What if the most important management skill you need today isn’t a tool or strategy? But the ability to read and respond to the people around you?

In a world shaped by AI and constant disruption, emotional intelligence has become the competitive edge for leaders and managers.

Thankfully, today’s guest brings practical and research-backed ways to build that edge.

Jamelle Lindo is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence specialist who has helped thousands of leaders increase their effectiveness through a proven emotional empowerment process.

In this episode, Jamelle explains what emotional intelligence really is, why it matters more than ever, and which EQ skills (empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, and stress tolerance) drive results in leadership. He shares concrete tools, from structuring feedback so it lands to using simple reflection practices that build self-awareness, to help you lead with clarity and confidence.

In the extended members-only conversation, Jamelle goes deeper into building self-awareness, using the emotion wheel, balancing empathy and assertiveness, and embedding EQ skills into daily leadership practices.

✨ Podcast Plus members get access to an extended conversation with Jamelle, guest bonuses, and more. Become a member at themodernmanager.com/more and get free mini-episode guides delivered to your inbox each week.

Join the conversation now!

Conversation Topics (Subscribers)

(00:00) Introduction
(02:20) Why emotional intelligence matters more now
(04:33) What emotional intelligence is (a practical definition)
(05:53) Key EQ skills that matter: empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, stress tolerance
(09:19) Building assertiveness
(16:03) Receiving feedback and reframing toward learning
(24:15) A great manager story: asking, “What does great leadership look like for you?”
(26:02) