What if the biggest risks in your organization aren’t visible on your dashboards? Return on Empathy (ROE) challenges traditional leadership thinking by exploring what metrics miss—unspoken concerns, hidden risks, and the human experience behind performance. Hosted by founder and Chief Empathy Officer at The Empathy Collective, Rebecca Dhrimaj, this podcast reframes empathy as decision intelligence—helping leaders see clearly, act earlier, and build organizations that endure.

In this special episode, Rebecca Dhrimaj, founder of The Empathy Collective, explores the transformative power of empathy in leadership and introduces the concept of Return on Empathy (ROE) as a critical lens for understanding organizational performance. Challenging traditional metrics that often overlook the human experience, this conversation reveals how a lack of empathy can create hidden risks, fuel organizational silence, and ultimately undermine workplace culture and results. Listeners will gain practical insights into how empathetic leadership uncovers blind spots, strengthens employee wellbeing, and drives more sustainable success—making this episode essential for leaders focused on leadership development, organizational performance, and building healthier, more resilient organizations.

*The ROE podcast is dedicated to the late Bob Chapman, former CEO and Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller and co-author of Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family.*

Sound bites

"Empathy is how leaders understand reality."

"Traditional metrics miss the human experience."

"Return on empathy redefines leadership success."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Return on Empathy

04:45 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

10:55 Understanding Organizational Blind Spots

16:03 Redefining Success: From ROI to ROE

Resources

Return on Empathy (Book) co-authored by Rebecca Dhrimaj and David Allan Galloway with a Foreword written by Robert E. Quinn - expected release Spring 2027

Bob Quinn - University of Michigan Ross School of Business - https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/bob-quinn

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 ROEPOD92 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this episode, Tucker Kaas shares his unconventional path from aspiring pastor to HR leader at Kaas Tailored, offering powerful insights on leadership, HR, and change management within a family-owned manufacturing environment. He explores how strengths-based leadership and a deep understanding of team dynamics can drive resilience, boost engagement, and elevate performance. Tucker also unpacks practical strategies for leading change without chaos, communicating with clarity, and leveraging AI thoughtfully in the workplace. Whether you're navigating the complexities of a family business or seeking to build more resilient, high-performing teams, this conversation delivers actionable takeaways grounded in real-world experience.

Sound Bites

"I like going from good to great."

"I can do this thing called delegation now."

"What problems are we trying to solve?"

Chapters

00:00 Tucker's Journey to Cost-Tailored

02:35 Leadership Lessons from Family Dynamics

07:10 Navigating HR Challenges

11:11 Self-Awareness in Leadership

12:15 Utilizing Strengths for Team Success

16:48 Implementing Change Without Chaos

23:06 Influencing Change Through Sociograms

29:12 Creating Resilient Teams in Uncertain Times

Contact Tucker to schedule a facility tour at Kaas Tailored: [email protected]

Learn more about Kaas Tailored: https://kaastailored.com/

Join The Empathy Collective and learn from leaders like Tucker:

• 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 ROEPOD91 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Dr. Kim Cameron—professor emeritus of management and organizations and cofounder of the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and founder of The Cameron Institute—to explore the transformative power of positive leadership. Drawing on decades of research, Dr. Cameron explains how organizations that embrace positive deviance—practices that produce extraordinary results—often outperform their peers. The conversation dives into practical feedback strategies, the importance of empathetic communication, and how leaders can guide organizational change while strengthening workplace culture and resilience. Dr. Cameron also introduces the “90 in 90 Challenge,” a simple but powerful framework designed to spark positive practices and meaningful leadership development, showing how small, intentional actions can create lasting cultural change.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey into Positive Leadership

10:45 Understanding Positive Deviance in Organizations

21:43 Effective Feedback and Communication Strategies

32:23 Empathy and Change Management in Organizations

43:21 The 90 in 90 Challenge: Inspiring Positive Change

Additional Resources:

