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Listen "Why Most Leaders Get Empathy Wrong | Dr. Melissa"
Episode Synopsis
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Melissa explores what empathy in leadership really means—and how most leaders are using it the wrong way. She and Anthony unpack the myths around “feeling what others feel,” the dangers of empathy fatigue, and why leaders need to balance compassion with accountability. Melissa introduces the three core types of empathy—emotional, cognitive, and self empathy—and explains how applying them correctly can prevent burnout, build stronger teams, and keep organizations profitable. This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders who want to lead with both heart and results.
Special Guest
Dr. Melissa is the author of The Empathic Leader: How EQ via Empathy Transforms Leadership for Better Profit, Productivity, and Innovation. A leadership coach and expert in emotional intelligence, she helps executives and organizations use empathy effectively without falling into toxic or performative patterns. Through her company, EQvia, she offers workshops, coaching, and training designed to transform leadership cultures into environments of connection, accountability, and growth.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Empathy in Leadership
02:15 - Defining Empathy: More Than Just Feelings
05:30 - The Three Types of Empathy
08:45 - Self-Empathy: The Foundation of Effective Leadership
12:10 - Balancing Organizational Needs with Human Connection
16:25 - Avoiding Empathy Fatigue and Burnout
20:40 - Dark Empathy and Toxic Leadership Behaviors
24:55 - Measuring Empathy's Impact on Organizational Success
28:30 - Practical Steps for Developing Empathetic Leadership
32:45 - Closing Insights and Call to Action
MELISSA’S INFO:
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Empathic-Leader-Transforms-Leadership-Productivity-ebook/dp/B0F44JLV5R
Website: https://eqviaempathy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/
PODCAST INFO:
Website:
https://FutureFactory.live
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549
Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory
FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatch
https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
In this episode, Dr. Melissa explores what empathy in leadership really means—and how most leaders are using it the wrong way. She and Anthony unpack the myths around “feeling what others feel,” the dangers of empathy fatigue, and why leaders need to balance compassion with accountability. Melissa introduces the three core types of empathy—emotional, cognitive, and self empathy—and explains how applying them correctly can prevent burnout, build stronger teams, and keep organizations profitable. This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders who want to lead with both heart and results.
Special Guest
Dr. Melissa is the author of The Empathic Leader: How EQ via Empathy Transforms Leadership for Better Profit, Productivity, and Innovation. A leadership coach and expert in emotional intelligence, she helps executives and organizations use empathy effectively without falling into toxic or performative patterns. Through her company, EQvia, she offers workshops, coaching, and training designed to transform leadership cultures into environments of connection, accountability, and growth.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Empathy in Leadership
02:15 - Defining Empathy: More Than Just Feelings
05:30 - The Three Types of Empathy
08:45 - Self-Empathy: The Foundation of Effective Leadership
12:10 - Balancing Organizational Needs with Human Connection
16:25 - Avoiding Empathy Fatigue and Burnout
20:40 - Dark Empathy and Toxic Leadership Behaviors
24:55 - Measuring Empathy's Impact on Organizational Success
28:30 - Practical Steps for Developing Empathetic Leadership
32:45 - Closing Insights and Call to Action
MELISSA’S INFO:
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Empathic-Leader-Transforms-Leadership-Productivity-ebook/dp/B0F44JLV5R
Website: https://eqviaempathy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/
PODCAST INFO:
Website:
https://FutureFactory.live
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549
Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory
FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1
ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3
Find great guests at PodMatch
https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast
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