Leaders who embrace their full humanity are better equipped to lead others. In a world obsessed with performance metrics and bottom-line thinking, it’s easy to overlook the most transformative leadership tool available — self-awareness. In a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, co-hosts Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski sat down with Stacey Estrella, co-founder of Mastering Your Human Design, for a conversation that pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to lead with empathy.

Stacey’s path to purpose-driven leadership has been anything but conventional. From competing on Project Runway to facilitating immersive brand storytelling events, her journey is marked by continual reinvention. But it wasn’t until she discovered Human Design — a system that integrates elements of astrology, chakras, and quantum physics — that everything truly clicked.

What she found wasn’t a mystical shortcut, but a deeply grounding framework that gave her permission to stop performing and start leading as her whole self. “It allowed me to release everything I’m not,” Stacey explained. “And when you do that for yourself, you can’t help but do it for others. That’s where real empathy begins.”

Self-Awareness: The Leadership Superpower

Throughout the conversation, Stacey made one thing clear: there’s no shortcut to empathetic leadership. It begins with radical self-acceptance — the willingness to look at your strengths, your flaws, and even the decisions you regret through the lens of understanding rather than judgment.

“When you can love on all those decisions — especially the ones that make you cringe — you unlock a kind of emotional elasticity,” she shared. “It creates space to connect with others from a place of compassion rather than control.”

The data backs her up. A Korn Ferry study found that leaders with high self-awareness are significantly more effective, in part because they are better equipped to manage their own emotions and understand the perspectives of others. It’s the foundation of emotional intelligence — and emotional intelligence is a key driver of performance.

Empathy is Not Weakness — It’s Strategic

Mike pointed to a Harvard Business Review study showing that companies scoring highest on empathy indices outperform their peers by 50% in profit generation. The takeaway? Empathy isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a competitive advantage.

But as Stacey warned, empathy without boundaries can lead to emotional burnout. “You can’t confuse feeling with carrying,” she said. “Empathy means being present with someone’s experience — not absorbing it as your own.”

This is where Stacey’s work with Human Design comes into play. It helps leaders differentiate between their own energy and the emotional energy of others, enabling them to support their teams without sacrificing themselves in the process.

Leading With Empathy in a Digital Age

Stacey also reflected on the role of technology in fostering or eroding human connection. “I never want technology to come between me and a client,” she said. “I use AI to learn — but not to create. That’s a line I draw because it keeps the work human.”

Instead, Stacey sees technology as a tool to support meaningful one-to-one interactions — not replace them. It’s a mindset more organizations will need as automation becomes increasingly prevalent.

The Future of Business is Personal

Perhaps the most powerful insight Stacey offered was this: the organizations of the future will succeed not by standardizing people, but by recognizing and optimizing their differences.

“When leaders start with empathy and build from the individual up, they create cultures of trust and resilience,” she said. “That’s when teams move beyond productivity and into purpose.”

Her advice for businesses looking to stay ahead? Replace rigid efficiency models with systems that prioritize well-being and human wholeness. “We’re entering an era where love will be the cornerstone of successful business,” she said. “And that starts with how leaders show up for themselves and their people.”

Final Thought

Leadership isn’t about being everything to everyone. It’s about being fully yourself so you can see — and support — others in doing the same. As Stacey reminded us, empathy begins within. And when leaders operate from that place of self-awareness and authenticity, they create organizations where people don’t just perform — they thrive.

Check out our full conversation with Stacey Estrella on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

In a business world that often places profit above all else, striking a balance between financial growth and social responsibility can feel like walking a tightrope. For Brandon Powell, CEO of HatchWorks AI, that tightrope has been both a challenge and a calling.

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Brandon opens up about the journey that led him to build HatchWorks AI — an innovative software development company with delivery hubs across Latin America and a mission rooted in purpose. From humble beginnings and a fierce entrepreneurial spirit to bold pivots into AI and nonprofit work, Brandon’s story is a case study in what it means to lead with empathy, resilience, and values.

From Bootstrapped Beginnings to Global Vision

Brandon’s entrepreneurial path began young — starting his first business at 14 and learning the value of hard work under the guidance of a single mom. His professional career later took him into consulting and product leadership at Cricket Wireless before he founded HatchWorks eight years ago. What started as a local software firm has grown into a cross-border operation helping companies adopt and scale AI.

