How can leaders manage their own stress while supporting teams through turbulence?

In this episode of Leadership Traits Decoded, Cynthia Kyriazis and Drea Martin tackle the critical leadership trait of empathy - one of the most vital yet misunderstood qualities for today’s leaders.

Drawing from data-driven insights in their Sageforge.ai platform, they reveal the direct connection between rising anxiety, declining well-being, and deteriorating culture.

Far from being just a “soft skill,” empathy is a powerful capability that helps leaders create psychological safety, reduce stress, and sustain organizational performance.

Cynthia and Drea share practical strategies for demonstrating empathy - from acknowledging observed changes in behavior to practicing active listening without immediately “fixing” problems.

They also highlight the oxygen mask principle: leaders must prioritize self-awareness and self-care before supporting others. Additional insights include reintegrating team members after mental health absences, offering flexible scheduling during high-stress periods, and developing empathy through emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and curiosity.

You’ll Learn:

• Why empathy is both a mindset and a skill that drives culture and performance
• How self-awareness and self-care form the foundation of empathic leadership
• The importance of the “oxygen mask principle” — supporting yourself first to help others
• Why acknowledging changes in behavior builds connection and trust
• How psychological safety reduces anxiety and strengthens communication
• Ways to show empathy: active listening, flexibility, and collaborative return-to-work plans
• Practical steps to develop empathy: emotional intelligence, reflection, and curiosity.

Whether you’re leading through economic uncertainty, organizational change, or personal stress, this episode offers practical wisdom for building resilience and creating workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and seen.

Ready to explore your leadership traits? Connect with us on LinkedIn or visit www.plllab.com to see how we transform leadership intelligence into return-driven action.