About this episode

This episode discusses how empathy can be a powerful leadership strategy for building trust and improving team collaboration.

Empathy is often talked about as a “soft skill,” but in reality, it can be one of the most powerful leadership strategies for building trust, improving collaboration, and helping teams perform at their best. When leaders understand the experiences and stories that shape how people think, communicate, and respond under pressure, they can lead in ways that make team members feel truly seen and supported. But empathy at work isn’t just about being kind or having surface-level conversations. It requires curiosity, listening, and taking action based on what you learn. This week’s guest shares practical ways leaders can bring empathy into everyday workplace interactions, from asking better questions to creating small moments where team members can share their stories and build stronger connections. Leilani Garrett spent more than two decades in corporate sales and leadership, navigating high-stakes environments, leading teams, and closing multi-million-dollar deals. Today, she’s a creative force redefining leadership, connection, and culture through storytelling. Her work bridges personal growth and organizational impact, helping leaders and teams break down silos, build trust, and…

People in this episode

Host: Mamie Kanfer Stewart

Guest: Leilani Garrett

Topics covered

• empathy
• leadership
• trust
• collaboration
• communication
• team performance

Keywords

• empathy
• leadership
• trust
• collaboration
• listening
• team dynamics
• storytelling
• curiosity

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