Empathy isn’t just a leadership skill — it’s the foundation for trust, innovation, and meaningful collaboration. It’s what transforms managers into mentors, teams into communities, and businesses into movements.

On this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sat down with a leader who understands this deeply. Andrea Goulet, founder of Empathy in Tech, has spent her career helping technical teams strengthen their work through human connection. Her insights challenge the long-held belief that leadership is about control, proving instead that the best leaders create space for people to rise.

Redefining Leadership Through Empathy

For many, empathy is seen as a soft skill — something that’s nice to have but not essential for success. Andrea makes it clear that empathy is anything but optional.

It’s the driving force behind:

• Stronger teams that work through challenges instead of around them
• A culture of trust where people feel safe enough to take risks
• Smarter decisions rooted in understanding, not assumptions
• Innovation that comes from collaboration rather than competition

Leaders who prioritize empathy don’t just build great businesses — they build environments where people want to show up, contribute, and grow.

The Link Between Empathy and Innovation

Empathy in leadership isn’t about lowering expectations — it’s about raising the standard for connection. When teams feel heard and valued, they:

• Solve problems faster by listening before reacting
• Approach challenges with curiosity instead of fear
• Create products and services that truly resonate with customers
• Foster accountability without sacrificing compassion

Andrea breaks down empathy into more than just an emotional response — it’s a strategic advantage. Businesses that embrace it don’t just retain employees longer, they cultivate cultures of creativity and adaptability.

Leading with Presence, Not Just Power

The best leaders aren’t those who micromanage or impose authority — they’re the ones who:

• Hold space for ideas to emerge
• Remove unnecessary noise so teams can focus on what matters
• Encourage a sense of belonging that drives motivation and purpose
• Recognize that true leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but creating the right environment for answers to surface

The shift from command-and-control leadership to collaborative leadership isn’t just necessary — it’s already happening. Organizations that ignore it risk falling behind, while those that embrace it are setting the stage for long-term success.

A Future Built on Human Connection

Empathy isn’t just an approach — it’s a responsibility. As businesses scale, leaders have a choice: to prioritize numbers alone or to build something more meaningful.

Andrea’s insights prove that success and connection aren’t mutually exclusive. The strongest organizations are those where leaders step beyond their titles and into their humanity, creating workplaces that inspire, support, and evolve together.

Tune in to the full episode now on The Bliss Business Podcast to hear how empathy is shaping the future of leadership.

Check out the conversation with Andrea Goulet on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

What does it mean to truly foster community and connection in a fast-paced, profit-driven world? On a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explored this question with Deborah Miller, certified yoga instructor and visionary behind YNG Studios in San Clemente. Deborah’s journey from competitive athlete to wellness entrepreneur underscores the transformative power of community, purpose, and balance in business.

From Competition to Connection

Deborah’s background as a competitive athlete instilled in her a deep appreciation for teamwork and resilience. But it was her personal experience with back surgeries that shifted her perspective, leading her to yoga as a path to healing. “In sports, you learn to win and lose gracefully,” she shared. “But my surgeries taught me the importance of balance — something I hadn’t prioritized before.”

This pivotal moment inspired Deborah to open YNG Studios, a space where individuals of all backgrounds could come together to cultivate wellness, connection, and healing. She described how her competitive spirit transitioned into a drive to elevate not just herself, but everyone around her.

Key Insight: Success isn’t about individual achievement — it’s about fostering a community where everyone can shine.

Blue Zones and the Longevity Mindset

A champion of holistic health, Deborah incorporates principles from the Blue Zones — regions around the world where people live significantly longer, healthier lives — into her studio’s ethos. “Blue Zones emphasize community, purpose, and healthy habits,” she explained. “And these principles are entirely possible to cultivate right where you live.”

She highlighted the importance of integrating small, sustainable changes, such as growing your own food or incorporating daily movement, to create a lifestyle that supports longevity.

Takeaway: Health and longevity aren’t about drastic overhauls — they’re about layering small, intentional habits that align with your values and community.

Building a Space for Healing

For Deborah, YNG Studios is more than a yoga studio — it’s a sanctuary. Many clients come seeking more than physical fitness; they come for healing, connection, and a sense of belonging. “We all come from a place of hurt,” she said. “Yoga helps us see and hear each other in ways that foster empathy and compassion.”

She recounted stories of transformation, from clients battling Parkinson’s to cancer survivors finding hope through their practice. The studio’s environment is intentionally designed to be inclusive and supportive, embracing clients from all walks of life.

Reflection: How can your business create a culture of empathy and inclusivity? Consider how your offerings can address both the practical and emotional needs of your community.

Purpose as a Business Foundation

When asked how entrepreneurs can balance mindfulness and purpose with the demands of running a business, Deborah offered a powerful perspective: “Understand your why. Money is energy — it flows in reciprocity. When you focus on purpose and alignment, success follows naturally.”

She encouraged leaders to think of money not as the ultimate goal but as a resource to fulfill their purpose. This mindset shift creates a cycle of giving and receiving that benefits both businesses and their communities.

Challenge: Reflect on your business’s purpose. How does it align with your actions, and how can you create a deeper connection between your work and your values?

Lessons from Missionary Work

Deborah’s time as a missionary in Africa profoundly shaped her approach to business. “I went there thinking I would teach them,” she admitted, “but they taught me so much more about community, reciprocity, and living in the moment.”

She described how these experiences influenced her leadership style, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and mutual care. “The children of the village are everyone’s children,” she recalled. “That sense of collective care is something we need more of in our workplaces.”

Food for Thought: What would change if your organization embraced a mindset of shared responsibility and mutual care? How can you foster a culture where everyone feels seen and supported?

Final Thoughts: Love as the Ultimate Business Strategy

When asked whether love belongs in business, Deborah didn’t hesitate. “Love belongs everywhere,” she said. “It’s a muscle that needs to be exercised. When we lead with love, we align with what we’re made for: relationships, gratitude, and growth.”

Her words remind us that business isn’t just about transactions — it’s about transformation. By leading with empathy, purpose, and a commitment to community, we can create workplaces that not only thrive but also make the world a better place.

Check out the conversation with Deborah Miller on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

Creating a meaningful connection between corporate goals and social impact is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s essential. On a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Middleton, CEO of Mission Up, about how companies can build authentic corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that foster purpose, connection, and positive change.

Meeting the Workforce’s Need for Purpose

Sarah emphasized that today’s workforce, especially younger generations, craves purpose in their professional lives. “It used to be a ‘nice to have,’ but now it’s a ‘need to have,’” she shared. Employees are not just looking for a paycheck — they want to be part of organizations that prioritize making a difference.

Sarah discussed how CSR initiatives, like volunteering programs, can address this need while also boosting employee engagement. “Volunteering creates shared experiences that break down silos within an organization and strengthen bonds,” she noted. These programs give employees a platform to connect over shared values, creating a culture of unity and purpose.

Reflection: How can your organization align its values with opportunities for employees to make an impact? Purpose-driven work doesn’t just benefit employees; it creates ripple effects across the organization.

Authenticity in CSR: The 70/30 Rule

For CSR programs to resonate, they need to go beyond box-ticking. Sarah outlined her 70/30 rule as a framework for designing impactful initiatives. “Seventy percent of your company’s social impact work should align with your core competencies,” she explained. “The other 30 percent should be driven by employee choice.”

This balance allows companies to create programs that feel both authentic and inclusive. By empowering employees to champion causes they care about, organizations can foster deeper engagement and trust.

Takeaway: Authentic CSR starts with leadership buy-in and a long-term commitment. Ensure your initiatives align with your company’s expertise while giving employees a voice in the process.

Volunteering as a Gateway to Empathy

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s about gaining perspective. Sarah shared how immersing oneself in volunteer activities helps build cognitive diversity and social awareness. “When you volunteer, you step into new environments, meet different people, and learn new skills,” she said. “These experiences naturally foster empathy and connection.”

She highlighted how volunteering can also break down professional hierarchies within organizations, creating opportunities for employees to interact with colleagues they might not normally engage with. “These shared experiences are invaluable for building empathy and strengthening organizational culture,” Sarah noted.

Challenge: How can your company create more opportunities for employees to volunteer and connect? Consider partnerships with local nonprofits or skills-based volunteering initiatives that align with your team’s expertise.

From Transactional to Transformative

One-off volunteer events can be a good starting point, but Sarah urged organizations to think bigger. “Transformative impact comes from long-term partnerships with nonprofits,” she said. By co-creating initiatives that align with company values, businesses can drive sustainable change while also reaping the benefits of enhanced brand reputation and employee development.

Sarah pointed to Salesforce’s 1–1–1 model as a prime example of systemic CSR. This framework — donating 1% of revenue, 1% of equity, and 1% of employee time — has become a gold standard in the industry, demonstrating how scalable systems can embed social impact into a company’s DNA.

Key Insight: Building love into scalable systems ensures that social impact becomes a lasting part of your company’s culture, rather than a one-time effort.

