Understanding Empathy as the New Language of Leadership with Michael Ventura

Understanding empathy is the first step to practice it - and it’s not about what you want, but about listening to the other person and doing what works best for them, not for you.

Especially when it comes to the workplace, the world has sufficiently changed for people to expect to be treated as humans when it comes to their work - regardless of what that is - and it is the employer’s job to assure that they are in touch with their empathic capabilities in order for them to show up as real leaders.

Teaching us that empathy is not a gift that some have but something that can and must be trained, we have today’s guest Michael Ventura, entrepreneur, creative director, and author. His book ‘Applied Empathy’ was firstly published in 2018, and it was meant for us to learn about the new language of leadership - empathy. With his book, Michael shows us how to unlock our ability to design solutions, spark innovation, and solve tough challenges with empathy at the center.

In addition, Michael is the founder of Sub Rosa - a strategy and design firm that has worked with some of the world’s largest brands - as well as he has served as a board member and adviser to various well-known organizations. He is also a visiting lecturer at Princeton University and the United States Military Academy at West Point. Lastly, he also leads a thriving indigenous medicine practice and owns and operates a globally recognized design store with his wife, in New York.

Tune in to Episode 05 of The Farrynheight Podcast, to explore how to challenge yourself in any area you set your mind to and go through the journey that will take you to the other side.

Some questions I ask:

• How do you apply empathy to businesses? (05:39)
• Do you think resiliency and empathy are critical to creating culture? (08:42)
• How can I be a more empathetic leader? (10:30)
• What do you think is fundamental to leadership? (29:13)
• Do you feel like you've taken this sort of understanding of empathy and had it bleed outside of just the office? (37:20)

In this episode, you will learn:

• The correct definition of empathy (02:09)
• The role empathy plays in business. (08:53)
• How COVID has triggered a desire for people to know each other better (13:59)
• Why being a more empathic leader starts with active listening (18:35)
• What Michael has learned through his journey with empathy (29:23)
• How Michael applies his empathy knowledge to his personal life (37:34)

Connect with Michael:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Let’s connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Resources:

• Book: Michael Ventura - Applied Empathy: The New Language of Leadership

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