Talking Empathetic Practice with Lee Bonvissuto
Listen to the podcast episode about strategic empathy below!
I recently had the pleasure of joining Lee Bonvissuto, a dear friend and the visionary behind Present Voices, on their podcast Empathetic Presence. It was a rich and timely conversation about empathy, creativity, and transformative change. We explored how empathy can function not just as a value, but as a strategic practice—one that helps leaders and organizations move beyond binary thinking and build cultures rooted in connection, adaptability, and collective liberation. Drawing from my work with organizers, educators, and movement leaders over the past two decades, the conversation invited reflection on how we lead, learn, and imagine what’s possible together.
A picture of me (Leigh) in a pink collared shirt and large hoop earrings, and a slight smile on a pink and lavender background. The quote reads, “Creativity is a critical part for any change. In order for us to create something different, we have to be able to imagine something outside our current circumstances. Our ability to create, to move from our current circumstances, is really dependent on the capacity we have to imagine.”
I’m grateful for the time Lee offered to consider and reflect on these important topics, and deeply appreciative of all the ways Lee creates liberatory change in their work and their daily life. Lee inspires me every time we connect. I’m sure you’ll see why when you give a listen.
Below you can read the podcast description that Lee wrote and listen to the full episode.
Empathetic Presence with S. Leigh THompson
“In this timely conversation, I sit down with S. Leigh Thompson—a published and award-winning organizer, strategist, professional coach, and organizational development consultant who has spent over 20 years helping organizations and leaders “Do Good Work—BETTER.” Leigh brings a unique perspective to transformation work, having guided everyone from Fortune 500 companies to grassroots organizations through strategic change that builds stronger, more cohesive cultures.
We explore how empathy becomes a strategic tool for creating lasting change, why creativity is essential for transformation, and how empathetic practice can break us out of binary thinking to build truly inclusive cultures.
Leigh shares insights from working with thousands of organizers, educators, and advocates worldwide—including at organizations like the ACLU, GLSEN, and Race Forward—on leadership development, movement strategy, and adaptive leadership.
Leigh’s approach is rooted in critical analysis, meaningful relationships, creative problem-solving, and transformative change. Their impressive client roster spans values-driven organizations, Fortune 500 companies, creative and cultural institutions, and leading educational institutions. With over 25 years of experience as a Theater of the Oppressed practitioner, Leigh specializes in supporting complex dialogue and learning through emergent, participatory facilitation that incorporates interactive and embodied engagement while fostering growth, movement, and joy in the workplace.
Leigh holds an Individualized MA from NYU Gallatin, with coursework on change theory, community studies, nonprofit management, public policy, and campaign strategies.”
Listen below!
