Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything | Pushover or Paragon: Why Boundaries are your Best Friends

Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything | Pushover or Paragon: Why Boundaries are your Best Friends

In this episode of Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller breaks down what boundaries really are — not the vague advice to "just go set some," but the actual research, the five types most people never think about, and a practical three-step framework for putting them in place and actually sticking to them. She also connects boundaries directly to self-empathy — because it turns out the two are more linked than most people realize. Boundaries without self-empathy, as Melissa puts it, are just rules nobody follows. Including you. Plus, she answers real audience questions about gaslighting, how to use empathy with someone who has hurt you, and whether being nice has any place in empathy at all. (Spoiler: not really.) 👇 Key Topics & Timestamps 03:45 — The 5 types of boundaries most people never think about 09:50 — The 4 steps of self-empathy 15:35 — The 3-step framework for setting boundaries that hold 18:03 — What's the difference between setting a boundary and just disconnecting? 20:22 — Does being nice have any place in empathy? 21:56 — Does gaslighting fall under performative empathy? 24:03 — How do I use empathy with someone who has hurt me? 29:00 — "Keep a cool head and a warm heart" Subscribe to the Show ► @theempathicleader Grab my #1 bestselling book “The Empathic Leader” here: https://a.co/d/8IfKm3M Listen in any of your favorite podcast platform: ► APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528 ► SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg ► AMAZON: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader CONNECT WITH ME: ► Instagram: @empathyqueen.eq ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/ ► 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 The old command-and-control leadership style is obsolete.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.

Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything | Nice or Kind: What's the difference?

“Empathy in Action: Ask Me Anything with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller” dives into the real-world application of empathy in leadership, relationships, communication, and everyday life. In this episode of The Empathic Leader podcast, Dr. Melissa answers audience-submitted questions about empathy, emotional intelligence, AI, performative empathy, boundaries, compassion, and the difference between being “nice” and being truly kind. From discussing the dangers of AI replacing human creativity to unpacking why empathy requires courage, this conversation challenges common misconceptions and offers practical insights for leaders, professionals, and anyone wanting stronger human connection. Subscribe to the Show ► @theempathicleader Grab my #1 bestselling book “The Empathic Leader” here: https://a.co/d/8IfKm3M [https://a.co/d/8IfKm3M] Listen in any of your favorite podcast platform: ► APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528] ► SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg] ► AMAZON: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader] CONNECT WITH ME: ► Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTlhT2Y2NTFXb05hR00tX1hoaEFUWDlzc0NaZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttUzdUQXgzMFdnc0NUb3RFRXM3ZkoxVS1ESDRpMlBNWkZNOU1EWk9WMjdPM2R2V25HLTFKRmhDSmRRLWxkRVI0YUdLajhHY3JJT0dEY3lWZ0I0ZWJuYkNULTVVUXNVaUFMTmhkeGxQWWd5bndVMnNEQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fchloebissonofficial%2F&v=x4nZGiPk5YA@empathyqueen.eq ► Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3ZkZVpXWXdvTWFtS09KVWx5aklZbHBzUjZsZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsM2pUTF9CSWo0X052TWhGTzZwUTlOVVUwa3gtZ1B0cUJKcVZBMUExeTNDTVo4cDd2a2hRMnJaSy1PZjR5NHRweko1bERjdlZJcXVCWF9NSXlSWm5GblpydUxnU1p1ZDN5aGZOR1UtNTFNWi13cjJzQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchloebissonofficial&v=x4nZGiPk5YAhttps://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy [https://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy] ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/] ► 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.

