Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Tune into The Training Associates (TTA) “Bring Out the Talent” podcast to hear from learning and development talent and partners on their innovative approaches and industry insights. In each episode, TTA’s CEO, Maria Melfa, and Talent Manager, Jocelyn Allen will chat with subject matter experts and bring you casual, yet insightful conversations. Maria and Jocelyn use their unique blend of industry experience and humor to interview the L&D industry’s most influential people, latest topics, and powerful stories. Each episode has important takeaways that will help to create a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Tune in as we Bring Out The Talent!
Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Emotional Intelligence in Action: Shaping Leaders and Cultures
Emotional Intelligence is more than just a buzzword in today's workplace. It's an essential skill set that influences our interactions, decision-making, and leadership styles. In fact, studies have shown that Emotional Intelligence is responsible for 58% of performance in all types of jobs, underscoring its important role across various professional settings.
In this episode of ‘Bring Out the Talent,’ we are joined by Joel Silverstone, the founder of ‘This Feels Right.’ Joel, with over two decades of experience, offers insights into the role and application of Emotional Intelligence in the workplace. We discuss the evolution of EI and its important role in personal growth, effective leadership, and shaping organizational cultures. Tune in for and learn practical ways to harness Emotional Intelligence for personal and organizational success.
1. Why Emotional Intelligence Matters
Maria (intro): Emotional intelligence (EI) isn’t just a buzzword. Studies show it drives 58 % of on‑the‑job performance—and we’d argue the number’s even higher. Today we welcome Joel Silverstone, founder of This Feels Right and 20‑year EI veteran, to explore how EI fuels leadership, culture, and personal growth.
Joel: Thanks for having me. In simple terms, EI is the ability to manage your own emotions and help others manage theirs so real dialogue can happen. It’s reading yourself and the room—and understanding the ripple effect you create, especially in virtual settings.
2. Buzzword to Business Essential
Jocelyn: EI started as a trend. How has it evolved?
Joel: The rise of artificial intelligence actually spotlighted human intelligence. As tech answers more questions, EI answers the ones tech can’t: trust, empathy, nuance. Yet many people overrate their self‑awareness—surveys show 91 % work with someone who’s oblivious to their impact.
3. The EI Framework
SelfSocial
Self‑Awareness – Notice triggers in real time | Social Awareness – Read the room & motives
Self‑Management – Pause, then respond (count “one‑two”) | Relationship Management – Guide the dialogue, not the ego
Joel: A practical mantra: “Soft on the person, hard on the problem.” Put ego on hold; focus on shared goals.
4. EI & Leadership
Maria: Can you lead well with low EI?
Joel: You can run the tasks, but you’ll struggle with people: retention, motivation, innovation. Middle managers—squeezed from above and below—benefit most from EI muscle.
5. Personal Growth & Real‑Life Fails
Joel: EI is a lifelong journey. I still slip. Recently a participant cursed at my “emotion vocabulary” slide; I reacted instead of pausing. Later I learned he was overwhelmed by the volume of new words. Lesson: respond, don’t react.
6. Building an EI Culture
Jocelyn: Tactically, how do companies bake EI in?
Joel:
- Start every meeting with a quick check‑in (or Maria’s beloved niceties).
- Teach improv‑style listening (“Yes, and…”) to build trust.
- Recognize diverse motivators—some need stability, others growth or recognition.
- Measure progress with 30‑, 60‑, 90‑day pulse checks.
7. Joel’s Programs
Maria: What does This Feels Right offer?
Joel: Experiential workshops that blend acting techniques, improv, and EI science. Participants leave with a personal “move matrix”: how to MOVE—Mindset, Observe, Validate, Engage—in any conversation.
Rapid‑Fire “TTA 10”
# | Question | Joel’s Answer
1 | Bucket‑list destination | Italy
2 | Favorite day of the week | Saturday
3 | ChatGPT catchphrase | “Yowza, yowza, yowza!”
4 | Famous Jennifer | Jennifer Aniston
5 | Go‑to holiday movie | It’s a Wonderful Life
6 | Woodchuck wood amount | 8,583 pieces
7 | Waffles or pancakes | “Waff‑cake”—why choose?
8 | Childhood idol | Woody Allen (pre‑controversy)
9 | 7 + 2 | 9 (and proud of it)
10 | Fourth little pig’s house material | Fiber‑optic smart‑home bricks
David (Producer): Time: 1 min 03 sec—Joel blitzed it!
David’s “Night‑Before‑Thursday” Salute (excerpt)
“In Toronto so bold, Joel Silverstone prepared stories untold… Emotional intelligence his favorite tool; in Boston we call it wicked smart, wicked cool…”
(Full Seuss‑style poem delivered live on air.)
Closing
Maria: Joel, your mix of science, storytelling, and stand‑up made EI tangible.
Jocelyn: Listeners, if you want Joel to super‑charge your team’s EQ, visit trainingassociates.com.
Joel: Thanks for the stage—and the niceties!
(Episode ends)