Return on Empathy (ROE)

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

Continuous MILE Consulting - https://www.continuousmile.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 ROEPOD100 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD99 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD98 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD97 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD96 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD95 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD94 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD93 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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.

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 ROEPOD for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD92 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective