The Emotional Intelli-Gents Podcast: Navigating Leadership with Emotional intelligence

The Emotional Intelli-Gents Podcast: Navigating Leadership with Emotional intelligence

Welcome to the Emotional Intelli-Gents Podcast. A podcast dedicated to helping leaders understand and hone their emotional intelligence skills. We are Ismail and Sameer, the hosts of the show, and together we have a passion for helping others navigate the complex world of emotions in the workplace. We believe that emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for success in all aspects of leadership, and we are here to share our knowledge and experience with you. So join us as we explore the world of emotional intelligence and discover the power of self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation.

Episodes

October 1, 2025 26 mins


In this insightful episode, Sameer and Ismail dive deep into the often overlooked but crucial topic of how leaders wield influence through their words, actions, and emotional intelligence. They explore the profound impact leadership communication has on team morale, job security perceptions, and overall organizational health.

Key Topics Covered:

  • The profound influence leaders have on their teams through verbal and nonverbal ...
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In this insightful episode of the Emotional Intelligence Podcast, hosts Sameer and Ismail dive deep into the delicate balance leaders must strike between setting a firm vision and exercising emotional intelligence (EQ) to effectively lead their teams. They explore how autonomy and flexibility impact staff anxiety and performance, the importance of clear, measurable goals, and how leaders can use EQ skills to communicate vision, man...

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In this episode, we delve into the pervasive myth that a perfect leader exists—someone who has all the answers and never makes mistakes. Our hosts, Sameer and Ismail, discuss the pressures leaders face to appear flawless and the implications of this mindset on their effectiveness and authenticity. They explore the importance of vulnerability, the impact of admitting mistakes, and how emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in l...

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Navigating New Hires: Excitement, Hesitation, or Worry?

In this episode of the Emotional Intelligence Podcast, hosts Ismail and Sameer dive into the complexities of emotional intelligence in leadership, particularly when it comes to setting boundaries and navigating workplace dynamics. They engage in a thought experiment titled "Excited, Hesitant, or Worried," where they explore various scenarios that leaders may...

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Best and Worst EQ Moments: A Journey of Self-Reflection

In this episode of the Emotional Intelligence Podcast, hosts Ismail and Sameer dive deep into their personal experiences with emotional intelligence (EQ). They explore their best and worst moments, sharing candid stories that highlight the importance of self-awareness and introspection in both personal and professional settings. The conversation touches on emotional hijacking, ...

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In this episode of the Emotional Intelligence Podcast, hosts Ismail and Sameer dive into the intriguing topic of vulnerability in the workplace, particularly within leadership roles. They explore whether vulnerability can be considered a superpower for leaders and how it impacts team dynamics, trust, and productivity.


KEY POINTS

How admitting uncertainty can foster a more open and collaborative team environment.

The importance of...

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In this episode of the Emotional Intelligence Podcast, hosts Ismail and Sameer emphasize the importance of social awareness in emotional intelligence for effective leadership, offering insights and tips on developing this skill through empathy and communication. They discuss challenges faced by technically skilled individuals lacking social awareness and conclude with a call for listener engagement, guiding leaders to enhance their...

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In this episode of the Emotional Intelligence Podcast, hosts Ismail and Sameer, with guest Jeremy Williams, discuss how emotional intelligence, AI, and blockchain are transforming work. The conversation underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in an AI-driven world, focusing on empathy, creativity, and reasoning while advocating for technological adoption alongside human connection. Williams also highlights the cultural...

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In this episode, we discuss the importance of psychological safety, open communication, and accountability in leadership. Learn how fostering a culture of honesty can prevent small issues from becoming major crises, why some people struggle to admit mistakes, and how leaders can create an environment where transparency thrives.

 Why bad news should be shared early
 The difference between honest mistakes and performance issues

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In this episode of the Emotional Intelligence Podcast, Ismail and Sameer explore emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace, balancing EQ skills like empathy and resilience with knowing when to leave toxic environments. They share actionable insights on setting boundaries, introspection, and values-based decision-making as tools for navigating challenges effectively.

Main Topics:

  • It’s not about being “nice” but about effectivel...
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In this episode of the Emotional Intelligence Podcast, Ismail and Sameer delve into the concept of ethical leadership, emphasizing the importance of making the right decisions even in challenging situations. They discuss how emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making, the significance of moral courage, and the necessity of building a culture of ethical behavior within teams. The conversation highlights t...

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November 6, 2024 28 mins

In this conversation, Sameer and Ismail discuss the challenges and strategies involved in integrating new employees into established teams. They explore the dynamics of eager new hires, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for structured feedback mechanisms to ensure a smooth transition. The discussion emphasizes the balance between encouraging new ideas and maintaining team cohesion, highlighting the significance...

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In this episode, Dr. Kristin Neff discusses the importance of self-compassion, particularly in the context of burnout. She shares her personal journey and how her experiences shaped her understanding of self-compassion. The conversation explores various aspects of self-compassion, including its role in managing stress, the significance of common humanity, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Dr. Neff also introduces the concept ...

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Dr. John Demartini, a renowned human behavior expert, shares his insights on emotional intelligence and self-mastery. He emphasizes the importance of living according to our highest values and prioritizing our actions accordingly. Dr. Demartini explains that emotional intelligence is the ability to govern our emotions and see both sides of a situation objectively. He encourages individuals to ask empowering questions and challenge ...

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Tim Whitmire, co-founder of F3 Nation, shares his journey and the principles behind F3. Tim talks about his work as a leadership coach, helping teams align their objectives and work together effectively. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and mission, as well as a strong team dynamic, in order to achieve success. Tim also discusses how F3 is a national network of peer-led workouts for men that focuses on fitness,...

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Summary

In this episode of the Emotional Intelligence podcast, Ismail Qadry & Sameer Aleem explore the intricate balance between asserting authority and maintaining emotional intelligence as a leader. They share personal experiences and insights into the challenges of leadership, discussing how to lead effectively without being overbearing. The importance of clear communication, the power of understanding and explaining the &quo...

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Jasmine Kafka, a seasoned leadership coach, shares her approach to fostering resilient and engaging cultures. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and thought leadership in empowering professionals and teams to reach their highest potential. Jasmine works with individual leaders and small teams, helping them overcome barriers, improve communication, and build collaboration. She believes in creating a culture by d...

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In Episode 40, Ismail and Sameer explore the balance that leaders need to strike between helping their team members improve and knowing when to let go. It emphasizes the importance of investing time in employee development while also being willing to make tough decisions when necessary. 

The conversation highlights the need for leaders to assess whether performance issues are due to a lack of skill or will, and to provide appropriat...

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Summary

In Episode 39, Ismail and Sameer had the pleasure of hosting our first repeat guest on The Emotional Intelli-Gents Podcast, David Shechtman, a Partner at Evolution.  David enlightened the audience with stories from his personal past where his personal belief in being authentic always, ended up hurting others with unintended consequences he never saw coming.  

From these experienc...
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Summary

In Episode 38, Ismail and Sameer speak from the heart as they share their personal struggles with stress, anxiety as it relates to work and life.  Over the years, the EQ Gents have learned how to manage through these overwhelming emotions and in some cases even used it as fuel for positive outcomes they’ve experienced along the way.   

This episode will explore and try to answer the following questions we all wonder, yet rare...

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