Learn more about The Cameron Institute: https://cameron.institute/

Learn more about Kim and his research: https://www.kimscameron.com/

Join The Empathy Collective and learn from leaders like Kim:

• 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 ROEPOD90 for a 10% discount on the form: JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this powerful episode, Raj Sisodia explores the awakening of conscious capitalism and why true leadership begins with healing. Through candid reflections on trauma, self-reflection, and the search for purpose, he challenges today’s business paradigm—arguing that organizational health must prioritize mental health and inner peace, not just financial performance. Discover how leaders who confront their own wounds, practice self-love, and embrace conscious self-awareness can transform business ethics, foster healthier cultures, and create companies rooted in compassion and humanity. If you’ve ever wondered whether business can be beautiful, noble, and driven by love and care, this conversation offers a roadmap to more awakened, purpose-driven leadership.

Sound Bites

"We are all kind of sleepwalking."

"Business can be run on love and caring."

"You need to reveal it, feel it, and heal it.”

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Conscious Capitalism

11:24 Finding Purpose and Inner Peace

20:57 The Importance of Community in Healing

22:50 Introducing the Healing Toolkit

34:15 Rethinking Business and Humanity

Additional Resources

Learn more about Raj’s work and his books: https://rajsisodia.com/

Learn more about Conscious Capitalism: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/

Raj’s TEDx talk Reimagining Capitalism with Higher Consciousness: https://youtu.be/O8faXr6WhCM?si=VLuaXBy3MblpXa9N

Raj’s TEDx talk The Healing Organization:

https://youtu.be/LWs6HFOkNEY?si=9gsyKwK1w2TfWGlm

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

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this episode, Dr. Zach Mercurio explores how mattering shapes leadership, employee engagement, and workplace culture. Through research, case studies, and practical insights, he explains why human connection, employee recognition, and a clear sense of purpose are essential for creating meaningful work. Listeners will learn actionable leadership skills to strengthen organizational behavior, foster belonging, and build environments where people feel valued—unlocking higher performance and lasting impact across teams.

Sound Bites

"It's about how you see what you do."

"Only people value people."

"What's the ROI of hugging your mom?"

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Workplace Significance

03:00 Understanding Mattering and Purpose in Work

05:42 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Significance

08:15 Creating a Culture of Mattering

11:25 The Role of Human Connection in Leadership

14:09 Measuring Mattering in the Workplace

16:52 Long-term vs Short-term Leadership Mindsets

21:58 The Importance of Human Energy in Organizations

24:21 High Support and High Challenge Leadership

26:14 Redefining High Performance in Leadership

27:34 Case Study: American Express Global Business Travel

30:30 Grassroots Leadership and Interactional Power

34:55 Simple Steps to Create an Environment of Mattering

37:15 The Essential Need to Matter

Resources:

Visit Zach's website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/

Learn more about Zach's courses with Simon Sinek's The Optimism Company: https://simonsinek.com/optimists/zach-mercurio/

What Work Is poem by Philip Levine referenced in this episode: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52173/what-work-is

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

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this episode, Ben Hoseus explores how leadership grounded in respect for people and intentionality can drive continuous improvement across cultures. Drawing on his journey from the United States to Africa, Ben shares how lean principles translate into diverse environments and why cultural diversity is a powerful catalyst for employee engagement and stronger organizational culture. Through practical stories and actionable insights, listeners will discover how thoughtful problem solving and a deep commitment to people can help leaders build more adaptive, resilient teams.

Sound Bites

"It's about mutualistic arrangement."

"We have a very willing workforce."

"Intentionality is the key element."

