Business leader, author, and pioneer of Economic Engagement Bill Fotsch joins host Rebecca Dhrimaj on Return on Empathy to dismantle conventional assumptions around corporate empathy, short-term management, and employee ownership. Reflecting on decades of turnaround experience—from early trials at Briggs & Stratton and JI Case to collaborations with Jack Stack and Steve Gund—Bill unpacks how treating employees like real partners directly fuels business resilience, top-line growth, and customer loyalty. Backed by empirical research conducted alongside Harvard and the University of St. Gallen, he details why genuine empathy requires concrete data, shared operational context, and aligning the collective interests of c...

Biotech leaders and CEOs Paula Soteropoulos, Dr. Shelley Force Aldred, and Dr. Magdalene Moran join host Rebecca Dhrimaj on Return on Empathy to discuss the findings of the ResilientIQ research initiative conducted with the Biotech CEO Sisterhood. Exploring how human-centered leadership and empathy directly drive organizational resilience in drug development, the guests share personal journeys, actionable strategies for closing the mission gap, and practical ways to support middle management through uncertainty and clinical setbacks. They unpack why empathy is not a "soft skill" that slows teams down, but rather an operational necessity that accelerates agility, sustains high-performing teams, and...

Akilou Salissou—a Customer Success Manager with a rich international background spanning Niger, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, and France—joins host Rebecca Dhrimaj for an inspiring conversation on empathy, human-centered leadership, and customer success. Drawing from his upbringing in West Africa and his experience studying international business across continents, Akilou shares how early lessons in community care shaped his core belief that leadership is fundamentally about elevating people rather than managing processes. He breaks down why customer satisfaction is a direct reflection of internal company culture and offers practical insights into how leaders can balance accountability with genuine empathy.

Ke...

HR leader, executive coach, and TEDx speaker Cheryl Gould (Whole. Worthy. Wise: The New Standard of Leadership) shares what happens when leaders feel forced to leave parts of themselves behind at work—and how checking our humanity at the door is fueling systemic burnout across industries. Cheryl shares her personal journey from aspiring to serve in the "people business" to spending three decades reshaping how organizations view employee fulfillment. From helping Gen Z grads navigate communication in a post-COVID workplace to coaching executive leaders through identity crises, Cheryl offers actionable wisdom on leading with vulnerability, curiosity, and authentic connection.

Dr. Gwendolyn Williams—a hospital medicine physician and healthcare leader—joins host Rebecca Dhrimaj for a deeply moving conversation on the systemic realities of healthcare, moral injury, and human-centered leadership. Drawing from her upbringing in Queens as a first-generation daughter of Caribbean immigrants, Dr. Williams breaks down how early lessons in community care shaped her calling to medicine and her persistent refusal to conform to a "culture of silence." She shares intimate stories from the shop floor and ICUs, detailing how structural failure, administrative overload, and emotional exhaustion manifest as systemic moral injury rather than individual weakness. Dr. Williams outl...

In this episode, Steve Gund—CEO of The Gund Company and a fourth-generation business leader—shares how a transformative awakening from the late Bob Chapman (former Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller) redefined his perspective on leadership and the purpose of business. Steve discusses his personal journey from early childhood service to leading a thriving family-owned manufacturing business that has grown 15% annually for three decades. He breaks down how to turn empathetic listening from an abstract concept into an operationalized system, details their unique Individual Development Plan (IDP) process centered around personal dreams, and illustrates how viewing mistakes through After Acti...

In this episode, Dr. Monica Worline—faculty director at the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, research scientist, and co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work—explores how organizations can evolve from rigid, mechanistic systems into thriving, human-centered communities. Monica shares how growing up in a communitarian rural town shaped her perspective on care, her early experiences navigating demanding tech startups, and her decades-long research with mentor Dr. Jane Dutton pioneering compassion studies in business. She breaks down the four-part process of organizational compassion, challenges the outdated logic of Taylorism and efficiency-driven downsizing, and...

In this episode, Dr. Mette Miriam Böll—biologist, researcher at MIT, and co-founder of the Center for Systems Awareness—explores how we move beyond linear thinking into true systems awareness. Mette shares her childhood journey of noticing the disconnect between human behavior and lived experience, her early passion for animals and nature, and how her background in biosemiotics shaped her view of interconnected human systems. She discusses the critical difference between empathy and compassion, the importance of inner work and emotional literacy, and how cultivating "generative social fields" can transform school systems, reduce burnout, and reshape modern corporate cultu...

In this inspiring episode, Rebecca sits down with HR leader Donna Long for a deeply candid discussion on the power of empathetic leadership, the myth that empathy creates weakness, and the far-reaching "ripple effects" our actions have on workplace culture.

Donna shares her unique career trajectory—from starting in hair and makeup inspired by Dayton news anchor Marsha Bonhart, to navigating data analytics, and ultimately finding her true calling in Human Resources. Together, they explore how leaders in high-stakes environments (like healthcare) can balance speed with understanding, replace fear-based "accountability" with true ownership, and build sustainable team re...

In this episode, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Pat Geary, President of Story Construction, to discuss how a purpose-driven mindset can completely transform company culture and frontline employee retention. Reflecting on his 34-year journey with the employee-owned firm, Pat breaks down the evolution from a traditional command-and-control leadership model to a collaborative, human-centered philosophy built around one core compass: creating an environment where every craftsperson can have a "good day". He shares how Story Construction operationalized this philosophy by replacing buried annual reviews with continuous, 120-day goal cycles integrated directly into daily work routines. Pat highlights the power...

What if the secret to building high-performing, psychologically safe teams was as simple as helping leaders "suck less"? In this episode, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Stephen "Shed" Shedletzky, author of Speak Up Culture, to discuss how emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and genuine compassion can transform corporate leadership. From overcoming a childhood stutter to navigating corporate restructuring and coaching executive teams, Shed shares how leaders can create cultures where people feel safe to speak up, take accountability, and lead with purpose. Tune in for an engaging conversation on defining good leadership, overcoming pressure, and leading with radical candor.

What if the secret to revolutionary leadership in a transactional, high-pressure industry was as simple as radical empathy? In this episode, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Michele Wilson, a leader disrupting the construction space with community and class. From her childhood memories climbing a 100-foot water tower with her master electrician dad to running major operations and founding Sonder Luxe Home Solutions, Coffee with Contractors® and Cocktails with Contractors™, Michele shares how emotional intelligence and authentic connection can completely transform how we do business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on slowing down, protecting your peace, and leading wit...

Is your drive to achieve actually driving you toward burnout? In this special panel episode of the podcast, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach Carlos Martinez, RTT therapist Polly Angel, and clinical psychologist Dr. Paula Freedman-Diamond to dissect the thin line between healthy ambition and toxic striving. Together, the panel explores how high-achieving behaviors often stem from childhood protective mechanisms, why modern corporate structures unintentionally reward relentless task-checking, and how over-indexing on performance metrics damages workplace relationships and personal well-being. Packed with actionable strategies on unlearning perfectionism, setting boundary-driven expectations, and re-centering humanity in high-pressure environments...

What does a childhood spent sewing Vogue patterns at the Grand Canyon have to do with mastering the delicate art of surgery? In this inspiring episode, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with former surgeon, author, and healthcare visionary Dr. Robin Blackstone to trace the remarkable arc of her career—from standing toe-to-toe with surgical legend Michael DeBakey to leading major surgical departments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Blackstone opens up about the emotional toll of a broken healthcare system driven by episodic, money-based productivity rather than genuine human outcomes. Now, as the author of Doctor AI, sh...

What do you do when a senior executive gives you feedback that hits you straight in the heart? In this inspiring episode of Return on Empathy, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Dr. Esther M. Alegria—former VP of Global Manufacturing at Biogen and author of From Just Esther to Poly-Esther. Growing up as one of eight children in a family with no financial inheritance, Esther learned early on that education, passion, and relentless determination were her only path forward. Raising two children while earning her Ph.D. in chemistry, she built an extraordinary career by adopting a single co...

