A new paper published Oct. 16 in Nature Human Behavior highlights findings from several studies of how perceptions of others’ empathy – defined as “the ability to share, understand, and care about others’ experiences” of others – influences feelings of social connectedness.

In a survey of more than 5,000 Stanford undergraduates, students who perceived their peers as more empathic reported better psychological well-being and more friends. But researchers uncovered an “empathy perception gap” in which students consistently viewed their peers as less empathic and caring than those other students saw themselves.

Some conservative Christian leaders and influencers are warning their audiences about what they call “toxic empathy,” while others argue that empathy is a Christian virtue—or at least not a harmful one. The debate centers on how empathy is being framed, who is driving the critique, and how other Christians are responding

Bio:  Masha is a psychologist, independent researcher, and founder of the Empathy-Based Society Institute, an initiative dedicated to promoting the purposeful development of empathy at both individual and systemic levels for people, animals, and the planet.   (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)

Topic:  Empathy Movement: Cultivating an Empathy-Based Society for Personal and Systemic Change

Abstract:   Neuroscience shows empathy and violence are neurologically linked and suppress one another. We have normalized violence towards people, animals, nature, and the planet, and built an economic system on this foundation. Saving the planet and creating a better future for all beings requires more than innovation and investment in sustainable solutions; it demands a fundamental shift in how we relate to all living beings and the planet.

This is where the Empathy Movement steps in: by teaching empathic connection to people, animals, and nature, we directly address the problem of normalized violence at individual, community, and systemic levels. The movement also provides a unifying framework for sectors that often operate in parallel but disconnected efforts, such as social justice, animal advocacy, and environmental action. By reconnecting these sectors through a shared foundation of empathy, the Empathy Movement amplifies their collective impact and builds the foundation for lasting societal transformation.

Bio: Catherine Cooley is an organizational communication and conflict coach and trainer, certified in NVC (Nonviolent & Compassionate Communication).  (LinkedIn) (Website)

Topic:  Can the Empathy Movement Humanize Corporations?

Abstract:   Wouldn’t we all want to live and work in a world of genuinely empathic companies? To grow the empathy movement in the business community, we need to provide empathy and other Emotional Intelligence training that is genuine, precise, and experiential. Otherwise people end up with a conceptual understanding that is not embodied nor integrated into their actions and interactions. Or, worse, empathy becomes a tool of manipulation. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) based training provides a solid foundation for empathy to shine as the powerful company culture builder that it really is. 

Bio:  Cait Kamins is the founder of The CoMethod, co-creator of Full Circle, and a national leader in independent school communities--she brings sixteen years of experience in social-emotional learning, school culture, and educator development. (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)

Topic:  Building the Empathy Movement in Schools: Reclaiming Human Connection in Educational Spaces 

Abstract:   What would it take for empathy to become a true cornerstone of global education, not just a classroom practice or buzzword? This session considers how schools can move beyond isolated programs to create environments where empathy is woven into the fabric of teaching and leadership. By focusing on the needs and strengths of educators, the empathy movement becomes both scalable and sustaining. 

The meeting focused on ideas for building the empathy movement.

Mel shared her upcoming book "Enlightenment Azuma," which promotes empathy through nonviolent communication.

Sandra proposed setting up an in-person group in Dublin, while B emphasized the effectiveness of one-on-one empathy circles.

AC highlighted the tension between personal care and broader empathy, advocating for grassroots efforts.

Josh stressed the importance of a structured system for empathy.

Steven expressed concern about collaboration among leaders.

Nita introduced nonviolent communication in her church.

Catherine celebrated the growing business community's interest in empathy.

Felicia suggested infusing money into the movement, and

Bill emphasized the need for trust and constructive dialogue.

Thursday, November 6 |
Free Admission & Parking 5-6 P.M.
Community Resource Center 6-7:30 P.M.
Panel Discussion Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg's Center for Health Equality

In an era when many feel isolated, misunderstood or emotionally overwhelmed, how can we listen and connect?

