227: Empathy Expert Michael Tennant Discusses The Transformative Power of Empathy in Business and Family Life

Mom Founder Imagination Hub

Have you ever stopped to consider the significant role empathy plays not only in our personal lives, but also in our professional environment? That's exactly what we did in our recent conversation with Michael Tennant, the founder and CEO of Curiosity Lab. Michael, a new dad, shared with us his deep respect for his wife and all mothers, and how becoming a parent has forced him to remain present and lead with empathy. We explored how empathy can be a secret weapon for anyone - be it moms, founders, entrepreneurs, or creators - and how it can shape healthier, happier lives.

Our exploration into the world of empathy didn't just end there. We dug deeper into our emotional understanding. You know those butterflies you feel in your stomach when you’re nervous or that lump in your throat when you’re sad? We discussed how our bodies physically respond to our emotions and how we can mindfully navigate these sensations. We also delved into the five core emotions - joy, fear, anger, shame, and sadness - and the three types of empathy - cognitive, somatic, and emotional. We learn that all these are here to keep us safe and, with a touch of practical exercises, we can use them to make intentional choices in our interactions with others.

This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide For Stretching Every Mom’s Superpower For Maximum Impact – My book is now available on Amazon in its audiobook format, paperback version and Kindle format. Grab a free chapter on www.fertileideas.com.

DM me on Instagram @melissallarena just type the word FERTILE and I’ll share the link if that’s easier to get to fertileideas.com for all the details you need to celebrate your own Fertile Imagination! Here’s that link: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

About Michael Tennant

• Michael Tennant is the CEO of Curiosity Lab, a purpose-driven venture studio and consultancy that aims to make empathy easy and accessible to learn and teach. He is also the author of the book "The Power of Empathy," a 30-day guide that walks readers through the five phases of empathy. Through Curiosity Lab, Tennant creates and incubates businesses that help values-aligned individuals and organizations use empathy to live happier and healthier lives and to nurture productive and inclusive environments. He also teaches empathy to various organizations, schools, government and non-profit organizations, including NASA. Tennant's approach to empathy has been shaped by personal loss and he advocates for greater emotional proficiency to deal with challenging moments and to foster connection. His innovative approach has led to his company receiving an investment from Pharrell and the Black Ambition Prize in 2022.

• Let's face it - balancing motherhood and business isn't just hard, it's a superpower. Join us as we navigate through this enlightening journey of understanding empathy, emotions, and more. Share your thoughts and let's explore together.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Michael’s leadership has steered the organization towards nurturing businesses that are not only empathetic but also align with individual and organizational values.

• His book, "The Power of Empathy" is structured as a 30-day guide, aiming to simplify the concept of empathy and make it accessible.

• The book takes readers through a comprehensive journey of understanding empathy, breaking it down into five phases. This approach provides a clear and easy-to-follow structure for those looking to improve their empathy skills.

• Curiosity Lab aims to utilize empathy as a means to enhance various aspects of life and work. They believe that empathy can improve happiness, health, productivity, and inclusivity.

• Tennant’s collaboration with NASA, demonstrating the broad reach and relevance of his empathy training initiatives

• How Tennant's personal experiences, particularly his own losses, have significantly influenced his perspective on empathy – Empathy can not only be a personal skill but also a viable business strategy.

• A major part of Tennant's advocacy revolves around promoting emotional proficiency to help individuals navigate difficult situations and foster stronger connections.

• How empathy plays a crucial role in creating productive and inclusive environments – Michael champions empathy as a necessary tool in building harmonious and effective workspaces.

• One of the notable investors in Michael's company is the renowned artist Pharrell. This suggests that his work has resonance and appeal across different sectors, including entertainment.

• In 2022, Curiosity Lab was honored with the Black Ambition Prize. This recognition is a testament to the studio's purpose-driven work and innovative approach to empathy.

• Curiosity Lab and Michael's innovative approach to empathy have earned recognition and awards. This affirms the significance and impact of their work in promoting empathy.

• SHARE this episode with shared with entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to enhance their understanding and application of empathy in various aspects of life.

Supporting Resources:

Curiosity Lab

“The Power of Empathy” - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Empathy-Thirty-Day-Personal-Growth/dp/1797220276

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators? I’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.

I’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms.

About Fertile Imagination – www.fertileideas.com

You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There’s

flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and

professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It’s

time to see and seize what’s beyond your gaze. Let’s bridge your childhood daydreams

with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you,

surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There’s only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what’s been done before: a

Fertile Imagination. It’s like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when

it’s alert!

In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you

can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in

this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools,

and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!

Advance Praise

“You’ll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling

life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator

“Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about

topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom

(and dad too) truly happy to work on...even after the kids are in bed.”

—KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money

“This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a

great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to

reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX