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 shifting your perspective and embracing true empathy can break the vicious cycle of learned helplessness and eliminate self-induced workplace toxicity. Tune in to discover why empathy isn't about coddling your team—it's the ultimate leadership superpower for unlocking their capacity and reclaiming your peace of mind.

Sound Bites

"I wish I had this book 20 years ago."

"You have to trust your team."

"Empathy is understanding, not coddling."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Middle Management Challenges

04:38 Jeff Sigel's Career Journey and Insights

09:19 The Struggles of Middle Management

13:55 Understanding Roles: Doer, Leader, Influencer

18:32 Burnout in Middle Management

23:12 The Importance of Feedback

27:59 Empathy in Leadership

32:41 The Toxicity Perception in Workplaces

37:39 The Power of Perspective

42:17 Empathy as a Strength

47:13 Conclusion and Future Challenges

Guest Links

Jeff’s website: www.jeffsigel.com

The Middle Matters - book : https://www.amazon.com/Middle-Matters-Toolkit-Managers/dp/B0D75V8Z7Y

The Middle Matters - audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PDIbnwIa9uYXtFL9zDVxc?si=163de6adff0042d9

Learn more about The Empathy Collective Community

Join us at The Empathy Collective launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. Register here:

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Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD106 for a 10% discount on the form: https://www.theempathycollective.com/contact-us

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 you have ever struggled to maintain high standards while keeping a servant's heart, tune in to discover why a question is always a better leadership tool than a lecture.

Sound Bites

"Curiosity is a superpower."

"People matter most."

"Lead with empathy first."

Chapters

00:00 Breaking Barriers: Inviting Diverse Voices

01:50 The Journey to Freelancing: Finding Your Path

05:46 Empathy in Facilitation: Creating Safe Spaces

11:59 Understanding Vibes: The Importance of Atmosphere

17:14 Empathy as Oxygen: Breathing Life into Leadership

26:03 Leadership and Empathy: Bridging the Gap

28:05 The Essence of Leadership

32:18 Navigating Technology and Human Connection

37:10 The Role of Empathy in Leadership

44:12 Balancing Empathy and Accountability

51:31 Empathy as a Leadership Superpower

Guest Links:

Frank Ziede’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ftz001/

Frank’s website: https://www.ftzinc.com/

Frank's new book, "The Lost Art of Giving a $#!+ : Why Caring About Customers Pays Off: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Art-Giving-Caring-Customers/dp/177458669X

Join us at The Empathy Collective launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. Register here:

https://the-empathy-collective.mn.co/plans/1980279?bundle_token=a97b9813830266b53b0e284f3ebac15b&utm_source=manual

Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD105 for a 10% discount on the form: https://www.theempathycollective.com/contact-us

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 how staying grounded in childlike curiosity can help leaders see around corners, anticipate resistance, and drive exceptional business outcomes.

Sound Bites

"Empathy is part of being human."

"Modeling empathy starts at the top."

"Empathy and accountability can coexist."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Shared Background

01:27 The Role of Empathy in Leadership

03:14 Career Journey and the Discovery of Empathy

06:50 Transitioning from Consulting to In-House HR

09:58 Building Relationships in HR

10:59 Embedding Empathy in a Complex Organization

16:20 Navigating Organizational Change

20:07 Equipping Leaders for Effective Communication

23:20 The Importance of Positive Influencers

24:38 Passing the Empathy Torch

30:08 Balancing Empathy and Accountability

Guest links:

Maggie’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiebrady1/

Learn more about White Cap:

https://about.whitecap.com/

Join us at The Empathy Collective launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. Register here:

https://the-empathy-collective.mn.co/plans/1980279?bundle_token=a97b9813830266b53b0e284f3ebac15b&utm_source=manual

Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD104 for a 10% discount on the form: https://www.theempathycollective.com/contact-us

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 dignity, balancing technological automation with critical thinking, and viewing vendors as extension teams rather than transactional suppliers. Ultimately, the discussion underscores that organizational resilience and breakthroughs do not come from technology alone, but from protected, valued humans who remember that behind every data point is a patient waiting for an answer.

In this episode:

- Leaders discuss the power of purpose and personal stories in inspiring teams (timestamps: 2:03, 3:07, 4:18)

- Managing market noise and uncertainty with empathy and strategic clarity (timestamps: 9:07, 11:45, 13:10)

- The impact of AI on efficiency, critical thinking, and workforce resilience (timestamps: 48:15, 50:00, 51:46)

- Strategies for workforce transition that honor dignity and foster loyalty (timestamps: 33:57, 34:44, 36:37)

- Cultivating a culture of human connection to improve performance and navigate chaos (timestamps: 61:07, 62:36, 64:06)

- The future of biotech leadership centered around empathy, transparency, and purpose (closing thoughts: 72:00, 72:23)

Resources & Links:

Return on Empathy Podcast: https://www.theempathycollective.com/podcast

BIO International Convention: https://convention.bio.org/

Outsourced Pharma: https://www.outsourcedpharma.com/

Join us at The Empathy Collective launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. Register here: https://the-empathy-collective.mn.co/plans/1980279?bundle_token=a97b9813830266b53b0e284f3ebac15b&utm_source=manual

Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD103 for a 10% discount on the form: https://www.theempathycollective.com/contact-us

Connect with the Guests:

Warren Stone - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wstoneza/

Lisa Sellers - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisavsellers/

Denise Mueller - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-m-mueller/

Jeff Buguliskis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbuguliskis/

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 Bites

"The actual learning has to happen in practice."

