Issue 18

When the language around inclusion changes, it’s worth asking what message is being sent. This issue of Espresso & Empathy examines SHRM’s decision to rebrand its Inclusion Conference as Blueprint and the questions it raises for HR leaders and practitioners. In a moment when trust, empathy, and belonging matter deeply, words carry weight. Inclusion is not a trend or a title—it’s a commitment. And how organizations communicate that commitment matters.

Issue 17

Empathy and sympathy are often used interchangeably—but in leadership, the difference matters. This issue of Espresso & Empathy explores why empathy builds connection while sympathy can unintentionally create distance. Emotionally intelligent leaders know how to validate experiences without judgment, listen without rushing to fix, and lead with presence instead of pity. When leaders understand the distinction, they strengthen trust and create deeper, more meaningful workplace relationships.

Issue 16

In times of division and heightened emotion, leadership requires more than avoidance—it requires presence. This issue of Espresso & Empathy explores how leaders can navigate disagreement with dignity, foster human connection, and create emotionally safe spaces without requiring consensus. Empathy in leadership is not about agreement; it’s about respect, understanding, and the courage to hold space when tensions run high. This edition includes practical guidance and a leadership self-audit to help leaders respond thoughtfully in uncertain times.

Issue 15

Empathy is a powerful leadership skill—but without boundaries, it can quickly become a liability. In this issue of Espresso & Empathy, we explore when empathy supports growth and when it unintentionally enables poor performance or avoidance of accountability. This edition examines the difference between compassion and excuse-making, offers guidance on balancing understanding with clarity, and includes a leadership self-audit to help leaders reflect on how empathy shows up in their style. True empathy doesn’t lower standards—it helps people rise to meet them.

Issue 14

When emotions run high, empathy—not apology—is what restores trust. In this issue of Espresso & Empathy, we explore how leaders and service professionals can respond effectively when employees or customers are upset. This edition breaks down the difference between empathy and sympathy, offers practical language for de-escalating tense moments, and shows how to acknowledge emotions without taking on responsibility that doesn’t belong to you. Empathy, used well, builds trust while maintaining clear boundaries.

Issue 13

Silence at work isn’t always disengagement. Often, it’s self-protection. In this issue of Espresso & Empathy, we explore quiet constraint—when employees withhold ideas, feedback, or concerns because trust, psychological safety, or follow-through feels uncertain. This edition examines the leadership behaviors that unintentionally create silence and offers practical ways leaders can build cultures where people feel safe to speak up, contribute, and be heard.

Issue 12

Great leadership starts with listening. In this issue of Espresso & Empathy, we explore empathetic listening as a foundational leadership skill—not just staying quiet, but being fully present and intentional. This edition breaks down the difference between hearing and truly listening, why listening builds trust and reduces conflict, and how leaders can use it as a strategic behavior to strengthen relationships and culture.

Issue 11

Managing up isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about leadership. In this issue of Espresso & Empathy, we explore how managing up, when done with emotional intelligence, builds trust, improves communication, and positions employees as proactive partners rather than passive task-doers. This edition breaks down what managing up really means, why it’s a leadership skill at every level, and how clear communication and anticipation of priorities create healthier, more effective working relationships.

Issue 10

If the only time your team hears from you is when something goes wrong, you’re missing one of the most powerful leadership opportunities available.

In this issue of Espresso & Empathy, we explore the impact of recognizing what’s going right—and why meaningful recognition is a critical leadership skill, not a “nice to have.”

This edition looks at how intentional recognition builds trust, reinforces desired behaviors, and strengthens culture. It also examines why leaders often default to correction, how to give specific praise that actually sticks, and how balanced feedback fuels confidence and performance.

What leaders notice, name, and reinforce matters. When people feel seen for what they do well, they don’t just repeat it—they raise the bar.

Issue 09

Empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership advantage.

In this issue of Espresso & Empathy, we clarify the often-misunderstood difference between empathy and sympathy, and why one builds trust while the other keeps leaders at a distance.

This edition explores what empathy really looks like in practice, how it strengthens performance and retention, and how leaders can lead with empathy without lowering standards or avoiding accountability. Empathy isn’t about being nice—it’s about being aware, present, and effective.

When leaders understand empathy, they lead people better.