The Tactical Empathy Podcast, hosted by Erin Thorp, Author, Leader, Coach, and Speaker, is your essential guide to unlocking the transformative power of empathy in leadership. Discover how to lead with empathy, engage your team effectively, and set healthy boundaries to create results-focused, people-centered success.
Join Erin as she shares her journey from being told she was 'too emotional' to harnessing her emotions as a superpower. Each episode provides real-world examples of leaders navigating tough decisions, all while embracing empathy.
This show is a game-changer for anyone who influences others, be it in your personal life, your community, or the corporate world. Redefine leadership, harness the strength of your emotions, and embark on a journey to make an impact through empathy.
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The Tactical Empathy Podcast, hosted by Erin Thorp, Author, Leader, Coach, and Speaker, is your essential guide to unlocking the transformative power of empathy in leadership. Discover how to lead with empathy, engage your team effectively, and set healthy boundaries to create results-focused, people-centered success.
Join Erin as she shares her journey from being told she was 'too emotional' to harnessing her emotions as a superpower. Each episode provides real-world examples of leaders navigating tough decisions, all while embracing empathy.
This show is a game-changer for anyone who influences others, be it in your personal life, your community, or the corporate world. Redefine leadership, harness the strength of your emotions, and embark on a journey to make an impact through empathy.
In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin reflects on her journey of self-understanding and the importance of empathy in leadership. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection and the challenges of self-judgment, while encouraging listeners to build their capacity for empathy both for themselves and others. The episode serves as a reminder that empathy is a foundational skill for effective leadership and personal growth.
In this final episode of 2025, Erin reflects on the importance of empathy, self-care, and setting boundaries. She discusses her personal struggles with over-empathizing and the resulting feelings of resentment. Erin emphasizes the need for self-empathy and radical honesty, encouraging listeners to recognize their own emotions and needs. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to practice self-care and reflect on their experiences as they move into the new year.
In this episode of Tactical Empathy, we flipped the script! A client, Adriana Mercader interviews Erin, exploring the profound impact of empathy in personal and professional relationships. Erin shares her journey of understanding empathy, the importance of self-awareness, and how empathy can transform leadership and team dynamics. The conversation delves into the challenges of self-empathy, the distinction between empathy and sympathy, and practical steps to navigate feelings and burnout. Erin emphasizes the need for genuine connection and understanding in all aspects of life, encouraging listeners to embrace their emotions and foster empathy within themselves and their teams.
In this episode, Erin explores the themes of leadership and inclusion, particularly for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on recent conferences, she emphasizes the importance of empathy, the need for systemic change, and the dual responsibility of both individuals and organizations to foster an inclusive environment. Erin shares insights on how lived experiences can drive meaningful conversations and the necessity of creating spaces where truth can surface, ultimately leading to more effective leadership.
In this conversation, Erin chats with Jay Floyd as he shares his journey as a leader and coach, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-discovery, and embracing one's uniqueness. He discusses how personal trauma shaped his leadership style and the significance of finding the right environment for growth. Jay also highlights the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy and the need to overcome biases. He encourages listeners to audit their strengths and lead with authenticity, especially in the context of the evolving landscape of AI.
In this episode, Erin discusses the concept of overwhelm, reframing it from a personal failure to a signal indicating a lack of resources. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing when to step back to manage one's resources effectively.
In this conversation, Erin and Susan explore the significance of empathy in leadership. Susan shares her journey through various leadership roles and emphasizes the importance of seeing employees as whole human beings. They discuss personal experiences with empathetic and non-empathetic leaders, the benefits of practicing empathy in the workplace, and the challenges leaders face in implementing empathetic practices. Susan also highlights her current work in workplace culture and the importance of fostering trust and psychological safety within teams.
In this conversation, Erin discusses the importance of identifying and engaging in energizing and high-impact work, which she refers to as 'refueling.' She emphasizes that this work is unique to each individual and is essential for creativity, clarity, and emotional fulfillment.
In this episode, Erin chats with Candice Van Dertholen discusses the importance of grounding oneself in personal experience and self-awareness to foster empathy and take aligned action. She emphasizes the need to understand the body's signals and the internal communication of energy to effectively hold space for others.
In this episode, Erin reflects on her recent retreat experience, discussing the emotional and physical aftermath of holding space for others. She emphasizes the importance of community support, self-care, and the need to process emotions post-event. Erin shares insights on trust in leadership, the significance of discernment, and the necessity of giving oneself permission to rest and recover after intense experiences.
In this conversation, Erin chats with Joni Goodman, founder of JDG Advisors. Joni shares her journey from biochemist to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of empathy in personal and professional development. She discusses her understanding of empathy, the challenges she faced in developing this skill, and the barriers that often prevent individuals from practicing empathy. Joni also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and creating a safe space for vulnerability, while offering insights into her upcoming book and projects.