But growth wasn’t always smooth. Brandon shared candidly about the challenges of balancing rapid expansion with profitability — admitting that for a time, his passion for giving back outweighed financial discipline. “My heart was too big for the growth we were doing,” he said, recalling periods of fast growth but zero profits. That honesty became the turning point.

Redefining Success Through Purpose

Rather than compromise his values, Brandon recalibrated his leadership approach — focusing on both impact and sustainability. Today, HatchWorks operates under a clear purpose: to merge artificial and human intelligence in an inclusive and responsible way for all. That includes creating career pathways through AI education for underserved communities.

Through Hatch Futures, the company’s nonprofit arm, Brandon and his team have set a bold goal: train 1,000 educators across Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Colombia, and Costa Rica by 2030. “I believe AI can break poverty cycles,” he shared, underscoring the profound alignment between HatchWorks’ commercial mission and social vision.

A Strategic Advantage Rooted in Empathy

Brandon’s philosophy isn’t just rooted in ideals — it’s delivering real business results. HatchWorks maintains a 99% retention rate among its technical talent, an impressive feat in one of the most competitive sectors. The reason? Culture, purpose, and an unwavering focus on people.

It’s a recurring theme we see across The Bliss Business Podcast: companies that lead with empathy tend to outperform their peers. A recent study by Unilever found that purpose-driven brands like Dove and Seventh Generation were growing 50% faster than the rest of the portfolio. Similarly, research from Deloitte shows that 88% of consumers want brands to help them live more purpose-driven lives.

For Brandon, this insight is lived experience. “People want to work on something beyond themselves,” he said. “It’s not just about the paycheck — it’s about meaning, belonging, and impact.”

Creating a Win-Win-Win Culture

A key takeaway from the conversation was Brandon’s emphasis on what he calls “the art of the win-win-win.” It’s not just about what’s good for the business or the customer — but also for the broader community. His partnerships reflect this mindset, especially when it comes to working with schools and organizations aligned with HatchWorks’ social goals.

By tying social impact directly into HatchWorks’ strategic priorities, Brandon ensures purpose isn’t an afterthought. It’s one of the company’s “big hairy audacious goals” (BHAGs) for the year — right alongside profitability.

Final Thoughts: Leading with Love, Not Ego

When asked if love belongs in business, Brandon didn’t hesitate. “I love having a business,” he said, “because of what it allows me to do for others.” While he’s learned to detach his identity from his company, his commitment to leading with heart remains constant.

Brandon’s journey is a powerful reminder that purpose and profit don’t have to be at odds. With the right mindset, structure, and support, businesses can build cultures where people thrive, communities grow, and innovation flourishes.

Check out our full conversation with Brandon Powell on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

Authentic connection isn’t a “nice-to-have” — it’s the foundation of meaningful growth. But how do you foster that connection when your business spans two countries and 140+ locations?

On this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Vanessa Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar, joined us to share how she’s scaling a purpose-driven franchise while preserving the human element at every touchpoint. What started as a single bar has grown into North America’s original and largest blow dry bar franchise. But the secret to Blo’s growth isn’t just business strategy — it’s culture, community, and care.

The Power of Purpose in a Service Brand

Vanessa’s journey to leadership wasn’t a straight line. With a background in marketing and nonprofit fundraising, she joined Blo ten years ago with a vision to grow the business while preserving its soul.

One of the most powerful insights from the conversation? “We’re not just in the beauty business,” Vanessa explained. “We’re in the wellness business. We make people feel wonderful — and that’s what they remember.”

At Blo, emotional connection is woven into the fabric of every location. From team camaraderie to personalized guest experiences, every bar is designed to deliver not just a service, but a feeling. Whether someone comes in for a quick blowout before work or a celebratory moment with friends, the goal is the same: make them feel confident, cared for, and seen.

Scaling Connection Across Franchises

Scaling connection might sound contradictory — but for Vanessa, it’s a matter of intention.

Franchisees are selected not just for operational competence, but for cultural fit. “They need to love building relationships,” Vanessa shared. “Because that’s what our business is built on.”