Can an organization remain highly profitable while treating its people with radical love and compassion? In this deeply emotional episode of Return on Empathy, we carry forward the legacy of the late Bob Chapman with an extraordinary, star-studded launch panel featuring Robert E. Quinn, Paula Soteropoulos, Steve Gund, Neal Bakshi, and Dr. Gwendolyn Williams. Together, they confront the "poverty of dignity" in the modern workplace and share how to turn human flourishing and business success into a single, unstoppable virtuous cycle. But the most powerful moment of the hour happened entirely unscripted - when the panel and hundreds of...

What does it take to steer the region’s largest, most complex hospital through a global crisis and daily high-stakes environments? In this episode, Dr. Gregory Argyros, President of MedStar Washington Hospital Center, shares how he transitioned from West Point and the U.S. Army to leading a civilian team of over 8,000 healthcare professionals. Dr. Argyros breaks down his revolutionary "One Team" philosophy—revealing why psychological safety, unwavering consistency, and treating everyone from environmental service workers to top surgeons as equals is the ultimate secret weapon against workplace burnout and retention crises. Tune in to hear incredible, real-life stories of h...

Ever felt like you’re "marionetting" your team or constantly fighting fires that aren't yours to extinguish? You are definitely not alone. In this episode, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Jeff Sigel—executive coach, former corporate leader (with the legendary title "VP of the Junk Drawer"), and author of The Middle Matters. Jeff shares his transformative framework for escaping the exhausting trap of micromanagement by mastering three core middle-management dynamics: the doer, the leader, and the influencer. From hilarious, real-world stories about managing a team that "scrapes the plates" to his viral concept of "Boss GPT," Jeff reveals how...

What if the secret to holding people accountable at work had absolutely nothing to do with authority? Longtime corporate facilitator Frank Ziede firmly believes that "preparation equals respect" and that true empathy means leaning directly into a team's struggles. In this episode, Frank responds to a powerful challenge passed down from our previous guest, Maggie Brady, about balancing execution with empathy without lowering corporate standards. He shares unforgettable stories from his 25 years on the road, from the magic of sparking a first-time flyer's sense of awe to a grumpy executive who thought selfless leadership was nothing but "hogwash". If...

Can practicing deep empathy actually make your organization more agile during a massive restructuring? Return on Empathy host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Maggie Brady, VP of HR and Talent at White Cap. Drawing from their shared backgrounds as former college competitive swimmers and Maggie’s 20-year corporate trajectory from Arthur Anderson to GE, they unpack why empathy shouldn't be sidelined as a corporate "soft skill" - it is fundamentally just being human. Maggie pulls back the curtain on leading an 11,000-associate organization through complex organizational design transformations by replacing boilerplate strategies with human-centered communication. Tune in to discover ho...

In this episode of Return on Empathy, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with biopharma industry executives Warren Stone (NeoGenomics), Dr. Lisa Sellers (formerly Vector Laboratories), Denise Mueller (formerly Affimed), and Dr. Jeff Buguliskis (Outsourced Pharma) to explore the critical role of compassion in high-pressure, capital-intensive environments. Amidst an industry landscape rocked by market volatility, layoffs, and the rapid integration of generative AI, the panel reframes empathy not as an initiative, but as an essential leadership data point and a core component of an organization's operating system. The leaders share personal stories and practical frameworks for managing workforce reductions with...

Associate Professor at Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics, Therese Grohnert, shares the complexities of teaching change management to graduate students and the importance of empathy in leadership. Therese shares her personal experiences in corporate environments and how they shaped her approach to education in learning and development. The discussion emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence, relationship building, and the human side of leadership in navigating organizational change. Therese also addresses the challenges of teaching these concepts in academic settings and the significance of creating a supportive learning environment for future leaders.

Sound Bi...

