Leading with Heart in Hard Places with Meg Brown

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.Step inside the world of heart-centered leadership with Meg Brown, COO of Cambridge Air Solutions. In this episode, Meg shares her transformation from a compliance-driven HR role to a people-first approach that blends empathy, emotional intelligence, and practical daily practices. From creating a culture of appreciation to fostering collaboration on the factory floor, Meg offers actionable insights for leaders who want to balance performance with genuine human connection—and build workplaces where people thrive.Sound bites"It's a lifetime pursuit.""We clap for everything."Chapters00:00 Heart-Centered Leadership: An Introduction05:35 The Journey to Heart-Centered Leadership10:27 Transforming Workplace Culture15:13 Empathy in Leadership19:36 Building Collaborative Leadership23:52 Balancing People and Performance28:23 Practical Steps for Leaders30:54 Looking Ahead: Community and Collaboration31:51 The Importance of Emotional IntelligenceLearn more about Cambridge Air Solutions: https://www.cambridgeair.com/Learn more about the Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME): https://www.ame.org/Brené Brown video referenced in this episode: https://youtu.be/KZBTYViDPlQ?si=ijfTRclAuN4YGrOFBuild individual and team resilience with The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com