Leadership begins With a Second Chance

Dear community,

I want to apologize for my last article about empathy.

It was incomplete and missing the most essential part: why empathy truly matters. I wasn’t in my best shape, given everything that is happening in my country, Venezuela.

It has been a very difficult and emotional weeks after the two earthquakes (7.2 followed of a 7.5 - 39 seconds after) hit Venezuela’s and watching the terrible consequences it carries on in the northern cities.

Still, I believe we can always do things better and I must.

In fact, I selected Empathy for the newsletter because of what happened Venezuela. And today, I will finish that article sharing why Empathy matters.

About Venezuelas’ tragedy,

My family is fine, no injuries, and this of course matters to me. And, just as importante to me too is the suffering of every venezuelan:

• Those who lost their lives

• Those who were trapped or injured

• Families searching for loved ones

• People abroad trying desperately to communicate

• Those still missing

• Those who lost their homes or everything

How all this is connected to Empathy?

• Last week, I wrote about Empathy and Mature Empathy, here the article, LINK.

• I also shared ways we can support Venezuelans in these painful times, LINK. Every gesture of help matters more than ever!

Then, today, I take this article as a second chance to share what cannot be missed: the importance of empathy.

Empathy allows us to see and put people first!

First we are and then we do.

That means, first We are humans. We feel. We belong to families and communities. And no task, goal, or performance is more important than the human behind it.

Yet in the chaos of life, we often forget this truth.

Empathy helps us recognize people’s emotional states and acknowledge their reality. And we can choose to develop it to a mature level, even when life experiences threaten to shrink it.

How does empathy look like?

• When someone is struggling, you notice it and offer a few words of support. If you choose to help improve their situation, that becomes compassion.

• When someone is joyful, you recognize it, highlight it, and joy multiplies.

• And even if you don’t follow the other person’s emotions, you can still say: “The situation is terrible. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.

Empathy can have a profound impact on people who are struggling because it addresses one of our deepest human needs: the need to feel understood and not alone.

Empathy restores dignity and self-worth. It tells someone, “I see you, and you matter.” It gives people the strength to keep moving forward, builds trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires acts of kindness and compassion.

How can we miss this essential trait as Leaders?

Leadership is not about titles; it is about becoming better humans and that is the spirit you will always find in this newsletter.

After Venezuela’s earthquakes, I saw:

• Leaders with titles and power who did nothing sadly.

And fortunately,

• Leaders who saved lives with their bare hands

• Four‑legged leaders — rescue dogs leading the way

• Leaders sending support from around the world

• Leaders raising their voices for help

• Leaders courageously sharing the truth

• Leaders who simply cared about people

Life is full of ups and downs for everyone. Sometimes circumstances hit one person harder than another.

And this leads us to a deeper reflection:

What level of empathy will you live, show, and strive for?

Now that you understand what mature empathy is, the next step becomes personal:

What is the first small action you can take to strengthen your empathy, despite trauma, stress, circumstances, or even cruelty?

Here are some ideas:

• Practice empathy when tired, frustrated, or triggered. Ask someone close to you to hold you accountable.

• Practice empathy with those you disagree with, see their humanity even when ideas clash.

My final reflection for today:

Being alive gives us the chance to see our mistakes and choose growth: repair what can be repaired, make things right, or become better people when restoration isn’t possible. Apologize when it’s true, learn, and keep walking your path. We always have the power to give others and ourselves a second chance.

Thank you to everyone who has done something meaningful for Venezuelans! This tragedy has been a true test of empathy and leadership for the world.

Paola,

Career and Leadership Coach - Lead with passion, enthusiasm, and humanity.