The AC Podcast

213: Emotional Intelligence for Leaders

In this Episode

Daniel Goleman, renowned psychologist, author and “father of emotional intelligence,” joins host, executive coach Simone Sweeney, to explore why emotional intelligence (EI) is essential for leadership in today’s world. They dive into the four main components of EI, its evolution and how it shapes effective leaders within organizations. Together, they challenge the outdated notion that emotions have no place in business and highlight that, even with AI’s growing influence, human qualities and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable.

Daniel shares practical tools for building self-awareness, boosting resilience and creating daily stress-management routines. He talks about the importance of leaders forging real, heart-to-heart connections with their teams and unpacks what makes a truly inspiring leader. They also explore how introverted leaders can harness EI to build trust and motivate others, and the ways EI influences workplace culture. This episode offers rich insights, practical advice, and actionable tools that every leader and coach can use right away.

You Will Learn

• Why feedback and coaching are essential in developing emotional intelligence
• Strategies and tools for coaches and leaders that support leadership development
• How emotional intelligence impacts employee retention and workplace culture

Guest Bio

Psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman has transformed the way the world educates children, relates to family and friends, leads, and conducts business. A frequent speaker on campuses and to businesses of all kinds and sizes, he has worked with organizations around the globe, examining the way social and emotional competencies impact the bottom-line. Ranked one of the 10 most influential business thinkers by the Wall Street Journal, Goleman’s articles in the Harvard Business Review are among the most frequently requested reprints. He has won many awards, including the HBR McKinsey Award for best article of the year. Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences awarded him its Centennial Medallion. Apart from his writing on emotional intelligence, Goleman has written books on topics including self-deception, creativity, transparency, meditation, social and emotional learning, eco-literacy and the ecological crisis.

His latest book, Optimal, shows why emotional intelligence can help each of us have rewarding and productive days. Daniel Goleman’s online Emotional Intelligence Program, found at danielgolemanemotionalintelligence.com, offers anyone a deep understanding of the competencies of self-awareness, self-management, empathy and social skill.

Connect with Daniel