Join Tampa Bay Times Columnist Stephanie Hayes and a panel of experts on empathy, ethics, civil discourse and media literacy to explore:

What does it take to hold space for different perspectives?

How can we be truly open to seeing another point of view?

What practical tools can help us engage in hard conversations and build bridges?

How do we move from empathy to meaningful action?

The experts will share practical tools for navigating tough conversations, building trust and turning empathy into action. You’ll leave with strategies for meaningful dialogue and tips for digging out instead of digging in.

Arrive at 5 p.m. to explore resources from community partners, including: Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg Tampa Bay Times

A lack of empathy in the customer journey
The study of more than 11,000 consumers worldwide found that 72 percent believe a company’s empathy disappears the moment a contract is signed, and 43 percent have left a brand entirely because of it. This widespread perception presents a significant barrier to building authentic customer relationships and has consequences for trust, loyalty and growth.

This issue is particularly acute in the financial services sector. Our survey found that 88 percent of consumers surveyed believe it is important for financial services companies, including insurers, to show empathy, a figure second only to healthcare (94 percent).

Why you should use empathy in business: Is there a place for empathy in the workplace? Google recently identified empathy as THE difference maker. Why is empathy important in business and what does these new statement from Google and Adobe mean for business?

In this video Joshua Freedman, Six Seconds' CEO, talks about why you should use empathy in business, and explores 3 obstacles leader face that will help you understand how you can use empathy to get better results for yourself for your team and for your organization.

Want to see how companies around the world are working on empathy and emotional intelligence?
6seconds.org/cases 

 I don’t hate empathy. I actually feel sad for those who do.

It reminds me of the middle school bullies who mocked my Payless shoes in seventh grade. They weren’t really mad at me—or even at the shoes. They were wrestling with their own unresolved demons, dancing restlessly on their souls. I remember feeling bad for them as I buffed out the scuff marks they left on my white kicks.

People who hate empathy usually fall into a few groups: those who don’t understand it, those who are deeply enmeshed and hurting, those who lack healthy boundaries, or those who’ve weaponized empathy for their own gain and don’t want anyone to notice. Whatever the reason, it’s usually clear that when bullies hate something specific, it’s because that thing scares the hell out of them.

In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, they discuss how empathetic leadership can drive culture, performance, and the bottom line. Claude shares how to create trust in flat organizations, why feedback is about connection (not correction), and what it really means to lead with heart. Plus, the pair explore how to scale emotional intelligence in a rapidly changing world. This is the second part of a two-part conversation.

Chicago (October 15, 2025) – Chaz Ebert—CEO of RogerEbert.com, humanitarian, film producer, and wife of the late Pulitzer Prize-winner Roger Ebert—today announced that nominations are officially open for the inaugural FECK Awards, a groundbreaking new initiative celebrating individuals and organizations who elevate humanity through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness. Inspired by her 2024 book, It’s Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness, the FECK Awards bring to life Ebert’s vision of spotlighting those who act with courage, compassion, and heart to mend divisions and spark ripples of kindness in their communities.

Bio:  Edwin Rutsch is the Founding Director of The Empathy Center, developer and long term "evangelist" of the Empathy Movement Circle practice.  (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website) 

Topic:  Why is it Beneficial to Think in Terms of Building an Empathy Movement?

Abstract:   This talk makes the case for seeing our work not as isolated projects, but as part of a larger Empathy Movement. A movement lens gives us energy, unity, and vision—it reminds us that we are not alone but building something bigger together. By naming it a movement, we create a call to action: to connect, to collaborate, and to stand for empathy as a constructive growth promoting cultural force. I will share why this framing is so powerful and how it can help us grow a movement that heals and transforms relationships, communities, and society. 