Season 2 Premiere: The Empathic Leader Presents: Empathy in Action

In this episode of ‘The Empathic Leader Presents’ Podcast, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller launches her new Livestream Format. Drawing from recent media cases she works through some of the most problematic empathy issues facing society and leadership today. She then answers questions from the audience, and invites them to bring more. Whether in her DMs, email, or at events, people are asking about empathy, and Dr. Melissa is eager to show them how to use it. Finally, Dr. Melissa breaks down her NEW framework and teaches the audience how to Name Their Outcome. This may be the single easiest way to start using empathy actionably, and create a more empathetic society, one person at a time. Listen on any of your favorite podcast platform: ► APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528] ► SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg] ► AMAZON: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader] Subscribe to the Show ► @theempathicleader Order my book here: https://geni.us/TheEmpathicLeader [https://geni.us/TheEmpathicLeader] CONNECT WITH ME: ►Website and newsletter: https://eqviaempathy.com/ [https://eqviaempathy.com/] ► Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTlhT2Y2NTFXb05hR00tX1hoaEFUWDlzc0NaZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttUzdUQXgzMFdnc0NUb3RFRXM3ZkoxVS1ESDRpMlBNWkZNOU1EWk9WMjdPM2R2V25HLTFKRmhDSmRRLWxkRVI0YUdLajhHY3JJT0dEY3lWZ0I0ZWJuYkNULTVVUXNVaUFMTmhkeGxQWWd5bndVMnNEQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fchloebissonofficial%2F&v=x4nZGiPk5YA@empathyqueen.eq ► Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3ZkZVpXWXdvTWFtS09KVWx5aklZbHBzUjZsZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsM2pUTF9CSWo0X052TWhGTzZwUTlOVVUwa3gtZ1B0cUJKcVZBMUExeTNDTVo4cDd2a2hRMnJaSy1PZjR5NHRweko1bERjdlZJcXVCWF9NSXlSWm5GblpydUxnU1p1ZDN5aGZOR1UtNTFNWi13cjJzQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchloebissonofficial&v=x4nZGiPk5YAhttps://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy [https://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy] ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/] ► 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.

Why Empathy Is Your Most Powerful Sales Strategy w/ Art Fromm (E44)

This episode’s guest is someone I’ve wanted on the show for a long time — and trust me, it was worth the wait.I’m joined by Art Fromm: podcaster, author, facilitator, speaker, engineer-turned-sales-expert, and truly one of the most multidimensional leaders you’ll ever meet. Art’s career spans engineering, software sales, sales leadership, and enablement — but what makes his journey so compelling is how he brings empathy and perspective-taking front and center into the world of sales. His Seamless Sales Method is built on one simple but powerful truth: In this episode, we talk about: * How an engineer learned to thrive in relationship-driven environments * * Why empathy is the hidden engine behind effective sales * * What discovery really means beyond asking surface-level questions * * The difference between transactional selling and building long-term relationships * * How perception — of value, of risk, of cost — drives every decision * * Why today’s subscription-driven world demands a deeper level of trust, alignment, and client understanding Subscribe to the Show ► @theempathicleader Grab my #1 bestselling book “The Empathic Leader” here: https://a.co/d/8IfKm3M [https://a.co/d/8IfKm3M] Listen in any of your favorite podcast platform: ► APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528]  ► SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg] ► AMAZON: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader] CONNECT WITH ME: ► Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTlhT2Y2NTFXb05hR00tX1hoaEFUWDlzc0NaZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttUzdUQXgzMFdnc0NUb3RFRXM3ZkoxVS1ESDRpMlBNWkZNOU1EWk9WMjdPM2R2V25HLTFKRmhDSmRRLWxkRVI0YUdLajhHY3JJT0dEY3lWZ0I0ZWJuYkNULTVVUXNVaUFMTmhkeGxQWWd5bndVMnNEQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fchloebissonofficial%2F&v=x4nZGiPk5YA@empathyqueen.eq ► Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3ZkZVpXWXdvTWFtS09KVWx5aklZbHBzUjZsZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsM2pUTF9CSWo0X052TWhGTzZwUTlOVVUwa3gtZ1B0cUJKcVZBMUExeTNDTVo4cDd2a2hRMnJaSy1PZjR5NHRweko1bERjdlZJcXVCWF9NSXlSWm5GblpydUxnU1p1ZDN5aGZOR1UtNTFNWi13cjJzQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchloebissonofficial&v=x4nZGiPk5YAhttps://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy [https://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy]  ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/] Connect with Art Fromm: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artfromm [https://www.linkedin.com/in/artfromm]  Website: https://www.teamsalesdevelopment.com/ [https://www.teamsalesdevelopment.com/]  About Art: Art Fromm is a podcast host, author, facilitator, and speaker whose career bridges engineering, software, sales, and sales leadership. As the founder of Team Sales Development, Art has been at the forefront of integrating empathy and emotional intelligence into modern selling through his SEAMless Sales Method — a framework built on deep discovery, authentic client engagement, and understanding the value–risk–cost circle. His dynamic workshops help sales teams boost revenue, win rates, margins, and overall client satisfaction — with one client seeing a 22% increase in bookings and a 16-point jump in win rate. Grounded in real-world experience and over two decades of earned client trust, Art brings a results-driven, human-centered approach to every room he steps into. Currently based in the Greater Pittsburgh region, Art and I first connected as fellow speakers at bLU Talks at Columbia University, where he also served as emcee. A single conversation revealed how aligned our paths truly are — rooted in empathy, leadership, and elevating human connection in business. ► 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.

