Empathy is more than a buzzword. In fact, long before empathy hit the trending scene, Roger Ebert stamped indelible words, “I believe empathy is the most essential quality of civilization” in quote, which may well speak louder today than ever before. Empathy is a recurrent theme emerging from research across fields. While scholars hammer out fine tuning details and terminology for consistent implementation, what has become abundantly clear is the importance of empathy in the workplace and beyond. Empathy is the proverbial game changer. Attendees will engage in critical analysis of empathy in the workplace by: • Briefly demystifying the complicated interface of empathy research. • Reflect on stories making real life application to understand multifaceted influence of empathy. • Recognize benefits of empathy in the workplace for leaders, employees, and stakeholders. • Weigh balance of pros and cons in promoting culture of empathy in the workplace effectively. • Collect practical tips and tools in preparation to “roll” with your “role” in fostering empathy. • Participate (at will) in collaborative activities and discussion, including clarification and Q&A, as time permits. According to Albert Einstein, empathy is “cultivated over a lifetime.” Please join us as we contemplate becoming cultivators of empathy in the workplace.