What do Joe Rogan, surfing and redemption have in common? They were themes of two memoirs I recently completed. Both gave me new insight into the development of empathy and my own boundaries to have empathy with others.

Listening is a challenge for many of us, particularly with the digital distractions, polarization and cultural dysphoria we all experience. People tell me that the struggle to listen and understand others is one of their biggest challenges. Let’s take a look at 3 tips that will improve your listening skills.

We all make mistakes. I let my judgment get the best of me recently in a salon and made a scene. Here’s what’s not to do and maybe some helpful tips.
Plus, Elon Musk recently said he wants to save the world from empathy. I argue that with empathy we can save the world.

White paper based on Rob Volpe's presentation at the B2BMX event on February 26, 2025 exploring how to break the barriers of empathy in order to influence buyer behavior. Secret: It’s all about relationships

Resolving conflict and misunderstanding requires more than just posturing. Using these three phrases followed by another critical word that provides the context will help reach a place of empathy. From there, you can solve the issue.

Resolving conflict and misunderstanding requires more than just posturing. Using these three phrases followed by another critical word that provides the context will help reach a place of empathy. From there, you can solve the issue.

Setting resolutions for the New Year can get you in trouble when the universe sends you a curveball or two. My 2024 would have been much harder to navigate had I retained a fixed mindset. Instead, I set intentions…

Take the tension and awkward pauses out of any holiday gathering when you play Lifeology - the conversation game that everyone can play, learn more about each other and add to the connection we all enjoy at the holidays. Just download the game, cut out the questions and you are ready to play!

Holiday family gatherings can be filled with tension as we sit at the table with people with different points of view. It doesn’t have to be cringey though, and this edition of Rob’s newsletter, Reading Between the Lines, can help navigate those tricky moments. Plus, the latest edition of Lifeology, which creates great conversations with people at your holiday event.

The holidays are filled with joy and nostalgia which makes us want to reconnect with people from our past. Should we? Here are 3 tips to consider and a watch-out on the elephant in the room. Plus… a lesson Oprah learned on this very topic. “Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today.”

Anxiety seems to have everyone in its grasp when it comes to the election. Learn what other US adults are feeling, and how to engage people with different viewpoints in conversation once this is all over.

Activities to practice and strengthen your empathy muscle based on the 5 Steps to Empathy and Rob Volpe's presentation at the B2BMX: East event on October 2, 2024

Millions of customers see their status shift every year. How businesses break the news and deliver the landing can mean the difference in retaining the loyalty over the long term, or losing the business to another company with their arms open, eager to embrace. The most common example of this is the travel industry. Here’s my experience of my most recent ‘fall from grace’ with United Airlines.

Customer service can be frustrating - for both the worker and the customer. So frustrating in fact, someone once threw a shoe at GTU co-host Deena Manzanares. It doesn’t have to be this way. Putting a little empathy to work can go a long way to help everyone achieve a positive outcome… without hurling a shoe. Be the person they want to help instead of have to help.

Overwhelmed, financially insecure and concerned about the future. No surprise there’s an undercurrent of anxiety and worry. Collectively, we all need a little Christmas. The spirit of Christmas. The joy. The peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.

Holidays can be as joyous as they can be cringey with inappropriate questions and polarizing views shared unprompted. Watch and listen as Rob shares the tips to navigate the conversation and plays the Lifeology game with Good Things Utah hosts Nicea Degering and Surae Chinn. Plus, get your own Lifeology game download FREE for your holiday gatherings.

It’s a tough decision - do I fake the flu or go to dinner when I know I might be offended and have to have difficult conversations. Good news! You don’t have to pretend to have rabies! Enter the holiday table lion’s den with confidence with these 6 tips for tricky conversations. Plus, a custom game that you can use to have enlightening conversations with everyone at the table.

Whether at back-to-school or anytime throughout the year, using empathy when interacting with your kids can lead to stronger relationships by eliciting more honest conversation and understanding. Watch and listen as Rob shares the tips with Good Things Utah hosts Nicea Degering and Surae Chinn.

Watch Rob on Good Things Utah explain how to integrate empathy into understanding… with the help of ice cream!

Discover why Empathy is like one of our senses. In the workplace, cognitive empathy is the skill we need to strengthen and master.