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The Empathy Edge

The Empathy Edge

Written by: Maria Ross
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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.

2020-2026 Maria Ross Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Relationships Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • Dr. David Bray: From Bioterrorism to AI — Why Empathy Is Your Best Strategy in a Chaotic World

    Dr. David Bray: From Bioterrorism to AI — Why Empathy Is Your Best Strategy in a Chaotic World
    May 12 2026
    Dr. David Bray is one of those rare humans who has done so much, across so many high-stakes arenas, that his bio almost reads like fiction. David is Chair of the Accelerator at the Loomis Council and a Distinguished Fellow with the Stimson Center. He is a Principal at LeadDoAdapt Ventures, and was previously the Executive Director of a bipartisan National Commission on R&D.At 15 years old, he got a job offer from the U.S. government after he built a program to track the ozone layer's deterioration - you'll hear more of that crazy story. And his non-partisan, solutions-first DNA? It wasn't an accident — it was baked in from childhood.Dr. Bray helps leaders and organizations understand how geopolitics shapes technology and how technology reshapes geopolitics. Because in today's world, you simply cannot understand one without the other.And why government should NOT be run as a business.We cover a lot of ground, all with a bent toward how empathy and collaboration across diverse points of view lead to more creative solutions. If you care about where technology, humanity, and democracy are headed, and how empathetic leadership just might save all three, listen in.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why AI is neither doomsday nor utopia — and what it actually is and isn't capable ofThe actual neuroscience behind why we see the world differently — and how laughter helps us truly listenWhy unexpected voices at the table can change everythingWhy the government cannot and should not be run like a business!The science of making decisions together - how to get from "me" to "we"And a novel, genuinely hopeful solution for getting us back to compromise and common ground"When humans feel stressed, doomsdayism becomes almost a fad, and I think it's more symbolic of that than it is the reality of the situation." — Dr. David BrayReferences:MIT Report on the human skills required to complement AIThe Empathy Edge:Dr. Claire Yorke: Can Empathy Fix Broken Politics?About Dr. David Bray, Chair of the Accelerator, Stimson Center, and Principal, LeadDoAdapt Ventures:Dr. David A. Bray is Chair of the Accelerator at the Loomis Council and a Distinguished Fellow with the Stimson Center. He is also a non-resident Distinguished Fellow with the Business Executives for National Security, and a CEO and transformation leader for different “under the radar” tech and data ventures seeking to get started in novel situations. He is Principal at LeadDoAdapt Ventures and has served in a variety of leadership roles in turbulent environments, including bioterrorism preparedness and response from 2000 to 2005. Dr. Bray previously was the Executive Director for a bipartisan National Commission on R&D, provided non-partisan leadership as a federal agency Senior Executive, worked with the U.S. Navy and Marines on improving organizational adaptability, and aided the U.S. Special Operations Command’s J5 Directorate on the challenges of countering disinformation online. He has received both the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award and the National Intelligence Exceptional Achievement Medal. Business Insider named him one of the top “24 Americans Who Are Changing the World” under 40, and he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. For twelve different startups, he has served in President, CEO, Chief Strategy Officer, and Strategic Advisor roles.Connect with David:Stimson Center: stimson.org/ppl/david-brayLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dbrayMore from David: cxotalk.com/bio/dr-david-a-bray-distinguished-chair-of-the-accelerator-stimson-center Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com
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    41 mins
  • Brandon Peele: What America's 250th Birthday Is Really Asking of Us

