Tactical Empathy

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].

Finding Your Unique Voice in Leadership with Jay Floyd

In this conversation, Erin chats with Jay Floyd as he shares his journey as a leader and coach, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-discovery, and embracing one's uniqueness. He discusses how personal trauma shaped his leadership style and the significance of finding the right environment for growth. Jay also highlights the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy and the need to overcome biases. He encourages listeners to audit their strengths and lead with authenticity, especially in the context of the evolving landscape of AI. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Jay Floyd emphasizes the power of empathy in leadership. * He believes that titles do not define one's identity. * Empathy involves holding space for others, even in disagreement. * Being rare on purpose means embracing one's unique strengths. * Jay's journey includes overcoming personal trauma to become a leader. * Finding the right room is crucial for personal and professional growth. * Leaders must confront their biases to foster a supportive environment. * Toxic positivity can hinder genuine emotional experiences. * Self-audit of strengths is essential for effective leadership. * In the age of AI, embracing human uniqueness is vital. Connect with Jay: * Website: www.iamjayfloyd.com [http://www.iamjayfloyd.com] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjayfloyd/ [https://www.instagram.com/iamjayfloyd/] * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iamjayfloyd/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjayfloyd/] 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].

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

In this episode, Erin discusses the concept of overwhelm, reframing it from a personal failure to a signal indicating a lack of resources. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing when to step back to manage one's resources effectively. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Overwhelm is a signal, not a personal failure. * Recognizing overwhelm can lead to better resource management. * Taking a pause can help assess personal needs. * Self-awareness is crucial in managing overwhelm. * It's important to identify when you're under-resourced. * Reframing thoughts about overwhelm can be empowering. * Understanding your limits can prevent burnout. * Acknowledging feelings of overwhelm is the first step. * Effective resource management leads to better mental health. 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].