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Purposeful Empathy: Tapping Our Hidden Superpower for Personal, Organizational, and Social Change
Empathy has never been more important, yet we're living in an era of a massive empathy deficit. At the same time, workplace culture has changed dramatically. Leaders, who have already been stretched to the limit, are now being called on to create and nurture genuine connection, psychological safety, and well-being across their organizations--all while adapting to the values of a new generation that won't compromise on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As this book shows, human beings are wired to care, and we can become more empathic with practice. Empathy increases dopamine, reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, heightens the immune system, and enriches our relationships. Empathy also improves business key performance indicators. This means that leveraging empathy on purpose can lead to better health, happier and more productive workplaces, and a more meaningful life. That's why empathy is our superpower.
Through inspiring stories; interviews with experts, including business leaders, neuroscientists, activists, social entrepreneurs, and spiritual leaders; a new model rooted in positive psychology and coaching; and self-development exercises at the end of each chapter, Purposeful Empathy offers wisdom and practical advice to foster personal, organizational, and social transformation.
As this book shows, human beings are wired to care, and we can become more empathic with practice. Empathy increases dopamine, reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, heightens the immune system, and enriches our relationships. Empathy also improves business key performance indicators. This means that leveraging empathy on purpose can lead to better health, happier and more productive workplaces, and a more meaningful life. That's why empathy is our superpower.
Through inspiring stories; interviews with experts, including business leaders, neuroscientists, activists, social entrepreneurs, and spiritual leaders; a new model rooted in positive psychology and coaching; and self-development exercises at the end of each chapter, Purposeful Empathy offers wisdom and practical advice to foster personal, organizational, and social transformation.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
19 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 8, 2023
‘Empathy is the innate trait that unites us in our common humanity’
I decided to read author Anita Nowak’s new Purposeful Empathy the moment I opened the front cover and found the Foreword by one of my own global heroes: Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. He pioneered the “microfinance” idea for helping neighbors in impoverished communities with small loans. One of the most memorable hours in my life was sitting in a small circle of American journalists in a home in Asia, listening to Yunus talk about his life.
“What lessons do you want us to share with our readers?” we asked him at the close of our hour together.
He said simply, “We must care what happens to each other—then we must learn to trust each other,” and then he was silent. What a clear answer! Two steps: Caring. Trusting. So simple, yet such a world-changing idea! And those same two principles are the reason Yunus agreed to add his considerable authority to the first page of Anita’s new book. In that Foreword, he writes: “Purposeful Empathy is a timely and inspiring read that carries an important message—one that aligns with my vision for a better world, animated by mutual care, respect, cooperation and solidarity.”
So, because of Yunus’s words, I began reading Anita’s book. And, after just a few chapters, I was impressed with the considerable resources she has organized for readers—resources to help us learn to care and learn to trust. As Yunus writes in his Foreword, this is a book so practically designed that it can “swing you from cynicism to hope, from selfishness to selflessness, and from apathy to action.”
What is empathy?
The best answer to that question is: Read Anita’s book. The answer is not as easy as it may seem. As her book opens, she explains that, years ago, she wasn’t thinking specifically about “empathy” as she worked in social-change organizations in various parts of the world and collected interviews with social entrepreneurs. She was researching a doctoral thesis about the motivations behind “the next generation of change makers.” It was only after her thesis advisor pushed her to dig deeper into her growing body of research that she realized the core motivation was: empathy. That insight forever shifted the focus of her life’s work. In 2023, after the main title of her new book, Purposeful Empathy, is the subtitle: Tapping Our Hidden Superpower for Personal, Organizational and Social Change.
One important value in this book that is not listed in Anita’s subtitle is: Parenting and family life in general. That value definitely springs from these pages, though. From her opening pages, she points out that empathy begins at home. As she has researched the lives of influential “social entrepreneurs” who are doing good in the world, she found that nearly all of them grew up in families in which adults modeled service for their children.
