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 past 20 years has led to global speaking engagements, including Oxford University, podcast features, and media recognition in Forbes and Authority Magazine. She has developed the Magnet Model, a powerful framework for client attraction which she shares in her new book, Unlock Your Impact (March 2025).

► 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 The old command-and-control leadership style is obsolete.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 is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide professional, medical, or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional or licensed provider with any specific and personal questions you may have regarding personal or professional concerns.