Empathy at Work: Building Better Businesses Through People-First Leadership Hardcover – October 14, 2025

Empathy at Work is a transformative guide to leadership by Chris Kaufman, cofounder and former chief creative officer of StockX, a revolutionary global e-commerce platform. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Kaufman has seen the auto industry of Motor City rise and fall and rise again—leaving him to wonder, “What makes a company stand the test of time?” In this book, he affirms that people are any company’s greatest asset and explores how leaders can bring out the best in their teams, allowing each individual to shine.Kaufman recounts his own experiences as an executive as well as what he learned in his academic research while completing a master of science in learning and organizational change from Northwestern University. With a mix of personal anecdotes and external case studies, he details how leading with empathy and showing vulnerability can create workplaces that are psychologically safe and conducive to innovation and teamwork. The implications are significant for individuals and organizations alike, reflected in verifiable results, from improved employee satisfaction to lower turnover rates and greater profitability.Whether you are a new manager, a first-time founder, or a C-suite executive, Empathy at Work offers valuable insights that can help you turn a culture around—or build it from the ground up. The practical guidance covers everything from hiring to articulating vision and values, leaving readers with actionable tips they can implement in everyday practice. Seize the opportunity to lead from the heart and transform your workplace with the strategies provided in Empathy at Work. Read more