Franchisees are supported with tools like community engagement marketing, regular roundtables, best practice sharing, and hands-on support from the corporate team. “We bring the recipe and the ingredients,” Vanessa said, “and our franchisees bring their own flair.”

The result? A national brand that still feels personal at the local level.

Creating an Environment That Builds Trust

Blo Blow Dry Bar takes a meticulous approach to consistency across its network. Brand standards, training materials, digital tools, and regular feedback loops — including Net Promoter Scores and social review monitoring — ensure a unified guest experience.

But beyond processes, it’s the purpose that drives loyalty.

Vanessa shared countless examples of how franchisees use their locations to give back — from offering free services to cancer patients’ families, to supporting women preparing for job interviews. These aren’t PR stunts — they’re organic expressions of a brand rooted in empathy.

As Vanessa put it, “The businesses that thrive are the ones that weave themselves into the fabric of their communities.”

The Role of Leadership in Sustaining Culture

For Vanessa, leadership isn’t about command and control — it’s about understanding what franchisees and team members are trying to achieve and equipping them to get there.

That means supporting franchisees in their goals, helping team members develop professionally, and nurturing an inclusive culture that values emotional intelligence. “We lead with empathy because our success is completely tied to our franchisees’ success,” she said.

That mindset shows up in everything from personalized support to the way customer service is framed — not just as a transaction, but as a meaningful moment in someone’s life.

Final Thoughts

As Blo continues to grow, Vanessa is committed to staying grounded in the values that built the brand. “The goal is more of the same — just bigger and deeper,” she shared.

In a world where automation and standardization often dominate growth strategies, Blo Blow Dry Bar is proving that heart still scales. Through intentional leadership, community engagement, and a deep understanding of human connection, Vanessa Yakobson is showing how to grow with purpose — and grace.

Check out our full conversation with Vanessa Yakobson on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

What happens to empathy when people gain power? It’s a question few business leaders ask — but maybe they should.

In this conversation on The Bliss Business Podcast, we were joined by Chris Jarvis, co-founder of Realized Worth, to unpack the surprising neuroscience behind empathy, the risks of power, and how immersive experiences — not theories — help leaders reconnect with their humanity.

Chris isn’t your typical business strategist. His work centers around turning corporate volunteering and CSR efforts into meaningful, transformative programs that shift mindsets, not just metrics. And in this episode, he brought his signature depth, honesty, and clarity to the topic of leadership in today’s disconnected world.

The Power Paradox and the Loss of Empathy

Chris opened with a striking insight: power often erodes the very qualities that help people become leaders in the first place. Drawing from studies by Dacher Keltner and others, he explained that as people gain influence, their ability to empathize often diminishes.

This isn’t simply behavioral — it’s neurological. Research shows that increased power reduces mirroring activity in the brain, making it harder for leaders to read emotions, take on perspectives, or stay tuned into the people around them.

In practical terms, this means organizations may unintentionally promote people into roles where their empathy atrophies — and the people around them feel it.

You Can’t Think your Way Into Empathy

Chris reminded us that empathy isn’t something you learn by reading about it. It has to be experienced. He describes empathy like a muscle that needs regular stretching — through immersion in unfamiliar contexts, direct human connection, and meaningful storytelling.

One of the most powerful pathways? Volunteering.

In his work with Realized Worth, Chris helps organizations design employee volunteering experiences that do more than serve a cause — they create space for reflection, humility, and cognitive dissonance. It’s in those moments of discomfort that real transformation begins.

Why Measurement Alone Misses the Mark

When asked how companies can track success in these programs, Chris had a clear stance: start with meaning, not metrics. Too often, companies focus on outputs — hours volunteered, dollars raised — without asking whether anything actually changed.

He offered a powerful reframe: instead of measuring how many backpacks were packed, ask what changed in the people doing the packing.

These qualitative shifts — greater awareness, new perspectives, renewed commitment — are where culture begins to evolve.

Business Systems Can’t Love, but People Can

Every guest on the podcast is asked the same question: does love belong in business?

