Heather E McGowan, Future-of-work strategist, keynote speaker, thought leader, researcher, and author, shares insights from The Empathy Advantage. After 1000 days of pandemic behavior change, the relationship between individuals and organizations has fundamentally transformed. Learn how to adapt to this new dynamic, balancing both employee satisfaction and company performance. The pathway to navigate and lead this workforce through rising uncertainty is to nurture your– empathy. Called "the most important book on management for the post-Covid era," The Empathy Advantage was identified as one of the "must-read" books from the Next Big Ideas Book Club before its launch in March 2023.
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Business Owners Radio, hosts Craig Moen and Shye Gilad welcome Heather McGowan, an internationally known speaker and Future of Work strategist. Heather discusses her new book, "The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce," and shares insights on the changing dynamics of the workplace and the importance of empathy in leadership. She highlights the key shifts in mindset, culture, approach, and behavior that leaders need to embrace to navigate the evolving business landscape. Heather provides practical tips for leading with empathy, fostering connection, and creating a supportive work environment.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction:
Craig and Shye introduce Heather McGowan, author of "The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce."
Heather shares her inspiration for writing the book and the changes she observed during the pandemic.
The Driving Forces for Change:
Heather discusses the five key trends shaping the workplace: the Great Resignation, the Great Refusal, the Great Reshuffle, the Great Retirement, and the Great Relocation.
She explains the underlying factors behind these trends and how they contribute to the need for empathy in leadership.
The Shifts in Mindset, Culture, Approach, and Behavior:
Heather emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts from managing to enabling success and from extrinsic pressure to intrinsic motivation.
She highlights the need for a cultural shift towards collaboration and community and a behavioral shift towards inspiration, care, love, and belonging.
These shifts help establish trust, psychological safety, and a thriving work environment.
Leading with Empathy:
Heather provides practical tips for leaders to lead with empathy, such as starting meetings by allowing team members to express their thoughts and concerns.
She emphasizes the importance of caring for team members' well-being, asking open-ended questions, and creating a feedback culture.
The Future of Work:
Heather discusses the changing dynamics of work and the need to invest in human assets.
She highlights the returns on investment in people and the value of treating employees as the greatest source of value.
Conclusion:
Heather expresses her gratitude for being on the show and invites listeners to connect with her through her website and LinkedIn profile.
Resources Mentioned:
Heather McGowan's book: "The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce"
Heather's website: heathermcgowan.com
Heather's LinkedIn profile: Heather E. McGowan
Episode Transcript:
Please refer to the podcast episode audio for the full transcript.
Heather E McGowan
Future-of-work strategist, keynote speaker, thought leader, researcher, and author Heather E McGowan is one of the leading voices on the Fourth Industrial Revolution. McGowan is a sense maker, a dot connector, a deep thinker, and a pattern matcher who sees things that others miss on the topics of future of work, diversity, equity and inclusion, empowerment, engagement, retention and culture. Heather gives people the courage and insight that illuminates their path forward. She’s transforming mindsets and entire organizations around the globe with her message about how the next phase of work will focus on continuous learning, rather than simply learning once in order to work.
Her groundbreaking approach to the future of work and learning has made employees more fulfilled and innovative, leaders more potent and empathetic, and businesses more effective at reaching their goals in a rapidly evolving market.
Both authors are influencers to the business and HR communities. They have been interviewed in major radio markets around the country, quoted in major publications, contributed to on-line media, and spoken to business groups. Among their writing awards, they are most proud of being 2020 Award Winners or The Manager’s Answer Book and a 2022 Finalist for The Big Book of HR, 10th Anniversary Edition from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the largest International Book Awards for Indie Authors and Publishers.
Learn more about Heather here.
