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/

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