Chapters

00:00 Ben's Journey Across Continents

03:09 Defining Respect for People in Leadership

11:53 Lean Principles in the African Context

20:13 The Importance of Intentionality in Growth

23:48 Practical Steps for Lean Implementation

Learn more about Lean Institute Africa: http://www.lean.org.za/

Learn more about Business Through People (BTP): http://www.btp.dk/

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

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

In this insightful leadership podcast episode, Sarah Kernion explores how nonverbal communication, motherhood, and empathy shape stronger leaders and healthier corporate cultures. Drawing from her experience parenting children with profound autism, she introduces the powerful idea of “inchstones” over milestones, encouraging leaders to recognize progress through small, meaningful moments. The conversation highlights how intentional recognition, emotional awareness, and effective communication skills can transform workplace connection and morale. Kernion also shares why embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth and how celebrating small wins fuels motivation across teams. Whether you’re focused on leadership development, building a culture of empathy, or redefining success through inchstones, this episode offers practical insights to help you lead with humanity and purpose.

Sound Bites

"Don't be reactive, take a pause to observe."

"The only downside is your discomfort."

"Just do the next right thing."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

04:47 The Impact of Nonverbal Communication

10:45 Lessons from Motherhood and Leadership

16:01 Inchstones vs. Milestones

21:35 Creating a Culture of Recognition

27:13 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

Check out Sarah’s Inchstones podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2b060ReJxw9d6UykbeoXlN?si=b2830cce711a4b81

Sarah’s Substack: https://inchstones.substack.com/

Sarah’s website: https://saturdaysstory.com/

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

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

What does it really mean to lead with heart in today’s high-pressure workplaces? In this episode, Mark Crowley shares his powerful journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leading voice in heart-centered leadership, employee well-being, and emotional intelligence. Through his globally recognized podcast, his writing in Fast Company, and his work as a speaker and consultant, Mark has become a guiding voice for leaders everywhere who want to build workplaces where people truly flourish. Together, we explore how leadership, mental health, and workplace dynamics intersect—and why corporate culture must evolve beyond engagement metrics to truly support people. Mark reflects on the resistance he faced introducing well-being-focused management strategies, the surprising parallels between parenting and leadership, and why prioritizing employee feelings drives stronger performance, loyalty, and long-term growth. As organizations confront burnout, economic uncertainty, and shifting expectations, this conversation offers practical insights into personal growth, leadership accountability, and the future of work grounded in well-being.

Sound bites

"The heart is much more than a pump."

"I was met with a lot of resistance."

"We need to move on from engagement."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Crowley and His Work

04:19 Mark's Personal Journey and Its Impact on Leadership

10:52 The Evolution of Leadership Philosophy

15:27 The Connection Between Employee Well-being and Leadership

22:43 Rethinking Employee Engagement Surveys

24:46 Integrating Well-Being into Leadership Culture

30:36 Addressing Burnout in Leadership

40:54 The Future of Employee Well-Being

45:51 Conclusion and Call to Action

Learn more about Mark C. Crowley’s books and podcast: https://markccrowley.com/

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

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

What does it really take to build an inspired workforce—one where people feel respected, included, and empowered to do their best work? In this episode, Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Gary Peterson and Nermana Kuzmanovic of O.C. Tanner to explore how intentional human connection fuels employee engagement and lasting cultural transformation. Through personal stories, practical examples, and candid leadership insights, they unpack why respect isn’t just a value—it’s a daily practice—and how small, meaningful actions can unlock extraordinary human potential at work.

Sound bites

"Creating a human connection leads to incredible business results."

"The greatest thing about this company is respect."

"People feel safe to speak their mind."

"It's a sense of family where human potential becomes alive."

"We want people who want to make a difference in people's lives."

"The power of empowering people unleashes so much more human potential."

Chapters

00:00 Creating an Inspired Workforce

06:29 Personal Journeys and Transformations

12:36 The Power of Inclusion and Belonging

18:06 Measuring Success in Workplace Culture

24:27 Engagement Activities that Inspire30:51 Preparing Future Leaders

41:44 Taking the First Step Towards Change

Learn more about O.C. Tanner: https://www.octanner.com/

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