08/29/2025
An executive I worked with once told me:
“We’ve rolled out several new culture initiatives in the past year… but my team still doesn’t trust leadership.”
They aren’t alone.
Many organizations pour energy into programs, trainings, and policies, trying to increase performance and engagement.
And on paper, it looks impressive. But in practice? Employees still feel unheard, unseen, and unsupported.
Here’s why: initiatives don’t change culture—leaders do.
And the leaders who change culture do it through emotional intelligence.
When this leader shifted gears—pausing, listening, acknowledging mistakes—the team’s dynamic changed.
Trust grew.
Safety followed.
No new program required.
Because leaders who practice high emotional intelligence get the best out of themselves and others.
Emotional intelligence is what transforms a performative culture into an authentic one.
I’m curious:
When have you seen a leader’s presence and actions matter more than any initiative?
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💡 Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the most overhyped, underutilized, and misused skill. I work with leaders and teams to do the deeper work that elevates their EQ to create psychological safety and agency. Because every day we’re peopling—and we can people better.
