The Hidden Power of Empaths in the Workplace: Insights from Michelle Howe

In a recent episode of the Dead Pixels Society podcast, host Gary Pageau sat down with Michelle Howe, founder of Empath Evolution, to discuss the often misunderstood role of empaths in the business world. The conversation revealed powerful insights about emotional intelligence, workplace dynamics, and the untapped potential of empathic individuals in professional settings.

Howe's journey began in the structured world of accounting, where her analytical skills thrived. A personal crisis in her 40s, however, led her to question her understanding of herself and the world around her. After seeking conventional therapy without finding satisfying answers, Howe discovered she possessed empathic abilities that had been influencing her entire life without her conscious awareness.

"I'd always had people sharing their deepest, painful moments with me," Howe explained. "I felt honored, but I didn't realize this was actually a thing that didn't happen to everybody." This revelation helped explain emotional patterns she had experienced throughout her life—the seemingly inexplicable mood swings and emotional exhaustion that she had previously attributed to "just being a woman" or hormonal cycles.

What Howe discovered was that highly empathic people don't just understand others' emotions—they can actually absorb and carry those emotions, often without realizing it. This energy exchange can be uplifting when managed properly but can also lead to burnout, depression, and unhealthy coping mechanisms when boundaries aren't maintained. Many empaths turn to alcohol or other distractions to quiet the overwhelming emotional input they receive from others.