Remember when…

...last year I did that series on feminine traits in business. We covered intuition, creativity, collaboration, self-care and empathy. At the time it felt a little rebellious to suggest these “soft” skills were actually powerful business strengths. Turns out I wasn’t just stirring the pot. I was predicting the future.

Here we are, almost a year later, and research is showing empathy isn’t just good for connection... it’s protection. AI may be shaking up the workplace, but jobs that center empathy are some of the hardest to automate. One recent report even highlighted 14 well-paying careers where empathy acts like armor against automation... nurses, therapists, educators, social workers, even flight attendants made the list (read the full report here). These roles depend on the ability to read the room, sense unspoken needs, and connect in ways machines simply can’t.

🧑‍💼 If You’re an Employee

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive” at work, here’s your permission slip to call B.S. That so-called sensitivity? It’s actually one of the most future-proof skills you’ve got. Instead of toning it down, lean into it. Use empathy to navigate office politics, lead with understanding, and build trust with colleagues. It’s the skill that makes you indispensable when everything else is changing.

🚀 If You’re Running Your Own Show

As solopreneurs and small biz owners, empathy is our secret sauce. It’s what keeps clients loyal and customers coming back. When people feel seen and heard, they remember. And no algorithm can compete with the experience of being genuinely cared for. Empathy isn’t fluff. It’s the moat around your business that keeps you irreplaceable.

🔑 Ways to Make Empathy Work for You

Want to put empathy into action? Try these simple, powerful moves:

• Listen like you mean it. People tell you what they need between the lines.
• Say the thing that matters. “I hear you” or “That sounds tough” often lands harder than any quick fix.
• Flex your style. Shift how you deliver feedback, advice, or service based on who’s in front of you.
• Lead with compassion. Yes, deadlines matter. People matter more.

These aren’t soft skills. They’re smart skills. And they’re what will keep you standing strong no matter how fast the robots learn.

So the next time someone hints that empathy doesn’t belong in business, smile and keep going. Because empathy isn’t just kind. It’s the edge that makes you unforgettable. And if you’re curious, even outlets like Mashable are talking about how empathy-driven careers may be the most AI-proof of all (check it out here).

Because being fully human is still your best strategy 🫶,

P.S. While we’re talking about irreplaceable human strengths, let’s not forget intuition and creativity. AI can remix what already exists, but it can’t spark those gut-level flashes of knowing or generate the kind of originality that comes from lived experience. Like empathy, they’re uniquely human and they’re what make your work impossible to duplicate.

And let’s be honest, it’s not a coincidence these are so often called “feminine traits.” For years we were told they didn’t belong at work, not because they were weak, but because they made a lot of men uncomfortable. These are qualities society trained out of them. Maybe it’s time we all pull these strengths out of the closet, dust them off, and let them shine where they’ve always belonged ✨.

After all, the future of work might just look a little more feminine than anyone expected 💃.

📘 Psst… Want Work That Loves You Back?

Robots may be learning fast, but they’ll never match your empathy, creativity, or intuition. So why not put those strengths to work in a way that actually lights you up? My workbook Work That Loves You Back helps you do exactly that. Because life’s too short for work that doesn’t appreciate your very best human traits.

Life’s too short — grab it here ✨

🍿 AI Snackable

Want to flex your empathy muscle? Try this quick prompt:

"Pretend you’re my [coworker / client / manager / customer]. You’ve just received my [message / proposal / feedback / email]. Share what you’re feeling, both the obvious and the unspoken worries, as if you were them."

AI will hand you a peek into the unspoken side of someone else’s experience. Use it to anticipate concerns, respond with care, or simply show you get them.

That extra layer of empathy? It’s what makes you unforgettable, whether you’re leading a team, serving clients, or just trying to survive another Monday meeting.

💌 Share the Empathy

If you know someone who’s been told they’re “too sensitive” or that empathy doesn’t belong at work, forward this email their way. Sometimes the reminder that their humanity is actually their edge is the most valuable gift you can give.

📩 Why You’re Here

You’re getting this email because at some point you raised your hand and said “yes” to real talk about building a business and a life that actually fit. Maybe you grabbed a workbook, came to a workshop, or just wanted weekly insights on making work more human. However you landed here, I’m glad you’re part of this community.