“Our students want to learn about the relational side of change.”

"Empathy shows up as a strength, not a weakness."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Change: A Personal Journey

05:28 Transforming Experiences into Educational Insights

11:10 The Human Side of Leadership and Change

16:35 Building Relationships in Organizational Change

22:14 Empathy as a Strength in Leadership

27:50 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Change Management

Guest links:

Therese’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresegrohnert/

Learn more about Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/about-um/faculties/school-business-and-economics

Join us at The Empathy Collective launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. Register here:

https://the-empathy-collective.mn.co/plans/1980279?bundle_token=a97b9813830266b53b0e284f3ebac15b&utm_source=manual

Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD102 for a 10% discount on the form: https://www.theempathycollective.com/contact-us

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 dimensions."

"How do we show ourselves empathy?"

Chapters

00:00 Journey into Education: From Sports to School Leadership

04:29 Systems Thinking in Education: Balancing Strategy and Empathy

09:09 Engaging Stakeholders: The Art of Connection in Leadership

13:37 Leading with Empathy: Understanding the Whole Person

18:23 Self-Care for Leaders: Filling Your Own Well

21:20 Balancing Leadership and Personal Well-being

26:47 Creating Connection Through Storytelling

33:05 Building Community in Schools

36:24 Empathy in Leadership: Unlearning and Growing

Resources:

Articles authored by Tom that unpack his leadership and thinking in building systems in schools that are rooted in principles of empathy:

• Educational Leadership Magazine - Creating a Mosaic of Connection: https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/creating-a-mosaic-of-connection &
• ASCD Blog - 3 Steps to Stronger School Connection: https://www.ascd.org/blogs/3-steps-to-stronger-school-connections

Guest Links:

Tom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomszcz/

Join us at The Empathy Collective launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. Register here:

https://the-empathy-collective.mn.co/plans/1980279?bundle_token=a97b9813830266b53b0e284f3ebac15b&utm_source=manual

Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD101 for a 10% discount on the form: https://www.theempathycollective.com/contact-us

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 are navigating a career pivot or trying to build a more collaborative team, this conversation is a masterclass in human connection.

Sound bites

"Empathy is in all of us, regardless of region."

"Empathy is about seeing the unseen."

"Failing is just the first attempt in learning."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:39 The Journey of Empathy and Podcasting

04:56 Collaboration and Consulting Evolution

08:33 Community Building and Future Vision

17:07 Embracing Change and Learning from Failure

25:42 Joy in Connection and Making a Difference

Resources

The Empathy Collective - https://theempathycollective.com

Continuous MILE Consulting - https://www.continuousmile.com/

Guest links

Rebecca Dhrimaj on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadhrimaj

David Galloway on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgalloway678/

Join us at The Empathy Collective launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. Register here:

https://the-empathy-collective.mn.co/plans/1980279?bundle_token=a97b9813830266b53b0e284f3ebac15b&utm_source=manual

Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD100 for a 10% discount on the form: https://www.theempathycollective.com/contact-us

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 spell humor without 'you'."

"We are one big family at Clemco."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Clemco

03:36 The Role of Culture in Continuous Improvement

10:01 Listening and Engagement in Improvement Processes

16:04 Transforming Resistance into Advocacy

19:48 Navigating Change Fatigue

24:19 Building a Feedback Culture

30:18 Trust and Relationships in the Workplace

34:04 Empathy and Continuous Improvement Challenges

Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-brown-54ba36212/ https://www.clemcoindustries.com/

Join The Empathy Collective:

• Join us at The Empathy Collective community launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. REGISTER HERE
• Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD99 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE

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 demonstrates that fostering a supportive workplace culture is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic driver of long-term productivity and sustainable problem-solving.

Sound bites

"I always lead with my heart."

"It's a two-way dialogue."

"Life is better when we feel seen and heard."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kim Peplinski and Empathy in Leadership

01:03 Kim's Journey to Empathy

05:53 Applying Empathy in Continuous Improvement

09:24 Understanding Continuous Improvement and Lean

15:56 Value Stream Mapping and Empathy Mapping

21:57 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue

30:08 Balancing Pressure and Empathy in Fast-Paced Environments

32:52 Using QuickTrip's Mission as a Leadership Compass

37:55 The Empathy Challenge and Closing Thoughts

Guest Link:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-peplinski-b05925ba/

Join The Empathy Collective:

• Join us at The Empathy Collective community launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. REGISTER HERE
• Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD98 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE

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 drives both productivity and personal growth.

Sound bites

"Leadership is deeply human."

"Do they have pride in the work they're doing?"

"How do you create the environment for people to be successful?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Career Journey

01:21 The Human Element of Leadership

06:34 Translating Military Lessons to the Workplace

11:22 Building Relationships in Crisis

16:28 The Societal Impact of Workplace Culture

19:07 Creating a Human-First Workplace

21:16 Encouraging Reflection in Leadership

22:12 Passing the Empathy Torch

Guest Link:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwilliamharvey/

Join The Empathy Collective:

• Join us at The Empathy Collective community launch event on July 15th @ 12 PM EST. REGISTER HERE
• Join the membership waitlist for The Empathy Collective community (our doors open July 29th) and reference the promo code ROEPOD97 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE