Applied Empathy

Applied Empathy teaches business leaders to 'Ask-Listen-Think' in a success method that is easy transferrable across industry domains. Before I read this book, I considered empathy to be an ineffable quality; either you have it or you don't. Not only does Ventura show how he applies empathy at the highest levels of leadership in companies like Nike and GE, he provides a tangible framework for applying it to your own business. Its impossible to read this book and not see how it can immediately improve your leadership. Oh, and somehow he winds magic and spirituality into the fabric of his proven methods. This is a gem to read and to ponder.

I know people will think the headline is hyperbole, but I can assure you it is not. I am a 4th generation retailer who has spent a lifetime working in various areas in the industry.One issue that I have often dealt with is trying to explain some of my skills and abilities in a way that makes sense. This is especially true in an age where analytics seem more important than qualities that skew more creatively.What Michael Ventura does is explains the value of empathy and how it can be utilized effectively to be a better employee, leader, business owner or just a better person.I have always argued that maintaining the proper balance between the "Art and Science" is essential to ones success. I believe empathy is the trait that bridges the two, but was never able to articulate it in a way that makes sense. Applied Empathy and Michael Ventura have done that in this wonderful book.I have read it multiple times and have listened to it on Audible as well. I have also given it as a gift to many business leaders who I know have enjoyed it as well.I am not associated, with nor have I been paid for this review. I am just a fan.

Most of the book was filled with examples of how Sub Rosa helped other companies redefine themselves by applying empathy based on the company’s original business intent. He goes over the archetypes and connects them with different ways, but I didn’t get enough out of how to apply empathy to my company as an individual contributor. I felt like I only got insight on how to completely redefine a new product or save a company from going under but not how to work on empathy skills to use on a daily basis. I think the book would be great for consultants or business owners but may not help an low level employee gain any new leadership insight.

Michael was so kind and came to talk with our book club. He shared his experiences creating the resources for Applied Empathy over his lifetime. What a journey and how his wisdom can apply across so many backgrounds, was a lovely surprise. I’m not a business leader but from the academic world, and I found that learning about how empathy can be applied in all life situations to make connections deeper is something I will be thinking about in all of my future interactions.

It was just kind of a bummer to have so much "i am so naturally gifted this way" language early in a book about empathy. An *intuitive* empath would know how cringy that is. That made it hard to take seriously, albeit some wisdom is in there between the hard self given pats on the back.

I really enjoyed reading Applied Empathy! Off the bat, Ventura makes the important distinction that empathy is often conflated with being nice, which obscures its true power as a perspective taking tool. This was a revelation! Not only does he supply tactical ways to become more empathic, he also includes anecdotes (both personal and professional) that really resonate and ground his advice in something tangible. Frankly this is more than a business book. Rather its a guide to deepen your relationship with yourself, peers and even brands/businesses. I'd highly recommend!

I loved this book for the way Ventura legitimizes the application of empathy and why it not only matters to us as humans, but why it drives key insights that deliver the difference. The case studies are about brands we all know, love and have no idea where their branding solutions came from until now. I loved hearing the history of the problems and the approaches that solved them. I both listened to the audio and read the physical which included fun and mind bending exercises. I also appreciated the authenticity Michael's story and learning about his firm Subrosa, its pitfalls and exciting wins. If you want to learn about the impact of empathy and design thinking start here!

Applied Empathy is one of those books that you want to share with the world!! Mr Ventura shares a vivid account of the rewards that comes from an open, empathic approach to a variety of situations and examples, where success is measured in a deeper understanding of the human condition, that bears its fruits in many forms. If we all adopted even a little bit of Mr. Ventura's wisdom, I'm sure that we would not only reap the benefits in our daily lives, but I think we could leave the planet in a slightly better condition than when we found it.

More for workplace relationships than personal relationsThat said a very good book if you are looking to improve your business or relationsips at work. It has practical advice with tasks to do which can take a fair bit of time to complete

A book with backbone and plenty of heart and soul too. Michael Ventura illustrates through some very compelling anecdotes, why empathetic thinking is important and how powerful it can be for business or personal success, when wholeheartedly embraced. A really good read.

There's like no research to this book. The whole time I was reading it I just kept thinking "weird flex, but ok". It feels like it could have been great but its drafted just from anecdotes and personal experiences. I fundamentally believe empathy is important but I still wanted a researched piece of literature.

Very enjoyable and informative read with many good frameworks, and questions to address empathy for a business (which can be extrapolated for personal needs as well). I’ll be looking to apply empathy more in the near future. And it got me to listen to the podcasts as well!

Michael Ventura is a great story teller and I really liked the fact that through real life examples like GE, Nike, Pantone he and his team actually walk the talk.Offered frameworks and practical questions included at the end of each chapter, go a long way in further sharpening our emphatic skills helping readers in understanding the concept and applying it to themselves.Empathy is a way to go!