Member since August 2023
Misha Safran is a highly engaging trilingual award-winning speaker and 2024 award winning consultant for Martinez, CA. In 2022, she participate with a team which earned the CEO Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in recognition of successful DEIA training. Misha is a published author and holds her Professional Coaching Certification (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and is the founder of CEEQ, the Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence, LLC.
Misha's infectious positivity, intuitiveness, and empathy create healthy spaces for leaders and their teams while learning to navigate being uncomfortable as they develop new skills. Working with Misha, professional communities thrive as team members discover, value, and celebrate one another’s successes, and find new enthusiasm for their work together.
She inspires leaders and their teams to reset their mindset and empower their voices, resulting in renewed energy, creativity, increased productivity, and thoughtful communication transforming conflict into connection, collaboration, and currency.
Misha has dedicated her career to creating and sustaining successful learning opportunities and positive, inclusive relationships in the Education, Medical, and Legal sectors. However, she has been brought into corporate and non-profit sectors such as Chevron and California Partnership to End Domestic Violence.
Misha is now a best-selling author for her recent publication of "A Teacher's Companion: How to Center Empathy and Emotional Well-Being for Yourself and Your Students". She also has created and published three ConnectionCatalyst™ Conversation Card Deck to stimulate thought-provoking conversations at work and in community on the topics of Judgment, Empathy, and Joy & Play.
Misha Safran is passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves and one another by creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, valued, understood, and like they truly belong. Her work centers on two areas: helping individuals move beyond fear, self-doubt, and disconnection toward greater self-awareness and self-compassion, and equipping leaders and teams with the empathy, emotional intelligence, and communication skills to transform conflict into connection, trust, and meaningful collaboration.
Empowered by compassion and driven by empathy, Misha's mission is to create psychologically brave spaces where people and organizations build healthier relationships, communicate with courage, and cultivate cultures of belonging that allow both people and purpose to thrive.
Her vision is to empower one million people to feel seen, heard, valued, and understood, inspiring them to strengthen their relationships, deepen their sense of belonging, and become a force for good in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
This is not only my favorite story but also my business's origin story:
My mom always told me I was a joyful baby who smiled all the time (be sure to sing this last part- if you know the reference haha - clearly I am still joyful).
But in 2014, I had become a wilted flower. Shoe after shoe after shoe had dropped.
In October, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The endless pain had me using a cane, a walker, even a wheelchair. I was depleted, and my joy was slipping away.
Just a few weeks later, my dad called:
DAD: "Hey Mish, how are you?"
Me: "Hey Pops, I’m so-so. How are you?"
DAD: "Well sweetie, I have cancer. But don’t worry, the doctor says it’s the best kind of cancer to have… and you know how your bonus mom and I like to do things together? Well, she has breast cancer. But the doctor said she’ll be okay."
Despite his optimism, more joy just slipped away.
A few months later, my mom called, her voice shaky and concerning:
MOM: "Hi Honey, how are you?"
Me: "I’m okay, but Mom, you don’t sound good."
MOM: "Well honey, I have cancer. They say if it doesn’t spread to my brain, I still have a chance. There are trials I can try."
This was a gut punch…and it felt like all my joy was sucked right out of me. No more left.
I became my mom’s primary caregiver within another few months. She was depleted, angry, and sick. Her hope was waning. I was in pain and exhausted. I sat by her bed, day in and day out, watching her dying. I couldn’t access my inner joy, knowing the biggest shoe of all was about to drop.
One day, as she slept, I was looking out of her window. I saw the fall colors, which she loved: profound reds, striking oranges, bright golds but I felt nothing. It's like I saw the colors but they were just dull and pale.
Then I saw a hummingbird hovering by the window, staring at me as if speaking directly to me:
hummingbird: "You’re okay, Misha. Be here now. This is all you've got."
This was just the inspiration I needed to remind myself that there were still things to appreciate and still much joy to be felt. I noticed myself smiling slightly and was surprised to see my mom sitting up in bed. She was wearing her Red Heart Pajamas and surrounded by her over 40 hats and wigs.
Mom: “I don’t know which ones to keep... Wigs, hats… there are so many of them" I had an idea.
Me: "Hey Mom, let’s do a photo shoot, Vogue style! You’ll be the supermodel, I’ll be your paparazzi." She laughed. I laughed.
She struck poses, changing wigs and hats, and I snapped pictures.
Once she decided which hat she wanted, I turned on some music and we had a 30-second dance party (cuz that’s about all the energy we could muscle up but we did it) "🎶 Da da, da da da da da da 🎶 (can you guess the song?)! We were taking turns filming each other with glorious smiles plastered to our faces.
Then it was time for her medicine and she hated that stuff. But, I had another idea!
Me: "Hey Mom, how about a mocktail?" I was on a roll. It felt amazing.
MOM: "Sure bartender. Anything to make this go down, I’m in."
I grabbed a lime and some salt. She sucked the lime, licked the salt, chugged the medicine, then grinned:
Mom: "Ahhh, great job bartender but please don't take offense, I won't have another one today" We both laughed.
Those moments of playfulness brought back the joy we were made of and made caring for her in her final days just a little easier.
A few weeks later, she was gone and while I was heartbroken (still am), I began my mission... to cultivate sustainable joy for myself and others. I even wrote a song called "Ain't no bad day for me".
Today, I am a vibrant flower teaching joy and cherishing the walks and occasional meals with my dad and bonus mom, who survived their cancers. I treasure the pictures and videos of my mom laughing and dancing because they remind me: There ain't no bad day if I identify one thing in a day that makes me smile, "It’s a good day… maybe with a lot of shitty moments."
Because here’s the thing—the storms will keep storming, the challenges will keep challenging, and the shoes will keep dropping.
So I ask you, what can you do to reclaim your joy today? And, if you need help, I am here.
This talk was created out of the frequent request to blend two of Misha's popular talks below: Centering Empathy in Your Leadership and Beyond & Cultivating Joy Amidst Adversity.
Leadership thrives when grounded in empathy and fueled by joy. In this dynamic and interactive presentation, participants will explore how to transform their leadership and life by integrating emotional intelligence, compassionate communication, and inclusive practices.
Leaders will learn how to wear their Super CAPE© (Compassionate Communication, Assuming Positive Intent, Principles of Inclusion and Belonging, and Empathy Before Accusation) and leverage their organization’s guiding BEACON© (Building trust, Easing tension, Allowing for Creativity, Creating confidence and connection, Opening doorways to diverse perspectives, and Nurturing inclusivity and belonging). Together, these frameworks foster meaningful relationships, enhance morale, and create sustainable cultures of care and productivity.Through real-life anecdotes, practical tools, and interactive activities, attendees will gain the skills to model empathy, navigate challenges with grace, and lead with joy amidst adversity.
Whether addressing team dynamics, promoting inclusion, or cultivating individual well-being, this session offers actionable steps to transform leaders from transactional to relational where empathy and joy coexist and thrive.
Misha's presentation at the UH Women's Leadership Symposium was a powerful experience. Her infectious energy immediately captivated the audience, delivering relevant, insightful, and exciting content. Misha's ability to connect, answer questions thoughtfully, and hold everyone's attention was remarkable. The emotional journey they took us on left us feeling inspired and empowered, as confirmed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Jamie Garber, Organizational Development Professional for University Hospitals
Learning Objectives:
⭐️ Empathetic Leadership in Action: Learn to model Super CAPE© principles, fostering compassionate communication, positive intent, and inclusive leadership.
⭐️ Building a Thriving Workplace: Utilize the BEACON© framework to create trust, encourage creativity, and nurture belonging for sustainable inclusion.
⭐️ Resilient & Compassionate Cultures: Master strategies for leader well-being, meaningful conversations, and honoring the coexistence of joy and pain in workplace relationships.
Key Takeaways:
* Super CAPE© Framework: Learn how to model Compassionate Communication, Assume Positive Intent, implement I & B Principles, and practice Empathy Before Accusation.
* BEACON© Framework: Understand how to foster trust, ease tension, encourage creativity, build confidence and connection, embrace diverse perspectives, and nurture inclusivity.
* Sustainable Inclusion: Develop tools for creating belonging and inclusion in your organization.
* Compassionate Communication: Master a three-step process to facilitate meaningful conversations during challenging moments.
* Leader-Care: Recognize the importance of leader well-being in sustaining a thriving workplace culture.
* Honoring Joy and Pain: Learn the transformative power of honoring the coexistence of joy and pain to build compassionate and resilient teams.
This talk is available as a keynote presentation, leadership training, and an interactive session virtual or in-person.
Improve staff morale and retention, increase productivity, and nurture workplace relationships by letting joy be your workplace BEACON© (BEACON© = Building trust, Easing tension, Allowing for Creativity, Creating confidence and connection, Opening doorways to diverse perspectives, and Nurturing inclusivity and belonging).
