August 21, 2026 Jospeh Cope (08/21/2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

How To Lead From the Heart Without Finishing Last

Joseph Cope

Keynote Speaker, Consultant, & Author

Organization: Emergent Executives LLC

National keynote speaker Joseph Cope brings a session that dismantles the

misnomer of "soft skill" when it comes to empathy. Often taught in ways

that leave leaders people-pleasing, emotionally drained, or forced to choose between compassion and accountability, Joseph challenges that narrative head-on, revealing the critical difference between empathic nature and empathy as a deliberate, courageous skill. Through raw and often hilarious stories from the front lines of leadership, The Empathy Guy reframes empathy as a strategic practice that helps humans address hard truths, navigate resistance, and create conversations that actually move culture forward. Much like Joseph's middle school classes, this is not a lecture. It's an experience. Participants leave with a practical framework for shifting difficult conversations, strengthening intrinsic accountability, and actionable takeaways they can use right away.

Key Takeaways: By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

-Reframe empathy as a courageous, strategic leadership skill rather than a personality trait.

-Apply empathy and accountability together without sacrificing clarity, compassion, or themselves.

-Use a structured conversation framework to surface resistance, shift perspective, and build trust.

Speaker Bio: Keynote Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, and author, Joseph Cope has built a reputation around redefining empathy as a fiercely intentional, transformative leadership skill. This foundational belief has fueled his journey from award-winning educator to highly sought-after speaker, and it’s what keeps his work rooted in presence, curiosity, and courageous human connection. Whether The Empathy Guy is speaking from top stages, guiding leadership teams with deep intention, or helping individuals reconnect with their own voice, Joseph’s mission resonates. Spend any time with him, and you will be inspired to create space, firstly for yourself, and then for others. Joseph is based in Austin, Texas

Model Domain:

Build Personal Capability - Communication, Collaboration and Leadership, Project Management, Lifelong Learn

Develop Professional Capability - Training and Development, Career and Leadership Development, Coaching

Impact Organizational Capability - Talent Strategy and Management, Organization Development and Culture, Future Readiness

Event Details:

Program Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time

Program Cost: Current Chapter Members Free | Guests $10.00 | Students $5.00

*Registrants will receive an e-mail containing the link and login instructions prior to the event.

Smoky Mountain Chapter has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. This program qualifies for a maximum of 1 point.

ATD Smoky Mountain upcoming events

August 21, 2026 Jospeh Cope (08/21/2026)