    Brandon Peele: What America's 250th Birthday Is Really Asking of Us
    May 7 2026
    America is about to turn 250 years old. My guest today believes this moment is asking something from all of us. Not a celebration or parade, but a reckoning, a chance to find our way back to each other. Brandon Peele is a bestselling author of 6 books on purpose and civic leadership, is Executive Director of the National Pilgrimage, and a trusted keynote speaker and consultant. His work sits at the intersection of purpose, democracy, and what it means to be a nation. On June 9th, 2026, a caravan of diverse Americans will set out on the National Pilgrimage — driving through the heart of this nation, sitting with people along the way, and asking the questions our political system never asks: What values should guide us? What would it take for this to be a great place for all of us to raise children? What kind of country do we want to leave for the next generation? The journey culminates in the National Assembly — a virtual gathering open to everyone on July 6th and 7th, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm PDT, where your voice will be heard and counted. Six storytellers will then travel to Chicago, and on July 9th — the anniversary of the 14th Amendment — they will read aloud a new national covenant. PBS documentarians are capturing every mile.You'll learn more details and how to get involved. We discuss why empathy is the core mechanism of e pluribus unum — out of many, one — and why, just like any organization, we need a shared moral vision to know where we're going and who we want to be. Brandon shares the three layers of democracy and why our nation's problems are as much moral, psychological, and spiritual as they are political.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The purpose of government and how we have forgotten the core vision of our democracyHow the founding beliefs of spirituality and Natural Law shaped the countryA shared vision of what we can all be as diverse AmericansWays you can join in or support the pilgrimage and virtual assembly "This is not about politics. This is about a shared moral vision that includes all of us, and so I don't care how you voted or if you voted. I don't care how you make love. I don't care how much melanin is in your skin. You're an American, and you belong in this conversation." — Brandon Peele References:The Empathy Edge:Dr. Claire Yorke: Can Empathy Fix Broken Politics?Sam Daley-Harris: Reclaiming Our DemocracyJames Coan: Closing the Perception Gap that Tears Us ApartAbout Brandon Peele: Executive Director, National PilgrimageBrandon Peele is a best-selling author and the Executive Director of the National Pilgrimage. He's trusted as a keynote speaker, consultant, and program leader by organizations such as Google, Harvard Business School, Johnson & Johnson, Stanford University, JDRF, Morgan Stanley, U.S. Marine Corps, YPO, University of California - Berkeley, Vistage, Forum for Workplace Inclusion, LinkedIn, the U.S. Navy, Slalom Consulting, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the University of Minnesota.He is the author of Bison Medicine (2025), Purpose Work Nation (2022), The Purpose Field Guide (2019), and Planet on Purpose (2018), and co-author of Purpose Rising (2017) and The Purpose Blueprint (2015). His work has been featured by news organizations such as USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, the US Business Journal, and Forbes.Connect with Brandon:Brandon Peele: nationalpilgrimage.usLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bpeeleInstagram: instagram.com/natnlpilgrimageThe National Pilgrimage and Assembly: chuffed.org/project/nationalpilgrimageSynanim (platform enabling the Assembly’s virtual collaboration): synanim.comConnect with Maria:Books: Red-Slice.com/booksSpeaking: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossLinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com
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    38 mins
  • Ceallaigh Smart: The Power of Being Seen

    Ceallaigh Smart: The Power of Being Seen
    May 5 2026
    The power of being seen can change everything. We see it in the workplace and in our world. And one way to strengthen empathy and build that connection is through photography. A single photograph—placed in someone’s hands—can affirm dignity, spark connection, and grow empathy on both sides of the lens. That’s the heartbeat of Print the Love, the nonprofit founded 15 years ago by today’s guest, Ceallaigh Smart. We explore how photography creates empathy, how international travel to under-resourced communities expands perspective, why giving back in any capacity is healing, and how ethical photography and storytelling train our empathy muscle—through permission, protection, and honoring people’s stories. Ceallaigh also shares a vulnerable personal journey of healing that led to her love of global travel and a desire to serve. That’s the power of being seen. To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The transformation that comes when people see a photo of themselves for the first time.The power of being seen.The ethics of taking photos of strangers.Creating empathy through photography, especially in underserved communities.The power of celebrating life’s moments, as they are, right now. "I want to live in a world where a stranger says, ‘You are beautiful today, no matter what, and here's a memory for you and your family to keep for a long time to bring you joy." — Ceallaigh SmartEpisode References: Join an international trip with Print the Love: printthelove.org/tripsHumans of New York - InstagramFujiUltraproThe Empathy Edge podcast episodes:Woodson Martin: Balancing Corporate Success with Humanitarian WorkTeri Schmidt: Empathy-Infused Team Building for Lasting ImpactAshley Jones: How to Courageously Lead and Support Through GriefAbout Ceallaigh Smart, Executive Director, Print the Love:Ceallaigh (pronounced Kelly) founded Print the Love in 2015 and has worked in nonprofits for over 20 years. In addition to her work at Print the Love, Ceallaigh is the Executive Director of Haiti Outreach. With a background and education in Arts Administration (MA), Experiential/Adventure Education and Art Therapy (BA), and Colorado Outward Bound Alum, Ceallaigh brings a unique depth of leadership experiences and knowledge to the international NGO space. She is passionate about humanitarianism, international travel, narcissistic abuse recovery, Jesus, peace activism, running, the arts, self-care, the outdoors, social justice, fighting for the oppressed, crushing the patriarchy, and finding an awesome new keto dessert or mocktail recipe. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her husband, rescue pup, and two amazing teens.Connect with Ceallaigh:Print the Love: printthelove.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ceallaighsmart Facebook: facebook.com/printthelove Instagram: instagram.com/printtheloveorg Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader LinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com
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    43 mins
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