The Empathic Leader

Signs of a Toxic Workplace & How Empathic Leadership Shapes Work Culture (E32)


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Welcome to Episode 32 of “The Empathic Leader” podcast with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller. In this solo episode, we dive deep into the realities of toxic work environments—what they actually are, how to recognize the signs early, and most importantly, what to do if you find yourself stuck in one.

Too often, terms like “toxic workplace” or “gaslighting” are thrown around loosely, but here we take time to define what they truly mean.


A toxic work culture isn’t just about having an annoying coworker or an inconvenient policy—it’s a long-term, ongoing environment that damages mental health, physical health, and even personal relationships.


From leadership blind spots to cultural misalignment, Dr. Melissa unpacks how these dynamics take root, why they’re so dangerous, and how leaders can use empathy to break the cycle.


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► About Dr. Robinson-Winemiller:

What do empathy and a treadmill have in common? Both need action to deliver results.

Quiet quitting. Resenteeism. Post-pandemic stress. AI. Modern leaders face challenges unimaginable in the past, and the pace of change is relentless. The old command-and-control leadership style is obsolete. Leaders today must evolve or risk irrelevance. But leadership now goes beyond dashboards and spreadsheets—so, what’s the answer?

Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is the answer. With over 20 years of leadership experience, two doctorates (including one focused on empathy in leadership), an MBA, and multiple certifications in change management and DEI, she helps leaders achieve greater profits, retention, productivity, and innovation.

Her mission? To elevate leadership through the often-overlooked power of EQ and empathy. As a coach and consultant, Melissa draws on expertise, data-driven insights, and proven results to guide leaders through today’s complexities.

► Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide professional, medical, or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional or licensed provider with any specific and personal questions you may have regarding personal or professional concerns.

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The Empathic LeaderBy Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller