Mindful Management

Author: Shenandoah Chefalo, 392006

Welcome to Mindful Management, a podcast where we share skills, stories, and resources about organization wellness to help you foster a healthy and successful workplace culture. With your host Shenandoah Chefalo, we speak with thought leaders in the field about how they have made staff well-being a core component of their business strategies.
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Language: en

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Health & Fitness, Mental Health

Contact email: Get it

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The Human Side of Leadership: Empathy Without Compromise
Tuesday, 18 November, 2025

In this episode, Shen sits down with CEO and author Erika Sinner for an inspiring conversation about leading with empathy without sacrificing excellence. Erika shares her journey from starting as a 21-year-old receptionist in pharma to becoming the CEO of both a fast-growing life sciences consulting firm and TinySuperheroes, a nonprofit that empowers kids facing illness or disability through play. Together, they explore how early frontline roles shaped her commitment to psychological safety, why “moments that matter” are essential for building trust, and how compassionate policies like pet bereavement can transform workplace culture. Erika also reflects on grief, shame, and the emotional realities employees carry into the workplace, underscoring why leaders must create space for humanity without lowering performance standards. It’s a powerful look at leading with empathy, fostering a culture of belonging, and building organizations where people feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive.