The Empathic Leader

Can animals teach us something about empathy? After returning from an incredible experience speaking at Harvard, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is back to answer a fascinating community question: Do animals experience empathy—and what can we learn from them? From heartwarming airport encounters with a tiny kitten to groundbreaking research on rats, chimpanzees, elephants, dolphins, dogs, and more...

In this episode of Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller tackles a question that so many empathetic people struggle with: how do you navigate relationships, workplaces, and leadership environments when it seems like the people around you don't share your ability to understand others? Drawing from her doctoral research, leadership interviews, and real-world examples, M...

What if some of the most common beliefs about empathy are completely wrong? In this episode of Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller takes on some of the biggest myths surrounding empathy and leadership. Is empathy all about feelings? Does it make leaders weak? Is it something only women are naturally good at? Can empathy be learned—or are you born with it? Drawing fr...

What if everything you thought you knew about empathy was wrong? In this week's live Ask Me Anything episode, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller tackles some of the biggest myths surrounding empathy—from the idea that empathy is all about feelings to the belief that it's only for women, too soft for leadership, or something you're simply born with. Drawing on insights from her doctoral research, lead...

In this episode of Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller explores one of the most overlooked aspects of empathy: self-empathy. Drawing from personal experiences, leadership research, and audience questions, Dr. Melissa breaks down why self-empathy isn't selfish, why boundaries are essential, and how learning to understand yourself creates the foundation for showing au...

In this episode of Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller breaks down what boundaries really are — not the vague advice to "just go set some," but the actual research, the five types most people never think about, and a practical three-step framework for putting them in place and actually sticking to them. She also connects boundaries directly to self-empathy — because...

“Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller” dives into the real-world application of empathy in leadership, relationships, communication, and everyday life. In this episode of The Empathic Leader podcast, Dr. Melissa answers audience-submitted questions about empathy, emotional intelligence, AI, performative empathy, boundaries, compassion, and the difference between...

In this episode of ‘ The Empathic Leader Presents’ Podcast , Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller launches her new Livestream Format. Drawing from recent media cases she works through some of the most problematic empathy issues facing society and leadership today. She then answers questions from the audience, and invites them to bring more. Whether in her DMs, email, or at events, people are asking abo...

This episode’s guest is someone I’ve wanted on the show for a long time — and trust me, it was worth the wait. I’m joined by Art Fromm : podcaster, author, facilitator, speaker, engineer-turned-sales-expert, and truly one of the most multidimensional leaders you’ll ever meet. Art’s career spans engineering, software sales, sales leadership, and enablement — but what makes his journey so compelling...

Today’s conversation is one that stays with you long after it’s over. I’m sitting down with Janik Fauteux — a woman who has lived many lives, worn many hats, and led in more ways than one. From executive vice president in the construction industry, to business development consultant, to entrepreneur, and now host of her own powerful podcast A Woman’s Spark , Janik brings wisdom, vulnerability, and...

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller digs into a myth almost all of us have heard: Dr. Melissa breaks down why empathy is not just a trait. It’s also a state you can intentionally build, strengthen, and integrate into your leadership. From the neuroscience behind empathy to the practical habits that make it a repeatable skill, she dives into why empathy might be the most powerful tool...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Jennie Milton (also known as “ Adrenajen” ) an Australian extreme sports athlete, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a woman who has literally survived avalanches, polar bear encounters, and brain surgery. Jennie’s story is equal parts unbelievable and deeply grounding. Together, we talk about what fear really is, how our bodies respond to it,...

In this special episode of “The Empathic Leader,” Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller opens up about one of the most transformative experiences of her life — giving her first TEDx Talk on self-empathy and self-judgment. Melissa shares the emotional, vulnerable, and deeply human side of preparing for the red dot — from the nerves of condensing years of research into 12 minutes, to the self-doubt that w...

"Your organization isn’t a machine. It’s a living, breathing organism." In this episode of The Empathic Leader , Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller unpacks a common leadership trap: wanting your organization to “run like a machine.” Sounds great in theory, but people aren’t gears. Machines might be efficient, but they don’t evolve, innovate, or connect  and neither do organizations that forget t...

“Change isn’t failure—it’s transformation.”  In this heartfelt and deeply honest conversation, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller sits down with transformational coach, author, and TEDx speaker Susan Hensley to explore what it really means to navigate life transitions with self-empathy, authenticity, and courage . From careers that shift and identities that evolve, to the messy middle of uncerta...

In this episode of “The Empathic Leader,” Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller sits down with the incredible Olivia Parr-Rud — award-winning author, data scientist turned wisdom coach, and host of “ The Amazing Aging” podcast . This conversation is a heartfelt, wisdom-filled deep dive into what it really means to lead with empathy, love, and emotional intelligence — not just in business, but in life. O...

What if the most powerful leadership strategy wasn’t in another business playbook but inside you all along? In Episode 36 of “The Empathic Leader” , Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller breaks down why empathy isn’t “soft”.  It’s skills-based, data-driven, and results-oriented. She shares real-world stories and hard numbers that show how empathy fuels productivity, innovation, and profit — while a...

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller sits down with Jan Raeder. She’s a wellness educator, former martial-arts instructor, and author. They unpack practical tools for self-leadership, resilience, and everyday well-being.  Jan walks us through her evidence-based M.O.R.E. Framework (Meaning, Optimism, Relationships, Engagement), explains simple daily practices like the “what went we...

What if spotting a great leader was as simple as reading their flags? 🚩⚪💚 In Episode 34 of "The Empathic Leader" , Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller breaks down the red, beige, and green flags of leadership—signals that reveal how leaders handle critique, communication, generosity, change, and empathy. From toxic patterns that drain teams to green flags that inspire trust and growth, this episode...

‘Burnout’ isn’t just a buzzword in health care, it’s a crisis. In Episode 33 of "The Empathic Leader" podcast, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller sits down with registered nurse, entrepreneur, and founder of the Nomadic Nurse Network, Melanie Boulerice . Together, they explore the realities of health care systems in both the U.S. and Quebec, Canada. Plus, the devastating cycle of “do more with less,”...

Welcome to Episode 32 of “The Empathic Leader” podcast with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller. In this solo episode, we dive deep into the realities of toxic work environments—what they actually are, how to recognize the signs early, and most importantly, what to do if you find yourself stuck in one. Too often, terms like “toxic workplace” or “gaslighting” are thrown around loosely, but here we take...

In the 31st episode of The Empathic Leader podcast, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller interviews Vandana Puranik —a powerhouse marketer, strategist, and bestselling author who has worked with iconic brands like Johnson & Johnson, Hershey’s, and Campbell’s. Vandana’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. After being diagnosed with breast cancer and facing life-threatening complications—incl...

Empathy isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the glue and accelerant for real business transformation. In Episode 30 of “ The Empathic Leader ” podcast, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller shares practical, actionable ways leaders can actually embed empathy into their culture and not just talk about it. From the importance of modeling behavior and being visible to your team, to why empathy sometimes means havi...

She Survived the Boston Marathon Bombing, Now She's Changing the Mental Health Landscape After Tragedy In this gripping episode of "The Empathic Leader" podcast, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller speaks with Manya Chylinski , a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing who turned personal trauma into national advocacy. Though Manya walked away without visible injuries, the psychological impact wa...

In this episode of “ The Empathic Leader ,” Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and reinvention expert Samantha Kris for an honest, inspiring conversation about the evolution from manager to empathic leader. Samantha shares her unconventional journey. She started from addictions counselor to corporate executive to trusted advisor for impact-driven CEOs. Alon...