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Last year, I got involved with MREF because of their commitment to bringing research industry professionals for collective giving. That, along with meeting the incredible folks at Harmon Research and Ironwood Insights—who are deeply committed to giving back —led me to fall in love with the girls at the orphanage, Hogar Montiel in San Jose, Costa Rica. So, when the call out for a Vision Trip to visit was planned for January, 2025, I raised my hand.
What I discovered was eye-opening: despite studying empathy and innovation for years, I learned more from simply being with these girls than all my studying about it!
Here are some of the key lessons that stood out to me.
1. A Good Plan is Important, And Knowing When to Adjust is Essential
We started the day with a schedule, and we quickly learned that sometimes, sticking to the plan isn’t the most effective path forward. Volunteers painting the walls became more skilled the longer they worked, so rather than rotating tasks as originally planned, we allowed people to continue where they excelled. Efficiency and flow won over rigid structure.
Lesson: Innovation isn’t just about change—it’s about knowing when to stay the course.
2. You Learn More About People Through Action Than Conversation
Networking events tell you what people say about themselves. Working alongside them in a new environment shows you who they really are. Seeing the patience and attentiveness of the founders of Emporia Research in action revealed more than any industry event ever could.
Lesson: Shared experiences outside our comfort zones reveal the most about people.
3. Shared Circumstances Don’t Mean Shared Reactions
Many of the girls at the orphanage came from unstable homes and each processed their past in unique ways. Some were quiet, some playful, some incredibly outgoing. Their backgrounds were similar, and their ways of navigating life were vastly different.
Lesson: True empathy means meeting people where they are, not where we expect them to be.
4. A Shared Desire to Connect is More Powerful Than Language Barriers
One of the girls and I could barely communicate due to my very poor Spanish. That didn’t stop us from spending 20 minutes teaching each other to count to 100 in English and Spanish! And I watched Michael Hess with Emporia Research create a connection through ChatGPT’s voice and translation where they laughed as they shared stories they co-created. Laughter, effort, and curiosity built a bridge where words failed.
Lesson: Connection isn’t about perfect words; it’s about presence and willingness to engage.
5. Nature Ignites Energy & Creativity
On our last day, we visited La Paz Waterfalls. The kids, exhausted from a long week, suddenly came alive. Seeing sloths, monkeys, and waterfalls sparked excitement, conversation, and new creative energy.
Lesson: Changing your environment changes your mindset—step outside to shift your perspective.
6. The Best Teachers Are Often the Ones You Came to Teach
Brad Larson brought magic clay and slime-making kits for the girls. We had no idea how to use them, and the girls didn’t hesitate. They jumped in, experimenting and learning through play. Their fearless approach to trial and error was a reminder of how innovation truly happens.
Lesson: Innovation comes from a willingness to try, not from knowing all the answers.
7. A Clear Vision Creates Momentum
The head nun spoke about the future of the orphanage with absolute clarity. She saw what was possible and invited us into that vision. Her faith in the process, even amidst challenges, was contagious.
Lesson: If you want people to buy into an idea, paint the vision so clearly that they see it too.
8. Hands-On Work Unlocks New Insights
While building castles with magnetic tiles, I noticed something: When my hands were busy, my mind was free. In stepping away from overthinking, new ideas surfaced naturally.
Lesson: When stuck on a problem, engage your hands—creativity follows movement.
9. People Need Both Structure & Flexibility to Thrive
We had a structured schedule, and forcing movement between tasks wasn’t always productive. Allowing people to stay in their flow led to better outcomes.
Lesson: Rigidity kills innovation. The best ideas emerge when structure meets adaptability.
10. Real Friendships Spark Empathy & Innovation
One of the most meaningful parts of the MREF vision trip wasn’t just the work—it was the friendships. Spending time with Stephanie Vincent (Harmon Research) and Lynn Richter (Knowvanta) showed me how empathy deepens when you’re side by side, doing something meaningful. And when trust and connection grow, so does the space for new ideas and innovation.
Lesson: Innovation happens when we collaborate, and empathy grows when we lift each other up. The best ideas—and friendships—form when we show up, help each other, and make an impact together.
Final Thoughts This trip reminded me that empathy and innovation aren’t just buzzwords—they are living, breathing experiences. Whether in business, leadership, or life, the willingness to adapt, listen, and engage deeply with others is what fuels meaningful change.
A huge thank you to MREF, Harmon Research, and Ironwood Insights for making this experience possible and making it an unforgettable trip!
I’d love to hear—have you had a moment where empathy or innovation changed the way you see things? Drop a comment below!
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