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Show Notes
In this conversation, Erin chats with Valeria Rusnak as she discusses her journey as a podcaster and community leader, focusing on the themes of rejection and empathy. She emphasizes the importance of removing shame associated with rejection and how empathy can serve as a powerful tool in understanding others. Valeria shares her insights on establishing emotional boundaries, practicing empathy in real-life situations, and the significance of self-awareness in developing empathy skills. The discussion also touches on the challenges people face in practicing empathy and offers practical tips for listeners to enhance their empathetic abilities.
Today on Tactical Empathy:
- Valeria Rusnak is a podcaster focused on celebrating rejection.
- Empathy helps remove the shame associated with rejection.
- Establishing emotional boundaries is crucial in practicing empathy.
- Self-awareness is the foundation for effective empathy.
- Empathy is a skill that can be developed over time.
- Listening and validating others builds trust in relationships.
- People's reactions often stem from their own struggles, not personal issues.
- Practicing self-compassion enhances our ability to empathize with others.
- Exposure to diverse stories broadens our understanding of human experiences.
- Reading fiction can improve our empathy skills.
Connect with Valeria:
- Website: rss.com/podcasts/rejected-premed/
- Instagram: @the_rejectedpremed_podcast
- Email: valerusu55@gmail.com
- Booking Link: calendly.com/valerusu55
Connect with Erin:
- Instagram: @elthorp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
- Website: www.erinthorp.ca
- Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
- Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills
NEW EPISODES

In this conversation, Erin chats with Andrea Janzen they discuss Andrea’s leadership journey and the work of Ambition Theory, focusing on transformational leadership skills in the construction industry. Andrea emphasizes the importance of empathy, the barriers women face in leadership roles, and the differences between mentorship and sponsorship.
In this conversation, Erin chats with Marvin as he shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of empathy in leadership. He emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and understanding the impact of our actions on others. Marvin and Erin discuss the challenges of self-awareness and how mindset plays a crucial role in our interactions.
In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin discusses the challenges leaders face during times of disruption and the importance of empathy in navigating uncertainty. She emphasizes that leaders should not aim to eliminate uncertainty but rather help their teams build capacity to handle it.


Lead with more heart, more connection, more honesty, and deeper vulnerability. Sign up below to get instant access to the first chapter of my INSIDE OUT EMPATHY book for FREE!

Erin Thorp