Empathy as a Learnable Business Skill | Michele Hansen

Mastering Empathy in Business: An Interview with Michele Hansen In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball interviews Michele Hansen, author of 'Deploy Empathy.' Michele discusses her journey from the technical side of business to understanding and mastering empathy. The episode covers how empathy can be a learned skill crucial for business success, even in technical fields like software development. Michele shares her insights on applying empathy in product management, marketing, and sales, emphasizing the importance of understanding people's contexts. The conversation explores the unexpected benefits of empathy in building trust and deepening relationships, as well as Michele's experiences and strategies for successful podcasting. Listeners are encouraged to consider how they can apply empathy in their own professional and personal lives. 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Empathy in Business 00:17 Meet Michelle Hansen: From Technical Background to Empathy Advocate 02:57 The Journey to Entrepreneurship and Writing a Book 06:01 Understanding Empathy: Michelle's Insights 08:40 Applying Empathy in Business and Beyond 18:29 The Role of Podcasting in Promoting Empathy 26:56 Practical Tips for Developing Empathy 40:57 Conclusion: Embracing Empathy in Professional Life