Episodi

  • Rebecca Geshuri: When Good Moms Feel Bad and Why Supporting Them is a Leadership Imperative

    Rebecca Geshuri: When Good Moms Feel Bad and Why Supporting Them is a Leadership Imperative
    Feb 17 2026
    What if the problem isn’t that moms are failing—but that we’ve built systems that quietly ask them to do the impossible and then blame them when they struggle?My guest today, Rebecca Geshuri, sits at the intersection of motherhood, mental health, and compassion in a way that feels deeply needed right now. We talk about why so many moms feel like they’re failing even when they’re doing everything they possibly can. We unpack the crushing mental load, the lack of structural support, and how quickly shame spirals take hold when moms feel they’re “not good enough.”This is a conversation about empathy, support, and the quiet strength of caregiving—and why taking better care of moms in the workplace and beyond ultimately makes all of us stronger.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why having healthy and supported mothers is key in our organizations and society.Lessons businesses and organizations can learn from mothers.How to stop assuming and do more noticing and learning about the mothers in your organization. "Don't count moms out. They’re working their tails off, trying to be everything to everybody, to care for everyone. They have parts of themselves that are planning things and organizing things, and seeing things that don't exist yet. Moms are visionaries and strategists." — Rebecca GeshuriEpisode References: Book: When Good Moms Feel Bad: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, and Anger into Compassion, Confidence, and Connectedness by Jessica Tomich Sorci and Rebecca Geshuri Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)Second Street Collective: secondstreetcollective.orgAbout Rebecca Geshuri, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Co-Author, When Good Moms Feel Bad:Rebecca Geshuri, M.A., PMH-C, is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She holds certifications in Internal Family Systems, Perinatal Mental Health, and Brainspotting. Rebecca is the co-author of When Good Moms Feel Bad: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, and Anger into Compassion, Confidence, and Connectedness.In addition to seeing moms, their partners, and their babies in her private practice in Campbell, CA, Rebecca teaches workshops to therapists, physicians, doulas, and yoga practitioners. Rebecca is the Founder of Second Street Collective, which provides psychotherapy and support to moms and their families throughout California. She has presented at the IFS Institute and Postpartum Support International conferences and has been featured on several prominent podcasts. Rebecca’s work is grounded in the profound and extraordinary experience of being a mom to three daughters. From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Rebecca: Rebecca Geshuri LMFT: https://rebeccageshurilmft.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-geshuri/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccageshurimftInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccageshurilmftConnect 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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    47 min
  • February Hot Take: Leading Humans in a Hurting World

    February Hot Take: Leading Humans in a Hurting World
    Feb 10 2026

    In today’s timely hot take episode in this heavy world, Maria discusses the importance of empathy in leadership during challenging times, emphasizing that emotional connection at work is crucial. She highlights how unaddressed employee emotions lead to disengagement and reduced performance, and offers 3 practical ways for leaders to connect with their employees, regardless of how high their discomfort with emotion.


    To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.


    Listen in for…

    • Why emotional connection at work isn’t a “nice-to-have”.
    • Why avoiding emotion is actually costing you more.
    • Three practical ways to connect emotionally with your people, even if you’re deeply uncomfortable.

    "Empathy isn’t about fixing emotions; it is about acknowledging reality. People don’t need you to fix everything; they need to know they’re not invisible." — Maria Ross


    From Our Sponsor:

    Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross


    Connect with Maria:

    Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books

    Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

    Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader

    LinkedIn: Maria Ross

    Instagram: @redslicemaria

    Facebook: Red Slice


    Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com
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    10 min
  • Michelle Feferman: How Leaders Create Psychological Safety When Employees Are Afraid

