Ep 7: Leading with Empathy (The Mental Health Side of Leadership)
Welcome to Episode 7 of The Rise Room! Today, we’re stepping into a conversation every leader, and honestly, every human, needs to hear: how empathy shapes mental health in the workplace.
We’re talking about why empathetic leadership isn’t soft or optional anymore… it’s essential. Because when people feel seen, supported, and safe, everything changes, stress levels drop, creativity rises, and teams become healthier and more resilient.
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with both strength and humanity, this episode is your blueprint.
Episode Highlights
How empathetic leaders dramatically reduce burnout, stress, and emotional overload in their teams.
What psychological safety actually looks like in day-to-day leadership.
The subtle signs someone on your team may be struggling, and what to do before they hit burnout.
Real examples of supportive leadership conversations, including the “Jordan scenario” and how to guide someone toward help without overstepping.
Simple, powerful habits that make teams feel safe: intentional check-ins, listening without fixing, flexible policies, mental-health normalization.
The challenges leaders face (boundaries, fairness, stigma), and how to navigate them with confidence.
Why WHO and global research point to leadership style as a direct predictor of employee mental well-being.
“Empathy is strategy. When people feel seen, they feel safe, and that’s when they rise.”
Rise Challenge
Choose one person on your team or in your circle and do a real check-in.
Not the quick “How are you?”
Try: “How are you coping this week?
Then pause.
Listen.
Let their answer land without jumping in to fix or correct.
Resources Section
Thank you for joining me for this deep dive into what it truly means to lead with empathy, and why it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to support mental health at work.
If today’s episode sparked a thought, a shift, or a new intention, share it with a leader in your life who’s ready to rise with heart.
Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss your next moment in The Rise Room.
✨ Step in. Rise up. Lead with empathy.
Until next time, take care of yourself, care for others, and keep rising.
References
Here are scholarly sources you can reference for the research on empathy and mental health discussed in this episode:
Mayer, J. D., & Salovey, P. (1997). What is emotional intelligence? In P. Salovey & D. Sluyter (Eds.), Emotional development and emotional intelligence. Basic Books.
Muss, C., Tüxen, D., & Fürstenau, B. (2025). Empathy in leadership: A systematic literature review on the effects of empathetic leaders in organizations. Management Review Quarterly.
Gentry, W. (2025). Empathy in the Workplace: A Tool for Effective Leadership. Center for Creative Leadership.
World Health Organization (2022). Mental health in the workplace.