Episode notes
How Great Leaders Turn Empathy into Power
Empathy is praised in leadership – and often quietly punished.
In this episode, Jon Rennie is joined by Jess Baker, chartered business psychologist and author of The Super Helper Syndrome, to explore how great leaders turn empathy into real power without being overlooked or burned out.
Jess explains why highly empathic professionals are often passed over for leadership roles, even though they’re holding teams together behind the scenes. She shows how empathy, when used intentionally, becomes a strategic leadership advantage rather than a career liability.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
- Why empathic leaders get overlooked
- The difference between empathy, compassion, and effective leadership
- How to set boundaries without losing your values
- How empathy can amplify results, energy, and momentum
- What to do when empathy has helped your career – up to a point
Jess also shares practical tools, including leadership dials and the concept of empathic flow, to help leaders protect their energy while leading with confidence.
About Jess Baker
Jess Baker is a chartered business psychologist with 20+ years of experience advising leaders and global organizations. She is the creator of the Empathy Powered Method and the award-winning author of The Super Helper Syndrome.
Links to Jess’s resources:
- Website – https://jessbaker.co.uk/
- Free Quiz – https://jess-baker.involve.me/helper-quiz
- Free Workbook – https://jessbakerconsulting.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1147375
- Book –https://amzn.to/3YyhdEs
If you believe leadership is a people business, this episode is for you.