In this special episode of “The Empathic Leader,” Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller opens up about one of the most transformative experiences of her life — giving her first TEDx Talk on self-empathy and self-judgment.

Melissa shares the emotional, vulnerable, and deeply human side of preparing for the red dot — from the nerves of condensing years of research into 12 minutes, to the self-doubt that whispered, “Who am I to be on this stage?”

Through it all, she discovered the heart of what she teaches every day: empathy and judgment can’t exist in the same space. This episode is a reflection on that truth — and an invitation to practice self-empathy as the foundation for leading with compassion, courage, and authenticity.

If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or the fear of being “too much” or “not enough,” this conversation is for you.

► Watch my latest TEDx Talk on “5 steps to start being kinder to yourself” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaoXSEWeILo

Grab my #1 Amazon Bestselling Book “The Empathic Leader”: https://a.co/d/6mKtblA

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CONNECT WITH ME:

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathyqueen.eq/

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 The old command-and-control leadership style is obsolete.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