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. Along the way, she unpacks the pivotal moments that reshaped her leadership style, including the challenges of managing underperforming team members, navigating feedback, and overcoming ego. 

Together, Melissa and Samantha explore how empathy becomes a practical leadership tool and not just a feel-good value. They dive into the importance of adaptive communication, self-awareness, and building feedback-friendly working cultures.She also reflects on the difference between leading a team versus coaching executives, and how witnessing vulnerability at the top has deepened her capacity for empathy—both toward others and herself.

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Connect with Samantha Kris:

Website: https://www.samanthakris.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthakris3/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-kris/ 

About Samantha:

Samantha Kris is a bestselling author, Certified Reinvention Practitioner, and award-winning speaker whose #1 TEDx talk on goal setting continues to inspire leaders around the world. Known for her highly tailored and interactive keynotes, Samantha breaks the mold of traditional speaking by creating experiences that spark real connection and drive meaningful action.

She is a trusted advisor to some of today’s most impact-driven CEOs and thought leaders, supporting them in crafting and delivering powerful speeches and developing strategic communication plans that resonate. Her influence has earned her recognition from Real Leaders magazine as a Top Executive Coach for 2024, and Microsoft named her one of the Leading Speakers to Follow in 2025—alongside names like Mel Robbins.

► About Dr. Robinson-Winemiller:

What do empathy and a treadmill have in common? Both need action to deliver results.

Quiet quitting. Resenteeism. Post-pandemic stress. AI. Modern leaders face challenges unimaginable in the past, and the pace of change is relentless. The old command-and-control leadership style is obsolete. Leaders today must evolve or risk irrelevance. But leadership now goes beyond dashboards and spreadsheets—so, what’s the answer?

Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is the answer. With over 20 years of leadership experience, two doctorates (including one focused on empathy in leadership), an MBA, and multiple certifications in change management and DEI, she helps leaders achieve greater profits, retention, productivity, and innovation.

Her mission? To elevate leadership through the often-overlooked power of EQ and empathy. As a coach and consultant, Melissa draws on expertise, data-driven insights, and proven results to guide leaders through today’s complexities.

► Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide professional, medical, or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional or licensed provider with any specific and personal questions you may have regarding personal or professional concerns.