What do you think of when you hear the word “leader” or “leadership”?  For most people, we probably think of people like the president, the CEO of a company, or our supervisor.  Maybe an outspoken celebrity comes to mind or someone who is innovative and breaking strides in a certain field. 

People who aren’t afraid to stand on the stage front and center, those who take charge, and call the shots. Sure, we want our leaders to be people we look up to, people who lead the way, people to get out there and show us how it’s done!  

A first responder is not an orthopedic surgeon or a rehabilitative specialist or even an ambulance driver.  My classmate needed all of those people (and more).  A first responder has the skills necessary to stabilize a person to their next level of care. 

In the social and emotional realm, this is what I want to create through my interactive, human-centric trainings on empathy:  workplace first responders. 

Sometimes at work, an employee needs a lot of intervention:  counseling, medication, ongoing levels of focused care.  A workplace first responder should not be a counselor or a pastor or an imam:  this gets a person into uncertain legal waters at work. 

But other times, an employee needs basic, stabilizing care.

Being neurodivergent means that your brain functions a little differently than someone with a neurotypical brain. This can mean anything from conditions like ADHD, cognitive delays, autism, dyslexia, or many other variations of the human brain.

Whether you are just starting on your journey to leadership, halfway there, or a seasoned leader, there is always something new to learn.   It’s about having the right people around you, overcoming your challenges, knowing your strengths, and growing in ways you may have never thought possible.  Enjoy the journey and discover the “places you’ll go!”  

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) has become a significant topic in the workplace. While it may seem like another buzzword, it is essential to recognize its importance for a successful workplace culture.

Empathy helps us understand and connect with one other emotionally.  It allows us to see another perspective, find common ground, and build social bonds.  This short video by Brene Brown does a good job on describing empathy. Without empathy, we may struggle to relate to those who are different from us, leading to biases we are unable to see.  This can impact relationships both personally and professionally.  Lack of empathy may contribute to an environment where individuals feel isolated, misunderstood, or unsupported.   Empathy is a cornerstone for emotional well being and it is a critical skill in today’s society.