What if marketing felt genuine? In episode 14 of The Empathic Leader, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller chats with LinkedIn strategist and author Sophie Lechner about how empathy and real connection can totally change how we do business.

We dive into her multicultural roots, why human-centered marketing beats tactics, and how coaches can protect their energy while still showing up fully for clients. Sophie also gives us a peek behind the scenes of her book Unlock Your Impact—a journey filled with self-discovery, reader feedback, and lots of emotional growth.

We touch on:

-The difference between emotional and cognitive empathy

-How your personal story is your brand

-Using LinkedIn in a way that actually feels good

-Why Audrey Hepburn is the ultimate leadership role model

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

Subscribe to the Show ► @theempathicleader

Pre-Order my book here: https://stan.store/empathicleader

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/

Connect with Sophie Lechner:

Website: https://www.themagnetmodel.com/aboutme

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophielechner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiemagnet/

About Sophie:

Sophie Lechner is a speaker, author, and business coach who helps mission-driven entrepreneurs turn marketing from a chore into a joy—so they can attract clients like a magnet instead of chasing them. Her mastery of LinkedIn over the...

In this episode of ‘The Empathic Leader’ Podcast, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller dives into a crucial topic: What blocks empathy?

We’ll explore the common barriers — from misunderstanding empathy itself, to anger, fear, toxic environments, and even empathy fatigue. Plus, I’ll share personal stories and practical advice on how to protect your empathy without burning out.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe — let's keep this conversation big, bold, and alive! Empathy connects us all, and together, we can help it thrive.

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

Subscribe to the Show ► @theempathicleader

Pre-Order my book here: https://stan.store/empathicleader

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

In this episode, Dr. Melissa chats with leadership powerhouse Carmen Paredes about what it really takes to lead well. From climbing the corporate ladder as a woman of color to mastering empathy and emotional smarts, Carmen drops truth bombs on self-awareness, compassion, and holding it all together without losing your edge.

If you want to lead like a boss and lift others up while you’re at it—don’t miss this one!

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

Subscribe to the Show ► @theempathicleader

Pre-Order my book here: https://stan.store/empathicleader

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/

Connect with Carmen Paredes:

Website: https://iamcarmenparedes.com/speaker

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcarmenparedes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcarmenparedes/

About Carmen:

Carmen Paredes is a leadership powerhouse on a mission to transform how leaders show up. From her roots in Panama to becoming the first Latina VP at Alaska’s largest telecom company, her journey is fueled by grit, growth, and heart. After overcoming burnout, she now empowers leaders to lead with self-awareness, empathy, and purpose.

She’s a 2X TEDx speaker, best-selling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and advocate for women’s leadership—sharing her insights everywhere from boardrooms to the UN. With 20+ years across industries, Carmen helps leaders build cultures where people and performance thrive.

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