​

Hi Reader,

​

What you can expect from today's edition:

• A deep dive into the harsh, often unseen realities of homelessness
• An intimate look at Amanda Barrows’ transformative work and why the unhoused trust her
• Explicit examples of systemic failures that strip people of hope—and how we can reframe these challenges
• Actionable insights for turning judgment into empathy and sparking innovative solutions in your own life

Picture this: you’re on hold with your health insurance, passed from one department to another until frustration leaves you wanting to hit your head against the wall. Now, magnify that daily torment by a thousand—imagine doing this while desperately needing a safe place to sleep or not knowing where your next meal is going to come. For many homeless individuals, this isn’t a bad day at the DMV; it’s a relentless, soul-crushing routine.

We already know that when we're in heightened crisis survival mode our brains stop functioning to think clearly, and every function is to keep your alive and acutely focused what's happening in the imminent future. And if you do have the confidence and clarity to try and get yourself out of the current position, you're judged, made faces at, and criticized.

​

When you’re in crisis mode, every small indignity feels like a confirmation that you’re invisible, unwanted—a sentiment echoed by one unhoused person who shared with The Guardian:

​

This isn’t just a figure of speech—it’s the painful reality of a system that fails to see the person behind the crisis. Bureaucratic red tape, endless waits for basic services, and a cold, unresponsive infrastructure leave those without shelter feeling utterly abandoned. When every interaction reinforces that you’re a problem to be managed rather than a human being in need, hope dwindles.

Enter Amanda Barrows, a park ranger in San Francisco who has redefined what it means to help the unhoused. Unlike typical approaches that focus solely on removing people from public spaces, Amanda listens—really listens—to the stories of those she encounters. For many in the homeless community, her genuine care and unwavering respect are a lifeline in a system designed to overlook them. They trust her because she meets them with understanding, not judgment.

Amanda’s success isn’t measured by the number of people she moves out of a park bench, but by the transformation in their eyes when they feel seen. One homeless individual, whose words still echo in my mind, said, “For the first time, I felt like someone cared enough to see me—not as a nuisance, but as a person who deserves dignity.”

Her approach turns the painful reality of systemic neglect into an opportunity for renewal. It shows that when you acknowledge the full spectrum of someone’s humanity, you open the door for them to believe in their own worth again.

For those of us who sometimes judge situations too quickly—whether it's a frustrating customer service call or a complex project that seems too challenging—Amanda’s work offers a powerful lesson. When we allow our initial judgments to harden into walls of indifference, we block out the possibility for change. But if we replace judgment with genuine curiosity and empathy, we might discover innovative solutions and untapped potential.

So why am I sharing this and what you can ask yourself:

• When was the last time you truly saw someone for who they are?
• What would change if you approached a problem with the same empathy Amanda shows every day?
• Sometimes, the breakthrough is not in the solution itself, but in the shift of perspective that makes the solution possible.

Today, I challenge you to see beyond your initial frustrations. Reflect on a moment where judgment held you back, and consider how approaching it with empathy could unveil new solutions.

Let Amanda Barrows’ work remind you that even in the harshest circumstances, there is room for transformation—and it starts with the simple act of truly seeing one another.

What's happening behind the scenes at RKE:

• Disruptive Empathy Experiences: We're soooo close to finalizing our location. We'll know more by end of this week! YAS!
• Podcasts First Month! What the?! We're WAY AHEAD of the curve for our first month! We've already had 7 episodes released, and close to 1,000 listeners!! Uhm what? All I can say is thank you! And I want to hear what have been your favorite episodes! Coming up soon are more conversations with formerly incarcerated men who are transforming prison reform, women and men who have grieve never having kids, the empathic approach to transforming homelessness and so much more!
• RK Advisory: We've sold out our Founder's Breakthrough VIP Experience for the Spring!! Doors are open for June + July...this is specifically for multi-passionate entrepreneurs who are ready to align their services to a bigger mission and purpose that help scale their business and never leave a dollar on the table!

​

​

How you can work directly with Dr. Beri and the RKE Team when you're ready:

​

​

​​​