Empathy is My Superpower On Stage and Off

Empathy is my superpower. It’s not some feel-good quality; it’s the thing that lets me connect, lead, and get things done. By the word empathy, I mean understanding exactly where people are coming from and seeing things from their perspective. That’s what makes the difference in my work, whether I’m standing in front of an orchestra or coaching executives.

When I’m on the podium, empathy is a key tool in connecting with the orchestra. I’m not just listening to the music or watching the players; I’m tuning into each person in real time, picking up on who’s nervous, who’s completely focused, who doesn’t trust me yet. I know that for us to play well together, I must understand each musician as a person, not just as someone holding an instrument. That’s not about being “nice”; it’s about knowing how to get the best out of people by meeting them where they are and pushing them toward what they can become.

In coaching, empathy is even more crucial. People come to me expecting strategies, techniques, things they think will make them better leaders. But often, the thing they’re missing is real empathy—knowing how to understand and support the people on their teams. Executives sometimes think they don’t need it, but empathy is what allows you to make the right call, build real trust, and create a culture where people want to be. When people feel understood, they open up, they’re more creative, and they’re willing to go the extra mile. That’s where transformative leadership comes in.

One of my past coaching clients was a senior executive who was having a hard time connecting with his team. He was smart and driven but always focused on his goals without taking in their concerns. Through our work together, he learned to ask simple but powerful questions—about people’s motivations, their needs, their frustrations, which soon led to an improved team moral. By feeling seen and heard, they were able to come up with numerous creative solutions and ideas which helped the company grow extensively. By using empathy, he didn’t just manage his team; he got them to a place where they could excel.

Being empathic can be demanding, even uncomfortable at times. It means you can’t ignore what people are going through, but it doesn’t mean avoiding hard decisions. Sometimes, empathy means pushing someone harder because you can see what they’re capable of. It’s about being in tune enough to know when someone needs support and when they need a challenge. It’s understanding their limits and then helping them stretch beyond what they thought possible.

For me, empathy is what ties everything together. It’s what lets me walk into a room, really see people, and figure out what’s needed to bring out their best. It’s practical, direct, and honest, and it’s my greatest asset. Empathy is my superpower because it makes every interaction real and, therefore, is the basis of a great performance—on stage and off.

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