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

Marketing has lost its way. For years, brands have been caught in the endless cycle of algorithm-chasing, clickbait tactics, and performance metrics that reward noise over meaning. The result? Audiences are burned out, disengaged, and increasingly skeptical of brand messaging.

The good news? There’s a way forward. Enter aiCMO, a marketing platform built on the foundation of empathy, purpose, and authenticity. It’s not just another AI tool — it’s a movement toward marketing that resonates on a human level.

Why aiCMO? Because the Market Craves Authenticity

I’ve been in this space long enough to see how automation and AI have shifted marketing. While they’ve made things more efficient, they’ve also distanced brands from real human connection. aiCMO is here to change that.

Built by the award-winning team at Zero Company, aiCMO uses AI to enhance — not replace — the human touch in marketing. It helps brands discover their higher purpose, tell meaningful stories, and connect with their audiences in ways that feel real.

Stephen Sakach, the founder of aiCMO, summed it up perfectly:

“In a world craving authenticity, aiCMO doesn’t just amplify your brand’s voice — it discovers your heart.”

This is where AI should be heading — not just as a tool for efficiency, but as an enabler of deeper, more meaningful engagement.

The Science of Empathetic Marketing

Research shows that emotional connection is the real driver behind engagement. According to a recent Khris Digital study, 70% of consumers who feel an emotional bond with an ad are more likely to buy.

That’s where aiCMO shines. Instead of producing soulless, generic content, it crafts campaigns that speak to the heart — because AI should support human creativity, not replace it.

Design Thinking plays a massive role in this. If you’ve followed my work, you know how much I believe in human-centered problem-solving. aiCMO integrates this philosophy, enabling brands to adapt, collaborate, and infuse emotion into every campaign.

What Makes aiCMO Different?

This isn’t just another AI-powered marketing tool. aiCMO is designed to bring humanity back into the process while saving brands time and resources. Here’s how:

• Empathy-Driven Strategies — The Blissed Campaign Lab helps generate emotionally intelligent campaign ideas, ensuring your messaging connects on a deeper level.
• Purpose-Led Messaging — The Purpose Crafter helps brands identify and articulate their unique purpose, making sure their marketing reflects their true identity.
• AI-Powered Insights — Intelligent recommendations streamline workflows without sacrificing authenticity.
• Scalability & Accessibility — Whether you’re a small business, agency, or enterprise, aiCMO adapts to your needs.

Real-World Impact

Early adopters of aiCMO are already seeing its power. Sarah Middleton, CEO and President at Mission Up, shared:

“The platform saved me time and helped me create marketing content and creative that aligned perfectly with my company’s purpose, delivering empathetic and creative ideas I could implement right away.”

This is the kind of transformational marketing we need — where AI supports human creativity, rather than stripping it away.

The Future of Marketing Is Human

The launch of aiCMO signals a shift in how we approach marketing. It’s not about shouting louder or chasing trends — it’s about connecting in a way that truly matters.

If you’re ready to ditch hollow marketing tactics and start engaging with your audience on a deeper level, aiCMO is worth exploring. Learn more at aiCMO.io.

Let’s bring empathy, authenticity, and purpose back into marketing — because the world doesn’t need more noise. It needs more meaning.

What role does empathy play in high-performance leadership, particularly in industries driven by data and technology? On a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explored this question with Bren Hennessy, founder of Spark — a company at the forefront of data and AI solutions. Bren’s unique leadership perspective, shaped by a career spanning technology consulting and high-level sports, offers a compelling look at how empathy fuels team dynamics, innovation, and sustainable success.

Lessons from the Field and the Court

Bren’s journey into leadership began on the playing field. As a competitive athlete in both team and individual sports, he learned early on that success isn’t just about personal performance; it’s about the collective effort. This insight translated into his professional life, where he prioritizes collaboration and mutual respect.

Bren shared how mentors early in his career taught him the value of listening and being comfortable with silence. “Empathy often starts with listening,” he explained. “It’s not always about solving problems instantly but understanding the people behind them.”

Key Insight: Great leaders don’t shy away from addressing their own weaknesses. Instead, they build teams that complement their gaps, ensuring that everyone pulls in the same direction.

Bridging the Gap Between Data and People

As founder of Spark, Bren’s mission is to help organizations break down silos and create unified data platforms. But he’s quick to point out that technology alone isn’t enough — it’s about how people interact with and leverage technology.

Bren emphasized the importance of empathy in working with diverse stakeholders, especially in technical fields. “Understanding where someone is coming from — whether they’re technical or non-technical — can mean the difference between collaboration and conflict,” he noted.

Takeaway: Empathy in leadership isn’t just about emotional connection. It’s about tailoring communication to meet people where they are, whether that means simplifying complex ideas or respecting different viewpoints.

Cultivating High-Performance Teams

Building a high-performance culture isn’t for the faint of heart. Bren acknowledged that while many aspire to be part of such environments, not everyone thrives in them. “High performance demands honesty, accountability, and constant improvement,” he said. “But it also requires empathy to navigate the challenges and bring everyone on the journey.”

