Tactical Empathy

Part 1 - Restoring Capacity & Reclaiming Empathy

In this episode, Erin explores the concept of burnout, particularly in relation to empathy. She discusses how burnout is often misunderstood and emphasizes the importance of completing the stress cycle to regain empathy. The conversation highlights the significance of body work, physical movement, and self-care practices in managing burnout and maintaining emotional capacity. Erin introduces a four-part series on burnout, starting with body work and its role in stress management, and sets the stage for future discussions on emotional expression, creative expression, and rest. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Burnout is often an unfinished stress cycle. * Empathy can weaken if not practiced on oneself. * Physical movement is essential to complete the stress cycle. * Stressors can keep our bodies in a state of fight or flight. * Body work practices help in managing stress and burnout. * Regular exercise can significantly improve mental clarity. * Energy work and somatic practices are beneficial for emotional health. * Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity for empathy. * Recognizing stress is the first step, but action is required to resolve it. * You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/] * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].

Empathy Starts Here

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin reflects on her journey of self-understanding and the importance of empathy in leadership. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection and the challenges of self-judgment, while encouraging listeners to build their capacity for empathy both for themselves and others. The episode serves as a reminder that empathy is a foundational skill for effective leadership and personal growth. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Empathy is about understanding oneself and others. * Self-empathy is often the hardest part of leadership. * Taking time for self-reflection can lead to powerful insights. * We are our own harshest critics, which hinders self-understanding. * Understanding ourselves is a lifelong journey. * Empathy is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. * Self-judgment can prevent us from leading effectively. * The journey of self-discovery is not linear but spiral. * Each experience provides new information for self-understanding. * Empathy is the foundation for effective leadership. Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].

Navigating Empathy and Boundaries

In this final episode of 2025, Erin reflects on the importance of empathy, self-care, and setting boundaries. She discusses her personal struggles with over-empathizing and the resulting feelings of resentment. Erin emphasizes the need for self-empathy and radical honesty, encouraging listeners to recognize their own emotions and needs. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to practice self-care and reflect on their experiences as they move into the new year. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Empathy is a leadership tool that requires self-awareness. * Resentment can be an early warning signal for personal boundaries. * Over-empathizing can lead to feelings of being unsupported and resentful. * Setting healthy boundaries is essential for personal well-being. * Self-empathy is often the hardest type of empathy to practice. * Radical honesty with oneself is crucial for emotional health. * Ignoring emotional signals can lead to burnout and disconnection. * Practicing discernment helps in setting healthy boundaries. * It's important to recognize when you're giving more than you receive. * Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for effective leadership. Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].

Flip the Script: A Client Interviews Erin with special guest host Adriana Mercader

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, we flipped the script! A client, Adriana Mercader interviews Erin, exploring the profound impact of empathy in personal and professional relationships. Erin shares her journey of understanding empathy, the importance of self-awareness, and how empathy can transform leadership and team dynamics. The conversation delves into the challenges of self-empathy, the distinction between empathy and sympathy, and practical steps to navigate feelings and burnout. Erin emphasizes the need for genuine connection and understanding in all aspects of life, encouraging listeners to embrace their emotions and foster empathy within themselves and their teams. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Empathy starts with understanding ourselves. * The hardest part of work is often relationships. * We practice what we are, not what we pretend to be. * Feelings are our internal GPS system. * Empathy is not about fixing others' problems. * Self-empathy is crucial for personal growth. * Leaders can inspire change through understanding. * Burnout can be addressed by allowing ourselves to feel. * Empathy requires self-responsibility and accountability. * Transformation happens when teams engage in tough conversations. Connect with Adriana: * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adriana-mercader-7350318 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-mercader-7350318] Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/] * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].

Empathy in Engineering: From Fixing the Women to Fixing the System

In this episode, Erin explores the themes of leadership and inclusion, particularly for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on recent conferences, she emphasizes the importance of empathy, the need for systemic change, and the dual responsibility of both individuals and organizations to foster an inclusive environment. Erin shares insights on how lived experiences can drive meaningful conversations and the necessity of creating spaces where truth can surface, ultimately leading to more effective leadership. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Inclusion should feel like the rule, not the exception. * Personal experiences shape our understanding of leadership. * Empathy is a powerful tool in navigating tough conversations. * Women in leadership need spaces that validate their experiences. * Systemic change requires both individual and collective action. * Lived experiences should be treated as expertise. * Creating conditions for truth is essential in leadership. * Leadership is about understanding emotions and boundaries. * The importance of sponsorship over mentorship in career advancement. * Small shifts in language can lead to significant cultural changes. Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/] * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].