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Episode 269

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Published on:

6th Nov 2025

Leading with Radical Empathy: Dr. Don Parker on Trust, Connection & Transformation

In this episode of Life Equals Choices; Choices Equal Life, host Kim Olver welcomes back Dr. Don Parker, nationally acclaimed keynote speaker, educator, and author of Building Bridges and Be the Driving Force. Known for transforming schools through relational trust and trauma-informed leadership, Dr. Parker shares his insights on radical empathy leadership—a transformative approach that moves beyond authority to genuine human connection.

Dr. Parker discusses his inspiring TEDx Talk on empathy in leadership, the evolution from top-down management to trust-based collaboration, and how educators and leaders alike can create cultures of belonging where everyone matters. Together, Kim and Dr. Parker explore how listening, trust, and compassion can change the way we lead—whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or communities.

Tune in to learn how to lead with empathy, rediscover your “why,” and turn burnout into belief.

Connect with Dr. Don Parker to bring radical empathy leadership to your school or organization at drdonparker.com or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/drdonparker.

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About the Podcast

Life = Choices; Choices = Life
Making better choices for a better life
Life = Choices; Choices = Life is about learning to replace external control psychology with radical responsibility and appreciation so you can make better choices to create the life you want to have. Kim Olver is a leading expert in Choice Theory™ psychology and will share what she has gleaned from the legendary work of Dr. William Glasser, as well as sharing her unique perspective based on over 30 years of study and research.

About your host

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Kim Olver

Kim Olver's mission is to help people make better choices for a better life. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor, a nationally certified counselor and a board certified coach. She is a world renowned expert in Choice Theory™ , a highly sought after international speaker and an award-winning author. Her books include: Leveraging Diversity at Work with Sylvester Baugh (2006), Secrets of Happy Couples (2010), Choosing Me Now (2019) and A Choice Theory Guide to Relationships (2019). Kim is currently working on the forthcoming books, The Definitive Guide to Coaching and Radical Responsibility and Appreciation. Kim is the author of The Relationship Center blog; creator of Empowerment Parenting, a 25-hour parenting curriculum for court-mandated parents; and owner of Academy of Choice, a BCC (Board Certified Coach) Coaching Program. Kim worked five years as a counselor for schizophrenics in a community-based residential program, 17 years holding various positions with a specialized foster care agency, was Executive Director of Glasser Institute for Choice Theory for nine years and the Executive Director for William Glasser International for eight; and began her own company, Coaching for Excellence, in 2005. She is a model of what she teaches about taking responsibility for the things she can influence and control and finding appreciation for those things she can't. Kim believes radical responsibility and appreciation are the keys to a happy, peaceful, satisfying life.