Another value not included in her subtitle is faith or spiritual motivation. Readers who have followed my work over the years know that, as a journalist, my specialty has been reporting on religious diversity. Anita touches on spirituality in these pages and her own life has important spiritual roots that shape her life today, but this is not a book written from any specific religious perspective. I have been impressed, over the years, with direct appeals that secularists such as James Gustave Speth and E.O. Wilson have made to people of faith. Both Speth and Wilson have published pointed invitations to people involved in religious movements to join hands in helping to preserve our planet. Readers who respond to such appeals by Speth and Wilson will feel right at home in Anita’s appeals to the moral conscience of everyone, whatever our faith or secular practice may be.
Finally, the best news in this book is that empathy feels good. Anita talks about this wherever she travels and speaks these days: “The research shows that when we are feeling emotionally connected to somebody, even if they’re sharing a sad story, our brains light up in the same pleasure and reward centers as if we were having chocolate cake. We want to feel connected to one another.”
So, that’s the final appeal to pick up a copy of this book and start reading: You’ll simply feel better by doing so!
I decided to read author Anita Nowak’s new Purposeful Empathy the moment I opened the front cover and found the Foreword by one of my own global heroes: Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. He pioneered the “microfinance” idea for helping neighbors in impoverished communities with small loans. One of the most memorable hours in my life was sitting in a small circle of American journalists in a home in Asia, listening to Yunus talk about his life.
“What lessons do you want us to share with our readers?” we asked him at the close of our hour together.
He said simply, “We must care what happens to each other—then we must learn to trust each other,” and then he was silent. What a clear answer! Two steps: Caring. Trusting. So simple, yet such a world-changing idea! And those same two principles are the reason Yunus agreed to add his considerable authority to the first page of Anita’s new book. In that Foreword, he writes: “Purposeful Empathy is a timely and inspiring read that carries an important message—one that aligns with my vision for a better world, animated by mutual care, respect, cooperation and solidarity.”
So, because of Yunus’s words, I began reading Anita’s book. And, after just a few chapters, I was impressed with the considerable resources she has organized for readers—resources to help us learn to care and learn to trust. As Yunus writes in his Foreword, this is a book so practically designed that it can “swing you from cynicism to hope, from selfishness to selflessness, and from apathy to action.”
What is empathy?
The best answer to that question is: Read Anita’s book. The answer is not as easy as it may seem. As her book opens, she explains that, years ago, she wasn’t thinking specifically about “empathy” as she worked in social-change organizations in various parts of the world and collected interviews with social entrepreneurs. She was researching a doctoral thesis about the motivations behind “the next generation of change makers.” It was only after her thesis advisor pushed her to dig deeper into her growing body of research that she realized the core motivation was: empathy. That insight forever shifted the focus of her life’s work. In 2023, after the main title of her new book, Purposeful Empathy, is the subtitle: Tapping Our Hidden Superpower for Personal, Organizational and Social Change.
One important value in this book that is not listed in Anita’s subtitle is: Parenting and family life in general. That value definitely springs from these pages, though. From her opening pages, she points out that empathy begins at home. As she has researched the lives of influential “social entrepreneurs” who are doing good in the world, she found that nearly all of them grew up in families in which adults modeled service for their children.
Another value not included in her subtitle is faith or spiritual motivation. Readers who have followed my work over the years know that, as a journalist, my specialty has been reporting on religious diversity. Anita touches on spirituality in these pages and her own life has important spiritual roots that shape her life today, but this is not a book written from any specific religious perspective. I have been impressed, over the years, with direct appeals that secularists such as James Gustave Speth and E.O. Wilson have made to people of faith. Both Speth and Wilson have published pointed invitations to people involved in religious movements to join hands in helping to preserve our planet. Readers who respond to such appeals by Speth and Wilson will feel right at home in Anita’s appeals to the moral conscience of everyone, whatever our faith or secular practice may be.
Finally, the best news in this book is that empathy feels good. Anita talks about this wherever she travels and speaks these days: “The research shows that when we are feeling emotionally connected to somebody, even if they’re sharing a sad story, our brains light up in the same pleasure and reward centers as if we were having chocolate cake. We want to feel connected to one another.”
So, that’s the final appeal to pick up a copy of this book and start reading: You’ll simply feel better by doing so!
August 17, 2024
3.75
Some great concepts posed in here, and I do think the premise of the book is overall important here. Essentially, how can we foster empathy to save and support each other and those around us?
The organization of this book felt pretty scattered. The scope was also HUGE for a work of this caliber. I also disliked the author’s examples of “ethical corporations” some of which have proved their direct unethical nature.
Some great concepts posed in here, and I do think the premise of the book is overall important here. Essentially, how can we foster empathy to save and support each other and those around us?
The organization of this book felt pretty scattered. The scope was also HUGE for a work of this caliber. I also disliked the author’s examples of “ethical corporations” some of which have proved their direct unethical nature.
April 10, 2023
Empathy. Empathy. Empathy. Purposeful Empathy is an enlightening take on the massive empathy deficit preventing our society from unlocking its true potential. And after reading this book, I understand why the author calls it our “hidden superpower.”
In the aftermath of the pandemic, workplaces experienced significant disruptions, including the transition to remote work. The repercussions on stress, mental health, productivity, and performance have been staggering. Jarring stats throughout the book reveal how growing employee dissatisfaction and dis-engagement have massive social, economic, and political consequences. Also, as the lines between home and the workplace continue to blur, and burnout becomes the norm for the average employee, the author makes a compelling case that empathy must be at the forefront of organizational decision-making.
This book is rich with evidence to support the case for empathy. And as a natural storyteller, the author shares inspiring narratives gathered from interviews with business leaders, changemakers, and neuroscientists. Story after story suggests how empathy can achieve transformational results - psychologically, spiritually and socially.
What I most appreciated about the author’s work is that instead of leaving you feeling overwhelmed by the lack of empathy in our modern world, she provides much-needed hope by reassuring readers that empathy is a skill that can be taught. She even proposes straightforward self-development tools to provoke introspection and give guidance to contribute to positive change within your local community. The prompts and practices incorporated at the end of each chapter are great tools to inspire action.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, workplaces experienced significant disruptions, including the transition to remote work. The repercussions on stress, mental health, productivity, and performance have been staggering. Jarring stats throughout the book reveal how growing employee dissatisfaction and dis-engagement have massive social, economic, and political consequences. Also, as the lines between home and the workplace continue to blur, and burnout becomes the norm for the average employee, the author makes a compelling case that empathy must be at the forefront of organizational decision-making.
This book is rich with evidence to support the case for empathy. And as a natural storyteller, the author shares inspiring narratives gathered from interviews with business leaders, changemakers, and neuroscientists. Story after story suggests how empathy can achieve transformational results - psychologically, spiritually and socially.
What I most appreciated about the author’s work is that instead of leaving you feeling overwhelmed by the lack of empathy in our modern world, she provides much-needed hope by reassuring readers that empathy is a skill that can be taught. She even proposes straightforward self-development tools to provoke introspection and give guidance to contribute to positive change within your local community. The prompts and practices incorporated at the end of each chapter are great tools to inspire action.
March 29, 2023
Purposeful Empathy invites the reader to be introspective and consider his or her role in making the world more empathetic. What I love about this book is that it provides tangible steps that readers can take to begin the process of cultivating more empathy in their lives - on purpose. The author draws from interviews and her own lived experiences, and covers leadership, neuroscience and spirituality. She makes an inspiring case for why purposeful empathy is the most heavily needed prerequisite for social change and why it must begin within us. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a fresh perspective on the future of humanity. And to anyone looking for tools to have more agency, love, and of course, empathy in their lives.
March 30, 2023
What I love about Purposeful Empathy is that there’s something in it for everyone. Whether you’re a student, researcher, lawyer, doctor, the average person in any other field – you will benefit from reading it.
Anita Nowak provides a great deal of relevant information from many different fields and explores empathy through science, spirituality, technology, organizations and everyday life. She also provides resources and purposeful empathy practices for introspection that will set you on an inspiring personal development path.
Throughout the book, the author gives examples from her personal life and those of others, that left me inspired to become more empathic. I’d recommend this book to anyone!
Anita Nowak provides a great deal of relevant information from many different fields and explores empathy through science, spirituality, technology, organizations and everyday life. She also provides resources and purposeful empathy practices for introspection that will set you on an inspiring personal development path.
Throughout the book, the author gives examples from her personal life and those of others, that left me inspired to become more empathic. I’d recommend this book to anyone!
March 31, 2023
What an amazing read! I enjoyed every single page and was hooked from the opening sentence: “Empathy is the most powerful emotional force in the world, second only to love—especially when it’s wielded on purpose.”
This incredibly well-written book is essential reading for any leader who wants to understand the importance of empathy in the workplace. Anita Nowak makes her case for empathic organizations using fascinating stories and exercises. And reading her book was like a journey of self-reflection and self-improvement. The book also left me with a renewed sense of hope that a better world with more empathy is possible.
All told: An inspiring and beautifully written book for anyone looking to become a kinder and more conscious human being.
This incredibly well-written book is essential reading for any leader who wants to understand the importance of empathy in the workplace. Anita Nowak makes her case for empathic organizations using fascinating stories and exercises. And reading her book was like a journey of self-reflection and self-improvement. The book also left me with a renewed sense of hope that a better world with more empathy is possible.
All told: An inspiring and beautifully written book for anyone looking to become a kinder and more conscious human being.
April 17, 2023
We’re living in a period of great transition, and it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of so much uncertainty. Cue Purposeful Empathy as the perfect antidote. Anita Nowak proposes a return to our core values and tapping back into our innate capacity to empathize. She also does a wonderful job explaining why empathy is vital at times like these.
The book is accessible and very well written, and I really enjoyed the variety of examples and stories used throughout. It's clear that Anita has a deep understanding of human nature and her passion for the subject shines through on every page.
This book has truly earned its place on my bookshelf, and I will be returning to its lessons for years to come!
The book is accessible and very well written, and I really enjoyed the variety of examples and stories used throughout. It's clear that Anita has a deep understanding of human nature and her passion for the subject shines through on every page.
This book has truly earned its place on my bookshelf, and I will be returning to its lessons for years to come!
April 6, 2023
Empathy seems to be in short supply today, but this book argues that empathy is more important than ever.
Anita Nowak makes a strong case for empathic organizations using fascinating stories and exercises. One of the book's key strengths is how it shows how empathy can benefit both individuals and organizations. Nowak explains how empathy increases dopamine, reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, and even heightens the immune system while improving key performance indicators in the workplace. She argues that empathy is our superpower and that by intentionally committing ourselves to strengthen our communities, organizations, and society, we can become better versions of ourselves and live with great meaning and purpose.
The book's focus on practical advice and exercises also makes it highly actionable. As she writes: "Empathy is not just a feeling; it is an action." Another reviewer wrote: "This book will transform how you interact with others.” I totally agree. Purposeful Empathy is a must-read for anyone who wants to impact the world and live a more fulfilling life.
Anita Nowak makes a strong case for empathic organizations using fascinating stories and exercises. One of the book's key strengths is how it shows how empathy can benefit both individuals and organizations. Nowak explains how empathy increases dopamine, reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, and even heightens the immune system while improving key performance indicators in the workplace. She argues that empathy is our superpower and that by intentionally committing ourselves to strengthen our communities, organizations, and society, we can become better versions of ourselves and live with great meaning and purpose.
The book's focus on practical advice and exercises also makes it highly actionable. As she writes: "Empathy is not just a feeling; it is an action." Another reviewer wrote: "This book will transform how you interact with others.” I totally agree. Purposeful Empathy is a must-read for anyone who wants to impact the world and live a more fulfilling life.
April 11, 2023
Anita Nowak’s passion for empathy shines through each page of this book. And each story she tells brings the reader closer to understanding the nature of empathy and its importance in our modern world.
What I found especially great about the book is how relatable the content is. The “Purposeful Empathy Practices” at the end of each chapter, made me realise how feasible it is to incorporate more empathy into my life.
Overall, Purposeful Empathy has given me hope and a more positive outlook on the world. Anyone keen on self-improvement will really value this book as part of their journey.
What I found especially great about the book is how relatable the content is. The “Purposeful Empathy Practices” at the end of each chapter, made me realise how feasible it is to incorporate more empathy into my life.