Chris’s answer was grounded and thought-provoking. He explained that love, as a deeply human experience, doesn’t live in systems. It lives in people. Business frameworks aren’t designed to feel. But the individuals within them can lead with love, embody compassion, and design with empathy.

It’s not about institutionalizing love — it’s about empowering the people inside systems to be human first.

Final Reflections

This conversation was a timely reminder that business success and human connection aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they’re deeply intertwined.

Empathy isn’t a soft skill or a nice-to-have. It’s a cultural differentiator, a leadership advantage, and a guiding force that allows organizations to build trust — both inside and out.

Chris Jarvis reminds us that the most effective leaders aren’t those who climb the fastest, but those who pause, look around, and ask: who am I bringing with me? What am I learning? And what kind of world am I helping to create?

Have you ever experienced a shift in empathy through volunteering or service? Share your story with us.

Check out our full conversation with Chris Jarvis on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

Success in business is often measured by revenue, growth, and market dominance. But what if the true key to long-term success lies not in numbers, but in human connection?

In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sat down with Shane Evans, co-founder and CEO of Heights Wellness Retreat (formerly Massage Heights). With over two decades of experience in franchising and wellness, Shane has built a thriving brand centered on purpose, emotional intelligence, and — most importantly — empathy.

But what does it truly mean to lead with empathy? And how can business leaders create cultures that not only drive performance but also cultivate a deep sense of trust, belonging, and shared purpose?

The Role of Empathy in Business Growth

For Shane, empathy isn’t just a leadership trait — it’s a foundational business strategy.

Having grown Heights Wellness Retreat from a single location in San Antonio to over 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada, Shane knows firsthand that sustainable growth requires more than a strong business model. It demands a culture where employees, franchisees, and customers all feel valued, heard, and supported.

One of the most powerful insights she shared is that in franchising, success isn’t dictated solely by the corporate office. Instead, it’s a collaborative ecosystem where franchisees invest not just financially but emotionally in the brand.

“When people buy into your brand — whether they’re employees, franchisees, or customers — they want to leave their mark. And to do that, they need to be heard.”

This mindset led Shane to prioritize deep listening and inclusion, ensuring that franchisees have a voice in decision-making. The result? A franchise network that doesn’t just execute a business model but actively co-creates it.

The Grandma Rule: A Simple Framework for Empathy in Leadership

When asked how she integrates empathy into her leadership, Shane shared a straightforward yet impactful approach: The Grandma Rule.

Inspired by the way she would want her own grandmother to be treated, Shane encourages her team to apply this principle in every interaction — whether with customers, employees, or franchisees.

“You don’t need a manual to tell you how to handle difficult situations. Just ask yourself: if this were my grandmother, how would I treat her? How would I make her feel valued and respected?”

This philosophy has shaped the customer experience at Heights Wellness Retreat, ensuring that every touchpoint — from the initial greeting to post-service follow-up — is designed to make guests feel genuinely cared for.

Rebranding with Purpose: The Evolution to Heights Wellness Retreat

Rebrands are often associated with marketing updates, new logos, and fresh messaging. But for Shane, the recent transition from Massage Heights to Heights Wellness Retreat was about something deeper — realigning the brand with its original purpose.

“We’ve always been about more than massage. Our mission has been to make wellness accessible and holistic. This evolution allows us to serve people in an even more meaningful way.”

By expanding offerings beyond massage and skincare to comprehensive wellness services, Heights Wellness Retreat is meeting the growing demand for integrated mind-body care — a trend that has only accelerated in recent years.

Balancing Empathy with Accountability

One challenge many leaders face is balancing compassion with performance expectations. Shane acknowledges that while empathy is essential, so is accountability.

“Culture without accountability won’t get anything done. You need clear goals, shared expectations, and a framework that allows people to thrive.”

To maintain this balance, Shane integrates values-based hiring, leadership transparency, and structured goal-setting into the company’s operations.

At Heights, they use Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to track performance, ensuring that while the culture remains supportive and people-focused, business objectives stay front and center.

The Future of Leadership: What Role Does Love Play in Business?

At the end of every episode, we ask our guests a simple but profound question: Does love belong in business?

Shane’s response was unequivocal.

