An Interview With Cynthia Corsetti
Fostering Innovation: Empathy fuels creativity. During a brainstorming session, encouraging team members to share their ideas without judgment led to groundbreaking solutions. This open, empathetic environment sparked innovation and collaboration.
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal leadership trait. In an ever-evolving business landscape, leaders who exhibit genuine empathy are better equipped to connect, inspire, and drive their teams toward success. But how exactly does empathy shape leadership dynamics? How can it be harnessed to foster stronger relationships, improved decision-making, and a more inclusive work environment? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole BZ.
Nicole BZ mastered her craft by supporting small businesses, and local economies, and optimizing 21st-century technology for Visionary Leaders. A die-hard fan of all things creative, connection, and community, BZ weaves her passions with her expertise empowering business owners and CEOs to make their dreams their reality. BZ has worked across the globe and industries, and is currently obsessing over Web3 and monetizing businesses’ unique creative process and purpose.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about empathy, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I started my entrepreneurial journey in 2003 with the opening of my first business. Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved in more than 50+ businesses, gaining valuable experience. In 2018, I made a pivotal transition into business coaching, leveraging my creative expertise and extensive experience to empower and support leaders in their growth and success.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Early in my business journey, I made a massive, public-facing mistake. It felt like I couldn’t overcome it (read: ugly crying on the floor because my career was “over.”) But instead of giving up, I used this tough situation to change direction and try something new. This challenge became a spark for creativity, and I ended up winning the hearts of not just my customers but their fans as well. The takeaway? Bouncing back from tough times by creating leads to surprising successes. You can’t fail, if you don’t quit.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
What sets us apart is how much we care about each person on our team. Let me share a quick story: when one team member had a tough time juggling work and personal stuff, we worked together to find a schedule that suited them nd resources to support them. This made our workplace supportive and flexible. And for clients, it means we get you — your needs, your goals. We’re not just about solutions; we’re about making it work for you in your own way, in your own rules.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Absolutely, let’s dive into the heart of it. First off, let’s talk about FUN. Now, success without fun is like a party without music — you’re not going to stay very long. There was this project, a bit of a puzzle, and instead of stressing, I decided to turn it into a game. Leveled up my skills, gained confidence, and had a blast. It’s the small business dance where everyone gets to find their groove.
Next up, ADVENTURE. For me, growth is a constant adventure, like exploring uncharted territories. I thrive on evolution, a mix of planning and spontaneity. Challenges? Oh, they’re just opportunities in disguise. It’s the heartbeat of my journey — never stagnant, always moving.
Now, let’s zoom in on EXCELLENCE. To me, success is like a masterpiece — consistent, authentic, and transparent. Purpose and impact, pure and simple. It’s about creating something that stands the test of time and leaves a mark. This takes experimentation and practice, but if you put in the work, you shall reap the rewards.
These three including Freedom are my core values, they are my pillars in driving success and fulfillment in my business and in my overall journey.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
Certainly, let’s pull back the curtain on a moment, that required a tough call.
At a crossroads where two seemingly good paths lay ahead. It’s like choosing between two flavors of ice cream, both tempting, but you know you can only pick one.
The decision that I found hard to make was about doubling down on my strengths while letting go of a fantasy, a pivot that held promise but also uncertainty. It felt like a high-stakes game where the wrong move could upset the balance. After weighing the options and consulting the data, I had to make the call.
What happened next was a mix of challenges and triumphs. I stepped into my best role, but I walked away from some easy revenue. The decision wasn’t without its share of hurdles, but it also opened doors to new opportunities. It shaped my leadership by teaching me the art of calculated risks and the resilience to navigate uncharted waters.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. How do you define empathy in a leadership context, and why do you believe it’s a vital trait for leaders to possess in today’s work environment?
Sure, let’s break it down. Empathy in leadership is like having a radar tuned to understand and resonate with the feelings, experiences, and perspectives of your team. It’s not just walking in someone else’s shoes but genuinely feeling the ground they walk on.
In today’s work environment, where diversity and collaboration are the stars of the show, empathy is the glue that binds it all together. It’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Imagine a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and understood — that’s the magic of empathy.
In the fast-paced dance of modern business, leaders who grasp the power of empathy can navigate the complexities, foster inclusivity, and build teams that aren’t just colleagues but a united force driving success. It’s what turns a group of individuals into a harmonious orchestra, creating a work environment that thrives on understanding, support, and shared victories.
