Leading with Empathy: How Melissa Is Redefining Leadership in the Age of AI

Send us a text What does it really mean to lead with empathy—and why does it matter more now than ever? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa, author of The Empathic Leader, to explore how empathy is reshaping the future of leadership, productivity, and innovation. Drawing from her research, data, and personal experience, Melissa shares why empathy isn’t a “soft skill” but a strategic advantage in today’s organizations. She opens up about the moment that changed everything—walking away from a decades-long career as a musician because of unempathic leadership—and how that experience fueled her mission to teach leaders how to connect, communicate, and create cultures where people thrive. We discuss: Why empathy drives profit, innovation, and trust The link between empathy, emotional intelligence, and effective leadership How empathy can coexist with boundaries and accountability Why empathy is a non-negotiable skill in the age of AI and rapid change If you lead teams, aspire to lead, or simply want to understand people better, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and remind you that empathy is both powerful and practical. 🎧 Tune in to The Resilient Author Podcast wherever you listen. If you’ve been listening and feel like it’s time to finally start your own book, check out my 5-Day Speak Your Book Challenge. In just five days, you’ll speak the outline of your first draft and learn how to turn it into a full manuscript and published book. You can join anytime at voicetobook.co/challenge. Now, let’s get back to it. Support the show Ready to tell your story?Join me inside the 5-Day Speak Your Book Challenge, where I’ll guide you to speak the first draft of your book. You can get started at voicetobook.co/challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices