Each Thursday the Thriving Midlifer Newsletter helps men and women over 40 thrive across the five key pillars of life: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy.
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Ep 224 The Business Case for Empathy: More Trust, Growth & Impact
Published 29 days ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader,
Are you empathic?
This week's episode 224 features Mimi Nicklin on the meaning and importance of empathy.
Empathy is a skill set that we are born with but needs to be developed.
We learn to be empathic in our childhood, often in a school setting or in some other social setting.
I didn't grow up thinking that empathy would be an important skill. Empathy is important to make meaningful connections inside and outside the workplace.
Additionally, fulfillment and empathy are like "peanut butter and jelly." They work well together!
In this week's episode, you'll learn about the rising importance of empathy in today's world, especially in business.
We explore empathy's link to emotional intelligence and its role in our human connections and in reducing loneliness.
My special guest Mimi Nicklin shares how different cultures embrace empathy. She explains the difference between collectivist and individualist societies.
She also emphasizes the substantial positive impacts that empathy can bring to organizational success and employee fulfillment, highlighting the importance of integrating empathy into leadership.
A key takeaway from our conversation is the transformative power of empathy when cultivated as a skill, offering you a new perspective on balancing humanism with capitalism.
Mimi emphasizes the importance of intentional empathy, advocating for leaders, friends, and parents to consciously embrace others' viewpoints, whether in a meeting, social gathering, or any shared environment.
Mimi's mission is to harness the power of empathy to foster deeper human connections and more inclusive interactions.
I know you're going to enjoy this week's episode. Below is an outline of our discussion.
The Business Case for Empathy: More Trust, Growth & Impact
On episode 224 a Maximum episode, Bernie speaks with the esteemed Mimi Nicklin. Mimi, an internationally best-selling author and the force behind the platform Empathy Everywhere, explains the powerful yet often misunderstood power of empathy.
🗝️ 3 The key discussion points from our conversation:
1️⃣ Empathy is a Skill Set: Mimi shared her intriguing perspective on empathy, defining it as a skill set rather than just an innate trait. This reframing allows us to understand empathy as something we can actively develop and nurture rather than a fixed attribute. Understanding empathy as a skill empowers us to cultivate it intentionally, enhancing both personal and professional relationships.
2️⃣ Global Perspectives on Empathy: Drawing on her global experiences, Mimi highlighted how empathy varies across cultures. She noted that collectivist societies tend to exhibit higher natural empathy due to communal living, as opposed to the individualistic tendencies in Western cultures. This perspective helps us appreciate the cultural influences on empathy and its application in diverse environments.
3️⃣ Empathy is Good for Business: Mimi emphasized the critical role of empathy in leadership, linking it directly to measurable business success, citing several key metrics positively impacted by empathy. Leaders who practice empathy create environments where employees feel valued and understood.
Main Takeaway: The standout revelation from our conversation with Mimi is her assertion that empathy is a skill set. In business, empathy in action performs with indisputable metrics that appeal to the C-Suite.
Tune in to episode 224 to hear Mimi's explanation of the business case for empathy.
The Coach's Corner
Weekly insights and actionable tips from my lens as an executive coach—helping you lead, grow, and thrive in midlife and beyond.
Midlife Crossroads: Navigating Change with Purpose
At some point in midlife—usually after 40—many individuals find themselves at a crossroads. The career that was once exciting may now feel stagnant. Priorities shift. Success is no longer just about climbing the ladder; it’s about fulfillment, balance, and impact.
Yet, change seems daunting. Uncertainty, fear of failure, and the weight of past decisions can hold you back.
Transformation doesn’t require a full reset.
Small, intentional shifts—whether redefining success, exploring new career paths, or setting better boundaries—can create profound change, resulting in fulfillment.
This is where coaching can be a game-changer. It’s not about getting answers handed to you, but about having a space to gain clarity, challenge limiting beliefs, and move forward with confidence.
If you’re feeling the pull toward something more, know that you’re not alone—and that the next chapter can be your most fulfilling yet.
What’s one small step you’ve taken to align your life with what truly matters? Hit reply and tell me.
If you find yourself questioning your next move, or feeling stuck in leadership challenges, schedule a free 30-minute call with Bernie to explore coaching.
The #ContentChat Bulletin
Erika Heald
Erika Heald is the host of the weekly #ContentChat LinkedIn Live video podcast for content marketers, held Mondays at noon Pacific. As a B2B marketing consultant, she helps organizations define and execute content marketing strategies that drive business and professional growth. As a creator, and gluten-free blogger helping people discover gut-friendly farm-to-table food. She frequently speaks at B2B marketing industry events on employee brand advocacy, content strategy, customer experience, AI readiness, and social media topics. You can find her on her blogs erikaheald.com and erikasglutenfreekitchen.com.
How does Mimi Nicklin define empathy, and why does she consider it a fundamental skill in leadership and personal relationships?
Mimi mentions the concept of self-empathy. How is self-empathy related to fulfillment, and why is it important for personal growth and understanding?
In what ways does Mimi believe empathy has a positive impact on business indicators such as profit, efficiency, and innovation?
What challenges do individuals in midlife face when trying to practice empathy, according to Mimi Nicklin? How does stress and lack of time influence one's ability to be empathetic?
Bernie Borges highlights self-awareness as crucial in developing empathetic listening. How does self-awareness enable individuals to improve their empathetic communication skills?
If any of these questions resonate, tune into episode 224.
Products & Services I Use/Endorse
In this section, I'm promoting other people's products or services I either use or have used and endorse. The links to these products are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase from them.
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Each Thursday the Thriving Midlifer Newsletter helps men and women over 40 thrive across the five key pillars of life: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy.
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