Overall, Purposeful Empathy has given me hope and a more positive outlook on the world. Anyone keen on self-improvement will really value this book as part of their journey.
June 19, 2024
Pretty good but nothing groundbreaking for me. I have previously tried some of the exercises and enjoyed them. I do think they’d be valuable for educators ect. My only negative note regards the chapter and following mentions of AI/ technology- the general consensus that empathy needs to be consciously developed in production is of importance however, the author is tangential on the dangers of AI, leaning toward conspiracy theorist, going as far to ward that people could fall in love with robots (cue eye roll). I would have preferred instead guiding mechanisms were provided to to technologists on how to embed their work with the presented ideas.
March 27, 2023
Purposeful Empathy is inspiring and accessible. The author is frank about what’s going on in the world - from workplaces to war zones - but also has hope that empathy can save humanity without being Pollyannaish. Whether you’re interested in the neuroscience of empathy, the spiritual power of empathy, deploying empathy in the workplace, or simply want to better understand humanity, this book is for you. I loved the tangible steps to take at the end of each chapter. This book will transform the way you interact with others. Honestly, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
April 11, 2023
This book was hopeful and inspiring and I highly recommend it, especially for those seeking to make a seismic shift in their lives to find purpose. Chapter 4, in particular, spoke to me directly - as someone feeling unfulfilled and unappreciated in my current career, it helped me think beyond fear and about the possibilities.
Bonus: at the end of each chapter there are short exercises to help you think about how the concepts discussed in the book come into practice. I really enjoyed the process of thinking through some of the exercises.
Bonus: at the end of each chapter there are short exercises to help you think about how the concepts discussed in the book come into practice. I really enjoyed the process of thinking through some of the exercises.
April 12, 2023
I am loving this first book written Anita Nowak. Purposeful Empathy is thought provoking, educational, inspiring, and also profoundly practical. Anita draws on years of research and personal experience, with amazing storytelling, to offer practical advice for cultivating empathy in your everyday life. It's a must-read for anyone who works or volunteers in the not for profit realm and the rest of the population too!
Purposeful Empathy inspires us to engage with others to build stronger connections to bring about positive change in our world.
Don’t we all need more of that!
Purposeful Empathy inspires us to engage with others to build stronger connections to bring about positive change in our world.
Don’t we all need more of that!
April 12, 2023
This is such an important book. To echo Nobel Prize winner, Mohammed Yunus who wrote the foreword for Purposeful Empathy, this book truly sways one from cynicism to hope and apathy to action. Anita presents a very holistic case for empathy as a driver of change in this world. This book is written with passion which is palpable in every chapter — each grounded in reality with actionable insights. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something that will revive your hope in our collective conscience and action.
April 16, 2023
Purposeful Empathy is a must-read for anyone. Anita unveils how now more than ever, we need empathic leaders. Anita calls on us, the reader, to consider how our practices and governing institutions are limiting our capacities as a society. She stresses the importance of connecting with our purpose and those around us to create transformative change. By restructuring our systems to account for the value of empathic action, the world can become more aligned. We can can benefit from a little more empathy!
April 17, 2023
If you are looking for an amazing book - for yourself or others - this is THE one: you will learn a lot around what empathy really is, why the World needs empathy right now - and what makes this book even more valuable is that the Author shares so many different ways to develop empathy practices for ourselves and within our organizations - Empathic leadership is one of the major key success factors in our rapidly changing world, find how to develop it in this book - it's then our responsibility to take action, but we have now an essential guide - thank you Anita NOWAK.
March 21, 2023
"Purposeful Empathy" was incredibly eye-opening to me! I loved Anita’s interviews and the case she made that empathy is our superpower. Now that I’ve read it, I see how empathy has the power to change our relationships - and the world. This book provides tools to become a better person and I could not recommend it enough! It continues to inspire me every day and I think everyone can find something in it that speaks to them, regardless of their background or interests. Highly recommended!
April 12, 2023
Loved reading this book! It’s both touching and rigorously researched, and will appeal to many different kinds of readers. Purposeful Empathy is accessible, but also heartfelt as the author shares her backstory and many anecdotes with vulnerability. A great balance between personal storytelling and scientific reasoning. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in changing (or understanding) the way we can improve our lives and live together in more harmony.