In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin discusses the common trap of leaders running on empty and the importance of self-care in effective leadership. She emphasizes the foundational elements of energy management: sleep, hydration, and nutrition, and how neglecting these can impair decision-making and overall effectiveness. Erin shares personal anecdotes and research insights, urging listeners to prioritize their well-being to lead with clarity and empathy. The episode concludes with practical tips for daily resourcing and an invitation to reflect on personal leadership practices.
In this conversation, Erin and Kathy discuss the often-overlooked topic of hormonal health, particularly in the context of the workplace. Kathy, a nurse practitioner, shares her journey and expertise in hormonal health, emphasizing the impact of hormonal changes on cognitive function and work performance. They explore the importance of empathy in healthcare, the need for better understanding and support in workplaces, and the available treatment options for both women and men experiencing hormonal changes. The discussion aims to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about hormonal health in professional settings.
In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin explores the theme of leadership and personal growth through the lens of embracing one's future self. She discusses the importance of stepping into a new identity, the discomfort that comes with change, and the necessity of effective communication during this transition. Through personal anecdotes and client experiences, Erin emphasizes the significance of consistency, empathy, and the willingness to navigate discomfort as essential components of leadership and personal development.
In this conversation, Erin chats with Matthew Stafford, he shares his transformative journey from a concrete business owner to an e-commerce expert, emphasizing the importance of empathy in leadership. He discusses how personal experiences shaped his understanding of empathy and the role it plays in effective communication and relationships. Matthew also explores the impact of dark retreats on his self-awareness and emotional intelligence, offering practical tips for cultivating empathy in everyday life.
In this episode, Erin explores the complex emotions surrounding guilt, particularly as we transition into new routines in September. She distinguishes between healthy guilt, which can motivate personal growth, and unhealthy guilt, which can lead to shame and stagnation. Through personal anecdotes and practical insights, Erin emphasizes the importance of empathy—both for ourselves and others—as a tool to navigate guilt effectively. She encourages listeners to practice discernment over judgment when feeling guilty, using it as an opportunity for reflection and growth rather than a source of shame.
Part 3 of the 3-part grief series concludes with Erin, Christine and Kristen discussing the multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing its individual experience and the concept of disenfranchised grief. They discuss the impact of loss on identity and roles, the challenges of navigating grief in personal and professional life, and the societal pressures surrounding grief timelines. They highlight the importance of effective communication, remembrance, and normalizing conversations about grief. The discussion also touches on the difficulties of preparing for grief and the various resources available to support individuals in their grieving process. Ultimately, the speakers convey that grief and joy can coexist, and it is essential to honor one's unique journey through loss.
In part 2 of our 3-part series on grief, Erin and Kristen explore the profound themes of empathy, grief, and the importance of support systems during challenging times. Kristen shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her husband, emphasizing the significance of compassion for oneself and others. They discuss the impact of words, the difference between sympathy and empathy, and the necessity of finding joy in everyday moments. Kristen offers valuable advice for those navigating grief, highlighting the importance of connection and authenticity in relationships.
In part 1 of our 3-part series on grief, Erin and Christine discuss the complexities of grief and the importance of empathy in supporting individuals who are grieving, particularly in the workplace. Christine shares her personal experiences with grief and highlights common misconceptions about the grieving process. They explore how grief manifests in different ways, the impact of unresolved grief, and the role of leaders in creating a supportive environment for grieving employees. The discussion emphasizes the need for open communication, understanding, and the importance of acknowledging loss to foster a compassionate workplace culture.
In this conversation, Erin chats with Andrea Janzen they discuss Andrea’s leadership journey and the work of Ambition Theory, focusing on transformational leadership skills in the construction industry. Andrea emphasizes the importance of empathy, the barriers women face in leadership roles, and the differences between mentorship and sponsorship. The discussion also covers the 'above and below the line' model for leadership behavior and strategies for supporting team members' advancement.
The Tactical Empathy Podcast, hosted by Erin Thorp, Author, Leader, Coach, and Speaker, is your essential guide to unlocking the transformative power of empathy in leadership. Discover how to lead with empathy, engage your team effectively, and set healthy boundaries to create results-focused, people-centered success.
Join Erin as she shares her journey from being told she was 'too emotional' to harnessing her emotions as a superpower. Each episode provides real-world examples of leaders navigating tough decisions, all while embracing empathy.
This show is a game-changer for anyone who influences others, be it in your personal life, your community, or the corporate world. Redefine leadership, harness the strength of your emotions, and embark on a journey to make an impact through empathy.