    Michelle Feferman: How Leaders Create Psychological Safety When Employees Are Afraid
    Feb 5 2026
    I had to get this urgent episode to you sooner rather than later, given the climate of fear in the U.S. in current times.For many employees right now, work doesn’t feel like a safe place. It feels uncertain, frightening, and deeply personal. In moments like this, how leaders respond matters more than ever. Michelle Feferman has spent decades helping organizations navigate complex DEI and workplace culture challenges in ways that protect people and strengthen the business. We talk directly about what leaders can do to support employees in the face of ICE raids and immigration-related fear, how to create real psychological safety at work, and why most DEI efforts are still entirely legal if you’re focused on risk mitigation, clarity, and care.We also unpack how retention, engagement, and productivity are tightly tied to DEI and empathy work, and the key elements leaders need to think through right now to support their people while capturing the full business benefit.This is a practical, compassionate conversation for leaders who want to do the right thing without panicking, posturing, or staying silent.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Creating a diverse team that goes beyond old-fashioned quotas.Key benefits of having a wide pool of differing viewpoints within your organization.Actions to put in place to keep your employees safe and informed about handling ICE raids that could be used as a template for other crises. Tips to create an FAQ that matters "If you can take the time now to get these things in place, the majority of people will relax, to some extent, and feel like they can come to work and just focus on work. People will relax more and be much more productive at work." — Michelle Feferman Episode References: Michelle's article: It is Imperative to Create Psychological Safety at Work Amidst ICE Raids: https://mfeferman.substack.com/p/12868206_ice-raids-and-psychological-safetyBook: DO DEI Right: Cut Through the Noise and Drive Lasting ResultsAbout Michelle Feferman, Founder and CEO, Equity at Work, Author of Do DEI RightMichelle is passionate about helping organizations have a profound impact on their employees, businesses, and communities through their diversity, equity, and inclusion work. She is the Founder and CEO of Equity At Work, known for creating innovative, customized solutions for even the most complex DEI and workplace culture challenges. Her clients outperform their peers in revenue and margin growth, productivity, engagement, and retention.Michelle is the author of Do DEI Right, co-host of the podcast Your DEI Minute, and on the Investment Committee of RevTech Venture Capital. Before this, she spent 25 years working at Accenture, Kurt Salmon, Macy’s Inc., and The Walt Disney Company.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossConnect with Michelle:Equity At Work: https://www.equity-at-work.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleebogan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093183559876Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equity_at_workSubstack: https://mfeferman.substack.com/ 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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    47 min
  • Amy Mosher Berry: Beyond Coffee Runs: Turning Interns into Impact

    Amy Mosher Berry: Beyond Coffee Runs: Turning Interns into Impact
    Feb 3 2026
    Internships have changed a lot since COVID, and if done well, they can be powerful tools for both attracting top young talent and fueling your organization’s productivity. But too often, leaders miss the mark, leaving interns underutilized and organizations frustrated.Amy Mosher Berry shares what's really going on with young professionals today and why mentorship and meaningful work enable your organization to thrive. Amy and I delve into what truly motivates and drives today's young professionals, the biggest mistakes leaders should avoid when hiring interns, and how intergenerational strategies fueled by empathy can enhance collaboration and productivity. We discuss the important role of casual mentorship, how your internship program becomes a marketing strategy, and how effective programs not only benefit interns but also drive your mission and results.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Important facts to know about the rising young professionals.Key mistakes to avoid in hiring the right interns.The detriments of the purpose gap are with both interns and employees. "Internships, by law, need to have 51% majority benefit going to the intern. It has to be officially structured with learning objectives, and there needs to be that supportive process." — Amy Mosher Berry Episode References: Forbes articles: Gen Z And The Empathy Expectation: What Workplace Leaders Need To Know8 Ways Gen Z Can Meet Managers In The Middle And Shine At WorkThe Empathy Edge:Anna Liotta: Understanding Generational CodesMichelle Hoover: Understanding First-Generation Professionals in Your WorkplaceCourage to Advance: Leading Gen Z with Dr. Meisha RouserRhonda George-Denniston: Why Betting on Your People Leads to Market DominationFact Sheet #71: Government Guidelines for InternshipsFree guide: 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring InternsAbout Amy Mosher Berry, CEO of Visions Internships:Amy Mosher Berry is a passionate social entrepreneur with over 20 years of diverse experience in business, government, and the nonprofit sector, including 15 years in workforce innovation, 5 years teaching college, and now as the CEO & Founder of Visions Internships.Visions Internships primarily helps organizational leaders design and manage customized, impactful internship programs without the overwhelm. Amy's social enterprise also empowers young professionals with the skills and support to succeed.A certified Project Management Professional (PMP)® with a Master's degree in Community Development and Planning and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies/ Spanish, she enjoys bringing a project management approach to program development for maximum results.Amy lives in Central MA and is deeply dedicated to Co-Creating a World that Works - especially with her young daughter inspiring her every day.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossConnect with Amy:Visions Internships: visionsinternships.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amymosherberryFacebook: facebook.com/visionsinternshipsInstagram: instagram.com/visions_internshipsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/visionsinternshipsINTERNSHIP INSIDER™ Training (IIT): A live virtual 5-week program development course teaches 2-4 key staff members how to design a customized, impactful internship program as part of your organization's overall growth strategy. visionsinternships.com/internship-insider 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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    47 min
  • Donzel Leggett: Designing Success When the Odds Are Not In Your Favor