“We spend more time at work than anywhere else. The relationships we build with colleagues, franchisees, and customers are what keep people engaged. Love — whether it’s respect, care, or simply showing up for one another — is what makes businesses thrive.”

She emphasized that when employees feel valued and connected, they stay — even when offered higher salaries elsewhere. This underscores a crucial lesson for leaders: people don’t leave companies; they leave cultures that don’t make them feel seen or appreciated.

Final Thoughts: Leadership as a Shared Journey

At its core, great leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, inspired, and empowered to grow.

Whether it’s through deep listening, co-creation, or simply following The Grandma Rule, Shane Evans has built a business that proves empathy isn’t just a soft skill — it’s a competitive advantage.

What are some ways you bring empathy into your leadership? Let’s continue the conversation.

Check out our full conversation with Shane Evans on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

Success in business has long been defined by numbers — revenue, growth, and operational efficiency. But the most impactful leaders understand that behind every number is a person. A team member, a customer, a franchise partner — each driven by emotions, needs, and aspirations.

In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sat down with Tim Vogel, founder of Scenthound, a pet wellness company that has rapidly expanded through a purpose-driven franchise model. What sets Scenthound apart isn’t just its unique approach to pet care — it’s the emotional intelligence (EQ) embedded in its leadership, culture, and customer experience.

So how does a leader scale empathy? And what role does emotional intelligence play in sustaining business growth?

Leading with Self-Awareness

For Tim, the entrepreneurial journey has been as much about personal evolution as business growth. Over two decades, he’s discovered a core truth:

“The business grows as the leader grows.”

Every stage of business presents new challenges, and the biggest barrier to success is often the leader themselves. Self-awareness — the ability to recognize blind spots, accept feedback, and adapt — is the foundation of emotional intelligence.

At Scenthound, this translates into a company-wide culture of coachability. Tim explains that in every hiring decision, from franchisees to corporate staff, one question takes priority: Is this person coachable?

Because adaptability is key. The best team members aren’t just skilled — they are self-aware enough to evolve with the company’s needs.

Empathy as a Business Strategy

Empathy isn’t just a leadership trait — it’s a business strategy.

At Scenthound, customer relationships don’t start and end with a grooming appointment. Every service is an opportunity to educate dog parents about their pet’s health.

“We help dog parents love and connect with their dogs,” Tim says.

Customers may visit initially for convenience, but they stay because they feel more connected to their pets. And that emotional connection isn’t accidental — it’s built into Scenthound’s entire customer journey.

It starts internally. When franchisees feel supported, they create a great employee experience. When employees feel valued, they deliver exceptional service to customers. That’s why Scenthound prioritizes empathy at every level.

And it’s not just theory — science backs it up. Studies show that companies with emotionally intelligent leadership experience higher employee retention, increased customer loyalty, and stronger financial performance.

The Role of EQ in Scaling a Business

Scaling a company isn’t just about expanding operations — it’s about maintaining a strong culture as the business grows.

Scenthound has opened over 125 locations in just a few years. But rapid expansion brings challenges:

• How do you maintain brand consistency across multiple locations?
• How do you ensure new franchisees share the same values?
• How do you scale the culture that made the business successful in the first place?

Tim’s solution: systems and structure that reinforce the company’s purpose.

Daily huddles, monthly brand updates, franchise advisory councils — these aren’t just operational tools. They are rituals that reinforce the company’s mission.

“Culture is just a compilation of the practices you put in place to reinforce behaviors,” Tim explains.

When every meeting, training, and customer interaction ties back to the company’s core values, emotional intelligence stops being an abstract idea — it becomes a tangible business asset.

Emotional Intelligence as a Competitive Advantage

Business isn’t just about transactions — it’s about relationships.

A company that integrates emotional intelligence into its culture isn’t just more pleasant to work for — it’s more profitable.

• Employees stay longer when they feel valued.
• Customers become brand advocates when they feel understood.
• Leaders make better decisions when they can regulate emotions and read situations effectively.

Tim’s journey proves that businesses don’t thrive despite emotional intelligence — they thrive because of it.

The bottom line? The future of leadership isn’t just about making smarter business decisions. It’s about making more human ones. What role does emotional intelligence play in your business?

Check out the full conversation with Tim Vogel on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog