What role does empathy play in high-performance leadership, particularly in industries driven by data and technology? On a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explored this question with Bren Hennessy, founder of Spark—a company at the forefront of data and AI solutions. Bren’s unique leadership perspective, shaped by a career spanning technology consulting and high-level sports, offers a compelling look at how empathy fuels team dynamics, innovation, and sustainable success.
Lessons from the Field and the Court
Bren’s journey into leadership began on the playing field. As a competitive athlete in both team and individual sports, he learned early on that success isn’t just about personal performance; it’s about the collective effort. This insight translated into his professional life, where he prioritizes collaboration and mutual respect.
Bren shared how mentors early in his career taught him the value of listening and being comfortable with silence. "Empathy often starts with listening," he explained. "It’s not always about solving problems instantly but understanding the people behind them."
Key Insight: Great leaders don’t shy away from addressing their own weaknesses. Instead, they build teams that complement their gaps, ensuring that everyone pulls in the same direction.
Bridging the Gap Between Data and People
As founder of Spark, Bren’s mission is to help organizations break down silos and create unified data platforms. But he’s quick to point out that technology alone isn’t enough—it’s about how people interact with and leverage technology.
Bren emphasized the importance of empathy in working with diverse stakeholders, especially in technical fields. "Understanding where someone is coming from—whether they’re technical or non-technical—can mean the difference between collaboration and conflict," he noted.
Takeaway: Empathy in leadership isn’t just about emotional connection. It’s about tailoring communication to meet people where they are, whether that means simplifying complex ideas or respecting different viewpoints.
Cultivating High-Performance Teams
Building a high-performance culture isn’t for the faint of heart. Bren acknowledged that while many aspire to be part of such environments, not everyone thrives in them. "High performance demands honesty, accountability, and constant improvement," he said. "But it also requires empathy to navigate the challenges and bring everyone on the journey."
He shared how his team at Spark balances celebrating strengths with addressing weaknesses. "It’s easy to talk about what we’re good at," he said, "but growth comes from acknowledging where we fall short."
Reflection: Are you creating a culture where honest conversations about weaknesses are encouraged? Empathy can transform these tough discussions into opportunities for growth.
Empathy in Action: Scaling with Care
During the pandemic, Spark scaled rapidly, onboarding diverse team members across cultures and skill sets. Bren highlighted the role of empathy in managing this growth. By being transparent about the organization’s limitations and priorities, his team fostered trust and alignment.
"We’ve always been honest with our people," Bren shared. "Not everything is perfect, but we work together to make progress." This transparency has been key to building a resilient and engaged workforce.
Challenge: How can you use empathy to create alignment and trust during periods of rapid change? Consider transparency as a tool for fostering collaboration.
The Future of Empathy in Leadership
As businesses navigate hybrid work environments, Bren believes empathy will be more critical than ever. He sees vulnerability as a strength in leadership, helping to build trust and authenticity within teams. "Being open about what you don’t have figured out isn’t weakness—it’s courage," he said.
Food for Thought: What would change in your workplace if leaders embraced vulnerability as a tool for connection and trust?
Final Thoughts: Respect as the Foundation
While Bren stops short of calling for "love" in the workplace, he advocates for respect and a shared commitment to helping employees flourish. "Organizations have a duty to support their people," he said. "When teams feel respected and valued, they perform at their best."
Bren’s insights remind us that while technology can drive efficiency, it’s empathy that drives connection—and ultimately, success.
Check out the conversation with Bren Hennesy on The Bliss Business Podcast
