Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller

Moving Beyond Linear Leadership to EQ/Empathy-Driven Breakthroughs

As innovation becomes the hallmark of the 21 st -century business landscape,

traditional operating practices continue to fall by the wayside. To illustrate,

the top-down management style has outlived its usefulness. With senior

leaders managing key business operations, employees have often been a cog

in the corporate wheel.

Fortunately, Missouri-based Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller has an

innovative strategy to resolve this situation. The co-founder of Dan

Winemiller Consulting, she brings 30+ years of leadership experience to the

table. During that time, Dr. Robinson-Winemiller watched leaders and

employees become increasingly frustrated by traditional leadership’s less-

than-optimal results.

Dr. Robinson-Winemiller’s well-honed business and data analytics skills

helped her understand that the entire leadership paradigm was ripe for

change. Specifically, leaders lacked empathy with their employees. This

dynamic negatively impacted interactions at every level.

The EQ via Empathy Solution

This troublesome problem spurred an elegantly simple solution ─ and a

compelling personal mission. Today, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller

passionately advocates for EQ through Empathy. Fondly named the

“Empathy Queen,” she frequently brings her message to diverse

organizations.

In a nutshell, EQ (or “emotional quotient”), reflects an individual’s emotional

intelligence. Those with a higher EQ are perceived as better leaders, as they

have empathy with team members and colleagues.

Dr. Robinson-Winemiller is confident that EQ through Empathy opens the

door to better leadership. “We need to find a better way, and I know what I

teach as EQ via Empathy is the way. I’m absolutely certain because I’ve

done doctoral-level research on empathy and leadership (finishing a

doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership as we speak), run case studies and

experiments, and can back it up with hard data. It’s not soft and fluffy – it’s

real, and it works,” she emphasized.

Like any heart-centered service provider, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is

thrilled when her clients see results. “When I can put what I know into

action, and suddenly my clients see outcomes that they didn’t think possible,

it’s REALLY rewarding, both as a researcher and someone who wants to solve

problems,” Dr. Robinson-Winemiller remarked.

Educational and Musical Passions

Her notable accomplishments continue to fuel her educational passion. Dr.

Robinson-Winemiller previously earned a Doctorate in Education

(Interdisciplinary Leadership focus). She also possesses a Doctorate in

Music. Finally, Dr. Robinson-Winemiller previously earned her Master's in

Data Analytics. As she pursues her “Academic Ironman” goal, she’ll focus on

a Doctorate in Statistics.

Away from the business arena, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is a true

Renaissance woman. She still embraces a classical music journey that

included three European tours with world-class performers.

“Honestly, I LOVED being a classical musician. I’m a French hornist, so it was

mostly orchestral and solo work, and I’m still so in love with my instrument

and the literature.” Having previously spent time in Rome, she wants to

return to the Mediterranean someday.

Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller’s continued musical passion has fueled a

desire for a different kind of performance art. “I’m currently looking for

people to start another cover band with for fun…So even if you take the girl

out of music, you can never take the music out of the girl!”

Copyright Barbara Hazelden