Can you share a personal experience where showing empathy as a leader significantly impacted a situation or relationship in your organization?
There was a time when a key team member was going through a rough patch personally. It was affecting their work, and the initial reaction might have been to crack the whip. In fact, there were grumblings and gossip that were bringing the whole team’s performance down. But, instead, I decided to have an open conversation. I listened and understood their struggles, and together, we found a solution that accommodated their needs without compromising the team’s goals.
This shift from a punitive approach to one steeped in empathy not only retained a valuable team member but also forged a deeper sense of loyalty and trust. It was a moment where empathy wasn’t just a soft skill but a powerful tool that transformed a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. It reinforced that, in our team, people aren’t just cogs in the wheel; they are valued individuals, and their well-being really matters. This was organizational culture being played out on stage, for all to see, not just a script framed on a wall.
How do empathetic leaders strike a balance between understanding their team’s feelings and making tough decisions that might not be universally popular?
We faced a situation where a tough call needed to be made for the greater good of the company, but it wasn’t a decision that would make everyone happy. However, when the intention is for the overall good and growth of the organization, we knew this change in direction may not pave the way forward for all on our journey. We transparently communicated the reasons behind the decision, listened to concerns, and provided a platform for team members to express their feelings.
This approach didn’t erase the difficulty of the decision, but it acknowledged the team’s resistance. The key was combining transparency with a genuine effort to address concerns where possible. It was about showing that, even in tough times, the team’s perspective is valued, but so are the organizational needs. The decision remained, but empathy in communication helped foster understanding, and surprisingly, even in disagreement, a sense of unity emerged. No one left, but they knew they had our full support, including connecting them to other opportunities if the change in direction was too far off their chosen path.
How would you differentiate between empathy and sympathy in leadership? Why is it important for leaders to distinguish between the two?
Let’s imagine a team member facing a challenging situation, like missing a major deadline. A sympathetic response might sound like, “I feel sorry for your struggle, and I hope things get better soon.” This expresses understanding but maintains a certain emotional distance.
Now, an empathetic leader would say, “I understand the pressure you’re under, and I’m here to support you. Let’s figure out a solution together.” This response not only acknowledges the team member’s feelings but actively engages in finding a resolution.
In essence, empathy involves stepping into the other person’s shoes, feeling what they feel, and offering support based on that shared understanding. It goes beyond sympathy by fostering a deeper connection and providing practical assistance, which is crucial for effective leadership.
What are some practical strategies or exercises that leaders can employ to cultivate and enhance their empathetic skills?
Below are some empathy-building processes that can be turned into actionable steps:
- Engage in conversations with your team where you actively listen without immediately providing solutions. Practice understanding their perspectives before responding. It’s similar to discovering a good book — you absorb every chapter before forming your conclusion.
- Walk alongside your team members in their roles. Watch a process in action and gain an understanding of the efficiencies and improvements needed to ensure success.
- Create a problem-solution-oriented culture. Encourage everyone to identify problems AND solutions, and celebrate these discoveries. Problems are opportunities when sought out to solve.
- Create a culture of open feedback where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Trust is earned by facilitating and adapting to people’s ideas.
How can empathy help leaders navigate the complexities of leading diverse teams and ensure inclusivity?
Leading a diverse team is like guiding a group with different skills. Here’s how:
- Understanding Differences: Empathy helps me connect with my team.
- Equal Opportunities: With empathy, I ensure each team member feels important, such as making sure that everyone gets a chance to play.
- Seeing Different Views: Empathy allows me to look at challenges from different angles, each perspective adds to a better understanding and encourages creativity.
- Open Communication: Constructive feedback goes both ways. Every team member’s voice matters, contributing to a final result that everyone loves.
- Appreciating Strengths: Empathy helps me recognize each team member’s unique strengths. It creates a whole where everyone’s contribution is valuable.
In my leadership journey, empathy turns the challenge of diversity into a collaborative effort, making the team’s unique strengths enhance our overall success.
What’s your approach to ensuring that succession planning is a holistic process, and not just confined to the top layers of management? How do you communicate this philosophy through the organization?