Storytelling: The Heart of CSR Communication

According to Sarah, storytelling is critical for amplifying the impact of CSR efforts. “Communicating both inside and outside the company is essential,” she said. Stories help employees process their volunteer experiences and showcase the company’s values to clients, customers, and the broader community.

She encouraged companies to embrace transparency in their storytelling, sharing both successes and lessons learned. “Thought leadership in this space can inspire others and build your organization’s credibility,” Sarah added.

Food for Thought: How can your organization use storytelling to highlight the impact of its social initiatives? Encourage employees to share their experiences and celebrate the collective efforts of your team.

Final Thoughts: Building a Culture of Care

For Sarah, the future of CSR lies in fostering a culture of care and empathy. “We need to be a society that has compassion for others,” she said. “If we can bring love and understanding back into the workplace, we can create healthier, happier communities.”

Her insights serve as a reminder that CSR isn’t just a business strategy — it’s a mindset. By prioritizing purpose, authenticity, and connection, organizations can drive meaningful change that benefits employees, communities, and the world at large.

Check out the conversation with Sarha Middleton on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

Leadership requires more than just a high IQ or a stellar resume — it demands emotional intelligence (EQ). On a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Randy Wootton, CEO of Maxio and a seasoned leader with a track record of scaling organizations like Salesforce, Rocket Fuel, and Percolate. Randy’s candid reflections on his leadership journey reveal how EQ transforms not only team dynamics but also business outcomes.

A Journey from Metrics to Meaning

Randy’s career began in environments that prioritized IQ and efficiency — first in the military and then in corporate settings where metrics reigned supreme. But over time, he recognized the limitations of data-driven leadership without human connection. “Software is a people business,” he shared. “People are at the core of relationships, and relationships are built on trust.”

Randy recounted his “come to Jesus” moment when he realized the importance of collaboration and emotional awareness in the workplace. His journey led him to explore tools like Insights and Jungian psychology, which helped him build self-awareness and empathy.

Key Insight: Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. EQ enables leaders to align values, understand different communication styles, and foster collaborative environments.

The Role of Vulnerability and Humility

According to Randy, hiring for EQ starts with identifying candidates who exhibit vulnerability and humility. “If someone is humble, they’re coachable,” he explained. “And in fast-changing environments, coachability is critical.”

Once onboard, Randy uses tools like Insights to help his team build mutual understanding. He also shares a “Working with Randy” document with new executives, outlining his preferences and expectations to create a clear foundation for collaboration.

Takeaway: Leaders who model vulnerability set the tone for a culture of trust and openness, encouraging their teams to embrace change and growth.

EQ in Action: Leading High-Performance Teams

Randy’s leadership style combines emotional intelligence with practical strategies for fostering connection. For example, he starts executive meetings with a “round of good,” where team members share personal wins or updates before diving into business. “It’s important to carve out space for emotional connection,” he noted.

He also practices active listening during presentations by taking notes and waiting to ask questions until the end. This approach allows presenters to stay focused and confident, while also encouraging constructive feedback.

Reflection: How do you create space for emotional connection and trust in your team meetings? Small changes in how you engage with your team can have a big impact on morale and collaboration.

Navigating Pressure with Empathy

In high-pressure situations, EQ becomes even more critical. Randy shared his approach to de-escalating conflicts using techniques like “Most Respectful Interpretation” (MRI) and Stephen Covey’s “Ladder of Inference.” These methods help teams shift from reactive emotions to fact-based problem-solving.

Challenge: When faced with conflict, try leading with inquiry. Instead of jumping to conclusions, ask questions to uncover the assumptions and data behind a situation. This approach fosters mutual understanding and reduces tension.

Building a Culture of Connection

As CEO of Maxio, Randy has implemented initiatives to strengthen connections within his hybrid team. From book clubs to peer-to-peer recognition programs like Bonusly, he emphasizes the importance of creating touchpoints for meaningful engagement.

“Leadership is about building culture,” he said. “And culture is about connections — to the company’s purpose, to leadership, and to each other.”

Food for Thought: How can you reinforce connections within your team, especially in hybrid or remote work settings? Consider scalable tools and programs that align with your company’s values.

Final Thoughts: Respect as the Foundation of Leadership

While Randy acknowledges the challenges of leading with love in a corporate context, he advocates for respect, empathy, and a commitment to unlocking the potential of every team member. “My greatest source of pride,” he shared, “is hearing from former employees who say I made a positive impact on their careers.”

Check out the conversation with Randy Wootton on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog