The Hidden Cost of Leadership Without Empathy: Introducing ROE

In this special episode, Rebecca Dhrimaj, founder of The Empathy Collective, explores the transformative power of empathy in leadership and introduces the concept of Return on Empathy (ROE) as a critical lens for understanding organizational performance. Challenging traditional metrics that often overlook the human experience, this conversation reveals how a lack of empathy can create hidden risks, fuel organizational silence, and ultimately undermine workplace culture and results. Listeners will gain practical insights into how empathetic leadership uncovers blind spots, strengthens employee wellbeing, and drives more sustainable success—making this episode essential for leaders focused on leadership development, organizational performance, and building healthier, more resilient organizations.*The ROE podcast is dedicated to the late Bob Chapman, former CEO and Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller and co-author of Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family.*Sound bites"Empathy is how leaders understand reality.""Traditional metrics miss the human experience.""Return on empathy redefines leadership success."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Return on Empathy04:45 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership10:55 Understanding Organizational Blind Spots16:03 Redefining Success: From ROI to ROEResources Return on Empathy (Book) co-authored by Rebecca Dhrimaj and David Allan Galloway with a Foreword written by Robert E. Quinn - expected release Spring 2027The Empathy Collective - https://theempathycollective.comBob Quinn - University of Michigan Ross School of Business - https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/bob-quinn