Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller
Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is an author, TEDx speaker, leadership coach, and host of The Empathic Leader podcast. Motivated by personal experience and a deep love of learning, Melissa has conducted extensive research on the role of empathy in effective leadership through the lens of emotional intelligence. With advanced degrees in leadership, business, and statistics, and more than 20 years of experience, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others.
About Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller
Her groundbreaking findings and compelling stage presence have inspired audiences around the world, including TEDx and institutions such as Northwestern University, Yale University, and Columbia University. She has spoken at Oxford and Cambridge, appeared on nearly 50 podcasts, and written for LA Weekly, Deadline News UK, The San Francisco Post, and Authority Magazine, among others.
Melissa is on a mission to transform the way we connect and understand one another within organisations by applying strategic, actionable empathy to help build more connected, human-centered workplaces and communities. Her first book, The Empathic Leader, launches this summer. With more titles in development, she continues her work to redefine leadership through the power of empathy and emotional intelligence.
To book Keynote Speaker Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com
Leadership Specific Talks:
Empathy isn’t Soft: How Self-Empathy Builds Bold Leaders
Most people think empathy is only about feeling, but there are actually 43 distinct types—and feeling is just one of them. This talk shatters common myths about empathy and reveals how combining multiple forms, especially self-empathy, can supercharge leadership. Grounded in data and filled with actionable takeaways, this is the essential training leaders need, but rarely receive.
The Future of Leadership: Where AI Meets Empathy
Does the rise of AI make empathy obsolete—or more valuable than ever? AI and empathy may seem like opposites, but together they hold the power to redefine leadership in the modern era. This talk explores the implications of leading in a technological age and makes the case for empathy as a competitive advantage. Leaders who can navigate change with clarity, compassion, and adaptability will be the superstars of tomorrow. Blending neuroscience, data, and lived experience, this session offers a roadmap for integrating empathy and AI to build organisations that are both cutting-edge and deeply human.
Empathy as the Innovation Engine
Most people believe empathy is about feelings, but what if leaders knew it was a skill-based tool that fosters innovation? In this talk we discuss different types of empathy, and how knowing which to apply can unlock potential, ignite innovation, and enhance productivity and profits. From product design to organisational change, empathy ensures we’re solving the right problems by first connecting human-to-human, not just building flashy solutions. Backed by research, real-world examples, and actionable tools, this session shows how empathy can turn insight into innovation and help organisations create smarter, more sustainable breakthroughs.
Non-Leadership Specific Talks:
Shattering Shame with Self-Empathy
Shame and self-judgment may be part of the human condition, but do they have to be? Many of us find it easier to extend empathy to others than to ourselves. But what if real, lasting empathy starts within? In this talk, we explore how certain forms of empathy are learnable skills, and how building the habit of self-empathy is not just compassionate but essential. True connection and understanding begin on a human-to-human level—and that begins with how we treat ourselves.
Empathy as the Key to Unlocking Success (for Educators)
Empathy is more than just a feeling. It’s a set of skills that, when applied strategically, can unlock hidden potential in others. In this talk, we explore the different types of empathy and how to know which to apply and when. Sometimes students (or team members) don’t need emotional support as much as they need to feel seen, understood, and respected. By meeting others with the right kind of empathy at the right moment, leaders and educators can create connection, inspire growth, and unlock real, lasting success.
Others talks on empathy, EQ, and leadership available with advanced notice.
