EPISODE · Feb 4, 2026 · 33 MIN
Maria Ross: The Misunderstanding About Empathy That Destroys Teams
from Start With A Win · host Adam Contos
In this compelling episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with empathy strategist and bestselling author Maria Ross for a conversation that challenges outdated leadership myths and reframes what it truly means to lead in today’s world. With sharp insight, real-world perspective, and an energizing presence, Maria invites listeners into a deeper exploration of how modern leaders earn loyalty, navigate tension, and build organizations people actually want to follow. This episode doesn’t preach - it provokes, stretches assumptions, and leaves you leaning in for what comes next.Maria Ross is the founder of Red Slice, helping organizations drive growth through empathy-driven leadership, branding, and culture. For nearly 20 years, she has worked with startups, nonprofits, and enterprise brands - including Splunk, GSK, Salesforce, and LogicGate - to sharpen messaging, elevate brands, and build strong cultures, leading clients to acquisitions and IPOs.A sought-after speaker and the author of The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, Maria also hosts The Empathy Edge podcast. Her insights have appeared on MSNBC, NPR, Forbes, and Newsweek. She lives in Northern California with her family and a lively mix of pets - and a deep love for British crime dramas and Jeopardy!00:00 Intro02:25 A two-year old gave her the idea!05:03 What is the definition – for business?08:05 What are the five pillars?11:31 Last pillar is not what you think, keep listening….14:55 Powerful, powerful quote, you may need to rewind and really listen!22:01 This is your competitive edge. 27:37 This is the misunderstanding… 28:20 And here it is!32:20 I don’t check emails until I complete this.https://www.red-slice.com/https://red-slice.com/podcast/Book: https://red-slice.com/the-empathy-dilemma-book/https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/https://www.facebook.com/redslicehttps://www.youtube.com/user/mariajross===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
What this episode covers
In this compelling episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with empathy strategist and bestselling author Maria Ross for a conversation that challenges outdated leadership myths and reframes what it truly means to lead in today’s world. With sharp insight, real-world perspective, and an energizing presence, Maria invites listeners into a deeper exploration of how modern leaders earn loyalty, navigate tension, and build organizations people actually want to follow. This episode doesn’t preach - it provokes, stretches assumptions, and leaves you leaning in for what comes next.Maria Ross is the founder of Red Slice, helping organizations drive growth through empathy-driven leadership, branding, and culture. For nearly 20 years, she has worked with startups, nonprofits, and enterprise brands - including Splunk, GSK, Salesforce, and LogicGate - to sharpen messaging, elevate brands, and build strong cultures, leading clients to acquisitions and IPOs.A sought-after speaker and the author of The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, Maria also hosts The Empathy Edge podcast. Her insights have appeared on MSNBC, NPR, Forbes, and Newsweek. She lives in Northern California with her family and a lively mix of pets - and a deep love for British crime dramas and Jeopardy!00:00 Intro02:25 A two-year old gave her the idea!05:03 What is the definition – for business?08:05 What are the five pillars?11:31 Last pillar is not what you think, keep listening….14:55 Powerful, powerful quote, you may need to rewind and really listen!22:01 This is your competitive edge. 27:37 This is the misunderstanding… 28:20 And here it is!32:20 I don’t check emails until I complete this.https://www.red-slice.com/https://red-slice.com/podcast/Book: https://red-slice.com/the-empathy-dilemma-book/https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/https://www.facebook.com/redslicehttps://www.youtube.com/user/mariajross===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
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Maria Ross: The Misunderstanding About Empathy That Destroys Teams
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