RHS 011 - Empathy as a Competitive Advantage with Maria Ross

Podcast Episode Summary

The podcast episode features Maria Ross, author of "The Empathy Edge," discussing the importance of empathy in business and how it can lead to increased revenue and a competitive advantage. The conversation is hosted by Ryan, who introduces Maria as a thought leader in the field of branding and business.

Key Points:

1. Maria's book, "The Empathy Edge," explores the concept of empathy in business and how it can lead to increased revenue, innovation, and productivity.
2. Maria shares her personal story of how she became interested in empathy, which was sparked by the 2016 election and her own experiences as a brand strategist.
3. Maria defines empathy as being able to take on another person's perspective, see things through their eyes, and take compassionate action as a result.
4. Ryan asks Maria why few people lead with empathy, and Maria responds that it's because people often confuse empathy with acquiescence or being weak.
5. Maria emphasizes the importance of delivering decisions in a way that is empathetic and considerate of others' feelings and perspectives.
6. The conversation touches on the idea that empathy is not about agreement, but about understanding and being able to see things from another person's point of view.
7. Maria shares examples of how empathy can be applied in business, including the story of Ellen DeGeneres and George W. Bush, and how it can lead to increased loyalty and retention.