He shared how his team at Spark balances celebrating strengths with addressing weaknesses. “It’s easy to talk about what we’re good at,” he said, “but growth comes from acknowledging where we fall short.”

Reflection: Are you creating a culture where honest conversations about weaknesses are encouraged? Empathy can transform these tough discussions into opportunities for growth.

Empathy in Action: Scaling with Care

During the pandemic, Spark scaled rapidly, onboarding diverse team members across cultures and skill sets. Bren highlighted the role of empathy in managing this growth. By being transparent about the organization’s limitations and priorities, his team fostered trust and alignment.

“We’ve always been honest with our people,” Bren shared. “Not everything is perfect, but we work together to make progress.” This transparency has been key to building a resilient and engaged workforce.

Challenge: How can you use empathy to create alignment and trust during periods of rapid change? Consider transparency as a tool for fostering collaboration.

The Future of Empathy in Leadership

As businesses navigate hybrid work environments, Bren believes empathy will be more critical than ever. He sees vulnerability as a strength in leadership, helping to build trust and authenticity within teams. “Being open about what you don’t have figured out isn’t weakness — it’s courage,” he said.

Food for Thought: What would change in your workplace if leaders embraced vulnerability as a tool for connection and trust?

Final Thoughts: Respect as the Foundation

While Bren stops short of calling for “love” in the workplace, he advocates for respect and a shared commitment to helping employees flourish. “Organizations have a duty to support their people,” he said. “When teams feel respected and valued, they perform at their best.”

Bren’s insights remind us that while technology can drive efficiency, it’s empathy that drives connection — and ultimately, success.

Check out the conversation with Bren Hennesy on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

The hospitality industry has long been synonymous with human connection and guest experiences, but in today’s digital age, it’s clear that technology has a pivotal role to play in enhancing those experiences. On a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Flavio D. Strianese, co-founder of Rooms101.io and founder of Striano, who shared his fascinating journey through law, hospitality, and technology — and how he’s using innovation to make hospitality more efficient, empathetic, and impactful.

A Journey of Diverse Experiences

Flavio’s career trajectory is anything but linear. From tax law in Argentina to bar management in London and eventually leading tech-driven solutions for hospitality, each chapter of his life has added a unique perspective to his work today. As he explained, “Every career switch taught me something different — attention to detail in law, anticipating needs in hospitality, and leveraging tools to solve problems in technology.”

Key Insight: The most valuable skills are often transferable. Whether it’s detail-oriented thinking or empathy for others, every experience has the potential to shape your approach to leadership and innovation.

Redefining Hospitality with Technology

One of the challenges Flavio identified in the hospitality industry is the disconnect between operational systems. Hotels and property managers often rely on multiple platforms that don’t integrate seamlessly, creating inefficiencies and draining valuable time from staff. His solution? Rooms101.io, a platform designed to unify operations, sync calendars, and automate repetitive tasks, giving employees more time to focus on what truly matters: the guest experience.

Takeaway: Technology shouldn’t replace human connection; it should enable it. By automating backend processes, hospitality professionals can redirect their energy toward creating memorable moments for guests.

Empathy in Action

Flavio emphasized the role of empathy in designing technology for hospitality. He explained how Rooms101.io was built with user experience at its core, prioritizing simplicity and accessibility. Features like calendar syncing and reporting dashboards are aimed at helping property managers, even those new to the industry, streamline their operations without feeling overwhelmed.

Try This: When developing solutions — whether for hospitality or any industry — consider how your design can make life easier for the end user. Put yourself in their shoes to anticipate needs and remove friction.

The Human Touch in a Digital World

Despite the advances in AI and automation, Flavio stressed that hospitality remains a human-centered industry. Guests still value the personal touch, whether it’s a warm welcome at check-in or a thoughtful surprise during their stay. Technology can enhance these moments but should never replace them.

Reflection: How can your business use technology to enhance — rather than overshadow — the human connections that define your brand?

Why Now Is the Time for Change

Flavio explained that the pandemic forced the hospitality industry to accelerate its adoption of digital tools, but many organizations are still catching up. With more people investing in short-term rentals and boutique properties, the need for user-friendly, scalable solutions like Rooms101.io has never been greater.

Challenge: What inefficiencies in your industry could be solved with the right technology? And how can you ensure that solution is designed with empathy and adaptability?

Final Thoughts: Love as a Business Philosophy

In a world that often prioritizes profit over people, Flavio reminded us that love has a place in every industry — including hospitality. “When you love what you do, it shows in how you treat others, whether it’s your team or your guests,” he shared. Love, empathy, and passion aren’t just ideals — they’re strategies for creating lasting impact.

Food for Thought: What would change in your organization if love and empathy were at the heart of every decision? As Flavio put it, “Hospitality isn’t just a business; it’s an opportunity to create joy.”

Check out the conversation with Flavio Strianese on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog