The Growth of Empathie: Another Celebratory Milestone

This winter, I was accepted to ESADE Business School for a full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. ESADE is a prestigious school in Barcelona featuring students from over 46 nationalities, ranked as #4 Worldwide for Entrepreneurship, and Number 1 in the Financial Times for Women in Europe.

Better yet, I was awarded their Women in Business Scholarship, with reference letters written by entrepreneurs, business owners, and non-profits here in Edmonton who have supported me all these years. It was amazing to showcase the talent of Edmonton to the Awards Committee. I couldn’t be more ecstatic for the opportunity!

Cue Empathie – and the reason why this announcement took so much courage.

Empathie has always been more than just a social media agency. It’s a business with a global vision, a wonderful team of creative individuals, and a company that has flourished over the last few years. It’s a safe place where heart-centred entrepreneurs are heard by a team who cares about our clients’ success.

For our team, marketing is more than just knowing the next trend on TikTok. It's more than just tips and tricks on how to edit on Canva. What truly moves the needle is the strategy behind marketing: The storytelling. We have the privilege each day to craft what makes our clients unique and showcase their stories to the world.

Though I’ll be away, Empathie is not “going” anywhere.

Our aim has always been to provide businesses with the high-quality, high-touch marketing services they need to survive and thrive in this ever-changing climate. At our core, we’ve always been next-level thinkers. We’ve always sought out knowledge and aimed to be better and do better. We constantly challenge the status quo and improve our skill sets to be at the forefront of innovation in our industry. 

We don’t focus on the “hustle,” we adapt, and my move to Spain is simply another piece of the puzzle. That’s why I want to bring back what I learn in Barcelona to serve our clients better. I’ve always dreamt of Empathie growing globally, taking space in an industry that often forgets to connect with people of different perspectives and ideas. This time abroad will allow me to make those connections, expand my knowledge, and think globally when often I've caught myself getting lost in the day-to-day of just “doing.”

While I’m abroad, my dedicated and wonderful team will be the face of Empathie. They will be on site with you and ensure you have the support you need. As CEO, it brings me joy knowing we have an empowered group of leaders who are passionate about supporting our clients.

Remember, I will still be overseeing operations at Empathie and hosting webinars throughout the year, but it is my dedicated team you’ll come to rely on.

Our services will remain the same, as they have always been, but with a higher focus on Marketing Strategy and Brand Strategy.

Friends, I cannot wait to share my experience in Barcelona and come back with more innovative ideas to elevate your business. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that it’s only up from here as we move forward together!

Hasta luego, amigos ❤️

In gratitude,

Joanne Bartolome