When Leaders Reach Their Breaking Point: Empathy, Accountability, and Building Trust Under Pressu...

Have you ever wondered what separates leaders who build trust from those who lose it? In this episode, Jule sits down with Pete Srodoski, CEO coach, bestselling author of Lead with Empathy, and founder of Roll With the Punches, whose leadership philosophy was shaped by one of the most defining moments of his career. Pete shares how an unexpected leadership experience changed the trajectory of his life and inspired him to help other executives build healthier cultures rooted in empathy, accountability, and self-awareness. Drawing from years of coaching CEOs, he explains why great leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, earning trust, and creating environments where people can do their best work. For leaders navigating pressure, coaching high-performing teams, or striving to build stronger workplace cultures, Pete offers practical insights on why empathy isn't a soft skill. It's one of the most strategic leadership tools you can develop. In this conversation, Pete and Jule discuss: • Why empathy and accountability are strongest when they work together • How active listening helps leaders build trust and improve decision-making • Why insecurity and ego often create the biggest leadership challenges • How authentic feedback helps people grow while strengthening workplace culture • Why great leaders focus on developing people, not just driving performance If you've ever questioned how to lead through pressure, have more honest conversations, or create a culture where people feel supported and challenged, this episode is a reminder that leadership isn't defined by avoiding difficult moments. It's defined by how you respond to them and the culture you build because of them. Connect with Pete: Website: https://rollwithpunch.com/ LinkedIn:   / petersrodoski   Books: Lead with Empathy (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lead...) and additional titles by Pete Srodoski, available through major booksellers and Audible. Connect with Jule: LinkedIn:   / julesalem   Website: https://www.julesalem.com (https://www.julesalem.com/) Download the Free Guide Here: Free Guide | The 5 Warning Signs Your Team Is Disconnected (https://salem-687d61.webflow.io/free-...) Dialing In is a leadership podcast for operators, executives, and founders that explores how connection drives performance in business. Each episode looks at the human dynamics behind business results and how stronger connection can create greater trust, alignment, accountability, and ultimately, better performance. Join us and subscribe to the show to be the first to hear new episodes.