In the latest episode of "On the Brink with Andi Simon," I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Barbara J. Brown, a true trailblazer in the mental health field. Dr. Brown is the Founder and CEO of CapitolHill Consortium for Counseling & Consultation (CCCC) and Unicorn Health Care, LLC. With over three decades of experience, she has dedicated her life to building not just a successful practice, but a legacy that prioritizes community well-being, purpose, and significance over profit.

Dr. Brown's journey began with a vision to provide high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive mental health services to underserved communities. In 2009, she founded CCCC with a mission to offer comprehensive psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. What started as a solo practice soon evolved into a robust group practice with over 80 staff members, becoming a beacon of hope and healing for countless individuals.

Her success, however, is not merely measured by the growth of her practice but by the impact she has made on the communities she serves. Dr. Brown's approach to mental health is deeply rooted in the belief that true healing comes from addressing the holistic needs of individuals—mind, body, and spirit—and fostering a sense of belonging and support within the community.

If you prefer to watch Dr. Brown's video, please click here.

Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Dr. Brown’s success is driven by her unwavering commitment to the communities she serves. Her work extends beyond individual therapy sessions; she is actively involved in training the next generation of mental health professionals. CCCC’s recent launch of a Clinical and Community Professional Development Program for early career social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists is a testament to her dedication to fostering excellence in the field.

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we explore the groundbreaking work of Denielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan, the dynamic co-founders of Unicorn. Unicorn is a company with purpose, boldly revolutionized period care. Unicorn isn't just a business. It's a movement dedicated to dismantling outdated norms and offering a fresh, empathetic approach to menstruation. Through their innovative dispensers, now found in restroom stalls across the country, they are taking significant strides towards ending period poverty and promoting dignity for all.

The Birth of Unicorn: A Vision Rooted in Empathy and Innovation

Denielle and Thyme's journey began in the high-stakes world of corporate America, where they both enjoyed successful careers. However, as they climbed the corporate ladder, they found themselves searching for deeper meaning in their work. They realized their true passion lay in addressing a critical yet often overlooked issue: the lack of accessible, high-quality period care products.

With a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and a deep sense of empathy, Denielle and Thyme co-founded Unicorn. Their mission was clear: to create a line of better, organic period products that were easily accessible to everyone. But they didn't stop at just offering superior products—they wanted to revolutionize the entire period care experience.

Listen in or watch our podcast with Denielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan, click here Danielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan Are Revolutionizing Period Care

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, traditional leadership models are becoming increasingly obsolete. The command-and-control approach, once the hallmark of successful leadership, is now often seen as a relic of the past. With the rise of concepts like Quiet Quitting, The Great Resignation, and the friction surrounding remote work, leaders are faced with challenges that require a more nuanced, empathetic approach. In a recent interview on the On the Brink with Andi Simon podcast, Melissa Robinson-Winemiller delved into the critical role of empathy and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in modern leadership.

Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, an expert in leadership development and an advocate for empathy-driven leadership, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. With over 30 years of leadership experience, she has seen firsthand how the lack of empathy can derail even the most promising careers and business endeavors. Her journey into empathy and EQ coaching began after losing a career to what she describes as "unempathic leadership." This experience propelled her to explore how empathy could transform leadership and business outcomes.

Melissa's dedication to this cause is evident in her impressive educational background. She holds an MBA and a Master of Data Analytics, providing her with the tools to support her arguments with data-driven proof and sound business cases. She is currently pursuing a second doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership, with a dissertation focusing on Empathy in Leadership. This commitment to understanding and promoting empathy as a core leadership competency is further bolstered by her certifications in Change Management (ACMP/Prosci), the Society for Human Resource Management (CP), and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEI&J) from Cornell University.

Melissa's message is clear: the future of leadership lies in evolution, not extinction. Leaders who are willing to develop their empathy and emotional intelligence will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. They will be able to build stronger, more resilient teams and create a culture of collaboration and innovation.

In conclusion, the interview with Melissa Robinson-Winemiller serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy in leadership. As the business world continues to evolve, leaders must recognize that empathy is not a weakness but a strength that can drive success. By embracing empathy and emotional intelligence, leaders can create a more inclusive, productive, and innovative workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

This interview is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of leadership and the role that empathy will play in shaping it. As Melissa so aptly puts it, "The more we all work together to be better human beings, the more we all have to gain."

If you prefer to watch our video podcast with Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, click here.