Early Life and Inspirations
Mimi Nicklin’s passion for empathy and human connection traces back to her early years. Growing up, she was deeply influenced by diverse cultures and perspectives, which ignited her interest in understanding human behavior. This foundation paved the way for her future endeavors in promoting empathy worldwide.
Professional Beginnings

Before emerging as a global thought leader, Mimi accumulated over 16 years of experience in marketing communications, collaborating with multinational and Fortune 500 clients across more than 25 markets. This extensive background provided her with insights into the challenges faced by modern workplaces, particularly the empathy deficit impacting employee well-being and organizational success.
Authorship and Literary Contributions
In 2020, Mimi authored “Softening the Edge,” a book that delves into the significance of empathy in leadership and its transformative potential in the corporate world. The book became a bestseller in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UAE, resonating with readers globally. She continued her literary journey with “Empathy at Work,” tailored for the Indian business context, addressing the $8.8 trillion loss in global productivity due to declining empathy levels. Her forthcoming book, “The Connection Prescription,” set to launch in April 2025, aims to explore empathy and belonging as keys to longevity in various facets of life.
Empathy Everywhere: A Visionary Platform
Demonstrating her commitment to fostering empathy, Mimi founded “Empathy Everywhere,” the world’s first organizational empathy platform. This initiative offers corporate and community empathy training, aiming to transform business mindsets globally. Through this platform, she has trained over 16,500 professionals in Fortune 500 organizations, emphasizing the critical role of empathy in leadership and organizational culture.
Leadership at Freedm
As the CEO of Freedm, a global advertising agency, Mimi champions hybrid and remote working models. Under her leadership, Freedm leverages the knowledge economy, proving that flexibility and empowerment can drive creativity and results, breaking traditional barriers and biases.
Podcasting: Spreading the Empathy Message
Mimi extends her advocacy through podcasting. Her show, “The Empathy for Breakfast Show,” has reached over 85,000 listeners and was voted among the top 5 podcasts in the UAE. She also launched “MimiYouYou,” a platform growing at an impressive rate, where she shares untold stories to drive up empathy and human understanding.
Global Recognition and Awards
Mimi’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been featured across leading media platforms, reaching millions and generating significant global PR value. In 2024, she was honored as Malaysian Female Leader and recognized among Sri Lanka’s Top 45 Leaders, reflecting her influence and commitment to positive change.
Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations
Currently, Mimi is focused on her mission to reconnect 1 million people through empathy by 2028. She continues to engage with global audiences through speaking engagements, workshops, and her upcoming book launch. Her dedication to enhancing human connections remains at the forefront of her work, inspiring individuals and organizations to prioritize empathy in all interactions.
Conclusion
Mimi Nicklin’s journey from a marketing strategist to a global empathy advocate showcases the profound impact of empathy in leadership and organizational success. Her relentless pursuit to bridge the empathy gap serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of understanding and connection in transforming our workplaces and communities. Do follow her on Instagram.
Also read: The UAE’s Rise as a Global Business Hub: What Makes It So Attractive?