Empathy at Work
Building Better Businesses Through People-First Leadership
by Christopher Kaufman
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Pub Date Oct 14 2025 | Archive Date Oct 14 2025
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Description
Empathy at Work is a transformative guide to leadership by Chris Kaufman, cofounder and former chief creative officer of StockX, a revolutionary global e-commerce platform. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Kaufman has seen the auto industry of Motor City rise and fall and rise again―leaving him to wonder, “What makes a company stand the test of time?” In this book, he affirms that people are any company’s greatest asset and explores how leaders can bring out the best in their teams, allowing each individual to shine.
Kaufman recounts his own experiences as an executive as well as what he learned in his academic research while completing a master of science in learning and organizational change from Northwestern University. With a mix of personal anecdotes and external case studies, he details how leading with empathy and showing vulnerability can create workplaces that are psychologically safe and conducive to innovation and teamwork. The implications are significant for individuals and organizations alike, reflected in verifiable results, from improved employee satisfaction to lower turnover rates and greater profitability.
Whether you are a new manager, a first-time founder, or a C-suite executive, Empathy at Work offers valuable insights that can help you turn a culture around―or build it from the ground up. The practical guidance covers everything from hiring to articulating vision and values, leaving readers with actionable tips they can implement in everyday practice. Seize the opportunity to lead from the heart and transform your workplace with the strategies provided in Empathy at Work.
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1835968
Book Review: Empathy at Work by Christopher Kaufman
Christopher Kaufman’s Empathy at Work is a timely and powerful exploration of the critical role empathy plays in building effective, human-centered leadership and workplace cultures. Drawing from his experience and insights shared through Forbes, Kaufman presents a compelling case for how vulnerability, psychological safety, and a growth mindset are essential in modern organizational life.
A central theme throughout the book is the idea that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a leadership strength. Kaufman argues persuasively that leaders who show their humanity—who are open to feedback, transparent about challenges, and willing to admit failure—foster trust and resilience in their teams. This vulnerability enables employees to contribute more fully without fear, unlocking creativity and collaboration.
The book provides practical frameworks for assessing important qualities in team members, such as working style, decision-making, receptiveness to feedback, and conflict navigation. These tools help leaders identify individuals who can thrive in a growth-oriented environment. Kaufman’s emphasis on hiring people with a growth mindset—not just raw talent—resonates strongly. He encourages leaders to hire not just “A players,” but those who can grow into “A-plus players,” nurturing them through a culture of feedback, trust, and continuous learning.
One of the most impactful insights comes from the discussion on psychological safety. Kaufman emphasizes that workplaces must move away from fear-based cultures to those that value authenticity. Teams that feel safe are more innovative, engaged, and prepared to navigate conflict constructively.
Visually, the book includes reflective models, such as the cycle of reflection (Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action Plan), which serve as actionable tools for personal and team growth.
Overall, Empathy at Work is not just a guide for better leadership—it’s a call to reimagine the workplace as a space where people are seen, heard, and empowered. Kaufman makes a strong case that empathy, when practiced consistently, is a game-changer for performance and culture alike.
