Leading With Empathy in an AI-Driven World — Why It’s a Competitive Advantage with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller
Description
On this AIBiz episode, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller—TEDx speaker, EQ coach, and author of The Empathetic Leader—to cut through the hype and get specific about empathy in the age of AI. We unpack what empathy actually is (and isn’t), why “AI empathy” is mimicry not understanding, and how leaders can operationalize perspective-taking to drive productivity, innovation, and profit. Dr. Melissa shares evidence, a 90-day culture turnaround, and why self-empathy must come first for high performers. Direct, practical, and built for executives navigating automation, this conversation shows how human skills—done right—become a strategic moat.
About the guest :
Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller helps leaders build emotionally intelligent cultures that perform. She’s a TEDx speaker, EQ strategist, and author of The Empathetic Leader. Her work centers on making empathy actionable, measurable, and central to modern leadership.
Key takeaways :
Empathy ≠ niceness. It’s disciplined perspective-taking that informs better decisions, clarity, and execution.
There are many forms of empathy (e.g., cognitive, emotional, self-empathy); leaders must choose the right mode for the moment.
“AI empathy” is mimicry. Chatbots can mirror tone, not understand context—human leaders remain responsible for real empathy.
Misplacing AI as a substitute for empathy leads to broken CX/EX and abandoned initiatives; use AI where it excels (process, scale), not for feeling.
A director raised engagement from the 40s to the 90s in ~90 days by consistent, brief, human check-ins—trust unlocked staff-led innovation.
Self-empathy is foundational for ambitious leaders who habitually come last; you can’t relate to others if you’re disconnected from yourself.
Expect a split: “managerial” machine-thinking vs. visionary leaders who bridge human nuance with AI capability—only the latter becomes a moat.
Empathy is measurable and monetizable—think productivity, innovation pipelines, and profit—when embedded into daily leadership behaviors.
How to connect with the guest
Website: https://eqviaempathy.com/ — sign up for her newsletter to receive a free chapter from her book
Podcast: The Empathic Leader
Social: LinkedIn and Instagram (search “Melissa Robinson-Winemiller”)
Book: The Empathetic Leader (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, major retailers)
This episode includes brief, non-graphic mentions of sexual assault and suicide/self-harm in an educational context. Listener discretion advised. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number now.
Support Resources
India: KIRAN Mental Health Helpline — 1800-599-0019 (24×7). Press Information Bureau
Tele-MANAS — 14416 (24×7). telemanas.mohfw.gov.in
AASRA (Suicide Prevention) — helpline directory: aasra.info/helpline.html. aasra.infoUnited States: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call/Text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. 988 Lifeline+1
Veterans Crisis Line — 988 then Press 1, or text 838255. veteranscrisisline.net
RAINN (sexual assault) — 800-656-HOPE (4673) or hotline.RAINN.org. RAINN+1Canada: 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — Call/Text 988. 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
UK & ROI: Samaritans — 116 123 (free, 24×7). Samaritans
Australia: Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24×7). Lifeline
Global directory: Find local crisis lines worldwide at Befrienders Worldwide. befrienders.org
These resources are confidential where available and do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
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