Empathy Matters | Building Empathy at Work with Bridget Hurd, Blue Cross Blue Shield's VP

In today's inaugural episode of "Empathy Matters," host Dr. Nassim Abdi engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Bridget Hurd, VP and Chief Diversity Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. They explore the significance of empathy, cultural competency, and inclusivity in the workplace, especially in healthcare delivery and employee engagement. Bridget shares impactful stories and insights from her 30-year career, highlighting the transformative effect of listening with a caring heart and embracing diversity in workplace interactions.

Join us as we uncover the essential skills to navigate societal changes and foster empathetic, inclusive, and productive work environments.

Timestamps

00:00 Bridget's healthcare career cultivates deep empathy.

03:16 Understanding others fosters empathy and strength.

06:36 Blue Cross champions inclusion, diversity, and empathy.

12:36 Employee engagement led to recognizing the importance of diversity and understanding customers through listening.

15:05 The maternal health strategy prioritizes patient care.

18:44 Awareness of bias is crucial for establishing equitable relationships.

22:10 Navigating challenges with hijab, language, and acceptance.

24:12 Storytelling enhances empathy and inclusion, broadening consciousness.

27:50 Promoting employee sharing and learning in the workplace.

30:00 Acknowledging the importance of work-life balance for optimal performance.

Connect with Bridget Hurd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-hurd-b4157b21/

Creators & Guests

Host

Dr. Nassim Abdi

CEO & Co-founder at StoryBolt

What is Empathy Matters?

"Empathy Matters," hosted by Dr. Nassim Abdi, delves into the essential role of empathy in the corporate world. This episode explores how AI is reshaping empathy in the workplace, strategies for fostering workplace empathy, and its impact on customer experiences and employee engagement. It also addresses the role of empathy in leadership and the evolving digital workplace.

The discussion extends to transforming corporate stories for training, focusing on impactful stories, overcoming challenges through storytelling, and advanced techniques for maintaining engaging and relevant training content. The podcast closes with insights into common misconceptions about workplace empathy, its future trajectory, and practical steps for cultivating an empathetic corporate culture.