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The Value of Empathy - an Interview with Michelle Jewell, Global Head of Leadership Development at ThoughtWorks

empathy Mar 19, 2025

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership podcast interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Michelle Jewell, Global Head of Leadership Development at ThoughtWorks, about the power of empathy in leadership and why it’s far more than just a “soft skill.” Michelle shared incredible insights on how empathy drives influence, enhances team performance, and creates a lasting impact on workplace culture.

Michelle’s journey to leadership has been filled with unexpected twists, from starting her career in consulting to making bold leaps into roles that didn’t even exist yet. Through creative problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to understanding people, she has built a career rooted in leadership development and talent growth.

One of Michelle’s core messages is that empathy isn’t just about being kind—it’s a strategic advantage. She highlighted how leaders who deeply understand their teams can drive engagement, reduce turnover, and improve overall business outcomes. Whether you’re leading a team, influencing without authority, or looking to level up your leadership style, Michelle’s insights provide a powerful roadmap.

Key takeaways from the interview:

🔹 0:01:49 – How a childhood lesson in creative problem-solving shaped Michelle’s approach to leadership.
🔹 0:03:36 – The importance of recognizing burnout and making career moves that align with personal well-being.
🔹 0:05:15 – Embracing uncertainty—why taking leaps of faith into new roles can lead to unexpected growth.
🔹 0:05:58 – Empathy as a leadership superpower—how understanding others fuels influence and impact.
🔹 0:07:53 – The difference between empathy and sympathy, and why empathy is crucial for strong leadership.
🔹 0:08:33 – Radical candor: How leaders can balance empathy with direct, effective feedback.
🔹 0:11:42 – Navigating leaders with low emotional intelligence—what to do when empathy is lacking in your organization.
🔹 0:14:19 – The power of listening—why truly hearing people is the simplest yet most effective leadership tool.
🔹 0:16:35 – The high cost of low empathy—how a lack of emotional intelligence leads to disengagement and turnover.
🔹 0:17:12 – Empathy is not just a “nice to have”—it directly impacts productivity, profitability, and organizational success.

Watch the video of my interview with Michelle Jewell for a more in-depth perspective.

Michelle’s insights reinforce that empathy isn’t just about connection—it’s a game-changer for leadership effectiveness and business results. If her wisdom resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Let’s connect and explore how you can apply these principles to your leadership journey. Book a call with me today to take the first step toward fearless leadership.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, please email me at [email protected].

If you’re a leader looking to build high-performing teams, gain clarity on ‘what’s next,’ or create a culture of belonging within your organization, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Also, if your company would like to be part of the 10-company book speaking roadshow for my new book, The Fearless Female Leader, I’d love to discuss it with you!

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl