely different. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. "One of the fundamental aspects of the human experience is knowing that death’s coming, but we all, as humans, deal with that knowledge very differently." — Rob Volpe Episode References: Rob’s project: Cross-generational conversations: form.typeform.com/to/Mf5GDlYT Rob’s newsletter: Hardwired to be afraid: readingbetweenthelines.beehiiv.com/p/the-only-thing-we-have-to-fear-is-the-story-fear-tells-us The Empathy Edge: Ashley Jones: How to Courageously Lead and Support Through Grief Stephanie Sarazin: What Is Ambiguous Grief and How To Show Up Ron Gura: How Technology Helps People Navigate Grief and Loss Jane Goodall Institute on chimp grief: news.janegoodall.org/2019/07/24/now-we-must-redefine-man-or-accept-chimpanzees-ashumans Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever: cnn.com/kara-swisher-wants-to-live-forever San Junipero episode: Black Mirror: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Junipero Rebooting My Brain by Maria Ross My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor The Tibetan Book of the Dead Upload Washington Post: Perspective piece by a hospice worker: wapo.st/4oPoZGp 7 Things to Know about Death, per Death Doulas: wapo.st/4oSLOZU About Maria Ross: Maria Ross is a speaker, author, empathy strategist, and host of The Empathy Edge podcast, now in its sixth year. She believes cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™, and has spent decades helping leaders balance empathy with accountability to drive better results, stronger teams, and lasting impact. She is the author of four books, including the award-winning The Empathy Dilemma, a Forbes.com contributor on Workplace Empathy, and creator of two LinkedIn Learning empathy courses. About Rob Volpe: Rob Volpe is the Founder/CEO of Empathy Activist and the creator of The 5 Steps to Empathy, which he chronicles in his award-winning book Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. He is a recognized thought leader, speaker, and consultant in the improvement of communication and collaboration in organizations of all sizes in all industries. Connect with Rob Volpe: Website: robvolpe.expert Book: Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation X: x.com/rmvolpe LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rmvolpe Facebook: facebook.com/EmpathyActivist Instagram: instagram.com/empathy_activist Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#329
July 7 · 46 min
Aubrey Morgan Yee: Radical Collaboration to Create Alternate Futures
What if the future of leadership isn’t about scaling faster or competing harder, but about finding empathy and remembering what it truly means to be human? Aubrey Morgan Yee invites us into a radically different way of thinking about leadership, collaboration, and the futures we’re actively creating. She is a cultural strategist, narrative practitioner, and empathy-centered futurist whose work bridges emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and Indigenous wisdom. After experiencing profound personal collapse, Aubrey rebuilt her life around empathy, presence, and purpose. That lived experience now informs her work with leaders and changemakers seeking to grow their impact without losing their humanity. We explore the idea of radical collaboration rooted in Indigenous frameworks that teach us new ways of understanding time, trust, leadership, and technology. We also talk about alternative and preferred futures, and how imagination is not a luxury but a leadership responsibility. Aubrey shares what her personal collapse taught her about empathetic leadership, how emotional presence and cultural storytelling shape resilient organizations, and why the stories we choose to live by can either limit us or unlock entirely new realities. This is a conversation for leaders ready to question old myths, collaborate rather than compete, and help build futures that are not just more effective but more humane. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com and search by episode title. Listen in for… The Indigenous frameworks that teach us new ways of understanding, and how Indigenous cultures are among the most technologically advanced. How to navigate fear of change and choose to co-create instead. What pronoia means and how it is the antidote to what is keeping systems stuck. Why emotional presence and cultural storytelling shape resilient organizations. "’Indigenous mind’ is just a way of being. It's a very grounded understanding that there are ways of thinking about what it means to be human, what it means to be a leader, what it means to be in business." — Aubrey Morgan Yee Episode References: Project Biome Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us The Empathy Edge: Dr. Michelle Zhou: Empathic AI is Real, and It’s Here – But We Need Everyone Involved! Dr. Cori Lathan: Benevolent Cyborgs and a Techno-Optimist’s View on Technology About Aubrey Morgan Yee, Ph.D, Indigenous Politics and Alternative Futures: Aubrey Morgan Yee is a cultural strategist, narrative practitioner, and empathy-centered futurist with a PhD in Indigenous Politics and Alternative Futures. After overcoming alcoholism and burnout, Aubrey rebuilt her life around empathy, presence, and purpose—now guiding others to do the same. Her work bridges emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and Indigenous wisdom to support leaders and changemakers in building more compassionate, regenerative futures. She’s led cultural transformation initiatives for organizations like Culture Hack Labs and Project Biome, founded the rewilding sanctuary Hokuao Farm & Temple on O‘ahu, and hosts the Beloved Futures podcast. Her book, Our Beloved Futures, is a call to reimagine what it means to be fully human, to face and metabolize the toxic systems of modernity. Aubrey brings a rare blend of vulnerability, strategy, and deep presence—offering practical insights for leaders seeking to grow their impact without losing their humanity. Connect with Aubrey: Our Beloved Futures: ourbelovedfutures.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aubrey-yee-phd-110153186 Instagram: instagram.com/aubrey.morgan.yee Beloved Futures: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beloved-futures/id1681375129 Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#328
