Return on Empathy (ROE)

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

• 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 ROEPOD91 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

• 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 ROEPOD90 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

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 ROEPOD89 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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

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 ROEPOD88 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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/

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 ROEPOD87 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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/

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 ROEPOD85 for a 10% discount when you sign up for any leadership path: https://www.theempathycollective.com/thecollective

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/

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 if the secret to retaining millennials isn’t another perk—but purpose? In this episode, Dr. Katie Thomas unpacks why “purpose is retention” and how connecting everyday tasks to a bigger mission can dramatically boost work engagement. Through the timeless story of three masons—each seeing the same work very differently—we explore why meaning, organizational support, and feeling valued matter more than ever for today’s workforce. If you’re struggling with millennial retention or wondering how to turn “I’m laying bricks” into “I’m building something that matters,” this conversation is a must-listen.

Learn more about Dr. Katie Thomas’s research and take her 7 Blind Spots quiz: https://moremillennialexecutives.com/

Dr. Katie Thomas’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drkatiethomas

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, Tracey Minutolo shares her journey from scientist to operational excellence leader and how empathy, mentorship, and reflection have shaped her approach to leadership and change management. Drawing on her background in Lean Six Sigma, she explores how process improvement and team development go hand in hand when leaders take time to listen, understand individual CliftonStrengths, and connect initiatives to real business value. The conversation highlights how empathy can transform resistance into engagement, why mentorship is critical for professional growth, and how reflective leadership practices support sustainable improvement in fast-paced environments. This episode offers practical insights for leaders focused on operational excellence, people-centered change, and building high-performing, inclusive teams.

Sound bites

"I fell in love with making things better for people."

"There's nothing more empathetic than listening to someone's ideas."

"Resistance often isn't true resistance; it's misunderstanding."

"Slow down to speed up."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey from Science to Operational Excellence

10:26 The Power of Mentorship and Development

16:56 Empathy in Change Management

27:37 Navigating Shifting Priorities and Team Focus

32:41 The Importance of Reflection in Leadership

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