Magic in the Room Podcast #40: Unlocking EQ – Foundations of Emotional Intelligence

January 19, 2021

In Magic in the Room Episode #40, Luke, Chris, and Hannah explore the impact of emotion on our behavior and performance and why emotional intelligence matters for leaders.

 

 

Our next discovery along the  EQ spectrum  is emotional intelligence. What does emotional intelligence mean to you, and why is it essential for leaders today? For Luke, it’s about being intentional about how people perceive him. It’s also about the words he uses, how he shows up, and ensuring that his behavior aligns with his intent. Ultimately, it’s intentionality and purposefulness in how we connect with others.

 

There is also a strong link between emotion and learning. In the previous episode of this podcast, we talked about this notion of personal ownership. When change is thrust upon us, we can choose to get resentful. Or we can choose to take a learning attitude with a growth mindset approaching things with a growth mindset.

 

We are living in a team of continuous learning right now. Our health, safety, livelihoods are threatened. It has encouraged people to lean into learning in ways that maybe they hadn’t before. It’s now critical that leaders create an environment in which people can learn and grow and be their best selves. Hannah discusses why she believes this is one of the most critical reasons emotional intelligence matters in leadership.

 

Hannah also reflects on how intelligence was traditionally measured through IQ. But in more recent years, it’s becoming clear through the research that there are many types of intelligence. Some people have very high levels of emotional intelligence, and studies show how it impacts leadership and how far you go in an organization.

 

Your technical knowledge and expertise will get you so far. But it’s your level of emotional intelligence that will drive take your career to new heights. Leaders must have self-awareness regarding their emotional states and others around them. When we recognize what others are feeling, it enables us to support and provide a structure to help others manage their emotional states.

 

Chris discusses how the world has changed now that we no longer have hierarchical instruction. People question their CEOs, president, and governor in ways that they never did 70 years ago. By the same token, groups are allowed to exist today that could not have existed seven years ago, and we all accept this evolution is a big step forward in the name of progress.

 

However, it has created an onus on us as individuals to develop a purpose and put ourselves in shared belief systems and communities to contribute and support the people around us. The journey of emotional intelligence involves becoming aware of how you present to others and how people leave your presence, and what feeling they take away.

 

You can also explore other podcast interviews in the  EQ spectrum. We also invite you to share what emotional intelligence means to you and your business. Share your experiences and insights by messaging Chris, Hannah, and Luke at  info@purposeandperformancegroup.com.

Magic in the Room #197: Leadership Lessons for 2026

By Sarah Whitfield • February 18, 2026
In this episode of Magic in the Room, Luke, Hannah, and Chris explore the lessons, transitions, and leadership insights they’re carrying forward into 2026, emphasizing the importance of narrowing focus, letting go of resistance, and aligning with natural rhythms to create meaningful momentum. They discuss how personal and professional growth often emerges through periods of chaos and transition, highlighting themes such as intentionality, subtraction as a multiplier, and the courage required to release control, certainty, and outdated habits. Drawing on their work with purpose-driven organizations, they explain how leadership transformation begins internally, noting that organizational change is inseparable from personal development and mindset shifts. They also explore how embracing disturbance, addressing root causes instead of symptoms, and cultivating hope rather than cynicism can unlock resilience, stronger culture, and long-term performance.

Magic in the Room #196: Leading with Hope in a Cynical World

January 12, 2026
In this episode of Magic in the Room, Luke, Hannah, and Chris delve into the timely topic of hope versus cynicism in leadership, particularly in a world rife with uncertainty and negativity. The discussion focuses on whether hope alone is sufficient for transformational leadership or if, in environments steeped in cynicism, leaders must amplify their energy and intentionality, sometimes matching the intensity of cynics to move organizations forward. They examine the "hope recipe," which involves envisioning a better future, creating a pathway, and having agency. They also discuss the difficulty of maintaining agency when systems, culture, or fatigue threaten to sap it. They differentiate between strategically "letting go" and simply "giving up," emphasizing the importance of support, accountability, and self-awareness as antidotes to cynicism. 
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