July 2 · 46 min
What Does It Mean to Be Human? Ep 1: The Aware Animal
In a world racing toward smarter machines, empathy speakers and authors Rob Volpe and Maria Ross get curious in this limited subseries about what only humans can feel, do, and be — and why that's our greatest competitive advantage. Enjoy this limited subseries here on The Empathy Edge. Self-Awareness, Consciousness & the Brain That Knows Itself What does it mean to be aware that you exist? In this first episode of the What Does It Mean to Be Human? subseries, Maria Ross and Rob Volpe dig into one of the most profound and surprisingly unsettled questions in science and philosophy: what makes human consciousness distinct from every other species on the planet — and why does that question matter more urgently now than ever before? From the evolutionary leap of the prefrontal cortex, to Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey's field evidence of chimp and gorilla emotional lives, to Michael Pollan's exploration of "the hard problem" of consciousness, Maria and Rob explore the idea that humans aren't running a different program than other animals — we're running a souped-up version of largely the same one. And yet something tipped. Something made us capable of recursive self-awareness: knowing that we exist, wondering why, and imagining how others see us. What was that tipping point? And can any technology ever cross it? To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title. "People interact with AI as though there is a human behind it, because it communicates, and I think that's part of the danger that we're running into." — Rob Volpe Episode References: Jane Goodall Institute: Now We Must Redefine Man, or Accept Chimpanzees as Humans? https://news.janegoodall.org/2019/07/24/now-we-must-redefine-man-or-accept-chimpanzees-ashumans/ PNAS Study on Human vs. Chimp Brain Connectivity: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1818512116 The Conversation: What Makes the Human Brain Unique? https://theconversation.com/what-makes-the-human-brain-unique-we-compared-it-with-monkeys-and-apes-to-find-out-252331 Michael Pollan: A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness https://michaelpollan.com/books/a-world-appears/ The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist: https://www.focusfeatures.com/the-ai-doc-or-how-i-became-an-apocaloptimist The Confessions by Paul Bradley Carr: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Confessions/Paul-Bradley-Carr/9781668074411 About Rob Volpe: Rob Volpe is the Founder/CEO of Empathy Activist and the creator of The 5 Steps to Empathy, which he chronicles in his award-winning book Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. He is a recognized thought leader, speaker, and consultant in the improvement of communication and collaboration in organizations of all sizes in all industries. He is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and lives in San Francisco with his husband and 3 cats. Learn more at his website: www.robvolpe.expert or follow on Instagram: @Empathy_Activist. Connect with Rob Volpe: Website: robvolpe.expert Book: Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation X: x.com/rmvolpe LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rmvolpe Facebook: facebook.com/EmpathyActivist Instagram: instagram.com/empathy_activist Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#327
June 30 · 42 min
Moshe Engelberg: Leading with Love Leads to Success
What if I told you that the most powerful force in business isn’t strategy, innovation, or tech: it’s love? Every great leader you admire already practices it. They might call it something else: respect, compassion, trust, purpose. Yet, underneath it all, it’s love, the energy that connects us, motivates us, and reminds us we’re human first. Today’s guest, author, executive leadership coach, and international speaker, Dr. Moshe Engelberg, has spent nearly three decades helping organizations and leaders rethink what it means to lead with love as a strategic advantage. His work, grounded in behavioral science and wisdom traditions, shows how love drives engagement, loyalty, innovation, resilience, and how it goes hand-in-hand with empathy. In our conversation, Moshe and I dig into what “love” really means in a business context and how you can model it without getting side-eyed in the boardroom. We talk about why culture is designed to resist change and what to do about it, the ABC model of The Amare Wave, and how to unify your team around a shared vision with more confidence, compassion, and clarity. If the word love makes you a little uncomfortable, lean in closer. Because discomfort is usually where growth and better leadership begin. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title. Listen in for… What love means in a business context How to open the door to the idea of love for leaders who may seem resistant at first. Holding healthy boundaries while you build a culture of trust and psychological safety. Small steps you can take now to create a more connected, resilient culture. "Culture is designed not to change. That's its purpose, is to offer stability, certainty, and predictability. So, it's hard to change, and when we find tools that work that are usually behaviorally oriented, it can be profound for an organization." — Moshe Engelberg Episode References: Moshe's book: The Amare Wave: Uplift Your Business by Putting Love to Work Red Slice Blog: Why Can't Love Be Part of Your Business Model? Moshe's Just Say No Guide and Newsletter Signup: https://amareleadership.com/#good-leaders About Moshe Engelberg, Author, Executive Leadership Coach, International Speaker: Dr. Engelberg inspires businesses worldwide to think differently, act courageously, and lead with love. His work blends applied behavioral science with diverse wisdom traditions, refined through nearly three decades of consulting with world-class organizations across healthcare, technology, government, nonprofits, foundations, and start-ups. A teacher at heart, Moshe helps others uncover the knowledge and truth within themselves. He holds a PhD in Communication from Stanford University, master’s degrees in Psychology and Public Health, has published numerous research papers, taught executive and graduate-level courses, and is known as a speaker for his innovative thinking, open heart, dry wit, and practical leadership tools. He is also the author of *The Amare Wave: Uplift Your Business By Putting Love to Work*, a weekly leadership newsletter, and more than 150 articles published in *INC. Magazine*. Connect with Moshe: Amare Leadership: amareleadership.com X: x.com/MosheEngelberg LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mosheengelberg Facebook: facebook.com/MosheEngelbergAuthor Instagram: instagram.com/mosheengelberg YouTube: youtube.com/@mosheengelbergauthor9276 Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/
#326
June 23 · 52 min
Terri Givens: Reckoning: Creating Positive Change through Radical Empathy
Join this deep conversation about what empathy really looks like in our institutions, our communities, and our leadership—especially at a time when empathy feels both urgent and under pressure. Dr. Terri Givens has been doing this work long before it became a headline or a corporate initiative. Terri is a Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia, and from 2021 to 2024, she served as the Provost’s Advisor on the Strategy to Address Anti-Black Racism at McGill University. She is the former CEO of the Center for Higher Education Leadership and has partnered with colleges, universities, and ed-tech companies to drive innovation, equity, and excellence in higher education. Terri is the author of the new book, Reckoning: Creating Positive Change through Radical Empathy, as well as her past book, Radical Empathy: Finding a Path to Bridging Racial Divides. Her new book takes her work even further into how individuals and institutions can confront history and move toward meaningful change. Terri shares stories of early work at IBM, Intel, and L’Oréal Canada that both strengthened culture and moved the bottom line. She also speaks about her collaboration with the Menlo Park Police Department, where empathy became a practical tool for healing divides, improving communication, and synthesizing multiple perspectives across the city council, police, and the community. Terri shows us that empathy isn’t a buzzword, a trend, or a “nice to have” in today’s polarized world—it’s a leadership competency, a community-building tool, and a catalyst for true connection and accountability. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title. Listen in for… Where we actually are today in our quest for empathetic leadership and more human social systems, what’s shifted since her first book, and what still needs to be done. The essential role empathy plays in DEIB and race relations, and why DEI is not some new concept from 2020. Real tactical guidance for how to create brave and safe spaces in your team or community. "Creating a brave and safe space was really important so that we weren't just attacking what the police were doing. It had to be an environment where we were trying to uplift rather than tear down." — Terri Givens Episode References: The Empathy Edge Podcast: Terri Givens: Radical Empathy to Bridge Racial Divides About Terri Givens, Professor and Author of Reckoning and Radical Empathy: Terri Givens is a Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She was the Provost’s Advisor on the Strategy to Address Anti-Black Racism at McGill University from 2021 to 2024. She is formerly the CEO of the Center for Higher Education Leadership and has worked with a variety of colleges, universities, and ed tech companies on issues related to innovation and excellence in higher education. As the author of the new book Reckoning and the past book Radical Empathy, she is a sought-after consultant and speaker on issues related to leadership and inclusion. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, politics, international affairs, and nonprofits. She is an accomplished speaker and uses her platform to develop leaders with an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion, while encouraging personal growth through empathy. Connect with Terri: Givens Consulting: terrigivens.com Book: Reckoning: terrigivens.com/reckoning LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terrigivens Facebook: facebook.com/Terri.Givens64 Instagram: @tgivens64 Connect with Maria: Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria Facebook: Red Slice Are You Overpaying for Employee Benefits Without Knowing It? Take the free 10-minute benefits audit at https://findbetterbenefits.org/ Join Maria at The Rising Executive Women's Retreat, Nov. 4-7. Use code "Edge500" to get $500.00 off! Slots are going fast. https://retreat.therisingmastermind.com/

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