    Donzel Leggett: Designing Success When the Odds Are Not In Your Favor
    Jan 27 2026
    What if creating championship-level performance has far less to do with the team you inherit and everything to do with your own mindset and how you lead, design systems, and set standards from day one? That question came up again and again in my conversation with Donzel Leggett, a leadership strategist, executive coach, and the award-winning author of Make Your Destiny Happen. We dive into what leaders can learn from one of the most talked-about leadership turnarounds in sports this season: Curt Cignetti and the remarkable transformation of Indiana Hoosiers football. We unpack why turnaround success isn’t about inheriting the “right” team, it’s about setting expectations, creating belief, and installing systems that allow people to perform at their best. With more than three decades of leadership experience at Fortune 200 companies, Donzel helps leaders and organizations build clarity, capacity, and intentional leadership. He’s also a former Academic All-America football player, which makes his perspective on leadership, discipline, and performance especially powerful.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…What leaders need now to stay grounded, adaptable, and effective amid rapid change and disruption.How to translate big ideas into repeatable behaviors that actually create change over time.Helping individuals take control of their lives and make their destiny happen through life planning and consistent action. "In most cases, the majority of people have the talent and have the capability. They just need to believe, and they need some tools and some processes to go along with that to allow them to win." — Donzel LeggettAbout Donzel Leggett, Founder, Destiny Development Delta, LLC, and Author, Make Your Destiny Happen:With more than three decades of leadership experience at Fortune 200 companies, Donzel is the Principal of Destiny Development Delta, LLC, where he focuses on executive leadership development. He is also the award-winning author of Make Your Destiny Happen: Take Control of Your Life with the Destiny Development Delta Model for Transformational Success.Recognized for his strategic vision and commitment to mentorship, Donzel is passionate about coaching and developing leaders worldwide. His purpose is clear: to help people unlock their full potential and become the best leaders they can be. A proud Purdue graduate and former Academic All-America football player, Donzel now splits his time between Florida and Chicagoland with his wife, Tracy.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossConnect with Donzel:Destiny Development Delta: destinydevdelta.comBook: Make Your Destiny HappenLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donzelleggettFacebook: facebook.com/destinydevdeltaInstagram: instagram.com/donzel_leggettYouTube: youtube.com/@DonzelLeggett 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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    42 min
  • Sam Daley-Harris: Reclaiming Our Democracy

    Sam Daley-Harris: Reclaiming Our Democracy
    Jan 20 2026
    What if everything you believe about advocacy is incomplete? What if the real work of changing the world isn’t just about fixing problems, but about transforming ourselves in the process?That’s the heart of the work of Sam Daley-Harris, Founder and Principal of Civic Courage, and author of Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy.This conversation reframes what it means to participate in democracy. It’s not just about agonizing or protesting or turning off the news. It’s about awakening to our own power and using empathy to bridge divides and build the kind of future we actually want. It’s about sharing personal stories, engaging in deep listening and conversation, and making bold asks of leaders and volunteers.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Why sharing your “story of self” matters and how knowing your why becomes your anchor in meaningful leadership and advocacy.What transformational advocacy truly is, and why it has the power to change both the issues and the advocates themselves.The essential role of empathy in advocacy and the three questions volunteers ask when meeting with an opposing elected official that can turn conflict into connection.Why leaders and organizations must move past their fear of asking volunteers to do big, bold things, because that’s where transformation happens. "Transformational advocacy is where you're trained, encouraged, and succeed at doing things as an advocate that you never thought you could do. When you do those kinds of things, you see yourself differently." — Sam Daley-Harris Episode References: Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Jamil ZakiCitizens Climate LobbyEaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet by Bill McKibbenAbout Sam Daley-Harris, Founder, Civic Courage, and Author, Reclaiming Our Democracy: Sam Daley-Harris started as a symphony musician and then founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS in 1980, co-founded the Microcredit Summit Campaign in 1995, and founded Civic Courage in 2012. The paperback edition of his book Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy was named an editor’s pick by Publishers’ Weekly BookLife. Daley-Harris has been interviewed on NPR’s Here and Now and on PBS’s Laura Flanders and Friends.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Sam: Civic Courage: reclaimingourdemocracy.com X: x.com/samdaleyharris LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sam-daley-harris-b8bb796 Facebook: facebook.com/sam.daleyharris Instagram: instagram.com/samdaleyharris 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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    35 min
  • Ed Kirwan: The Most Effective Way to Build Empathy