Takeaways:
🤩 The impact of moving away from a transactional to relational workplace
🤩 Understanding the coexistence of joy and pain leads to care and empathy
🤩 The benefits of centering and honoring the coexistence of joy and pain in the workplace
🤩 How to build your organization’s guiding BEACON©
This talk is great for full staff & leader (from ground level employees to CEOs and Presidents professional development. It can be both virtual and live.
I found Misha's trainings to be incredibly beneficial both personally and professionally. Her expertise and advice for coping with times of stress or disappointment helps to reset the mindset and provide renewed energy and problem-solving skills. Although everyone could benefit from her exercises and insights, those in high-stress professions will learn skills critical to their performance and internal well-being. Not only are her trainings transformative, they are also filled with joy. The time our team spent with Misha allowed a respite from the difficulties and frustrations imposed by the current pandemic so that we were able to come back with renewed vigor and sense of purpose. One of my takeaways was the importance of intentionally reviewing a gratitude inventory as part of a daily routine.The joy experienced by all participants during these sessions is truly wonderful. I wish that all those I care about could experience the benefits of Misha's workshops. - Deanne, Scranton, PA
This talk is available as a keynote presentation, leadership training, and an interactive session virtual or in-person.
Get ready for an empathy breakthrough. Being able to understand the people you work with is an essential skill in supporting cohesive and productive teams while also building belonging and inclusion.
Takeaways:
💜 Wear and model your Super CAPE© (CAPE© = Compassionate Communication, Assuming Positive Intent, Principles of IDEAB (IDEAB = Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Belonging)
💜 The empathy and grace blueprint and how it supports your organization
💜 The impact of developing sustainable belonging and inclusion in your organization
💜 Three steps for compassionate communication
💜 Leader-Care
This talk is great for full staff & leader professional development. It can be both virtual and live.
Transforming workplace culture can feel unattainable and lonely. Learn tangible skills that will take you towards change.
Takeaways:
🌎 Practical skills for change: Participants will learn tangible skills through the DEVELOPS© acronym, including direct communication, staff well-being, valuing self and others, empathy, and more.
🌍 Inclusive approach: Emphasis on leaving no one behind and promoting the greater good, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all.
🌏 Open-mindedness and creativity: Encouragement to embrace diverse perspectives and cultivate innovation through open-mindedness and playful perspectives.
🌎 Work-life balance and boundaries: Importance of setting healthy boundaries for promoting work-life balance and overall well-being
This talk is great for executive and leader professional development. It can be both virtual and live.
Listening for understanding, leaning into the “yes, and”, and building staff cohesion can elevate and ignite better outcomes for all, developing a healthy workplace inside and out!
Takeaways
🗂 The benefits of centering and honoring dualities in the workplace
🗂 Effective Leader-Care
🗂 Open-mindedness and creativity: Encouragement to embrace diverse perspectives and cultivate innovation through open-mindedness and playful perspectives.
This talk is great for full staff & leader professional development. It can be both virtual and live.
A biweekly conversation for leaders to up their game! Great panelists with Misha Safran as the moderator.
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A practical guide with anecdotes and coaching questions to support teachers in becoming more present for themselves and the students they serve.
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Developing Joy Stamina means strengthening your ability to access joy even when life is stressful, painful, or uncertain. Rather than waiting for circumstances to improve, you learn simple practices that help make room for joy alongside.
Learn MoreThis is not only my favorite story but also my business's origin story:
My mom always told me I was a joyful baby who smiled all the time (be sure to sing this last part- if you know the reference haha - clearly I am still joyful).
But in 2014, I had become a wilted flower. Shoe after shoe after shoe had dropped.
In October, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The endless pain had me using a cane, a walker, even a wheelchair. I was depleted, and my joy was slipping away.
Just a few weeks later, my dad called:
DAD: "Hey Mish, how are you?"
Me: "Hey Pops, I’m so-so. How are you?"
DAD: "Well sweetie, I have cancer. But don’t worry, the doctor says it’s the best kind of cancer to have… and you know how your bonus mom and I like to do things together? Well, she has breast cancer. But the doctor said she’ll be okay."
Despite his optimism, more joy just slipped away.
A few months later, my mom called, her voice shaky and concerning:
MOM: "Hi Honey, how are you?"
Me: "I’m okay, but Mom, you don’t sound good."
MOM: "Well honey, I have cancer. They say if it doesn’t spread to my brain, I still have a chance. There are trials I can try."
This was a gut punch…and it felt like all my joy was sucked right out of me. No more left.
I became my mom’s primary caregiver within another few months. She was depleted, angry, and sick. Her hope was waning. I was in pain and exhausted. I sat by her bed, day in and day out, watching her dying. I couldn’t access my inner joy, knowing the biggest shoe of all was about to drop.
One day, as she slept, I was looking out of her window. I saw the fall colors, which she loved: profound reds, striking oranges, bright golds but I felt nothing. It's like I saw the colors but they were just dull and pale.
Then I saw a hummingbird hovering by the window, staring at me as if speaking directly to me:
hummingbird: "You’re okay, Misha. Be here now. This is all you've got."
This was just the inspiration I needed to remind myself that there were still things to appreciate and still much joy to be felt. I noticed myself smiling slightly and was surprised to see my mom sitting up in bed. She was wearing her Red Heart Pajamas and surrounded by her over 40 hats and wigs.
Mom: “I don’t know which ones to keep... Wigs, hats… there are so many of them" I had an idea.
Me: "Hey Mom, let’s do a photo shoot, Vogue style! You’ll be the supermodel, I’ll be your paparazzi." She laughed. I laughed.
She struck poses, changing wigs and hats, and I snapped pictures.
Once she decided which hat she wanted, I turned on some music and we had a 30-second dance party (cuz that’s about all the energy we could muscle up but we did it) "🎶 Da da, da da da da da da 🎶 (can you guess the song?)! We were taking turns filming each other with glorious smiles plastered to our faces.
Then it was time for her medicine and she hated that stuff. But, I had another idea!
Me: "Hey Mom, how about a mocktail?" I was on a roll. It felt amazing.
MOM: "Sure bartender. Anything to make this go down, I’m in."
I grabbed a lime and some salt. She sucked the lime, licked the salt, chugged the medicine, then grinned:
Mom: "Ahhh, great job bartender but please don't take offense, I won't have another one today" We both laughed.
Those moments of playfulness brought back the joy we were made of and made caring for her in her final days just a little easier.
A few weeks later, she was gone and while I was heartbroken (still am), I began my mission... to cultivate sustainable joy for myself and others. I even wrote a song called "Ain't no bad day for me".
Today, I am a vibrant flower teaching joy and cherishing the walks and occasional meals with my dad and bonus mom, who survived their cancers. I treasure the pictures and videos of my mom laughing and dancing because they remind me: There ain't no bad day if I identify one thing in a day that makes me smile, "It’s a good day… maybe with a lot of shitty moments."
Because here’s the thing—the storms will keep storming, the challenges will keep challenging, and the shoes will keep dropping.
So I ask you, what can you do to reclaim your joy today? And, if you need help, I am here.
This talk was created out of the frequent request to blend two of Misha's popular talks below: Centering Empathy in Your Leadership and Beyond & Cultivating Joy Amidst Adversity.
Leadership thrives when grounded in empathy and fueled by joy. In this dynamic and interactive presentation, participants will explore how to transform their leadership and life by integrating emotional intelligence, compassionate communication, and inclusive practices.
Leaders will learn how to wear their Super CAPE© (Compassionate Communication, Assuming Positive Intent, Principles of Inclusion and Belonging, and Empathy Before Accusation) and leverage their organization’s guiding BEACON© (Building trust, Easing tension, Allowing for Creativity, Creating confidence and connection, Opening doorways to diverse perspectives, and Nurturing inclusivity and belonging). Together, these frameworks foster meaningful relationships, enhance morale, and create sustainable cultures of care and productivity.Through real-life anecdotes, practical tools, and interactive activities, attendees will gain the skills to model empathy, navigate challenges with grace, and lead with joy amidst adversity.
Whether addressing team dynamics, promoting inclusion, or cultivating individual well-being, this session offers actionable steps to transform leaders from transactional to relational where empathy and joy coexist and thrive.
Misha's presentation at the UH Women's Leadership Symposium was a powerful experience. Her infectious energy immediately captivated the audience, delivering relevant, insightful, and exciting content. Misha's ability to connect, answer questions thoughtfully, and hold everyone's attention was remarkable. The emotional journey they took us on left us feeling inspired and empowered, as confirmed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Jamie Garber, Organizational Development Professional for University Hospitals
Learning Objectives:
⭐️ Empathetic Leadership in Action: Learn to model Super CAPE© principles, fostering compassionate communication, positive intent, and inclusive leadership.
