Certified Empathy and People Advocate (CEPA)

A Professional Credential by Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching

"Archbishop Desmond Tutu taught that "my humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours." He championed the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which translates to: "I am because we are." You cannot be human in isolation; you are human only in relationships."

Program Purpose

The Certified Empathy and People Advocate(CEPA) credential equips leaders, coaches, educators, and professionals with the ability to intentionally apply empathy as a leadership competency, conflict-resolution tool, and human connection framework. People advocacy is the act of supporting, representing, and promoting the interests, and well-being of individuals or groups of people, especially those who may be vulnerable, or unable to speak effectively for themselves.

According to Michael Sgro, CPBC, PMP, “Empathy is a human radar system and a natural human remedy to conflict.” CEPA certification trains professionals to strengthen that “radar system” by developing differentiated perception, emotional awareness, and communication skills that allow individuals to perceive what others are experiencing beyond words.

Who benefits from gaining a CEPA?

• Human Resource professionals

• C-Suite members

• Supervisors with large teams

• Coaches and Educators

CEPA Competency Model includes:

• Perceptual Awareness

• Emotional Translation

• Empathic Communication

• Conflict Diffusion (The Art Of Peace Making)

• Relational Leadership

Differentiated perception is the ability to distinguish between:

1. What a person says

2. What a person means

3. What a person feels

4. What a situation requires

CEPA candidates learn to observe and interpret:

• tone

• body language

• emotional context

• behavioral motivational drivers

• social dynamics

These skills create a higher-resolution awareness of interpersonal situations. Empathy becomes not just feeling with someone, but accurately perceiving human experience.

Certification structure includes foundations of empathy, applied empathy and professional empathy practice.

Over the course of three days (8AM-3PM), we will create a mix of experiential learning and detailing the social science associated with empathy and advocacy and how to help facilitate the values of any company or organization. CEPA candidates will also master how to elevate our human radar by "self-soothing", creating internal peace, and bringing a chemistry that "meets the moment" when helping others. We will provide a light breakfast and lunch daily.

Timeline of steps for our first CEPA cohort:

Early Bird Registration & Payment: Friday, July 17 at 12PM EST

• Rate is $997.00 and includes initial membership fee for 2026-2027 and continuing education credits,

• After payment, mailer with textbooks, materials and merch is sent to our new learner with homework,

• 30-minute online consultation with Coach Sgro to walk through the program and your goals,

• Online Meet-up of registered cohort will be held on Sunday, August 2 from 7-8:30PM.

Final Registration & Payment: Friday, August 14 at 12PM EST

• Rate is $1197.00

• After payment, mailer with textbooks, materials and merch is sent to our new learner with homework.

• 30-minute online consultation with Coach Sgro to walk through the program and your goals.

We have spots for 16 professionals in this CEPA cohort and the registration period may end sooner based on RSVP's.

About Coach Sgro:

Coach Sgro is an experienced leadership and personal development coach dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build stronger human connections through empathy. With a proven background in coaching, communication, and emotional intelligence development, he equips participants with the practical skills needed to understand others, foster trust, and create more collaborative environments. As an empathy certification facilitator, Coach Sgro combines evidence-based techniques with real-world application, empowering learners to develop authentic empathy, strengthen relationships, and lead with greater compassion and effectiveness.