Real Talk On Women In Construction, Helping Seniors Transition With Janik Fauteux (E43)

Today’s conversation is one that stays with you long after it’s over. I’m sitting down with Janik Fauteux — a woman who has lived many lives, worn many hats, and led in more ways than one. From executive vice president in the construction industry, to business development consultant, to entrepreneur, and now host of her own powerful podcast A Woman’s Spark, Janik brings wisdom, vulnerability, and heart to every space she enters. In this episode, we dive deep into self-leadership — the part of leadership most people don’t talk about. Janik shares her journey of resilience, reinvention, and the power of empathy, not just for others but for ourselves. She opens up about caring for her grandmother at the end of her life, creating a business to help seniors downsize, navigating motherhood and chronic pain, and rebuilding her identity after major life transitions. Subscribe to the Show ► @theempathicleader Grab my #1 bestselling book “The Empathic Leader” here: https://a.co/d/8IfKm3M [https://a.co/d/8IfKm3M] Listen in any of your favorite podcast platform: ► APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-empathic-leader/id1796715528]  ► SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ChVQGgl5l1jqAfxdoR0EG?si=1wRZC3DbS9KvhLYTggkuhg] ► AMAZON: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0158b2cb-7bec-4135-a2c0-2f594d21109b/the-empathic-leader] CONNECT WITH ME: ► Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTlhT2Y2NTFXb05hR00tX1hoaEFUWDlzc0NaZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttUzdUQXgzMFdnc0NUb3RFRXM3ZkoxVS1ESDRpMlBNWkZNOU1EWk9WMjdPM2R2V25HLTFKRmhDSmRRLWxkRVI0YUdLajhHY3JJT0dEY3lWZ0I0ZWJuYkNULTVVUXNVaUFMTmhkeGxQWWd5bndVMnNEQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fchloebissonofficial%2F&v=x4nZGiPk5YA@empathyqueen.eq ► Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3ZkZVpXWXdvTWFtS09KVWx5aklZbHBzUjZsZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsM2pUTF9CSWo0X052TWhGTzZwUTlOVVUwa3gtZ1B0cUJKcVZBMUExeTNDTVo4cDd2a2hRMnJaSy1PZjR5NHRweko1bERjdlZJcXVCWF9NSXlSWm5GblpydUxnU1p1ZDN5aGZOR1UtNTFNWi13cjJzQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchloebissonofficial&v=x4nZGiPk5YAhttps://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy [https://www.facebook.com/eqviaempathy]  ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/] Connect with Janik Fauteux : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janikfauteux/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janikfauteux/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janikfauteux/ [https://www.instagram.com/janikfauteux/]  About Janik: Janik Fauteux is a self-employed business owner and the Executive Vice President of a leading residential and commercial remodeling construction company in Montreal. With a strong background in business development—spanning project management, event management, and consulting—she brings a unique blend of strategic insight and hands-on experience to every space she enters. Janik is also the host of A Woman’s Spark, a podcast where she bravely shares her personal journey and the honest truths of navigating life as a woman in demanding industries. She believes that healing is a continuous journey, and she encourages listeners to embrace their emotions while choosing constructive, forward-moving paths. Janik has a gift for taking life’s toughest moments and reframing them into meaningful, positive outcomes—reminding women everywhere that vulnerability is strength, and every challenge can become fuel for growth. ► 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.