Emotions as Data: Joshua Freedman's EQ Wisdom for the Modern Leader

Pankaj Singh is a leadership strategist and founder of Singh Leadership, where he helps high-achieving professionals transform burnout into clarity and purpose using neuroscience-informed frameworks like the Purpose FactorIf Leading Human is where emotional intelligence meets organizational impact, then Pankaj Singh is your kind of guest. A former C-suite leader who began his journey training under a lama, Pankaj now empowers leaders to transform reactive pressures into purpose-driven presence.In this episode of 'Leading Human', Chad welcomes Pankaj Singh, a leadership strategist and founder of Singh Leadership, to discuss turning stress into strategic clarity, the role of purpose in leadership, and how mindfulness can unlock better decision-making. Pankaj shares his journey from a stressful professional experience to developing neuroscience-informed frameworks like the Purpose Factor and the Inner Compass Journey. The conversation covers how leaders can reframe chronic stress, the importance of being present, and specific practices such as micro journaling and mindfulness exercises. Pankaj also discusses the PROGRESS and PIVOT frameworks, and the significant impacts of aligning personal purpose with organizational goals on productivity and employee retention.01:09 Pankaj Singh's Stressful Turning Point02:49 Understanding Chronic Stress and the Brain04:50 Mindful Micro Practices08:07 The Purpose Factor Framework10:12 Micro Journaling and Reflection15:01 The PIVOT Framework for Mindfulness17:37 Impact of Mindfulness on Productivity20:36 Understanding Your Audience21:07 Organizing Your Life: Emotional and Relational Aspects21:26 The Importance of Relationships22:32 Aligning with Your Purpose23:01 The Role of Fulfillment in Coaching23:11 The 14-Week Journey23:34 Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation25:21 Balancing Technology and Humanity26:58 Augmented Intelligence and AI Tools27:15 Conscious Data Framework29:43 Micro-Journaling and Presence33:23 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with PankajWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost sits down with Dr. Eva Selhub, a Harvard-trained physician and bestselling author, to explore the intersection of cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient wisdom. Dr. Selhub shares her journey from conventional medicine to studying resilience and the mind-body connection after a life-changing experience. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, stress management, and creating healthy habits for leaders. Dr. Selhub outlines six pillars of resilience and provides practical tips on how to translate scientific understanding into everyday practices that enhance performance and well-being. The conversation also delves into the significance of intuition in leadership and how to balance it with data-driven decision-making. Dr. Selhub emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness, compassion, and how to recognize and manage fear-driven behaviors. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to lead with empathy, adapt to stress effectively, and create a thriving work culture.01:23 A Life-Changing Experience02:06 Exploring Mind-Body Medicine03:40 Transition to Leadership and Coaching04:47 Understanding Emotional Intelligence12:18 The Science of Stress and Resilience16:55 Practical Habits for Leaders17:58 Understanding Stress and the Brain18:32 Managing Stress with Self-Compassion and Mindfulness18:44 Activating the Vagal System19:19 The Role of Neuroplasticity in Stress Management19:40 Practical Techniques for Stress Reduction22:04 The Importance of Intuition in Leadership23:01 Balancing Intuition with Data24:26 Recognizing Fear-Driven Behavior24:46 The Power of Self-Awareness in Leadership27:32 Rapid Fire Wrap-Up33:38 Morning Luxuriating and Final ThoughtsFind her at her website hereMore about Dr. Selhub's course here.Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad interviews Radhika Dutt, author of 'Radical Product Thinking' and the forthcoming book 'Escaping the Performance Trap.' Dutt challenges the conventional wisdom of goal-setting in performance management, arguing that tools like OKRs and KPIs often backfire. Instead, she introduces an alternative framework focused on detailed vision statements, puzzle setting, and puzzle solving, which encourages continuous learning and adaptation. The conversation explores the history of goal-setting, its limitations in complex environments, and practical steps for implementing Dutt's approach. Author of Radical Product Thinking, a speaker and entrepreneur, Radhika Dutt has participated in 5 acquisitions, 2 of which were companies she founded. She's an advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She's also an MIT grad with SB and M.Eng in EECS, and speaks nine languages.01:12 Challenging Traditional Management03:38 The History and Problems with Goal Setting07:25 Alternative Approaches to Alignment14:56 Implementing Puzzle Setting and