In today's evolving workplace, traditional leadership models are falling short. Burnout is rising, Gen Z is rewriting the rules, and employee retention is at crisis levels. Leaders are expected to be kind-but not too soft. Structured-but not rigid. Empathetic-but still effective. Engaged Empathy Leadership (TM) (EELM (TM)) offers a bold new model rooted in three essential pillars: Kindness, Fairness, and Structure. This practical, research-backed framework helps leaders balance emotional intelligence with accountability-empowering them to lead with both heart and clarity. Drawing on real-world case studies, original research, and actionable tools, this book shows you how to: Build genuine trust without sacrificing authority Provide fair, transparent growth pathways Lead teams across generations with empathy and structure Whether you're managing a startup, leading a classroom, or running a global team, EELM (TM) equips you with the tools to create a workplace culture where people thrive, grow, and stay.
Dr. Jeff LeBlanc is a professor, leadership strategist, and award-winning educator specializing in business strategy, organizational behavior, and workplace engagement. He is the creator of the Engaged Empathy Leadership Model (TM) (EELM (TM)), a research-backed framework designed to help leaders balance kindness, fairness, and structure to foster high-performing, engaged teams. Dr. LeBlanc holds degrees in Communication, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with a focus on Organizational Leadership. He has taught at Bentley University and other institutions, where he equips students and professionals with the tools to navigate the evolving workforce. His innovative teaching methods earned him Bentley University's Innovation in Teaching Award for his Gen Z-focused curriculum. Beyond academia, Dr. LeBlanc has worked with businesses, startups, and industry leaders to implement structured, empathy-driven leadership practices that drive retention, performance, and workplace satisfaction. His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Boston Business Journal, and Black Enterprise, and he regularly speaks at corporate and academic events. A passionate advocate for practical, research-based leadership development, Dr. LeBlanc's work bridges the gap between theory and application. His research on Gen Z leadership preferences and employee engagement has influenced how organizations adapt to the changing workforce. Outside of teaching and consulting, he serves on the board of Haverhill Promise, a literacy initiative supporting young readers in his hometown of Haverhill, Massachusetts.
