Return on Empathy (ROE)

By Rebecca Dhrimaj

Return on Empathy (ROE), hosted by Rebecca Dhrimaj, is a leadership podcast for changemakers across all roles and industries—from the front lines to the C-suite—that confronts the critical blind spot ... more

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FAQs about Return on Empathy (ROE):

How many episodes does Return on Empathy (ROE) have?

The podcast currently has 106 episodes available.

Return on Empathy (ROE) episodes:

June 17, 2026 Preparing the Next Generation of Change Leaders with Therese Grohnert
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
...more
42min
June 10, 2026Empathy in School Leadership with Tom Szczesny, Ed.D.
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
...more
45min
June 03, 2026 Flip the Mic: A Father-Daughter Empathy Conversation with Rebecca Dhrimaj and Dave Galloway
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 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
...more
32min
May 27, 2026Values, Principles, and Behaviors in Action with Alex Brown
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
...more
42min
May 20, 2026Empathy Mapping with Kim Peplinski
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
...more
40min
May 13, 2026From Compliance to Commitment with Dr. William Harvey
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
...more
36min
May 06, 2026Improv and Empathy with Jon Colby
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, connected, and high-performing team.
Sound bites
"You just want to feel like you matter."
"We get so stuck on words."
"Interested people are interesting to people."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Improv Background
02:39 The Power of Improv in Leadership
05:48 Connecting Improv to Workplace Empathy
08:40 Deep Listening and Communication
11:24 Creating Inclusive Environments
13:57 The Role of Failure in Improv and Leadership
16:58 Real-World Applications of Improv Techniques
20:12 Creating Comfortable Interactive Experiences
24:27 Building Connections Through Improv
27:59 The Power of Questions in Leadership
31:37 Passing the Empathy Torch
Guest Links:
Website: https://joncolby.com/
Social media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncolbyspeaks/
https://www.instagram.com/joncolbyspeaks
https://www.facebook.com/JonColbySpeaks
Join The Empathy Collective community and meet leaders like Jon:
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 ROEPOD96 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE
...more
39min
April 29, 2026The Cost of Conventional Leadership with Robert E. Quinn
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.
Sound Bites
"Fear drives dehumanization in society"
"Trauma from layoffs can linger for years"
"Change begins with one conversation"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Excellence
02:39 The Cost of Neglecting Collective Empathy
05:28 Fear and Leadership in Modern Organizations
07:39 The Impact of Fear on Human Interaction
10:18 Cycles of Fear and Disintegration
12:48 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership
26:38 The Loss of Humanity in Leadership
27:39 Grieving and Strengthening Workplace Culture
28:52 Fear-Driven Mindsets in Organizations
30:46 Rethinking Executive Recruitment
34:02 The Cost of Unconventional Leadership
40:48 Imagining a Better Workplace
44:35 Creating Collective Intelligence
49:19 The Journey from C Student to Leader
Resources
Robert Quinn's Work on Leadership and Change - https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/robert-quinn
The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown - https://a.co/d/07QWcXKe
Future Shock Book (1984): https://a.co/d/03uxjTLV
Fear and Fury Book (2026): https://www.heatherannthompson.com/fear-and-fury
Learn more about Bob Chapman’s (former CEO and Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller) legacy:
https://www.barrywehmiller.com/post/podcast/2026/04/08/podcast--remembering-bob-chapman-pt.1
Learn more about The Empathy Collective: www.theempathycollective.com
Guest Links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-quinn-57b9a9100/
Join The Empathy Collective community and meet leaders like Bob:
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 ROEPOD95 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE
...more
55min
April 22, 2026Leading Inside Conventional Systems with Robert E. Quinn
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 conventional leadership and create lasting cultural change, this episode delivers both the mindset shift and practical steps to get there.
Sound Bites
"Emotion is a huge piece of reality"
"Adore them to produce excellence"
"Ask what result do I want to create?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Excellence
04:51 The Challenge of Conventional Systems
11:34 Transforming Fear into Faith
18:16 The Power of Empathy in Leadership
26:26 Purpose-Driven Leadership and Its Challenges
29:19 The Power of Love in Leadership
34:43 Inspiration Meets Practicality
35:27 The Threat of Purpose
38:18 Collective Empathy in Organizations
47:48 Transcending Conventional Leadership
55:47 The Universal Connection of Humanity
Resources
Robert Quinn's Books on Leadership and Excellence - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Robert+Quinn+leadership
Robert Quinn’s blog article on Collective Empathy:
https://robertequinn.com/uncategorized/collective-empathy/
Robert Quinn’s blog article on Personal Change and Sacred Space:
https://robertequinn.com/uncategorized/personal-change-and-sacred-space/
Guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-quinn-57b9a9100/
Learn more about The Empathy Collective: www.theempathycollective.com
Join The Empathy Collective and learn from leaders like Bob:
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 ROEPOD94 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE
...more
59min
April 15, 2026The Twice-Born Leader with Robert E. Quinn
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 clarity, resilience, and humanity in today’s volatile workplace, this episode offers a roadmap for leadership rebirth and sustainable excellence.
Sound Bites
"Fear-driven leadership creates tension in workplaces."
"Early life experiences shape our leadership patterns."
"Crisis can be a catalyst for leadership rebirth."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:26 The Context of Fear-Driven Leadership
02:53 Robert Quinn’s Personal Journey of Finding the Center
06:27 The Power of Self-Reflection and Spiritual Surrender
09:19 The Grounded Theory of Human Influence
10:39 Rebirth and the Impact on Leadership Effectiveness
12:51 The Process of Rebirth and Continuous Transformation
19:54 The Influence of Early Life Experiences on Leadership
23:59 The Systemic Impact of Educational and Organizational Patterns
28:53 Crisis as a Catalyst for Leadership Rebirth
32:22 The Role of Purpose and Vision in Leadership
39:26 The Power of Collective Purpose During Crisis
45:02 Reflection and Self-Regulation in Leadership
57:11 The Four Questions for Conscious Leadership
01:03:37 Micro Moments of Love and Leadership
01:06:29 Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Resources
Lift by Robert Quinn and Ryan W. Quinn https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Transforming-Leadership-Organizational-Change/dp/1609949274
The Power of Employee Journey by Bob Quinn - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Employee-Journey-Robert-Quinn/dp/1119876543
Collective Empathy Concept - https://hbr.org/2020/05/collective-empathy
Love 2.0 by Barbara Fredrickson - https://www.amazon.com/Love-2-0-Science-Positive-Emotion/dp/0553386694
Guest Links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertquinn
University of Michigan Leadership Accelerator: Building High-Impact Practices: https://michiganross.umich.edu/programs/executive-education/leadership-accelerator-building-high-impact-practices?event=12673
Join The Empathy Collective and learn from leaders like Bob:
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 ROEPOD93 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE
...more
1h 10min

FAQs about Return on Empathy (ROE):

How many episodes does Return on Empathy (ROE) have?

The podcast currently has 106 episodes available.