Solving20:30 Overcoming Resistance to Change26:23 Lightning Round and ConclusionRadhika's LinkedIn profileRadhika’s WebsiteRadical Product Thinking (website for the methodology and Radhika’s first book)Speaker reelLinks to the OHL framework/ toolkitWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad converses with Jen Mueller, a seasoned sports broadcaster, leadership coach, and host of Talk Sporty to Me. Jen shares her unique experiences of interviewing athletes while cooking, and how these interactions reveal vulnerability and human connection. The discussion delves into critical leadership communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of timely, clear, and meaningful feedback. Jen draws parallels between leadership in sports and business, highlighting the role of clear objectives and the nuances of giving accurate praise and constructive feedback. She also provides actionable advice on preparing for and handling challenging conversations, the significance of learning from setbacks, and fostering a resilient team culture.Jen Mueller is a business communication expert and the founder of Talk Sporty to Me, where she helps companies level up their communication skills with actionable strategies inspired by her 25-year career as a sports broadcaster.An Emmy-award-winning producer, Jen is in her 16th season as the Seattle Seahawks sideline radio reporter and has spent 18 years with the Seattle Mariners on ROOT SPORTS. She’s known for building strong relationships, delivering meaningful content in short bursts, and expertly handling post-game interviews (while dodging Gatorade baths!).01:11 The Power of Vulnerability in Cooking Interviews01:57 Leadership Communication: A Daily Discipline03:30 The Importance of Clear Objectives in High-Stress Situations05:26 The Dangers of False Praise and Generic Feedback09:08 Setting Clear Expectations and Accountability16:00 Handling Difficult Conversations with Empathy18:54 Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience21:51 Common Pitfalls in Leadership Feedback24:40 Lightning Round: Quick Insights with Jen MuellerCheck out Jen's impactful and entertaining work here:https://www.youtube.com/@TalkSportyToMehttps://www.instagram.com/TalkSportytoMe/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmuellertalksporty/Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost welcomes Scott Allen, a seasoned leadership development strategist, certified emotional intelligence coach, and Enneagram teacher. Scott delves into his book, 'The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence,' which correlates the nine Enneagram types to core EQ skills, offering a pathway to radical self-awareness. The conversation explores Scott's insights on how integrating the Enneagram with emotional intelligence can lead to profound personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Chad and Scott also share personal anecdotes and practical advice for embracing emotional awareness to enhance decision-making, relationships, and stress management.00:00 Introduction to Scott Allender00:06 Scott Allen's Background and Achievements01:41 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence05:00 Scott's Journey with Emotional Intelligence and the Enneagram06:28 Understanding Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence07:51 Personal Insights and Enneagram Types13:17 Integrating Emotions, Body, and Mind16:25 Coaching Leaders on Emotional Intelligence21:04 Exploring EQ Buckets and Self-Perception23:45 Emotional Repression and Anger25:36 Discovering the Enneagram26:11 Understanding Envy and Healing27:05 The Complexity of Type Four29:45 Practical Applications of the Enneagram31:48 Challenges and Benefits of Enneagram Awareness33:46 Path to Genuine Transformation40:52 Integrating Head, Heart, and Body43:35 Final Thoughts and ResourcesCheck out Scott's book, Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence here. And his Enneaflip, a quick resource for understanding type to type communication.Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of Leading Human, Chad sits down with EQ-research pioneer Joshua Freedman.Who’s our guest?Joshua Freedman — co-founder & CEO of Six Seconds, the world’s largest emotional-intelligence network.Why listen?Led EQ programs in 50+ countries and helped seed regional teams now serving 7 million+ learners.Author of 5 books and creator of 6 validated EQ assessments that turn “soft skills” into hard data.Partnered with brands like FedEx, U.S. Navy, HSBC, Intel, Amazon, and the UN to produce measurable gains in the people-side of performance.Co-architect of the POP-UP Festival with UNICEF World Children’s Day—free EQ activities for kids worldwide.Origin story highlightsFirst discovered EQ as a teacher/administrator at Nueva School (later profiled by Daniel Goleman).Serial entrepreneur—once a licensed building contractor—and former theater stage manager/tech director.Big ideaEmotions are data, not baggage. When people realize they have agency over that data, freedom, authenticity, and purpose ignite.Expected takeawaysA simple framework to measure and grow EQ.How compassionate wisdom boosts both well-being and bottom-line results.Practical tips for weaving EQ into teams, kids’ programs, and your own daily choices.🎧 Tune in to learn how mastering emotions can transform performance—and why, for Joshua, inspiring “compassionate wisdom” is more than a mission statement; it’s a measurable practice.Check out Joshua Freedman's 6 Seconds organization here.Here's his 2011 classic: The Heart of LeadershipAnd his 2010 on organizational change with EQ: Inside Change: Transforming Your Organization with Emotional IntelligenceWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In the final episode of the Leading Human series about Enneagram type communication dynamics in the workplace, we explore the interactions between Types 8 and 9. The episode delves into the synergies of these neighboring body types, highlighting how their partnership can merge strength with diplomacy and balance leadership with harmony. It also discusses potential conflicts arising from their differing paces and decision-making styles, offering practical strategies for nines to voice their needs and for eights to practice patience. The episode aims to enhance emotional intelligence, promote psychological safety, and provide actionable insights for effective communication and teamwork.00:00 Introduction and Series Overview03:15 Understanding Type 8 and Type 9 Dynamics03:37 Synergies Between Type 8 and Type 907:03 Potential Conflicts and Resolutions10:35 Effective Communication Strategies16:10 Balanced Leadership and ConclusionWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

In this episode of Leading Human, we conclude our series on Enneagram type-to-type communication dynamics in the workplace by focusing on the interaction between Type Seven and Type Nine. We explore how these types can create a harmonious working relationship, highlighting their strengths and synergies as well as the challenges they might face. Practical communication tips are offered to help tailor strategies to building trust, achieving higher emotional intelligence, and ensuring psychological safety. Specific advice includes setting clear deadlines, involving both types in decision-making, proactive communication, and leveraging each other's strengths for optimal team performance. The episode emphasizes the importance of trust and provides insights into handling potential conflicts for a productive and pleasant workplace.00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Communication03:08 Understanding Type Seven and Type Nine Dynamics03:15 Strengths and Synergies of Type Seven and Type Nine06:29 Challenges in Type Seven and Type Nine Interactions10:25 Strategies for Effective Communication14:42 Conclusion and Further ResourcesWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' the focus is on understanding the communication dynamics between Enneagram Type 7 and Type 8 in the workplace. Broadcasting from Common House in downtown Chattanooga, the episode explores the high-octane interaction between these energetic types. It covers their strengths, such as Type 8's assertiveness blending with Type 7's creativity, and synergies like their shared love of independence. The episode also delves into potential conflicts, addressing issues like control versus freedom and different emotional responses. Practical tips are offered on managing these dynamics effectively, emphasizing the importance of open, respectful communication and leveraging each type's unique strengths. The discussion aims to help listeners improve team collaboration, conflict resolution, and leadership aligned with emotional intelligence and psychological safety.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene02:08 Understanding Enneagram Types04:02 Type 7 and Type 8 Dynamics05:24 Synergies and Strengths07:28 Potential Conflicts and Challenges11:48 Strategies for Effective Communication14:19 Conclusion and ResourcesWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

In this episode of Leading Human, we delve into the Enneagram type-to-type communication dynamics, focusing on how Type Nine and Type Six interact in the workplace. We explore the synergies between these types, emphasizing how their complementary styles can create a stable and secure environment. The discussion covers potential conflicts, including decisiveness issues and energy mismatches, and offers practical strategies to mitigate these challenges. Listeners are encouraged to implement frameworks and communication techniques to enhance trust and efficiency within their teams. The episode also calls for listener feedback to share their effective team communication practices.00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Dynamics01:22 Building Trust in Teams03:16 Synergies Between Type Nine and Type Six08:05 Challenges in Type Nine and Type Six Interactions11:11 Strategies to Mitigate Friction16:00 Conclusion and Call to ActionWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.