TEDx speaker and former U.S. Army Sergeant Shanell Pharr-Williams has announced the launch of EMPAXIS, a Black-owned consulting firm designed to help organizations strengthen employee communication, reduce customer escalations, and improve performance by integrating empathy into the core of their leadership and service models.
Recognized as a national authority on empathy in customer service and workplace leadership, Pharr-Williams brings more than 30 years of military and corporate experience to her work. EMPAXIS equips leaders with the human-centered tools needed to outperform competitors in an era dominated by automation and AI-driven customer interactions.
“From the Army to the boardroom, I learned that real strength isn’t about proving you’re tough—it’s about proving you care,” said Pharr-Williams. “AI can automate tasks, but empathy—the ability to understand and respond to human emotion in real time—is the competitive advantage technology can’t replicate.”
The Empathy Advantage: Why Companies Can't Afford to Lose Human Connection
With AI and automation now handling a rising percentage of customer interactions, customer expectations for human understanding are increasing — not disappearing. Recent research highlights the growing empathy gap:
• 59% of customers believe companies have lost touch with human empathy
• 73% have switched brands due to poor emotional treatment
• 86% will pay more for a better customer experience
• U.S. companies lose $75 billion annually to negative service interactions
“The companies winning today aren’t the ones with the most technology,” Pharr-Williams said. “They’re the ones with the most humanity.”
Proprietary Frameworks for the Future of Work
Pharr-Williams has developed two core frameworks designed to help organizations operationalize empathy across both leadership and frontline performance:
The EMPACT™ Framework
A leadership blueprint that improves communication, trust, and team alignment. EMPACT™ embeds empathy into culture and decision-making at every level.
The C.A.R.E. Method™
A frontline performance system that helps employees respond effectively during high-stress interactions—reducing escalations, improving customer satisfaction, and protecting loyalty.
EMPACT™ strengthens culture. C.A.R.E.™ strengthens customer experience.
Together, they create a measurable, sustainable system for human-centered performance.
Services Available Through Empaxis
EMPAXIS works with organizations across industries through:
• Empathy strategy and organizational assessments
• Executive and leadership development programs
• Customer service transformation workshops
• Corporate training and keynote speaking
• Framework implementation and consulting
Her recent webinar, “OutCARE or Be Outplayed,” demonstrated practical ways companies can turn service breakdowns into customer loyalty wins.
Thought Leadership: White Paper & Upcoming TEDx Talk
Pharr-Williams recently released her white paper, “The Empathy Advantage: The One Human Skill AI Can’t Replace in Customer Service,” offering research-backed insights and immediate strategies for companies preparing for the next era of customer experience.
Her upcoming TEDx talk, releasing in January, explores the expanding role of empathy in leadership as organizations balance automation with the need for deeper human connection.
Availability for Consultations
EMPAXIS is now scheduling organizational strategy sessions to help companies:
• Identify empathy gaps
• Improve communication, retention, and team trust
• Integrate empathy into AI-supported workflows
• Strengthen customer loyalty and lifetime value
• Build human-centered operational systems
Limited availability remains for Q4 2025 and early Q1 2026.
About
Shanell Pharr-Williams is a TEDx speaker, former U.S. Army Sergeant, award-winning corporate leader, and CEO of Pharr-Williams, LLC. She specializes in empathy-driven leadership, customer service transformation, and human-centered organizational development. Learn more at ShanellPharrWilliams.com
For press inquiries, contact (281) 520-3904 or info@shanellpharrwilliams.com