177 Creating Safe Spaces with Dr. Kate Kootstra: Empathy, Listening, and Smash Tacos

Leaders Who Create Space: Join Jason Squires for a meaningful conversation with Dr. Kate Kootstra—a counselor and compassionate listener with a heart for helping others feel seen and heard. With a Master’s in Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Kate has spent her career creating spaces where people can open up and be themselves. In this episode, we explore what it really means to create environments that value people—places where honesty is welcomed and empathy leads the way. Kate shares practical wisdom on how to slow down, listen well, and be present for the people around us. Whether you’re leading a team, building community, or just trying to be a better friend, this conversation will encourage and equip you. If that's not enough, they talk about smash tacos.