Prioritizing Empathy with Leadership Professor Christopher Adkins

What kind of future becomes possible when we lead with empathy?

This episode of How We Future features Notre Dame Leadership professor, executive coach, and Master Teacher of Business Ethics Christopher Adkins. Chris and Lisa explore why empathy may be one of the most essential skills for navigating an increasingly complex future.

Drawing on decades of experience designing transformative learning experiences, Chris shares how empathy goes far beyond simply understanding another person's perspective. It's about creating the conditions for people to feel seen, heard, and capable of contributing their unique experiences. Whether you're leading a team, designing products, facilitating conversations, or building community, empathy is a powerful tool for unlocking creativity, trust, and possibility.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

• Why meaningful learning begins with listening before solving.
• How great facilitators create spaces where everyone feels they belong.
• The role of vulnerability and trust in building stronger teams and communities.
• Practical ways to strengthen your empathy in everyday conversations and leadership.

If this conversation sparked a new way of thinking, we'd love to hear from you. Share your reflections in the comments, subscribe to How We Future, and leave a rating or review to help more people discover conversations about building better futures together.

Links from the episode:

• Chris’s LinkedIn
• Mendoza College of Business
• Exploring the Science of Empathy, Lisa’s reflection on Chris’s visit to the d.school
• Give and Take by Adam Grant

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