“Empathy Impact: The Wild Effects of Kindness in Action” features personal stories from local entrepreneurs Michelle Merritt & Danyele Easterhaus
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Two prominent Westfield leaders are contributing authors in the newly released book Empathy Impact: The Wild Effects of Kindness in Action, published by Sulit Press.
Danyele Easterhaus, founder of Danyele Easterhaus Consulting, and Michelle Merritt, Chief Strategy Officer at D&S Executive Career Management, share personal stories demonstrating how empathy creates measurable impact in business and life.
Available for digital download, the book explores how empathy transforms leadership, relationships, and communities. Proceeds benefit Louder Than Silence.
Easterhaus’ chapter, “The Queen of Sheba,” offers an authentic perspective on fostering inclusion and connection. As the mother of a daughter on the autism spectrum, Easterhaus brings lived experience to her work helping organizations strengthen leadership and cultivate inclusive cultures.
“Empathy is more than imagining ourselves in someone else’s place. It is forgiveness when the wound still stings, compassion that reaches beyond misunderstanding, and love that does not measure or withhold,” Easterhaus reflected.
After serving as Executive Director of Student Impact for 13 years, Easterhaus now shapes the Westfield community through civic leadership roles including the Executive Committee of Special Olympics Hamilton County, founding member of the Mayor’s Council on Disabilities, and board member of the Advancing Westfield Foundation. Through her consultancy, she partners with nonprofits, schools, and civic entities throughout Central Indiana.
Merritt’s chapter, “The $2.8 Million Dollar Lesson: How Empathy Taught Me to Negotiate,” reveals how empathy becomes a strategic advantage in high-stakes executive negotiations. Drawing on more than 20 years guiding C-suite leaders through career transitions and board placements, Merritt challenges conventional wisdom about negotiation.
“For executives navigating career moves, compensation discussions, or board opportunities, empathy isn’t soft. It’s strategic. And it works,” said Merritt, a national speaker and board director who has served on more than 30 boards overseeing $1 billion in assets. “Leading with empathy didn’t just change my approach to negotiations, it added millions in value.”
Merritt leads a team of 15 executive coaches and resume writers at D&S Executive Career Management, a national firm that has guided over 4,000 executives through career transitions. She also serves as Vice President of the Westfield Police Department Merit Commission, overseeing personnel decisions for more than 80 law enforcement officers.
Both authors have deep Westfield roots and active involvement in civic organizations, including City of Westfield, Westfield Washington Township, Women of Westfield, Special Olympics, and OneZone Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating their commitment to creating environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
“These stories remind us that empathy cannot be taught in theory or practiced only in moments of ease,” the book’s introduction notes. “It is something we learn through living, through trial and tenderness, and through staying present when it would be easier to turn away.”
Empathy Impact brings together 15 women sharing real stories about the messy, tender, complicated parts where empathy actually matters, from boardroom negotiations to community building.
About Sulit Press
Sulit Press is a boutique publishing house supporting thought leaders and changemakers writing impactful nonfiction, founded by international bestselling author Michelle Savage. Visit sulitpress.com for more information.
About D&S Executive Career Management
D&S Executive Career Management specializes in executive career transitions and board placement services, having guided over 4,000 executives. Visit dscareermanagement.com.
About Danyele Easterhaus Consulting
Danyele Easterhaus Consulting partners with organizations to strengthen leadership, cultivate inclusive culture, and drive strategic transformation, serving nonprofits, schools, and civic entities throughout central Indiana.