Stoic Empathy : How to Navigate Difficult Conversations

Work Besties Who Podcast

Stoic Empathy with Shermin Kruse: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations

In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Shermin Kruse —law professor, TEDx producer, author, and total powerhouse—to explore the concept of stoic empathy. What does it really mean to be both strong and compassionate in today’s workplace? How can leaders show up with emotional intelligence without losing their edge?

Shermin drops incredible insights on:

• Leading with integrity while setting strong boundaries
• What stoicism actually is (hint: it’s not just suppressing emotions!)
• How empathy can be your superpower—even in tough corporate environments
• Real stories from her life that shaped her journey from revolutionary Iran to U.S. boardrooms and classrooms

If you’re a leader, a team player, or just trying to show up better at work and in life, this conversation is for you.

👀 Bonus: Hear about her upcoming book Stoic Empathy and why it’s the personal development read you’ll want in 2025.

Find Her on LinkedIn, Youtube and her book at any location that sells books!

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Sherman Cruz (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Stoic Empathy (00:04:02)

3. The Two Types of Empathy Explained (00:06:51)

4. Practicing Emotional Regulation in Daily Life (00:12:01)

5. Power Dynamics in Negotiations (00:21:32)

6. The One Sentence to Shift Power (00:33:41)

7. Closing Thoughts and Resources (00:37:09)