Discover how improv in leadership can transform your corporate culture in this episode featuring expert Jon Colby. We explore the powerful intersection of workplace empathy, psychological safety, and effective communication, offering practical strategies to make every team member feel valued and heard. Learn why mastering deep listening and the "Yes, And" mindset is essential for fostering an inclusive workplace culture, breaking down barriers for introverts, and turning professional mistakes into opportunities for growth. Whether you are looking to enhance your leadership communication skills or implement real-world empathy challenges, this conversation provides the tools necessary to build a more collaborative, connected, and high-performing team.

Sound bites

"You just want to feel like you matter."

"We get so stuck on words."

"Interested people are interesting to people."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Improv Background

02:39 The Power of Improv in Leadership

05:48 Connecting Improv to Workplace Empathy

08:40 Deep Listening and Communication

11:24 Creating Inclusive Environments

13:57 The Role of Failure in Improv and Leadership

16:58 Real-World Applications of Improv Techniques

20:12 Creating Comfortable Interactive Experiences

24:27 Building Connections Through Improv

27:59 The Power of Questions in Leadership

31:37 Passing the Empathy Torch

Guest Links:

Website: https://joncolby.com/

Social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncolbyspeaks/

https://www.instagram.com/joncolbyspeaks

https://www.facebook.com/JonColbySpeaks

Join The Empathy Collective community and meet leaders like Jon: www.theempathycollective.com

Discover how empathy-driven leadership can transform organizational culture in this thought-provoking episode of the Return on Empathy podcast featuring Robert Quinn. Explore how fear-based leadership erodes trust, fuels dysfunction, and perpetuates toxic workplace cycles—and why vulnerability, authenticity, and collective intelligence are essential for lasting change. Drawing on powerful frameworks like “twice-born leadership” and the shift from vicious to upward cycles, this episode offers practical insights for leaders seeking resilience, cultural transformation, and human-centered performance. If you’re ready to rethink leadership, elevate employee engagement, and harness empathy as a strategic advantage, this conversation is your blueprint.

Sound Bites

"Fear drives dehumanization in society"

"Trauma from layoffs can linger for years"

"Change begins with one conversation"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Excellence

02:39 The Cost of Neglecting Collective Empathy

05:28 Fear and Leadership in Modern Organizations

07:39 The Impact of Fear on Human Interaction

10:18 Cycles of Fear and Disintegration

12:48 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

26:38 The Loss of Humanity in Leadership

27:39 Grieving and Strengthening Workplace Culture

28:52 Fear-Driven Mindsets in Organizations

30:46 Rethinking Executive Recruitment

34:02 The Cost of Unconventional Leadership

40:48 Imagining a Better Workplace

44:35 Creating Collective Intelligence

49:19 The Journey from C Student to Leader

Resources

Robert Quinn's Work on Leadership and Change - https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/robert-quinn

The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown - https://a.co/d/07QWcXKe

Future Shock Book (1984): https://a.co/d/03uxjTLV

Fear and Fury Book (2026): https://www.heatherannthompson.com/fear-and-fury

Learn more about Bob Chapman’s (former CEO and Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller) legacy:

https://www.barrywehmiller.com/post/podcast/2026/04/08/podcast--remembering-bob-chapman-pt.1

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

Guest Links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-quinn-57b9a9100/

In the second installment of this Leadership Excellence Series, Robert Quinn challenges leaders to rethink everything they’ve been taught about performance and change—arguing that true transformation doesn’t come from fixing problems, but from studying and scaling excellence. This thought-provoking conversation dives into how deeply embedded systems shape behavior, why emotion is an often-ignored driver of results, and how empathy, purpose, and “sacred space” can unlock extraordinary performance. Quinn offers a bold invitation to move from fear-based leadership to a more conscious, purpose-driven approach—one rooted in collective empathy and human connection. If you’re ready to transcend conventional leadership and create lasting cultural change, this episode delivers both the mindset shift and practical steps to get there.

Sound Bites

"Emotion is a huge piece of reality"

"Adore them to produce excellence"

"Ask what result do I want to create?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Excellence

04:51 The Challenge of Conventional Systems

11:34 Transforming Fear into Faith

18:16 The Power of Empathy in Leadership

26:26 Purpose-Driven Leadership and Its Challenges

29:19 The Power of Love in Leadership

34:43 Inspiration Meets Practicality

35:27 The Threat of Purpose

38:18 Collective Empathy in Organizations

47:48 Transcending Conventional Leadership

55:47 The Universal Connection of Humanity

Resources

Robert Quinn's Books on Leadership and Excellence - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Robert+Quinn+leadership

Robert Quinn’s blog article on Collective Empathy:

https://robertequinn.com/uncategorized/collective-empathy/

Robert Quinn’s blog article on Personal Change and Sacred Space:

https://robertequinn.com/uncategorized/personal-change-and-sacred-space/

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-quinn-57b9a9100/

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

In this powerful first installment of a three-part Leadership Excellence Series, renowned leadership expert Robert E. Quinn explores what happens after leaders hit the breaking point—and how crisis can become a catalyst for profound transformation. Drawing on deeply personal stories and decades of research, Quinn reveals how fear-driven leadership erodes trust and performance, while self-reflection, purpose, and “micro moments of love” unlock authentic, high-impact leadership. Listeners will gain practical tools—including Quinn’s four questions for conscious leadership—to navigate uncertainty, rewire ingrained leadership patterns, and foster collective empathy within their organizations. If you’re seeking to lead with greater clarity, resilience, and humanity in today’s volatile workplace, this episode offers a roadmap for leadership rebirth and sustainable excellence.

Sound Bites

"Fear-driven leadership creates tension in workplaces."

"Early life experiences shape our leadership patterns."

"Crisis can be a catalyst for leadership rebirth."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:26 The Context of Fear-Driven Leadership

02:53 Robert Quinn’s Personal Journey of Finding the Center

06:27 The Power of Self-Reflection and Spiritual Surrender

09:19 The Grounded Theory of Human Influence

10:39 Rebirth and the Impact on Leadership Effectiveness

12:51 The Process of Rebirth and Continuous Transformation

19:54 The Influence of Early Life Experiences on Leadership

23:59 The Systemic Impact of Educational and Organizational Patterns

28:53 Crisis as a Catalyst for Leadership Rebirth

32:22 The Role of Purpose and Vision in Leadership

39:26 The Power of Collective Purpose During Crisis

45:02 Reflection and Self-Regulation in Leadership

57:11 The Four Questions for Conscious Leadership

01:03:37 Micro Moments of Love and Leadership

01:06:29 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Resources

Lift by Robert Quinn and Ryan W. Quinn https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Transforming-Leadership-Organizational-Change/dp/1609949274

The Power of Employee Journey by Bob Quinn - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Employee-Journey-Robert-Quinn/dp/1119876543

Collective Empathy Concept - https://hbr.org/2020/05/collective-empathy

Love 2.0 by Barbara Fredrickson - https://www.amazon.com/Love-2-0-Science-Positive-Emotion/dp/0553386694

Guest Links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertquinn

University of Michigan Leadership Accelerator: Building High-Impact Practices: https://michiganross.umich.edu/programs/executive-education/leadership-accelerator-building-high-impact-practices?event=12673

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

What if the biggest risks in your organization aren’t visible on your dashboards? Return on Empathy (ROE) challenges traditional leadership thinking by exploring what metrics miss—unspoken concerns, hidden risks, and the human experience behind performance. Hosted by founder and Chief Empathy Officer at The Empathy Collective, Rebecca Dhrimaj, this podcast reframes empathy as decision intelligence—helping leaders see clearly, act earlier, and build organizations that endure.

In this special episode, Rebecca Dhrimaj, founder of The Empathy Collective, explores the transformative power of empathy in leadership and introduces the concept of Return on Empathy (ROE) as a critical lens for understanding organizational performance. Challenging traditional metrics that often overlook the human experience, this conversation reveals how a lack of empathy can create hidden risks, fuel organizational silence, and ultimately undermine workplace culture and results. Listeners will gain practical insights into how empathetic leadership uncovers blind spots, strengthens employee wellbeing, and drives more sustainable success—making this episode essential for leaders focused on leadership development, organizational performance, and building healthier, more resilient organizations.

*The ROE podcast is dedicated to the late Bob Chapman, former CEO and Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller and co-author of Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family.*

Sound bites

"Empathy is how leaders understand reality."

"Traditional metrics miss the human experience."

"Return on empathy redefines leadership success."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Return on Empathy

04:45 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

10:55 Understanding Organizational Blind Spots

16:03 Redefining Success: From ROI to ROE

Resources

Return on Empathy (Book) co-authored by Rebecca Dhrimaj and David Allan Galloway with a Foreword written by Robert E. Quinn - expected release Spring 2027

The Empathy Collective - https://theempathycollective.com

Bob Quinn - University of Michigan Ross School of Business - https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/bob-quinn

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: tuckerk@kaastailored.com

Learn more about Kaas Tailored: https://kaastailored.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.

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/