How Can Empathy and Self-Mastery Transform Your Leadership Style?
What does it take to lead with authenticity, build trust, and foster stronger teams? In this episode of the Leadership Jam Session, I sat down with Abigail Manning, an international speaker and workshop facilitator, to discuss the importance of self-mastery and empathy in leadership. Abigail shared her powerful journey of overcoming trauma, the creation of her Purple Threads concept, and how leaders can create safe, trusting environments for their teams. Here are some of the key takeaways from our inspiring conversation.
Embrace Self-Mastery
For Abigail, leadership begins with self-mastery—a combination of self-awareness, self-ownership, and self-commitment. She emphasizes that leaders must first identify and eliminate limiting personal thoughts, which she calls “Purple Threads.” Abigail explains, “Purple Threads are those limiting thoughts tied to past experiences that hold us back. The first step to becoming a great leader is understanding what’s going on in your head.” By addressing these internal barriers, leaders can become more authentic and resilient, setting a powerful example for their teams.
Build Trust Through Empathy
Abigail believes that trust is foundational for any high-performing team. She introduced her TRUST acronym: Truth, Respect, Unity, Safety, and Transparency. According to Abigail, leaders must cultivate environments where team members feel seen, heard, and valued. “Leaders who create safe spaces, ask for input, and admit their own weaknesses build the strongest teams,” she shared. By modeling empathy and vulnerability, leaders can foster genuine connections that elevate team morale and engagement.
Recognize the Power of Communication
Effective leadership relies on how well you communicate—not just what you say, but how you say it. Abigail highlights the importance of asking questions like “What can we do better?” and “How can I support you?” rather than resorting to blame or assumptions. She encourages leaders to focus on collaboration and open communication to inspire trust and innovation. Abigail also shared practical techniques, such as using visuals and kinesthetic tools (like her famous Lego example) to make leadership lessons more memorable and impactful.
Overcome Challenges with Courage
Abigail’s personal story of overcoming childhood trauma and PTSD demonstrates the power of resilience and courage in leadership. She encourages leaders to address challenges head-on, both in themselves and within their teams, rather than avoiding difficult conversations. “It takes courage to be authentic and admit you don’t have all the answers,” Abigail noted. By doing so, leaders can create healthier workplace cultures where teams feel supported and understood.
Create a Culture of Accountability
While empathy is vital, Abigail reminds leaders that accountability must also play a role. She explains, “Trust isn’t just about giving—it’s about expecting those values back.” Leaders must set healthy boundaries, uphold team respect, and ensure that everyone contributes to a positive, productive environment. This balance between compassion and accountability is key to building strong, sustainable teams.
Key Takeaways
-How self-mastery drives leadership authenticity and resilience (00:04:55)
-Building trust with the TRUST framework: Truth, Respect, Unity, Safety, and Transparency (00:09:40)
-Overcoming personal and team challenges with courage and empathy (00:12:08)
-The importance of clear, intentional communication in leadership (00:18:50)
Abigail Manning’s insights remind us that leadership is as much about mastering ourselves as it is about inspiring others. By fostering empathy, building trust, and creating a culture of authenticity, leaders can have a profound impact on their teams and organizations.
Want to connect with Abigail or explore her resources?
-Visit her website: https://abigailgmanning.com
-Email Abigail directly: Info@AbigailGManning.com
Tune in to the full episode to discover how self-mastery and empathy can transform your leadership approach and help you create stronger, more connected teams.
How are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com
About the host, Rob Fonte
Rob Fonte is the founder and President of Sarto Leadership Group, whose reputation has been built on being a transformational leader and inspirational coach with a passion for developing others. His twenty-year career spans across multiple disciplines including leading award-winning sales teams. Rob is an academically trained Executive Coach certified by The University of Texas and the International Coach Federation.