Empathy and Problem Solving with Melody Jaros

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.In this episode, Melody shares her inspiring career transition from math enthusiast and educator to UX researcher, revealing how empathy sits at the heart of both learning and user experience design. Through storytelling and real-world examples, she explores how understanding mental models, problem solving, and collaboration can transform math education and create more inclusive learning environments. Melody also reflects on how teaching skills translate seamlessly into UX research, helping teams advocate for user needs while balancing perspectives across tech, education, and design. This conversation is a powerful reminder that empathy, communication, and curiosity are essential tools for anyone shaping meaningful learning and user experiences.Chapters00:00 The Journey of a Math Wizard12:48 Empathy in Education and Learning26:11 Transitioning to UX Research38:02 Empathy as a Strategic Tool in TechLearn more about The Empathy Collective: www.theempathycollective.com