In our team, we approach succession planning with an all-inclusive mindset. It’s not just about the higher-ups; it’s about cultivating talent and leadership potential at every level. Imagine it like preparing everyone for a key role, not just the lead. I actively identify and nurture skills across the team, creating a culture where growth and advancement are for everyone.
We’re all about creating opportunities for everyone to shine, not just a select few. Clear communication is crucial, and I make sure the entire team is aware of potential growth paths. Succession planning, in our world, is a continuous process, fostering an environment where every team member is prepared and excited to step up when the time comes.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Empathy Will Affect Your Leadership”?
- Enhanced Team Connection: When leaders tune into their team members’ needs, it builds a sense of connection. I once noticed a team member feeling overwhelmed, so I took a moment to listen. By showing empathy and understanding, we reshaped the workload, and the entire team felt more united and supported.
- Improved Decision-Making: Empathy isn’t just about feelings; it’s a superpower for decision-making. There was a time when a crucial decision had to be made, impacting the team. By empathizing with various perspectives, the decision became more inclusive, leading to better outcomes.
- Boosted Team’s Morale: Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of team members goes a long way. I remember a challenging project where acknowledging the hard work and expressing gratitude lifted spirits. It created a positive work environment, boosting morale and productivity.
- Effective Conflict Resolution: Empathy is a key player in resolving conflicts. In a situation where tensions arose, addressing concerns with empathy helped uncover the root issues. By acknowledging emotions and finding common ground, we resolved the conflict constructively.
- Fostering Innovation: Empathy fuels creativity. During a brainstorming session, encouraging team members to share their ideas without judgment led to groundbreaking solutions. This open, empathetic environment sparked innovation and collaboration.
Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
Absolutely, being an empathetic leader comes with its own set of challenges. One common pitfall is the risk of taking on too much emotional baggage from the team. I’ve found that setting healthy boundaries and practicing self-care helps in maintaining a balance. Another challenge is the potential for decision-making to be swayed solely by emotions. To address this, I combine empathy with a strategic mindset, ensuring decisions align with both feelings and organizational goals.
Lastly, there’s the risk of being perceived as indecisive. I navigate this by making fast & impactful decisions, quickly bringing full awareness to the potential course correct if that choice starts leading us down the wrong path. It’s a delicate balance, but by acknowledging and addressing these challenges, empathetic leadership remains a powerful and positive force.
Off-topic, but I’m curious. As someone steering the ship, what thoughts or concerns often keep you awake at night? How do those thoughts influence your daily decision-making process?
Ah, the late-night musings. Honestly, what often keeps me tossing and turning is ensuring that every decision aligns with our core values, as this determines if our direction is in the best interest of the organization as a whole (not any one, individual agenda). The concern of staying true to our mission and making a positive impact on both my team and the wider community can be a weighty one. These thoughts drive me to approach each day with a sense of purpose and a commitment to making choices that contribute to the greater good. It’s a fine line between the desire for meaningful impact and the practicalities of running a business, but it’s this balance that fuels my decision-making process each day.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
The dreamer in me envisions a movement called “Disruptive Community.” A global wave where creativity, connection, and purpose come together to continually adapt to a rapidly evolving world, in which everyone’s unique ideas and talents are utilized and celebrated.
It’s about empowering individuals to explore their creativity, building genuine connections, and creating communities that thrive on collaboration. Imagine the impact of a world where creativity knows no bounds, where everyone has the chance to contribute, and where our collective ingenuity shapes a brighter, more interconnected future. That’s the kind of movement that could ripple positivity across the globe.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can stay connected and follow my journey on various online platforms. Catch up on the latest insights, stories, and adventures by following me on Instagram, X, and Pinterest where we weave together the threads of creativity and business.
For deeper dives and thought-provoking discussions, explore my blog and articles on my website, my Podcast, and videos on YouTube. Connect with me on LinkedIn for a professional rendezvous and let’s foster a community where creativity knows no bounds.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Cynthia Corsetti is an esteemed executive coach with over two decades in corporate leadership and 11 years in executive coaching. Author of the upcoming book, “Dark Drivers,” she guides high-performing professionals and Fortune 500 firms to recognize and manage underlying influences affecting their leadership. Beyond individual coaching, Cynthia offers a 6-month executive transition program and partners with organizations to nurture the next wave of leadership excellence.
Nicole BZ Of BZ Coaching: 5 Ways Empathy Will Affect Your Leadership was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.