Bio: Johanna (Jodie) Jensen is an empathy researcher at Brigham Young University. She is pursuing a doctorate degree in social psychology and studies empathy in the broader context of positive psychology and character development.  (LinkedIn) (Facebook)  

Topic:  A Clearer Empathy Definition for a Stronger Empathy Movement

Abstract:  Empathy is a widely held cultural value. However, due to divergent definitions of empathy, recent critics have called empathy dangerous and toxic. Empathy advocates are left baffled by this outcry, wondering how anyone could criticize a practice that has such obvious relational benefits. As we work together to build an empathy movement, we must first seek to understand the perspective of those who oppose the movement.

In this talk, we will dig into the various definitions of empathy to discover why this disconnect exists. We will then discuss how we can use this understanding to invite the critics to see the value of the holistic empathy model we promote. Finally, we will discuss the need for a clear, simple definition of the holistic empathy model that can be broadly accepted and operationalized. 

Bio:   Ingrid Hirtz is on the Board of the Empathy Center and an Empathy Circle facilitator. (Facebook) 

Topic:  Phoenix  - Building A New Chapter in the Empathy

Abstract:   What does it take to build a solid core group that can grow and be a viable part of the movement. 

Bio:  Dr. Felicia Darling is a Math/Ed Professor at UC Berkeley and SRJC and author of Empathy Unchained: Heal Your Trauma. Uplift the World. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)  (Website)

Topic: From Math Circles to Empathy Circles: Building a Bottom-Up Movement 

Abstract:   A true global Empathy Movement must grow both top-down and bottom-up. In my course Playing with Mindfulness and Math, we use Empathy Circles to foster collaborative problem-solving, deeper connection, and compassionate engagement—even in math. When empathy is integrated into daily life and learning, we begin to build lasting change from the ground up.

The Empathy Circle meeting focused on strategies for building the empathy movement. Ingrid Hirtz facilitated the discussion, emphasizing the importance of gradual empathy building and the need for trust within the movement. Participants shared their experiences, highlighting the effectiveness of structured empathy circles and the challenges of integrating empathy practices outside these environments.

The conversation also touched on the importance of financing the movement, the role of impact investors, and the need for educational outreach to both participants and potential investors. The session concluded with reflections on the personal and collective impact of empathy work.

The Method of Empathy: Compassion and Scientific Rigour

To understand Dr Jane Goodall’s impact requires understanding her methods. Her contribution to science and environment through primatology was distinguished by its objective observations and revolutionary use of empathy in scientific study.

Instead of the then-traditional methods of using research numbers, she gave her chimpanzee subject names such as David Greybeard, Flo, and Flint.

This empathy stretched to her documentation of not just their use of simple tools, but their personalities, family bonds, emotions of joy and grief, and their lives and stories. This approach challenged the detached, quantitative science of her era, and its gradual acceptance worldwide as a scientific method was a testament to and foundation for her scientific and charismatic authority.

The Ignorance of Rejecting Empathy
Charlie Kirk didn’t need or want that kind of educational journey. His advocacy with students was exemplified by a taunt: “Prove me wrong.” 

His confidence made him bold. His ignorance made him dangerous.

Kirk seemed uninformed about human emotions and the complexities of living in a community. Empathy is not a new-age, made-up term.

Researcher Brené Brown, in Atlas of the Heart, a leading resource for understanding 87 human emotions, wrote, “Empathy is a tool of compassion. It is about being present to someone’s pain.”

In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, Daniel Murray discusses the importance of empathy in leadership and the challenges of understanding others. He shares his personal journey from mathematics to consulting, emphasising the need for leaders to connect with their teams on a deeper level.

The conversation explores the concept of the empathy gap, practical strategies for reducing it, and the significance of effective communication in building trust. Daniel also reflects on his writing process for his book, 'The Empathy Gap', and encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and curiosity in their interactions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
03:46 Understanding Empathy and Its Importance
07:36 The Empathy Gap Explained
11:32 Practical Questions for Building Trust
15:08 Strategies for Leaders to Reduce the Empathy Gap
19:12 The Writing Process and Final Thoughts