What if the secret to retaining millennials isn’t another perk—but purpose? In this episode, Dr. Katie Thomas unpacks why “purpose is retention” and how connecting everyday tasks to a bigger mission can dramatically boost work engagement. Through the timeless story of three masons—each seeing the same work very differently—we explore why meaning, organizational support, and feeling valued matter more than ever for today’s workforce. If you’re struggling with millennial retention or wondering how to turn “I’m laying bricks” into “I’m building something that matters,” this conversation is a must-listen.

Learn more about Dr. Katie Thomas’s research and take her 7 Blind Spots quiz: https://moremillennialexecutives.com/

Dr. Katie Thomas’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drkatiethomas

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/

In this episode, Tracey Minutolo shares her journey from scientist to operational excellence leader and how empathy, mentorship, and reflection have shaped her approach to leadership and change management. Drawing on her background in Lean Six Sigma, she explores how process improvement and team development go hand in hand when leaders take time to listen, understand individual CliftonStrengths, and connect initiatives to real business value. The conversation highlights how empathy can transform resistance into engagement, why mentorship is critical for professional growth, and how reflective leadership practices support sustainable improvement in fast-paced environments. This episode offers practical insights for leaders focused on operational excellence, people-centered change, and building high-performing, inclusive teams.

Sound bites

"I fell in love with making things better for people."

"There's nothing more empathetic than listening to someone's ideas."

"Resistance often isn't true resistance; it's misunderstanding."

"Slow down to speed up."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey from Science to Operational Excellence

10:26 The Power of Mentorship and Development

16:56 Empathy in Change Management

27:37 Navigating Shifting Priorities and Team Focus

32:41 The Importance of Reflection in Leadership

In healthcare, almost no one enters the field without a desire to care—but good intentions don’t always translate into healthy teams or sustainable cultures. In this episode, inspired by Dr. Josh Hartzell’s recently published book, A Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership, we explore the empathy gap in healthcare and why so many well-intentioned leaders struggle with execution. The conversation unpacks what caring leadership looks like in practice, how the absence of strong role models shapes culture, and why “a lack of know-how” often undermines even the best intentions. It’s a powerful reflection on leading with empathy—and creating the kind of healthcare culture most leaders aspire to, but few are taught how to build.

Learn more about Dr. Hartzell and his book: https://joshuahartzellmd.com/

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/

In this insightful podcast episode, Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with leadership coach Casey Carpenter to unpack the powerful intersection of introversion, confidence, and authentic leadership. Together, they challenge common stereotypes about introverts, explore the impact of imposter syndrome, and reveal how empathy and presence can transform communication in the workplace. Casey shares her personal journey from shy introvert to confident speaker, offering practical strategies for leaders—especially women in business—to find their voice, lead with authenticity, and create psychologically safe environments where individuals can thrive. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone focused on personal growth, empathetic leadership, and coaching approaches that honor individual strengths while fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.

Sound bites

"You’ve got presence."

"You need ‘on ramps.’"

"Empathy is not weakness."

Chapters

00:00 Breaking Stereotypes of Introversion

02:55 The Journey from Corporate to Coaching

05:28 Finding Presence and Authenticity

08:11 The Power of Listening and Thought Processing

10:58 On Ramps for Introverts in Conversations

14:07 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

16:28 Empathy in Leadership

19:31 Strengths and Self-Awareness in the Workplace

22:13 Creating a Safe Work Environment

24:59 Practical Steps for Leaders

28:02 The Ripple Effect of Leadership

30:38 Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Presence

Learn more about Casey and her work: https://www.speakandownit.com/

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/

In this episode, Melody shares her inspiring career transition from math enthusiast and educator to UX researcher, revealing how empathy sits at the heart of both learning and user experience design. Through storytelling and real-world examples, she explores how understanding mental models, problem solving, and collaboration can transform math education and create more inclusive learning environments. Melody also reflects on how teaching skills translate seamlessly into UX research, helping teams advocate for user needs while balancing perspectives across tech, education, and design. This conversation is a powerful reminder that empathy, communication, and curiosity are essential tools for anyone shaping meaningful learning and user experiences.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Math Wizard

12:48 Empathy in Education and Learning

26:11 Transitioning to UX Research

38:02 Empathy as a Strategic Tool in Tech

In this special holiday episode, host Rebecca Dhrimaj reflects on the powerful conversations she had in 2025 with Bob Chapman, chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, and Bob Quinn, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, to explore what human-centric leadership truly looks like in times of change and uncertainty. Rooted in empathy, courage, and authenticity, the discussion underscores how strong corporate culture, community, and workplace well-being are essential to building resilience and sustaining meaningful success. As leaders navigate an evolving workplace—especially during the reflective holiday season—this episode invites listeners to consider how we show up for our people and why leadership is, at its core, deeply human. The conversation also offers a special glimpse into an upcoming 2026 episode featuring Zach Mercurio, diving into the power of mattering and significance and why helping people feel seen, valued, and needed may be one of the most important leadership responsibilities of all.

