The Power of Employee Well-Being with Mark C. Crowley

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.What does it really mean to lead with heart in today’s high-pressure workplaces? In this episode, Mark Crowley shares his powerful journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leading voice in heart-centered leadership, employee well-being, and emotional intelligence. Through his globally recognized podcast, his writing in Fast Company, and his work as a speaker and consultant, Mark has become a guiding voice for leaders everywhere who want to build workplaces where people truly flourish. Together, we explore how leadership, mental health, and workplace dynamics intersect—and why corporate culture must evolve beyond engagement metrics to truly support people. Mark reflects on the resistance he faced introducing well-being-focused management strategies, the surprising parallels between parenting and leadership, and why prioritizing employee feelings drives stronger performance, loyalty, and long-term growth. As organizations confront burnout, economic uncertainty, and shifting expectations, this conversation offers practical insights into personal growth, leadership accountability, and the future of work grounded in well-being.Sound bites"The heart is much more than a pump.""I was met with a lot of resistance.""We need to move on from engagement."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mark Crowley and His Work04:19 Mark's Personal Journey and Its Impact on Leadership10:52 The Evolution of Leadership Philosophy15:27 The Connection Between Employee Well-being and Leadership22:43 Rethinking Employee Engagement Surveys24:46 Integrating Well-Being into Leadership Culture30:36 Addressing Burnout in Leadership40:54 The Future of Employee Well-Being45:51 Conclusion and Call to ActionLearn more about Mark C. Crowley’s books and podcast: https://markccrowley.com/Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/