Episode 74 - Leading with Empathy: The Tough Skill That Changes Everything with Daniel Murray
Have you ever been told you’re too direct, too logical, or even that you “lack empathy” - and wondered what empathy actually means?
In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Daniel Murray, a leadership speaker, coach and consultant who specialises in helping people unlock performance through curiosity, empathy and emotional intelligence - without losing rigour or results.
Daniel brings a fascinating blend of strategic thinking and human understanding to leadership. With a background in mathematics, corporate strategy and executive leadership, he helps leaders develop what he calls the tough skills - the ones that truly shape culture, trust and performance.
This conversation genuinely intrigued me. Having been accused at times of not being empathetic, I was deeply curious to unpack what empathy actually is - and what it isn’t - especially in high-performance environments. Together, we explore how empathy shows up in leadership, why it’s often misunderstood, and how leading with empathy doesn’t mean being soft - it means being effective.
Key Episode Takeaways:
- What empathy really is (and the different types of empathy)
- How to tell if you’re actually empathetic - or just well-intentioned
- Why kindness matters just as much for yourself as it does for others
- How empathic leadership builds trust, safety and commitment
- Why understanding others is the foundation of leadership that truly works
If you’re a leader, coach, parent, or anyone navigating relationships where influence matters, this episode will challenge the way you think about empathy - and invite you to lead with more understanding, clarity and intention.
About the Guest:
Daniel Murray (BSc, MBA Exec) helps frustrated people leaders unlock the true performance of their people by developing curious and empathic skills to harness the 'tough skills' of leadership. His degree in mathematics and background in corporate strategy provides Daniel with a unique perspective blending strategic thinking with empathy and emotional intelligence in practical and pragmatic ways.
His clients rave about his ability to bring humour and fun to the challenges of people leadership and make complex neuroscientific concepts simple and practical to implement. As a professional speaker, trainer, coach and consultant, Daniel is able to help clients harness their most powerful assets, their people, through leadership skills that work.
He has worked with clients such as BHP, Lion, ASX, Allianz, Chubb Life Insurance, Tyro Payments, CBA, QBE, Swiss RE, Nova Entertainment, Perpetual, Genpact, The Executive Connection, The CEO Institute, Bulbeck group and Applied Medical.
Building a committed team is one of the hardest and most important skill for every leader, Daniel helps his clients become empathic leaders worth following.
Show Resources:
Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn - HERE
Check Out Daniel's Website - HERE
Learn More About Daniel's Book, The Empathy Gap - HERE
Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE
Learn More About 1:1 Coaching with Emma - HERE
Book a FREE 30-Minute Call with Emma - HERE
If you loved this episode, please share it on your Instagram stories and tag @emmalagerlow - it helps the podcast reach more people who need these conversations.
Yours in Leading with Empathy, Emma. X.
