Why Empathy Matters

 

March 17, 2025 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Why Empathy Matters Dear Empowered Reader, In our fast-paced world, where technology often replaces human connection, the power of empathy has never been more crucial and it is a topic that has been on my mind a lot lately. As a well-being consultant and change management specialist, empathy is central to my role and I'm excited to share some insights on this transformative skill that can revolutionize our personal and professional lives. Why Empathy Matters Empathy is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in both personal and professional relationships. It allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering deeper connections and creating a more supportive environment. In the workplace, empathy enhances communication, strengthens working relationships, and boosts creative thinking. It helps build trust, resolve conflicts more effectively, and it promotes collaboration rather than confrontation. Moreover, empathy is essential for creating a positive and inclusive work culture. It helps reduce discrimination, drives diversity and inclusivity, and creates a sense of psychological safety where individuals feel comfortable sharing ideas openly. By practicing empathy, we not only improve our own emotional intelligence but also contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society. As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the ability to empathize with others becomes a vital skill for personal growth, professional success, and social harmony The Empathy Revolution Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is the cornerstone of meaningful relationships and effective leadership. In my years as a well-being specialist, I witnessed firsthand how empathy could transform workplace dynamics and improve overall wellness. One particular instance stands out. During a challenging period of organizational change, I noticed a team struggling with low morale. By implementing empathy-focused workshops and encouraging open communication, we saw a remarkable shift. Not only did employee engagement improve, but our utilization of support services like ComPsych (the Employee Assistance Program) increased from non-existent to many members of the team utilizing this resource for support. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of empathy to create positive change. Empathy in Action As a change management specialist working with the State of Minnesota, I've learned that empathy is not just about feeling for others – it's about taking action. It's about "walking a mile in someone else's shoes" to truly understand their perspective. This approach has been invaluable in guiding executive leadership through complex change initiatives and improving project outcomes across Minnesota's human services system. Upcoming Empathy Workshop As I mentioned, this has been on my mind, and when something has been on my mind, I like to take action. In this case, it meant hosting a workshop!  I'm thrilled to announce our upcoming free 90-minute virtual Empathy Workshop. This interactive experience is designed for anyone interested in fostering connection, creativity, and kindness.  Together, we'll explore ways to shift from indifference to empathy, connect with like-minded leaders, and learn practical techniques to lead with more impact. Click HERE to Sign Up for the Workshop  Reflection Questions 1. When was the last time you truly put yourself in someone else's position? 2. How might increased empathy improve your personal and professional relationships? 3. What small act of empathy could you perform today?  Affirmation"I am open to understanding others. My empathy creates positive change in my world and beyond." Remember, dear reader, empathy is like a muscle – the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. By cultivating empathy, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. As psychiatrist Helen Riess notes, empathy is critical to our lives, helping us "to get along, work more effectively, and thrive as a society" Let's embark on this empathy revolution together.  Your journey towards greater understanding and connection starts now. Take care, dear reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder,  Empower Possible Citations: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_the_world_needs_an_empathy_revolution https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/research/doc/white-papers/workplace-diversity-inclusion/2024/082024-empathetic-leadership-goods-mccalla-langford.pdf Click here to Register for the Empathy Workshop Empathy: holding space Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Any Human to Another Countee Cullen The ills I sorrow at  Not me alone  Like an arrow,  Pierce to the marrow,  Through the fat  And past the bone.  Your grief and mine  Must intertwine  Like sea and river,  Be fused and mingle,  Diverse yet single,  Forever and ever.  Let no man be so proud  And confident,  To think he is allowed  A little tent  Pitched in a meadow  Of sun and shadow  All his little own.  Joy may be shy, unique,  Friendly to a few,  Sorrow may be scorned to speak  To any who  Were false or true.  Your every grief  Like a blade  Shining and unsheathed  Must strike me down.  Of bitter aloes wreathed,  My sorrow must be laid  On your head like a crown.  https://poemanalysis.com/countee-cullen/any-human-to-another/

Upcoming Events Empathy Workshop Saturday, March 22  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST Who: People interested in fostering connection, creativity, and kindness. What: A free, 90-minute virtual experience designed to address the need for more empathy in the modern world. Why: Shift from Indifference to Kindness Connect with Like-Minded Leaders Join us for an interactive, thought-provoking workshop filled with experiential learning, breakout discussions, and exercises to help you lead with more empathy and impact. To Register click on the link, SIGN ME UP! Julie Zaruba Fountaine and Linda Brandt appreciate Late Nite Art’s People Leader Series for teaching us this format. Mountain 10 Workshops What is Mountain 10?                                                                                                                                                         During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. Click HERE to sign up to be on the waitlist for the next workshop. I will reach out once a workshop is scheduled that meets your availability. Please reach out if you have any questions, info@empowerpossible.com

Connect with me on social media! Copyright ©EmpowerPossible Northfield, MN EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.  Disclaimer: This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.

What does E.M.P.O.W.E.R mean to you?

 

January 2, 2024 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

What does E.M.P.O.W.E.R mean to you? Dear Empowered Reader Welcome to 2024! A new year of empowered possibilities! Thank you for your readership. As we began the new year, I started to reflect on other new beginnings. Today, I am excited to share the creation story of the name EMPOWER Possible. E.M.P.O.W.E.R. is an acronym and the story begins in a Lean In meeting. Several years ago, during the meeting, a participant introduced themselves stating their name was LOVE and LOVE was an acronym. Their introduction sparked a moment of inspiration. At the time, I was beginning to think about starting a business. I had a few ideas about what I wanted to do and the impact I wanted to have but the business did not have a name. This encounter planted the seed for a powerful idea—to create an acronym that captures the essence of my business. After much thought, EMPOWER was crafted to represent: E - Engage: Foster active participation and collaboration. M - Meaning: Discover purpose and create meaningful connections. P - People: Harness collective good and leverage collective power. O - Organizations: Build strong and supportive communities and networks. W - Well-being: Prioritize caring for self and holistic well-being. E - Empathy: Cultivate understanding and compassion. R - Regenerate: Renew and revitalize for sustained growth. As I reflect on this journey I am amazed at how one moment could have such a meaningful impact. This simple encounter during a Lean In meeting led to the creation of a concept that encompasses so much depth and meaning! I added “Possible” to the name because with EMPOWER anything is possible and everyone has the opportunity to thrive!  This acronym embodies the philosophy of EMPOWER, where purpose, meaning, and empowerment intersect to create a space for growth, connection, and positive change. Now, let's play with acronyms!  Here's one that captures the spirit of EMPOWER: Empowering Minds,  Promoting  Opportunity,  Working towards  Equality, and  Realizing potential. Time to reflect: What seemingly simple moments in your life have had an impact? What is your EMPOWER acronym? Please share, info@empowerpossible.com What new possibilities exist for you this year? With love and empowerment, Julie Founder, EMPOWER Possible Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Dreams by Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreams  For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. This week I am going to throw back to the Empowered Heart to Heart Podcast as it is relevant to this topic I hTh I chatted with Rhonda Simmons about personal mission statements, listening to your true voice, and claiming your power. To listen HERE  Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events Should you have any burning questions or want more details, don’t hesitate to drop me an email at info@empowerpossible.comI can’t wait to connect with you!  January 2024 Growth Mindset and Burnout Prevention– more details to come soon!  February 29, 2024, Care for the Caregiver, Leading Age Minnesota Institute and Expo

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Duluth, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission

Reflecting on Two Years of Growth, Triumphs, and Dreams!

 

Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Reflecting on Two Years of Growth, Triumphs, and Dreams! Dear Empowered Reader, Can you believe it's been two incredible years since we embarked on this empowering journey together? It's time to celebrate and reflect on the remarkable milestones we've achieved. I truly mean we, I would not be here without your support!🥳 EMPOWER Possible by the Numbers: 🎙️ Podcasts: Over 17 episodes filled with inspiration, insights, and the voices of change. To listen to a podcast go to https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/  📬 Newsletters: 40 newsletters packed with knowledge, updates, and empowering stories delivered to your inbox. Want to re-read a past newsletter? Go to https://empowerpossible.blogspot.com/ 🖥️ Webinars/Presentations/Consulting Projects/Retreats: Presented 13 sessions, sharing expertise, and collaborating for positive change.  https://empowerpossible.com/partnerships/ 🚀 Course Launches: Launched 11 courses designed to empower, educate, and elevate our community. https://empowerpossible.com/courses/  🏆 Pitch Competitions Entered: 1 competitions embraced ✨ Dreams Realized: countless dreams turned into reality, thanks to the power of passion and perseverance. 🌟 Dreams Just Beginning: Endless dreams sparked and ignited, paving the way for a future filled with possibilities. EMPOWER Possible by the Memories: 🗣️ Conversations: Countless heart-to-heart conversations that sparked ideas, fostered collaboration and created a supportive community. 📚 Lessons Learned: A library of lessons, each one a stepping stone towards growth and empowerment. I am learning to embrace the journey and let go of attachment to the outcome. 🏋️ Challenges Overcome: The biggest hurdle has been my mindset. I am learning to get out of my own way knowing that every hurdle faced was a chance to prove our resilience, turning challenges into triumphs.  Time to reflect: Looking back on the past two years, what is one achievement or milestone that stands out to you as a testament to your personal growth or the growth of our community? How did it impact you or those around you? As we celebrate dreams realized and dreams just beginning, what is a dream or goal that you initially thought was beyond reach but, through passion and perseverance, you've seen come to life?  How has this experience shaped your perspective on what's possible? Reflecting on the lessons learned and challenges overcome, what is one piece of wisdom or insight gained that you'd share with someone who is just beginning their journey toward empowerment?  How has overcoming challenges contributed to your resilience and determination? Feel free to share your reflections or discuss them with others in the empowered community.  It's a great way to celebrate the journey and inspire each other for the road ahead! As we celebrate this significant milestone, let's recognize the power of empowerment and the incredible community that makes it all possible.  Thank you for being a part of my journey, and here's to many more years of EMPOWERING POSSIBILITIES! Take care, dear reader, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. "Citizenship in a Republic" by Theodore Roosevelt  “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,  whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;  who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming;  but who does actually strive to do the deeds;  who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions;  who spends himself in a worthy cause;  who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly,  so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. This week I am going to throw back to my very first podcast interview as it is relevant to this topic I was a guest on the Multiple Revenue Streams podcast and chatted with, Linda Payan. We discuss how to keep going, do the little things every day, and start building a revenue stream that you are proud of. Check it out HERE  Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events  1) September/October: Better Together Series. Integrative Health and Well-being for Practitioners Series hosted in partnership with the University of Minnesota. 2) October, New Course, Career Crossroad Launch 3) Engaged Company Culture Podcast 4) UnCaped Heroes Podacast

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Duluth, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.