Episode 3.7 - Empathy

Successful startups create and build long-term relationships. Building long-term relationships requires us to empathise with others.Starting and sustaining any new business is a huge challenge and requires deep reserves of energy. As a result, startup entrepreneurs typically feel compelled to tell other people what they do because no-one will do it for them. But whilst this personal promotion sounds logical, ‘telling’ people about our work doesn’t help us to understand them – and thus build empathy.In this enthralling episode, communications and language specialist Derek Utley (81), reflects on his life and how and why taking the time to create empathy with others is a fundamental building block in the development of our business and personal lives.Learn more about the special guestA lover of languages and teaching, Derek Utley took up his first post as a teacher of Spanish and French at Charterhouse School in 1963. Nearly twenty years later Derek co-founded York Associates, a highly successful language training and intercultural communications company used by many multi-national organisations. Now retired, Derek is a keen community volunteer leading weekly walks and helping people in the north-east plant trees.Subscribe to the podcastIf you enjoy the Startup Survival Podcast and want to receive news and notifications of upcoming episodes, subscribe here.A bit of podcast author background...UK-based Peter Harrington set up his first business following graduation in York in 1989. He has since started and grown several companies in various sectors including research, marketing, design, print, educational software and consultancy. Over the last 30+ years, Peter has employed over 1,000 people and experienced many highs and a few lows including burglaries, floods, fire and of course the most recent pandemic.As well as being the CEO with the SimVenture team, Peter is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at London South Bank University.Big thanks to LSE Generate, the SimVenture Team and Seajam Moths for supporting the Startup Survival Podcast.Find Guest details and all Reference SourcesThe full podcast series together with additional materials, guest details and hyperlinks to all episode reference sources is available on Peter Harrington's Blog 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to Entrepreneurship'.