Return on Empathy (ROE)

What does a childhood spent sewing Vogue patterns at the Grand Canyon have to do with mastering the delicate art of surgery? In this inspiring episode, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with former surgeon, author, and healthcare visionary Dr. Robin Blackstone to trace the remarkable arc of her career—from standing toe-to-toe with surgical legend Michael DeBakey to leading major surgical departments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Blackstone opens up about the emotional toll of a broken healthcare system driven by episodic, money-based productivity rather than genuine human outcomes. Now, as the author of Doctor AI, she is on a mission to ignite a global movement toward preventive, personalized care—proving that true healing isn't just about rescuing patients when they fall, but building a world where health is our natural baseline.

Sound bites

"Data and empathy are both essential in surgery."

"Systemic redesign is necessary for better healthcare."

"RVUs focus on episodic productivity, not prevention."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Leadership and Empathy

04:33 The Journey from Surgery to System Redesign

08:22 Understanding the Flaws in the American Healthcare System

15:36 Leadership Dynamics in Healthcare

17:46 The Role of Team Dynamics in Healthcare

18:52 Empathy vs. Financial Goals in Patient Care

21:13 Reimagining Healthcare Education and Leadership

23:44 Innovations in Preventive Care and Patient Empowerment

26:38 Balancing Empathy and Accountability in Leadership

33:43 Staying Human in Healthcare Roles

Guest Links

Robin Blackstone's Website - https://robinblackstone.com

Robin's books: https://robinblackstone.com/the-book/

Health 4.0 Vision - https://robinblackstone.com/health-4-0/

RVU System Overview - https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/understanding-relative-value-units-rvus

Join The Empathy Collective Community for Leaders Across Sectors

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD110 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

What do you do when a senior executive gives you feedback that hits you straight in the heart? In this inspiring episode of Return on Empathy, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Dr. Esther M. Alegria—former VP of Global Manufacturing at Biogen and author of From Just Esther to Poly-Esther. Growing up as one of eight children in a family with no financial inheritance, Esther learned early on that education, passion, and relentless determination were her only path forward. Raising two children while earning her Ph.D. in chemistry, she built an extraordinary career by adopting a single core philosophy: always say yes to the scary opportunities, and take 100% ownership of your own career.

Esther pulls back the curtain on how she turned a devastating review about her accent into a masterclass in graceful action, why titles don't define leadership, and how "skip-level roundtables" can rebuild psychological safety across entire organizations. Tune in to discover why true executive legacy isn't about the products you launch, but the leaders you raise up behind you.

Sound Bites

"Just say yes!"

"Take feedback as an opportunity for growth."

"You have to develop the next generation of leaders."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

02:44 Overcoming Childhood Challenges

05:19 Lessons from Rejection

08:09 The Importance of Self-Leadership

10:39 Feedback and Personal Growth

13:14 Adaptability in Career

16:03 Embracing Opportunities and Saying Yes

21:39 Embracing New Opportunities

23:35 The Value of Learning Over Titles

26:58 Building Relationships and Empathy

30:29 The Power of Servant Leadership

35:07 Leaving a Legacy of Leadership

39:48 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams

46:30 Balancing Empathy and Accountability

Guest Links

Esther’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-m-alegria-phd-150b39114/

Esther’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Esther-Poly-Esther-Embracing-Transform/dp/1642258385

Join The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD109 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

Can an organization remain highly profitable while treating its people with radical love and compassion? In this deeply emotional episode of Return on Empathy, we carry forward the legacy of the late Bob Chapman with an extraordinary, star-studded launch panel featuring Robert E. Quinn, Paula Soteropoulos, Steve Gund, Neal Bakshi, and Dr. Gwendolyn Williams. Together, they confront the "poverty of dignity" in the modern workplace and share how to turn human flourishing and business success into a single, unstoppable virtuous cycle. But the most powerful moment of the hour happened entirely unscripted - when the panel and hundreds of live attendees paused the corporate agenda to rally behind a colleague in crisis, proving in real-time that empathy is not a performative corporate checkbox, but a vital human reflex. Tune in to discover why vulnerability is a leader's true strategic edge and why creating a culture of moral courage is the ultimate path forward in an age of AI and disruption.

Sound Bites

"Caring for your people is the right thing to do"

"Business is the conduit for serving others"

"Human flourishing and business success are mutually reinforcing"

Resources

Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/bobchapman/book

Center for Positive Organizations - University of Michigan - https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/

Chapman & Co Leadership Institute - https://www.ccoleadership.com/services/develop/leadership-development-training/truly-human-leader-program

Guest Links

Steve Gund LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-gund-5081b513/

Paula Soteropoulos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulasoteropoulos/

Gwendolyn Williams, MD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwenthedoctor/

Neal Bakshi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealbakshi/

Robert E. Quinn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-quinn-57b9a9100/

Brian Wellinghoff LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wellinghoff-02703522/

Join The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD108 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

What does it take to steer the region’s largest, most complex hospital through a global crisis and daily high-stakes environments? In this episode, Dr. Gregory Argyros, President of MedStar Washington Hospital Center, shares how he transitioned from West Point and the U.S. Army to leading a civilian team of over 8,000 healthcare professionals. Dr. Argyros breaks down his revolutionary "One Team" philosophy—revealing why psychological safety, unwavering consistency, and treating everyone from environmental service workers to top surgeons as equals is the ultimate secret weapon against workplace burnout and retention crises. Tune in to hear incredible, real-life stories of how everyday hospitality and sharp instincts from non-clinical staff saved lives, and discover how to operationalize empathy to completely transform your The Power of Teamwork in Hospitals

Sound Bites

"Every person plays a role in patient care."

"We need to be consistent in our messaging."

"We need to coach the younger generation - they are our future."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Healthcare

04:49 The One Team Approach

12:54 Building a Culture of Recognition

22:38 Navigating Workplace Challenges

24:01 Addressing Workplace Violence

30:03 Retention Strategies in Healthcare

37:22 Empathy in Leadership

Guest Links

Greg’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-argyros-58511014/

Join The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD107 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

Join The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD106 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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 The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD105 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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 The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD104 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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 The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD103 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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 The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD102 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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 The Empathy Collective

Stop leading in isolation and join the The Empathy Collective community of leaders across industries who are coaching each other through change and disruption. Reference the promo code ROEPOD101 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective