June 2025 Newsletter
June is PRIDE Month—a time to celebrate love, identity, visibility, and the freedom to be unapologetically you. It’s also a time to reflect on what it means to build workplaces and a world where everyone belongs.
At Innovate You, inclusion isn’t a side conversation—it’s at the heart of the transformation we empower. Whether it’s gender, race, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, or leadership style, the message is the same: You are enough, just as you are. And your difference is your leadership power.
But too often, especially for women in STEM, that difference is questioned.
Empathy is mistaken for weakness. Collaboration is mistaken for indecision. And when women lead from the heart, they're told to “toughen up” or risk being labeled as “too emotional” or “too bossy.”
What I strongly believe is, Empathy isn’t a weakness. It’s one of your greatest leadership strengths.
It’s the superpower that allows you to lead with impact and integrity. It’s the voice that connects teams and fosters innovation.
3 Reasons Why Leading with Empathy is Bold, Strategic, and Necessary
1. Empathy drives innovation
In fast-paced STEM industries, innovation isn’t just about cutting-edge tech—it’s about understanding the real human needs behind the solutions.
When you lead with empathy, you create space for diverse voices and unexpected ideas to emerge—exactly what innovation is about.
2. Empathetic leadership builds trust—and trust builds collaborative teams.
Leaders who truly see and listen to their teams cultivate loyalty and performance far beyond transactional leadership.
Empathy is what elevate managers into leaders.
Deep connection fuels sustainable transformation. It is not soft but strategic.
3. Empathy helps dismantle outdated leadership norms.
For decades, leadership models rewarded dominance over dialogue. But the world has changed.
Empathy is the antidote to outdated “lead like a man” messaging—and the gateway to authentic leadership that actually works.
You don’t need to shrink to fit the mold. You’re here to reshape it.
Innovate You Events in June:
1. #IAmRemarkable Workshop
Click on image below to register today!
2. Mastermind Group for Women Leaders
Date: June 13, 26, July 11 Sept 12, 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 am - 8:55 am
Format: Virtual
This is for you if you're craving:
A confidential, supportive peer space
Targeted leadership coaching with accountability
A chance to be seen, challenged, and celebrate
✨ We rise stronger when we grow together.
3. Innovate You Dialogues
Engage in empowering conversations designed to help you navigate leadership, career growth, and challenges in STEM.
Join the discussion and share your experiences!
Registration coming soon on LinkedIn
4. Amy is co-hosting an event during Toronto Tech Week (June 24-27, 2025)
Join Amy Au (Innovate You) and Hilda Gan (People Bright Consulting), experts in People Leadership and Confidence development, for an empowering workshop during Toronto Tech Week 2025 designed for Women in STEM—executives, senior managers, and high-growth startup leaders.
This dynamic session includes intentional networking to uplift and connect, and a transformative mini workshop using the Fascinate® System to help participants discover their unique value and communication style.
Date: June 24, 2025
Time: 1:30pm EDT - 4:30pm EDT
Topic: Unleash Your Unique Leadership Voice with Confidence
Venue: The Village Hive at 120 Eglinton Ave. East, Unit 300, Toronto
A Moment to Reflect…
Where have you been holding back your empathy to fit in? And what might become possible if you led with it instead?
This is your invitation to unlearn the old rules—and embrace the kind of leadership that feels not only effective, but true to who you are.
Let’s Grow Together
You’re not alone on this journey. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating change, or finding your voice in the C-suite—you belong here.
✨ Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call
Let’s explore how Innovate You can support your growth through coaching, connection, and community.
Connect with me for empowering insights and transformative leadership strategies.
LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram
via email amy@innovateyou.ca
