Empathy is one of the most important leadership skills we have — and yet, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many leaders want to show care, compassion, and understanding… but worry they’ll get drained, taken advantage of, or lose their authority in the process. The truth is: empathy isn’t about absorbing everyone’s emotions. It’s about creating connection, safety, and clarity in a way that’s sustainable for you and supportive for your team.
My special guest today is Joseph Cope, and he’s simplifying how to practice empathy without burning out. If you want to lead with more humanity — especially in moments of change, pressure, or high emotions — this conversation will give you a grounded, repeatable approach you can actually use.
Here’s how.
My special guest today is Joseph Cope and he’s simplifying how to practice empathy without burning out.
We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:
- What healthy, sustainable empathy looks like in practice — without getting drained or taken advantage of.
- How to respond with empathy when emotions run high, while still holding a clear boundary or expectation.
- How to balance empathy with accountability when someone on your team keeps missing the mark.
- What empathy looks like for employees who survived a layoff and are now picking up the pieces and carrying more responsibility.
- …and ultimately, 2–3 small daily habits any leader can build to create a more trusted, connected team without adding more to an already overflowing plate.
Q: Are you ready to learn how to practice empathy without burning out? If yes, this one is for you.
It’s time to #DoTheThing!
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<What’s catching my eye this week>
- 3 hours of (free) focus music for deep concentration - Quiet Quest - Study Music
- Hire Mary Baird to teach your senior leaders about creating a better employee experience for your workforce - The Simplifiers
- 50 powerful questions to help you reflect - The Institute of You
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My challenge for you this week:
How are you going to take what you’ve learned in today’s episode and take action by practicing empathy without burning out? What’s one thing you’ll do differently? Share it with me, privately or publicly. Snap a photo of you doing the thing, and send me a DM over on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesimplifiers) for added accountability and support!
Links, books and apps mentioned:
Resource: Find Joseph Cope on LinkedIn - click here
Discount: Use promo code: FIERCE50 to get 50% off Empathy Guy merch - expires 12/31/2025. The best way to wear the reminder of Fierce Empathy is over your heart… literally! - The Empathy Guy
Book: The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self - Martha Beck
Book: Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life; The Revolutionary Process Called "The Work" - Byron Katie
Podcast: How to be a better communicator, featuring Kristin Bock - The Simplifiers Podcast
Podcast: How to be a better leader (guided visualization) - The Simplifiers Podcast
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About Joseph Cope:
Joseph Cope - Known as The Empathy Guy, he has built a reputation around redefining empathy as a fierce, practical leadership skill. This foundational belief has fueled his journey from award-winning educator to highly sought-after speaker, and it’s what keeps his work rooted in presence, curiosity, and courageous human connection.
Whether he’s speaking from top stages, guiding leadership teams with deep intention, or helping individuals reconnect with their own voice, Joseph’s mission is clear: Create space for people to choose growth, firstly for themselves, and then for each other.
Where Joseph hangs out online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empathyguy
Website: https://empathyguy.com
Joseph’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:
Erin Thompson - She is a leadership coach, speaker, trainer, and educator dedicated to empowering assisted living and senior living professionals. Through coaching, speaking engagements, online courses, and her podcast, she equips leaders with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to serve their communities with excellence.
Erin believes every senior living community has the power to transform the lives of both residents and associates—and that strong, supported leaders make that possible. She provides a safe space for leaders to be seen, heard, and validated while helping them build confidence, navigate hard challenges, and step boldly into their role. Her mission is to champion senior living leaders so they can thrive in their careers and create communities where people truly flourish. She is also the host of the Aspire for More podcast, geared for Executive Directors in the senior living industry.
