English
September 29, 2025
Cara is Leading with Empathy and Inclusion
Cara Peterkin shows how empathy can inspire others and make a meaningful impact throughout organizations.
At Trane Technologies, we boldly challenge what is possible for a sustainable world. Senior People Leader Advisor Cara Peterkin brings that vision to life each day by helping managers navigate complex situations, guiding them as they strengthen their teams and keeping people at the heart of every decision. She’s discovered that same level of support in her own journey for answers to personal health concerns.
My name is Cara Peterkin. I am a Senior People Leader advisor here at Trane Technologies. My favorite part of my role as a senior people leader advisor is working directly with the managers, having those one-to-one conversations and really making it impact. Trane Technologies has a lot of resources for their employees, whether it is the Employee Assistance program, whether you need support from your HR leadership team or your manager, or you want support, support for people that may be similar to you in those BRG groups where you meet somebody that maybe has the same hidden disability or maybe they're from the same country you are from. My hidden disabilities are attention deficit disorder and lupus, and I feel like that really connects with including and uplifting others in my day-to-day job just because I'm able to show empathy. I was just diagnosed with my hidden disabilities last year, and in those three years of trying to figure out what was going on in my body, a lot of doctor's appointments, a lot of time off, a lot of moving meetings, and I felt so supported by Trane Technologies and the leadership team. There was true understanding and there was a lot of empathy. What I'm most excited about for my future with the company is continuing to make an impact that is so important to me. We can think of a lot of things as business transactions and that's great, but there's a person behind that transaction. Our purpose here at Trane Technologies is to boldly challenge what's possible for a sustainable world, and I absolutely believe we are doing that and it's by supporting all of these different hidden disabilities. Trane Technologies is a company that is truly inclusive. Whether it is a hidden disability, whether it is the color of your skin, we're not afraid to talk about it. We do challenge what's going on and we do have those conversations.
Supportive leadership sparks opportunities
Cara joined Trane Technologies six years ago and has held four different roles, each giving her the chance to explore new challenges, strengthen her skills and expand her understanding of the business. She describes her progression as both demanding and rewarding, crediting supportive leadership for encouraging her growth and helping her step confidently into every new role.
In her current position, Cara works closely with people leaders, coaching them through performance conversations and guiding them through the difficult discussions that inevitably come with managing teams. She sees these moments as opportunities to make a lasting difference, because the advice and encouragement she gives to managers ripple outward, shaping the experiences of their employees and ultimately strengthening the culture across the organization.
“My favorite part of the role is having those one-to-one conversations with managers,” Cara explained. “I get to advise and coach them so they can have a greater impact with their teams.”
Drawing strength from hidden challenges
Throughout her journey, Cara has faced personal challenges that have helped shape how she connects with others. After three years of unanswered questions, countless medical appointments and moments of frustration, Cara was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Lupus. Although this period of not knowing was difficult, the diagnoses brought clarity and relief, and gave her new insight into herself and her ability to support others.
Rather than limiting her, these hidden disabilities have deepened how she shows up for others. They allow her to bring understanding and compassion to situations and remind her that every business decision has a human story behind it.
“I've really developed my empathy over the years because I can understand what someone's going through or how they're feeling," Cara explained.
A culture of inclusion and support
Cara values how Trane Technologies’ leadership responds to disabilities and differences, not only by creating awareness but by ensuring that real resources are available to employees who need them. From business resource groups to open conversations about difficult topics, she’s seen how inclusivity is woven into the fabric of the company, creating a culture that is both authentic and inspiring to her.
I've never worked for a company that is so open to having those difficult conversations and providing resources in support of whatever is going on inside of work or beyond.
A bright future
As she reflects on her journey and looks toward the future, Cara is focused on continuing to grow and contribute in meaningful ways. She knows that the advice she gives to managers, the perspective she shares in conversations and the example she sets all help create a stronger, more inclusive culture.
“I’m excited about my future with the company, continuing to make an impact and lead with empathy, which are so important to me. There’s always a person behind a business activity - and they matter,” she said.
For Cara, Trane Technologies is more than a place to grow a career. It’s a place where inclusion is real, growth is possible and every employee is empowered to make a difference. Her journey shows that empathy is not just a strength but a catalyst for impact, reflecting the values that drive Trane Technologies forward.
The future is ours to create.
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