How Embracing Empathy and New Perspectives Transforms Leadership and Success

Reflecting on my conversation with Tom Parsons , who was the guest in Episode 11 of Understanding The Science of You Podcast , I’ve come to realize just how much our understanding of others can change our approach in business and in life.

Tom shared the story of his son, Dane, who was diagnosed with autism at 3.5 years old. What really stuck with me was how much empathy and perspective-taking shaped the way Tom navigated his family’s journey.

During my corporate career, I did not understand or value empathy and the perspectives of others the way I do now. I was more focused on achieving the goals than how the goal was achieved, which resulted in a lot of trauma -- much self-induced -- from my one-dimensional thinking.

Part of my learning journey was the need to understand and express empathy, and after doing so, it unlocked a new set of wisdom, gifts, and perspectives that I now speak from. Understanding and practicing empathy has been a transformational experience, and I appreciated the rich conversation Tom engaged in during this podcast episode.

Stepping Outside Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in your own way of thinking, especially when it comes to leading others. But stepping outside yourself to understand where others are coming from—it’s crucial. Tom talked about how, when Dane was struggling with communication, it was hard, but the key was learning to see things from Dane’s perspective.

It got me thinking—how often do we make assumptions about others or their behaviors without taking the time to understand their perspective?

I realized that the more we lean into empathy—whether in business or personal life—the better equipped we are to make informed decisions and foster real connections.

For me, this is where business leadership can be transformed. When you truly understand the people you’re working with, everything changes. It’s not about just being “the boss” or pushing an agenda; it’s about being adaptable and listening.

This has shaped how I engage with clients, teams, and business partners. Understanding and connecting with people, instead of assuming we know what’s best for them, makes a world of difference. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about building trust, showing empathy, and making sure everyone feels heard.

Redefining Success

One of the biggest takeaways from Tom’s story—and from my own journey—is that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. For years, I focused on the outward markers of success—status, wealth, power.

But as I’ve gotten older and more reflective, I’ve come to realize that true success is much more than that. Success is about understanding people, creating opportunities, and making meaningful connections.

When we stop measuring success in terms of material wealth or accolades and instead focus on personal growth and connection, everything shifts. That’s when real fulfillment comes into play—both in business and life.

Changing the Way We Lead

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or controlling the situation—it’s about listening and understanding. Tom’s story, particularly how he’s embraced seeing things from Dane’s perspective, showed me that leadership starts with empathy.

In the end, whether you’re managing a business or a team, it’s about bringing people together, understanding their needs, and empowering them. That’s how you get the best out of people, and that’s how you move forward.

Dane’s journey reminded me that true leadership requires compassion, flexibility, and a willingness to see beyond the surface.

The more I reflect on these lessons, the more I realize that understanding and embracing different perspectives is key to both personal growth and professional success. It’s a lesson that will continue to guide me, and I hope it serves as a reminder for others to embrace empathy in their own leadership journeys.

If you want to hear more about Tom’s experience with Dane and how it’s shaped both his family life and his business approach, check out the full conversation in Understanding the Science of You.

About Understanding the Science of You

Understanding the Science of You is hosted by Graham Skidmore. It is meant to help you discover untapped aspects of yourself and alternative paths to personal freedom and empowerment outside of conventional systems. Follow the podcast on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! You can also visit scienceofyoupodcast.com.