⭐️ Building a Thriving Workplace: Utilize the BEACON© framework to create trust, encourage creativity, and nurture belonging for sustainable inclusion.
⭐️ Resilient & Compassionate Cultures: Master strategies for leader well-being, meaningful conversations, and honoring the coexistence of joy and pain in workplace relationships.
Key Takeaways:
* Super CAPE© Framework: Learn how to model Compassionate Communication, Assume Positive Intent, implement I & B Principles, and practice Empathy Before Accusation.
* BEACON© Framework: Understand how to foster trust, ease tension, encourage creativity, build confidence and connection, embrace diverse perspectives, and nurture inclusivity.
* Sustainable Inclusion: Develop tools for creating belonging and inclusion in your organization.
* Compassionate Communication: Master a three-step process to facilitate meaningful conversations during challenging moments.
* Leader-Care: Recognize the importance of leader well-being in sustaining a thriving workplace culture.
* Honoring Joy and Pain: Learn the transformative power of honoring the coexistence of joy and pain to build compassionate and resilient teams.
This talk is available as a keynote presentation, leadership training, and an interactive session virtual or in-person.
Improve staff morale and retention, increase productivity, and nurture workplace relationships by letting joy be your workplace BEACON© (BEACON© = Building trust, Easing tension, Allowing for Creativity, Creating confidence and connection, Opening doorways to diverse perspectives, and Nurturing inclusivity and belonging).
Takeaways:
🤩 The impact of moving away from a transactional to relational workplace
🤩 Understanding the coexistence of joy and pain leads to care and empathy
🤩 The benefits of centering and honoring the coexistence of joy and pain in the workplace
🤩 How to build your organization’s guiding BEACON©
This talk is great for full staff & leader (from ground level employees to CEOs and Presidents professional development. It can be both virtual and live.
I found Misha's trainings to be incredibly beneficial both personally and professionally. Her expertise and advice for coping with times of stress or disappointment helps to reset the mindset and provide renewed energy and problem-solving skills. Although everyone could benefit from her exercises and insights, those in high-stress professions will learn skills critical to their performance and internal well-being. Not only are her trainings transformative, they are also filled with joy. The time our team spent with Misha allowed a respite from the difficulties and frustrations imposed by the current pandemic so that we were able to come back with renewed vigor and sense of purpose. One of my takeaways was the importance of intentionally reviewing a gratitude inventory as part of a daily routine.The joy experienced by all participants during these sessions is truly wonderful. I wish that all those I care about could experience the benefits of Misha's workshops. - Deanne, Scranton, PA
This talk is available as a keynote presentation, leadership training, and an interactive session virtual or in-person.
Get ready for an empathy breakthrough. Being able to understand the people you work with is an essential skill in supporting cohesive and productive teams while also building belonging and inclusion.
Takeaways:
💜 Wear and model your Super CAPE© (CAPE© = Compassionate Communication, Assuming Positive Intent, Principles of IDEAB (IDEAB = Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Belonging)
💜 The empathy and grace blueprint and how it supports your organization
💜 The impact of developing sustainable belonging and inclusion in your organization
💜 Three steps for compassionate communication
💜 Leader-Care
This talk is great for full staff & leader professional development. It can be both virtual and live.
Transforming workplace culture can feel unattainable and lonely. Learn tangible skills that will take you towards change.
Takeaways:
🌎 Practical skills for change: Participants will learn tangible skills through the DEVELOPS© acronym, including direct communication, staff well-being, valuing self and others, empathy, and more.
🌍 Inclusive approach: Emphasis on leaving no one behind and promoting the greater good, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all.
🌏 Open-mindedness and creativity: Encouragement to embrace diverse perspectives and cultivate innovation through open-mindedness and playful perspectives.
🌎 Work-life balance and boundaries: Importance of setting healthy boundaries for promoting work-life balance and overall well-being
This talk is great for executive and leader professional development. It can be both virtual and live.
Listening for understanding, leaning into the “yes, and”, and building staff cohesion can elevate and ignite better outcomes for all, developing a healthy workplace inside and out!
Takeaways
🗂 The benefits of centering and honoring dualities in the workplace
🗂 Effective Leader-Care
🗂 Open-mindedness and creativity: Encouragement to embrace diverse perspectives and cultivate innovation through open-mindedness and playful perspectives.
This talk is great for full staff & leader professional development. It can be both virtual and live.