April 20, 2023
Prof Anita Nowak has an incredible ability in her university classroom to propel critical thought, to inspire introspection, and to mobilize her students to contextualize their education in the broader world and act on those insights to better it.
Her new book is a written incarnation of her unique teaching method, which dives in deep and wide on the power of *empathy* applied *purposefully* - be it in the boardroom, at the clinic, or on a bus ride. Not to mention the read comes with many practical tools for implementing empathy. Leaders and aspiring leaders, this book is for you!
Her new book is a written incarnation of her unique teaching method, which dives in deep and wide on the power of *empathy* applied *purposefully* - be it in the boardroom, at the clinic, or on a bus ride. Not to mention the read comes with many practical tools for implementing empathy. Leaders and aspiring leaders, this book is for you!
January 28, 2024
This book will be gifted to my family and friends. There were some many stories of sacrifice and personal redevelopment. It wasn’t a self help book which is great. It is a book that shares how other people took a big step into being more apart of helping those in need and that it is still possible for anyone to make a difference. I enjoyed this book and believe it is good for teens as well. Great character shaper.
March 20, 2023
This is the book the world needs right now! Purposeful Empathy resonated with me profoundly because it presents the underlying cause of all the problems we face today: an empathy deficit.
My favourite quote from this book: “What makes empathy unique is the recognition that we all share a common humanity and have intrinsic worth.”
My favourite quote from this book: “What makes empathy unique is the recognition that we all share a common humanity and have intrinsic worth.”
March 21, 2023
Reading Purposeful Empathy gave me hope for a better future. The book is full of relatable anecdotes, easily digestible empirical research, and tools and exercises at the end of each chapter. It’s a must-read for leaders and any aspiring change-makers who want to improve their connection with others.
April 6, 2023
Purposeful Empathy is a book everybody should read! The author’s personality and optimism shines through every page - even as she hits us with hard truths about the state of the world.
The “Purposeful Empathy Practices” at the end of each chapter are really useful and personalize the content. And her captivating stories left me wanting more. I recommend this book to anyone!
The “Purposeful Empathy Practices” at the end of each chapter are really useful and personalize the content. And her captivating stories left me wanting more. I recommend this book to anyone!
April 11, 2023
Thanks to Anita Nowak, the importance of empathy has never been clearer.
Purposeful Empathy is an amazing and comprehensive read for anyone looking for a way to improve their lives, their workplaces, or the world!
Anita's writing is clear and moving. She has a unique ability to flawlessly move between personal anecdotes and empirical research to bring her arguments to life. Amazing!
Purposeful Empathy is an amazing and comprehensive read for anyone looking for a way to improve their lives, their workplaces, or the world!
Anita's writing is clear and moving. She has a unique ability to flawlessly move between personal anecdotes and empirical research to bring her arguments to life. Amazing!
March 31, 2023
Such a powerful book, filled with real-life examples of how Empathy enters people's experience to inspire and drive them to create a more meaningful world. Anita Nowak has made Empathy accessible and inspiring!
April 11, 2023
Purposeful Empathy is for anyone who wants to get more out of life and be inspired to engage in wholehearted living. This book reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone and contributing even in small ways to my community.
April 1, 2023
This book inspires as it educates, uplifts as it activates. I think, at this point, we all know the world needs much more empathy and this book is a road map there.
September 20, 2024
Excellent book outlining what empathy “looks like” and the profound impact it can have on you and the entire world. A must read.
January 11, 2024
DNF
Eh.. found the intro to be a slog so I skipped it. Got 35% of the way through and it just wasn't resonating with me. I had heard about a lot of the concepts in different contexts so it was interesting, but nothing new. Best parts were the anecdotes and stories. I might try again at another point, but for now, I had to put it down
Eh.. found the intro to be a slog so I skipped it. Got 35% of the way through and it just wasn't resonating with me. I had heard about a lot of the concepts in different contexts so it was interesting, but nothing new. Best parts were the anecdotes and stories. I might try again at another point, but for now, I had to put it down
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews