Leadership skills should be used by everyone in the workplace, entrepreneur and EMU alum Chris Kaufman said in his newly published book.
That's one of the ideas he plans to share with Eastern Michigan University students during a fireside chat set on campus Monday, Feb. 23. The event is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center's fireside lounge.
“People don’t leave companies, they leave bosses.” Kaufman said, explaining why leadership skills are important.
Kaufman has co-founded many startups including StockX, an ecommerce platform that’s valued at $3.8 billion. He graduated from Eastern in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in graphic design. His latest venture was the book, "Empathy at Work: Building Better Businesses Through People-First Leadership," published in October 2025.
In the book, Kaufman emphasizes the need for kindness in the workplace.
Kaufman was invited to share his thoughts with students by the university's alumni engagement team.
Celia Murkowski, the Director for Alumni Engagement, said the intimate nature and comfortable setting of the fireside lounge at the Student Center is a good match for Kaufman’s energy.
“He’s a very down-to-earth person, despite his success," Murkowski said.
Kaufman uses real life case studies, data and research to show how consideration for others affects team health, psychological safety, and trust.
Empathy in an authority figure leads to innovation and creativity, Kaufman said.
However, having leadership traits doesn’t have to come with a title, Kaufman said, and the messages in the book can apply to people at any level in their career, or in any field.
“I would love to see students from all backgrounds" at the event Monday, Kaufman said.
The idea for the book came from Kaufman’s own experiences.
Kaufman said that as he advanced in business, he remembered how he was treated and tried to stay conscious of how he was treating others. It’s apparent when a leader isn’t supportive or appreciative, Kaufman said; but a boss who is empathetic makes all the difference.
“Vulnerability is owning up to our own potential for growth."
Chris Kaufman
Kaufman’s book isn’t just about being empathetic towards others; it’s also about being vulnerable. Although, Kaufman said students should not confuse vulnerability with disclosure. A leader doesn’t have to share personal details or information about their private life in order to be vulnerable. It can look like mentioning to the team that there’s something in your personal life that’s affecting you. Being open about having an issue allows others to do the same, Kaufman said.
Vulnerability can also look like taking responsibility for one’s mistakes and admitting that there’s room for improvement, he said.
“Vulnerability is owning up to our own potential for growth.” Kaufman said.
While launching companies, Kaufman was also staying active at Eastern; serving on the advisory board for the College of Business, donating to the university, teaching classes in the art school and delivering speeches to students. He also served as the university's April 2024 graduation speaker.
However, this fireside chat was designed to be more inviting and personal, Murkowski said.
Entrepreneur and EMU alum Chris Kaufman will share business success tips during a fireside chat at the Student Center on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.
The goal is to educate students on how to navigate the workplace in the real world, Murkowski said, how to work with others, manage a team, and deal with adversity. While the topic caters to business fields, students from any discipline are welcome to come, Murkowski said.
“The core message could be applicable to all majors here at Eastern," Murkowski said.
The chat is going to be held in the Student Center fireplace lounge from 4:30-6. EMU President James Smith purchased 50 books for Kaufman to sign. Light refreshments will be provided.
