Fear isn't just a feeling anymore. It's a product. And someone is always profiting from keeping you afraid of your neighbor. Here's how empathy breaks the cycle.

A ten-minute cab ride, a photography exhibit, and a friendship quiz walk into a newsletter. The through line? Empathy starts with paying attention to what's already right in front of you.

Two studies. Three years apart. The same signal: Americans are as worried about the walls between us as the hit to our wallets. The bridge isn't gone but it needs tending.

White paper based on Rob Volpe's presentation at the SHRM of Tulare/Kings County Annual Conference, September 25, 2025 exploring how to unlock the superpower that improves workplace culture. Hint: It’s all about connecting with empathy.

When empathy is tested by friendship, by politics, by people we disagree with, how do we choose to respond? Three unexpected stories reveal why disconnection is the easy choice, and empathy is the stronger one. Read the post, watch the video and find out!

We all think we are being supportive and good friends, but what type of friend are we when it comes to using empathy? How do we show up for our different friendships? And what do we want for ourselves. Read the post, watch the video and find out!

“Why” seems harmless—but it’s often the word that puts people (and our own inner critic) on the defensive. This edition explores how dropping “why” from your conversations and self-talk can open the door to more honest dialogue, empathy, and connection.

Is empathy really toxic? Rob Volpe breaks down the hype—and shows how empathy, when used with intention, is still our most powerful tool.

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