Issue 43: Today’s Brew: Empathy in the Season of Humanity

☕ Brewed for Leaders Who Care

Espresso & Empathy — Issue 43

By: Anita Martin & Shannon Foster

Martin & Foster Consulting

December 24, 2025

As the year winds down and the holiday season settles in, many of us are carrying more than we let on.

Joy and celebration.

Reflection and gratitude.

Loss, stress, exhaustion, or quiet uncertainty.

For some, this time of year is filled with connection and tradition.

For others, it can feel heavy, lonely, or overwhelming.

And for many—it’s a mix of all of it.

At Martin and Foster Consulting, we believe this is exactly where empathy matters most.

Empathy Looks Different This Time of Year

Empathy during the holidays isn’t about grand gestures or perfect words.

It’s about awareness.

It’s recognizing that the people around us—our employees, colleagues, clients, and leaders—may be navigating circumstances we can’t see.

It’s understanding that productivity may look different.

Energy may fluctuate.

Emotions may sit closer to the surface.

Empathy reminds us to slow down, soften our assumptions, and lead with grace.

Leadership Beyond the Calendar

As leaders, it’s easy to focus on deadlines, year-end numbers, and what still needs to be done. But empathetic leadership asks a different question:

“How are my people really doing?”

Sometimes empathy sounds like:

• “Take the time you need.”

• “I appreciate everything you’ve carried this year.”

• “I’m glad you’re here.”

Sometimes it sounds like silence—listening without fixing.

Sometimes it sounds like flexibility, patience, or simply noticing.

And sometimes, empathy means extending kindness not just outward—but inward as well.

A Moment of Reflection

As we close out the year, consider this:

Who showed up for you this year?

Who carried more than their share?

Who may need a little extra understanding right now?

Empathy doesn’t require agreement, perfection, or solutions.

It requires presence.

And presence is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer.

Leadership Self-Audit: A Seasonal Check-In

Ask yourself:

• Have I led with compassion as much as urgency this year?

• Have I acknowledged the human side of work—not just the outcomes?

• Have I given myself permission to rest, reflect, and reset?

• Am I entering the new year grounded in empathy—or running on empty?

There’s no scorecard here. Just awareness.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you celebrate—or if you don’t celebrate at all—we hope this season brings you moments of peace, connection, and rest.

We’re grateful for this community.

Grateful for the conversations we’ve shared.

And grateful for leaders who choose empathy—even when it’s hard.

May the days ahead offer space to breathe, time to reflect, and kindness—for yourself and for others.

Wishing you a season of connection, reflection, and care.