    Ed Kirwan: The Most Effective Way to Build Empathy
    Jan 13 2026
    What if empathy wasn’t something we talked about, but something we actually trained, practiced, and scaled?My guest today, Ed Kirwan, is doing exactly that. Ed is the CEO and Founder of Empathy Studios, a creative education organization using the power of film to develop empathy as a real, learnable skill. He’s also the founder of Empathy Week, now the world’s largest empathy festival for schools, reaching more than 1.8 million students across 56 countries since 2020. In this conversation, we explore why film is such a powerful catalyst for empathy, what Ed has learned from years of working with students around the world, why empathy is becoming a critical skill in the age of AI, and how developing empathy can boost well-being and help create a better world.This is a hopeful, practical, and deeply human conversation about what empathy looks like when we stop treating it like a soft skill and start treating it like a core capability.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…The emotional power of film to supercharge feeling and connection.Why empathy and related skills are necessary to reap the benefits of AI.How humans are adapting, seeking things that are real and authentic, and why making something look worse may actually be better. "That's the power of film. It can really supercharge emotions; it can supercharge feeling; it can supercharge connection." — Ed KirwanEpisode References: Ed Kirwan: Empathy Week: Using the Power of Film to Build EmpathyAbout Ed Kirwan, CEO and Founder, Empathy StudiosPreviously a science teacher in London, Ed founded Empathy Studios, an education and creative organisation using the power of film to develop the skill of empathy in all. A director, filmmaker, and educator for 10+ years, Ed also started Empathy Week, the world’s largest empathy festival for schools, which has reached 1.8 million students across 56 countries since 2020. Their framework for empathy development is backed by the University of Cambridge, and Ed’s team now works across teams and leaders in the business world to help develop and embed the skill of empathy - foundational to high-performing and thriving teams.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross Connect with Ed Kirwan:Empathy Studios: empathystudios.com Empathy Week: empathyweek.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ed-kirwan Instagram: instagram.com/edkirwan YouTube: youtube.com/@Empathy-Studios 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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    40 min
  • Julia Armet: Solving the Double-Empathy Problem to Harness Neurodiversity

    Julia Armet: Solving the Double-Empathy Problem to Harness Neurodiversity
    Jan 6 2026
    Did you know that 53% of Gen Z, the rising workforce, identifies as neurodivergent? If that’s the future of work, what does it mean for how we lead, collaborate, and connect? It means if we don't learn how to lead for the needs of neurodiverse employees, we could be facing a huge hiring and unemployment gap.Julia Armet, people and culture strategist, workplace facilitator, and proud neurodivergent leader, is on a mission to humanize work.Julia shares her own powerful personal journey navigating her own neurodivergence, and we discuss why relationship-building is the heartbeat of modern work. She debunks myths around autism and empathy, and introduces the concept of the “double-empathy problem” - reframing how we see inclusion and communication across differences. You’ll also hear why listening to neurodivergent voices elevates everyone, why the outlier is often the source of innovation, not friction, and how empathy can activate systemic shifts in the workplace and beyond.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…Different ways people exhibit and experience empathy. Approaches to unmasking neurodiversity and empowering neuroinclusion.What you may be missing/misunderstanding about your autistic coworker’s social differences. The importance of planting new seeds and redefining modern leadership through empathy.How to integrate your team’s outliers to unlock greater levels of empathy. "Solving for empathy for the most marginalized populations is what's going to actually benefit all populations." — Julia ArmetEpisode References: The Empathy Edge podcast: Molly McGrath: Fix My Employee! No, Fix My Boss!Parissa Behnia: How Badass Leaders Convert Raw Power into Real InfluenceAbout Julia Armet, Founder of Higher PlaybookJulia Armet, PCC, ELI-MP, is a people and culture strategist, workplace facilitator, and proud neurodivergent leader on a mission to humanize work. As Founder of Higher Playbook, she partners with visionary leaders and progressive organizations to design workplace cultures where all people — and all minds — can thrive.With a career spanning media, technology, and professional services, Julia brings deep expertise at the intersection of relationship-building, leadership development, and culture transformation. From scaling a mission-driven tech company to leading global leadership programs, she empowers organizations to foster psychological safety, unlock talent potential, and drive culture change.Through experiential keynotes, leadership retreats, and high-impact workshops, Julia equips leaders with socially innovative approaches and relational strategies to cultivate inclusion and conscious leadership. Her signature programs — Unmasking Neurodiversity and Empowering Neuroinclusion — harness the power of empathy to activate systemic shifts in the workplace and beyond.Connect with Julia:Higher Playbook: higherplaybook.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliaarmet Facebook: facebook.com/julia.armet Instagram: @higherplaybookLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/higherplaybook Check out her signature neurodiversity programming: Unmasking Neurodiversity and Empowering Neuroinclusion: higherplaybook.com/leadership-programs 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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    45 min