Empathy is a vital, though oft-neglected, skill that is finally receiving its due. The ability to connect and build trust and openness with others is critical in every aspect of a person’s private and professional lives, but only recently has this “soft” skill been acknowledged as being equally important as tech know-how and tim management. A connected team is an accountable team is a productive team, and an authentic person is happier and more engaged. Empathy is the subject of many intensive studies and is now actively taught in some schools; for those of us who have long since graduated, we can fortunately turn to empathy speakers and thought leaders for a little continued education in this field. 

Belinda Parmar is an empathy and innovation expert helping companies create inclusive, courageous cultures. The former Empathy-In-Residence at Barclays and the creator of the Global Empathy Index, she has been recognized for her services to women in technology and as a top 20 Diversity Champion. 

Empathy speaker and Stanford professor of psychology Jamil Zaki studies social connection. The author of over 100 articles and recipient of two dozen scientific awards, he has pioneered a new perspective on empathy as a learnable skill that is the key for creating a thriving workplace in a fractured world. An active contributor to major media publications and a frequent keynote speaker, he has worked with everyone from middle schoolers to government officials.

DE&I keynote speaker and National Geographic explorer Chris Bashineli empowers companies to build cultures of human connection. With a practical approach to fostering empathy and trust, he offers real-life solutions to the mental health challenges that lower productivity and quality of life, helping others find meaning and happiness.

Futurist, best-selling author and empathy speaker Heather McGowan prepares leaders to guide their team through the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She has worked alongside Fortune 500 companies, college students, and government officials to build trust and community in a time of increasing isolation and polarization.

Shola Kaye is a former academic researcher, author, and award-winning empathy speaker devoted to helping organizations build People-First Cultures. A frequent speaker and LinkedIn Leaning Instructor, she shares the transformative power of inclusivity, openness and empathy to create solid, resilient teams.

Empowerment speaker and activist Brandon Farbstein helps audiences challenge limiting beliefs and live their most fulfilling lives. A frequent advisor to large-scale organizations, such as HP and Marriott, on DE&I, he has also been pivotal in the enacting of two pieces of Virginia legislation that focus on preventing bullying in schools and teaching empathy in all K-12 classrooms.

Eric Maddox is a  consultant and negotiator who has shaped the way the US military collects intelligence, and now uses the same techniques once used to locate notorious criminals and extremists to help people around the world build trust in their personal and professional lives. Through empathy based listening, he turns audiences into active listeners, leaders, and contributors. 

Leslie Boyer is an emotional intelligence and empathy speaker who has coached Fortune 500 leaders across the globe in increasing their value through empathy and self-awareness. With over 2 decades of experience catalyzing others, she has perfected the formulas for creating high-performing teams, improving communication, and building open, accountable and growth-oriented work cultures.

Entrepreneur and investor Andrea Barrica is an empathy warrior committed to creating more inclusive communities in the tech world. Using empathy as her “superpower,” she has gained a reputation for helping organizations grow their profits, embrace diversity, and bounce back from failure.

Taryn Marie Stejskal is a bestselling author, resilience and mental health expert and empathy speaker who equips her audiences with the tools to survive times of change and rise above the competition.Her signature framework, The Five Practices of Highly Resilient People, crafted after two decades of intensive research into how people face adversity, helps leaders understand the importance of authenticity and empathy in connecting with their team members and helping their organizations flourish.

Seeking a better understanding of empathy and its advantages? Reach out to us at info@bigspeak.com to bring a top empathy speaker to your next conference.