For more on Bob Chapman, revisit Truly Human Leadership (Eps. 40) and Courageous Patience and a Safe Bus (Eps. 41)

For more on Bob Quinn, revisit Deep Change (Eps. 53) and Inspiring Change with Empathy (Eps. 54)

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/

In this powerful episode, Debi Lynn opens up about her extraordinary journey through loss, grief, and resilience after losing her four-month-old son and her job in the same week. She shares how a moment of crisis became the turning point that helped her rebuild her life with the support of her community. Today, Debi empowers women to transform pain into purpose—and even profit—through business resilience, storytelling, and healing. Tune in to hear her raw, inspiring conversation about finding strength in tragedy and discovering what’s possible on the other side of survival mode.

Sound bites

"Grief has no timeline.”

"What brings me joy?"

"Turning pain into profit."

Chapters

00:00 A Journey of Loss and Resilience

08:56 Transforming Pain into Purpose

Learn more about Debi Lynn and her work with resilience and grief:

https://debilynnfl.com/

https://www.friendsingrief.com

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com

Show Notes

Discover how empathy, leadership, and design intersect in this inspiring conversation with industrial designer Mike Laut, founder and CEO of Laut Design. In this episode of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, host Rebecca Dhrimaj explores how empathy drives creativity, strengthens team dynamics, and fuels innovation in user experience and industrial design. Mike shares his journey from freelancer to leader, revealing how core values, authentic communication, and a deep understanding of users help teams tackle complex business challenges with clarity and purpose.

Sound bites

"The client is always surprised."

"We never shrunk, only ever grew."

"Boredom is cancerous around here."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Lout Design

04:17 Mike's Journey into Industrial Design

06:44 From Freelancing to Building a Team

09:49 The Role of Empathy in Design

12:16 Understanding Customer Needs through Empathy

14:59 Case Study: Designing a Tech-Enabled Sprayer

17:38 Client Surprises and the Importance of Research

20:14 Navigating Business Challenges and Team Morale

22:50 Core Values and Company Culture

28:25 Lessons Learned and Future Directions

40:03 Introduction to Empathy in the Workplace

40:12 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

Learn more about Laut Design: https://lautdesign.com/

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/

Discover how empathy can fuel entrepreneurship in this inspiring conversation with Anqi Xia, founder of The Cozy Spa Retreat Group. Anqi shares how she built a supportive workplace for her largely immigrant workforce through flexible scheduling, open communication, and team-first leadership. She reveals how a caring culture not only strengthens client care and brand identity, but also drives sustainable business growth. Whether you’re a leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about building healthier teams, Anqi’s story is a powerful reminder that empathy isn’t just good for people, it’s good for business.

Sound bites

"Wellness is not just a service."

"I try to build a caring culture."

"Your success starts and ends with people."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship

02:28 Building a Caring Team

05:27 Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture

07:54 Flexible Scheduling and Employee Growth

10:40 Balancing Business Growth and Empathy

16:04 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners

Learn more about the Cozy Spa Retreat Group: https://cozyfootspa.ca/, https://comfortfootspa.ca/

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/

In this episode, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with empathy advocate and founder of Empathy Everywhere, Mimi Nicklin, for a powerful conversation about how empathy can transform leadership, strengthen communication, and deepen relationships in both the workplace and the community. Mimi shares insights on navigating cultural nuances, addressing the global empathy deficit, and embracing listening as the foundation of meaningful connection. Together, they explore how small, intentional actions fuel personal growth and why empathy remains one of the most essential skills leaders can cultivate today.

Sound bites

"Empathy is a powerful message."

"I see you."

"We need a way to reconnect to ourselves."

"Use people's names."

"Every small step counts."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Empathy and Its Importance

07:12 Mimi's Journey to Empathy Advocacy

16:20 Cultural Nuances of Empathy

18:42 Understanding the Empathy Deficit

25:01 Implementing Empathy in Leadership

29:03 Practical Steps to Cultivate Empathy

Show Links

Learn more about Mimi and Empathy Everywhere: https://www.empathyeverywhere.co/

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/

President Barack Obama’s 2006 commencement speech referenced in this episode: https://youtu.be/2MhMRYQ9Ez8?si=lFGCyASKQVPNZ6ly