Tom Szczesny, Ed.D. shares his journey from aspiring sports broadcaster to school principal, emphasizing the importance of systems thinking and empathy in leadership. He discusses the complexities of educational environments, the significance of engaging stakeholders, and the necessity of slowing down to foster connection and understanding. Tom highlights the importance of personal well-being and the role of rituals in building community within schools. He concludes with insights on measuring success and the challenges of maintaining empathy as a leader.

Sound bites

"We need to foster connection."

"We all have many...

Empathy is about seeing the unseen, it's a journey into connection. In a world that often feels divided, how do we bridge the gap between "us" and "them"? In this episode, Return on Empathy host hands the mic over to her father, Dave Galloway and President of Continuous MILE Consulting, for an intimate conversation where they explore why empathy is a universal human superpower.

From the evolution of their father-daughter business relationship to the art of community building, Dave and Rebecca dive deep into how seeing the "unseen" can transform your professional and personal life. Whether you...

Alex Brown of Clemco discusses her evolution from a technical specialist to a Continuous Improvement Manager and Culture Lead, emphasizing that true operational excellence is rooted in workplace culture. Alex highlights the critical need to move beyond "top-down" mandates by actively listening to employees and fostering a high-trust environment. By addressing change fatigue head-on and utilizing humor and empathy to build relationships, she demonstrates how Clemco transforms workplace resistance into a collaborative feedback culture that empowers every team member to drive innovation.

Sound bites

"You have to bring the people along."

"You can't...

In this episode, we explore the intersection of human-centric leadership and operational excellence with Kim Peplinski, a continuous improvement analyst at the US-based convenience store chain KwikTrip. Kim details her personal evolution toward empathy, illustrating how life-altering experiences reshaped her belief that employees must feel "seen and heard" to truly engage with their work. A highlight of the conversation is Kim’s innovative approach to Lean methodology, where she integrates empathy mapping into traditional value stream mapping to ensure that process optimizations don't come at the expense of the human experience. By prioritizing active listening and psychological safety, Kim de...

Discover how empathetic leadership transforms the traditional workplace in this episode featuring plant manager, professor, and Marine Corps veteran Dr. William Harvey. We dive into the essential shift from a culture of compliance to commitment, exploring how military-honed insights can help leaders unlock employee engagement and organizational success. By prioritizing human connection and small gestures of care, William illustrates how to build a workplace culture where people feel proud of their work, ultimately creating a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the office and into our communities. Listen in to learn practical strategies for fostering a human-first environment that...

Discover how improv in leadership can transform your corporate culture in this episode featuring expert Jon Colby. We explore the powerful intersection of workplace empathy, psychological safety, and effective communication, offering practical strategies to make every team member feel valued and heard. Learn why mastering deep listening and the "Yes, And" mindset is essential for fostering an inclusive workplace culture, breaking down barriers for introverts, and turning professional mistakes into opportunities for growth. Whether you are looking to enhance your leadership communication skills or implement real-world empathy challenges, this conversation provides the tools necessary to build a more collaborative...

Discover how empathy-driven leadership can transform organizational culture in this thought-provoking episode of the Return on Empathy podcast featuring Robert Quinn. Explore how fear-based leadership erodes trust, fuels dysfunction, and perpetuates toxic workplace cycles—and why vulnerability, authenticity, and collective intelligence are essential for lasting change. Drawing on powerful frameworks like “twice-born leadership” and the shift from vicious to upward cycles, this episode offers practical insights for leaders seeking resilience, cultural transformation, and human-centered performance. If you’re ready to rethink leadership, elevate employee engagement, and harness empathy as a strategic advantage, this conversation is your blueprint.

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In the second installment of this Leadership Excellence Series, Robert Quinn challenges leaders to rethink everything they’ve been taught about performance and change—arguing that true transformation doesn’t come from fixing problems, but from studying and scaling excellence. This thought-provoking conversation dives into how deeply embedded systems shape behavior, why emotion is an often-ignored driver of results, and how empathy, purpose, and “sacred space” can unlock extraordinary performance. Quinn offers a bold invitation to move from fear-based leadership to a more conscious, purpose-driven approach—one rooted in collective empathy and human connection. If you’re ready to transcend conv...

In this powerful first installment of a three-part Leadership Excellence Series, renowned leadership expert Robert E. Quinn explores what happens after leaders hit the breaking point—and how crisis can become a catalyst for profound transformation. Drawing on deeply personal stories and decades of research, Quinn reveals how fear-driven leadership erodes trust and performance, while self-reflection, purpose, and “micro moments of love” unlock authentic, high-impact leadership. Listeners will gain practical tools—including Quinn’s four questions for conscious leadership—to navigate uncertainty, rewire ingrained leadership patterns, and foster collective empathy within their organizations. If you’re seeking to lead with greater c...

What if the biggest risks in your organization aren’t visible on your dashboards? Return on Empathy (ROE) challenges traditional leadership thinking by exploring what metrics miss—unspoken concerns, hidden risks, and the human experience behind performance. Hosted by founder and Chief Empathy Officer at The Empathy Collective, Rebecca Dhrimaj, this podcast reframes empathy as decision intelligence—helping leaders see clearly, act earlier, and build organizations that endure.

Join The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disrup...

In this special episode, Rebecca Dhrimaj, founder of The Empathy Collective, explores the transformative power of empathy in leadership and introduces the concept of Return on Empathy (ROE) as a critical lens for understanding organizational performance. Challenging traditional metrics that often overlook the human experience, this conversation reveals how a lack of empathy can create hidden risks, fuel organizational silence, and ultimately undermine workplace culture and results. Listeners will gain practical insights into how empathetic leadership uncovers blind spots, strengthens employee wellbeing, and drives more sustainable success—making this episode essential for leaders focused on leadership development, organizational performance, an...

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this episode, Tucker Kaas shares his unconventional path from aspiring pastor to HR leader at Kaas Tailored, offering powerful insights on leadership, HR, and change management within a family-owned manufacturing environment. He explores how strengths-based leadership and a deep understanding of team dynamics can drive resilience, boost engagement, and elevate performance. Tucker also unpacks pr...

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Dr. Kim Cameron—professor emeritus of management and organizations and cofounder of the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and founder of The Cameron Institute—to explore the transformative power of positive leadership. Drawing on decades of research, Dr. Cameron explains how or...

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this powerful episode, Raj Sisodia explores the awakening of conscious capitalism and why true leadership begins with healing. Through candid reflections on trauma, self-reflection, and the search for purpose, he challenges today’s business paradigm—arguing that organizational health must prioritize mental health and inner peace, not just financial performance. Discover how leaders who confro...

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this episode, Dr. Zach Mercurio explores how mattering shapes leadership, employee engagement, and workplace culture. Through research, case studies, and practical insights, he explains why human connection, employee recognition, and a clear sense of purpose are essential for creating meaningful work. Listeners will learn actionable leadership skills to strengthen organizational behavior, foster belonging, and bu...

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this episode, Ben Hoseus explores how leadership grounded in respect for people and intentionality can drive continuous improvement across cultures. Drawing on his journey from the United States to Africa, Ben shares how lean principles translate into diverse environments and why cultural diversity is a powerful catalyst for employee engagement and stronger organizational culture. Th...

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this insightful leadership podcast episode, Sarah Kernion explores how nonverbal communication, motherhood, and empathy shape stronger leaders and healthier corporate cultures. Drawing from her experience parenting children with profound autism, she introduces the powerful idea of “inchstones” over milestones, encouraging leaders to recognize progress through small, meaningful moments. The conversation highlights how intentional recognition, emotio...

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

What does it really mean to lead with heart in today’s high-pressure workplaces? In this episode, Mark Crowley shares his powerful journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leading voice in heart-centered leadership, employee well-being, and emotional intelligence. Through his globally recognized podcast, his writing in Fast Company, and his work as a spea...