“Change isn’t failure—it’s transformation.”

In this heartfelt and deeply honest conversation, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller sits down with transformational coach, author, and TEDx speaker Susan Hensley to explore what it really means to navigate life transitions with self-empathy, authenticity, and courage.

From careers that shift and identities that evolve, to the messy middle of uncertainty—this episode of The Empathic Leader gets real about the emotional side of leadership and change. Together, Melissa and Susan unpack why self-compassion isn’t weakness but wisdom, and how empathy—especially self-empathy—fuels resilience and authentic connection in both life and leadership.

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Connect with Susan Hensley:

Website: http://susan-hensley.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-hensley-63a4753/

About Susan:

Susan Hensley is a transformational coach, speaker, and author who helps people navigate life’s transitions with joy, creativity, and resilience.

With decades of experience as a corporate executive, HR leader, and leadership coach, she brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that accompany major life changes. Drawing on her rich background in coaching, HR, and journalism, Susan’s mission is to empower others to unlock their inner wisdom, creativity, and sense of play during times of uncertainty.

Through her workshops, speaking engagements, and one-on-one coaching, she guides clients to rediscover their authentic selves and infuse their lives with greater color, meaning, and joy. Her diverse career includes work as a broadcast journalist and news anchor, as well as executive roles across the United States and Asia.

Susan has coached individuals from entry level to the C-suite and served as a business coach through Stanford University’s Seed Program. She holds a BS in Communication/Social Science from the University of California and an MS in Journalism from Northwestern University.

► 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 The old command-and-control leadership style is obsolete.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.