In this conversation, Mary Brigden shares her unique journey from being one of the few women at the Naval Academy to navigating her career in the corporate world. She discusses the challenges of isolation, the importance of community, and how her upbringing shaped her leadership style. Mary reflects on the balance between being a tough leader and infusing empathy into her approach, as well as the lessons learned during her transition from military to corporate life. She emphasizes the significance of laughter, vulnerability, and understanding individual priorities in fostering a supportive work environment.

Sound bites

"When your team is under stress, you as a leader need to display calm confidence."

"You can do it all, just not all at once."

Chapters

00:00 Mary Brigden's Journey to the Naval Academy

06:50 Coping with Isolation and Finding Community

13:33 Leadership Style: Balancing Toughness and Empathy

21:10 Transitioning from Military to Corporate Life

29:14 Navigating Choppy Waters: Lessons Learned

38:51 Building a Culture of Care

In this episode, Sokit Beauty founder Yoona So shares her inspiring journey from corporate finance to skincare entrepreneur, revealing how her multicultural roots shaped her holistic approach to beauty. She opens up about the courage it takes to pursue passion, the power of self-care over self-criticism, and the confidence that comes from embracing your natural self. Along the way, Yoona highlights the importance of community, connection, and redefining beauty on your own terms.

Sound bites

"Korean skincare is about holistic beauty."

"I don't hide behind makeup anymore."

"Human connection is incredibly valuable."

Chapters

00:00 Cultural Roots and Their Impact

03:43 From Corporate to Skincare Entrepreneur

06:16 The Evolution of Beauty Standards

09:11 Holistic Approaches to Skincare

11:24 Personal Stories and Transformations

14:01 Empowerment Through Skincare

16:32 Advice for Corporate Professionals

19:18 Building Community and Connection

21:45 Building a Culture of Care

Learn more about Sokit Beauty: https://sokitbeauty.com/

Leadership isn’t just strategy, it’s self-awareness. In this episode of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, McKinsey senior partner emeritus Hans-Werner Kaas reveals how empathy, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence build resilient leaders and stronger organizations. Discover why listening is a CEO’s secret weapon and how personal growth drives business success.

Chapters

00:00 Self-Reflection as a Leadership Tool

06:05 Building Organizational Resilience

17:10 Practical Advice for Leaders

21:04 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

22:52 Building a Culture of Care

Resources:

The Journey of a CEO Book: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/journey-of-leadership

The CEO as Chief Resilience Officer: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/the-ceo-as-chief-resilience-officer

What does it take to lead with both strength and heart? In this episode, Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with Hans-Werner Kaas, senior partner emeritus at McKinsey & Company, to explore the evolving face of leadership—one where empathy and human connection aren’t just nice-to-haves, but essential for building resilient organizations. From unplanned personal leadership journeys to the overlooked human side of business education, they unpack stories, insights, and hard-earned lessons from the C-suite. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this conversation offers a compelling case for self-reflection, deep listening, and putting people at the center of success.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Leadership Begins

11:37 Human-Centric Leadership: A New Approach

26:20 The Importance of Self-Reflection

Resources:

The Journey of a CEO Book: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/journey-of-leadership

Podcast Episode: The Journey of Leadership, Hans-Werner Kaas and Bob Chapman in Conversation https://youtu.be/qgVZP6HPbl4?si=D-ih113COBW5AMhH

McKinsey's Bower Forum: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/how-we-help-clients/mckinsey-academy/executive-programs/bower-forum

What happens when ambition turns toxic? In this eye-opening conversation, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Paula Freedman-Diamond to unpack the hidden cost of hustle culture. From eating disorders and body image struggles to the quiet burnout of toxic striving, they explore how compliance and perfectionism erode our mental health. Through vulnerable stories and powerful insights, the episode shines a light on the role of personality, emotional awareness, and self-empathy in the healing journey. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “never enough,” we hope this episode is your first step to overcoming toxic striving.

Sound Bites

• "I turned to food as a way to control."
• "What you resist persists."
• "It's okay to feel this."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Toxic Striving

03:06 Understanding Personality Types in Hustle Culture

06:29 Personal Experiences with Body Image and Dieting

10:36 The Cost of Compliance and Internal Dialogue

14:51 Unraveling Disordered Behaviors

20:21 Building Tolerance for Discomfort

25:01 Empathy for Self and Others

28:08 The Importance of Modeling Self-Care in Leadership

32:56 Building a Culture of Care

How Is HR Evolving in the Age of AI, Hybrid Work and Generational Shifts? In this compelling episode of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, host Rebecca Dhrimaj invites Russian historian turned executive recruiter, Olivia Hanninen, to explore how the role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) has transformed in response to societal shifts, generational change, and technological disruption. Olivia shares her personal journey from academia to human capital executive recruitment, reflecting on why empathy, transparency, and adaptability are now essential qualities in HR leadership. From AI in hiring to the rising strategic influence of HR, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone shaping the future of work.

Sound Bites

• “If your executive search firm isn’t asking you ‘how does this role change because of AI in the last 6-12 months?’ they’re not doing their job very well.”
• “A CHRO creates value when people don’t just want to work, they want to work well.”

Tune in for insights on change management, human connection, and the evolving expectations of today’s workforce.

Chapters

00:00 From Academia to Executive Recruitment

08:03 The Evolution of HR Roles

16:31 The Strategic Importance of CHROs

24:21 Navigating Change Management in HR

32:32 The Future of HR in a Post-Pandemic World

In this powerful episode, hairstylist and founder of Studio Queen Hair, Anastasia Love, shares how she transformed pain into purpose by rebuilding her life in the U.S. after escaping an abusive relationship. Through her journey of self-discovery and emotional healing, Anastasia found her calling in the beauty industry. More than just styling hair, she offers her clients a space for connection, confidence, and transformation. Tune in to hear how she leads with empathy, sets healthy boundaries, and inspires her clients and staff to embrace self-care and empowerment with each intimate conversation.

Sound Bites

"I just looked for new beginnings."

"I treat every woman like a queen."

"It's important to set boundaries."

Chapters

00:00 Journey of Transformation: From Russia to the U.S.

07:49 Creating a Mission: Studio Queen Hair

17:41 The Role of Hair Stylists as Healers

26:05 Self-Care in the Beauty Industry

Learn more about Anastasia and Studio Queen Hair: https://studioqueenhair.com/

How do we build meaningful connection while navigating the chaos of modern life? In this episode of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, host Rebecca Dhrimaj speaks with Meghan Fialkoff and Meagan Ayres-Elieff, co-founders of The Modern Day Wife. Together, they explore the power of human connection, the pursuit of balance in life and business, and the often-unseen support systems available to women entrepreneurs. From social media myths to leadership truths, this conversation offers real talk, practical insights, and a reminder that no one has to go it alone. Whether you’re building a business, a community, or just trying to keep it all together, you’ll find something here that speaks to you.

Sound Bites

• "We are craving connection."

• "How can we support each other?"

• "There are different chapters in life."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Modern Day Wife

05:45 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

10:05 Building a Community for Women

14:32 Defining Success in Modern Life

18:50 Resources and Support for Women

22:14 The Reality Behind Social Media Perfection

22:58 The Illusion of Expertise on Social Media

24:46 The Business of Selling Without Apology

26:58 Leadership Styles and Employee Engagement

31:48 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

35:23 Long-Term Planning and Business Growth

38:53 Building a Culture of Care

Learn more about Modern Day Wife: https://themoderndaywife.com/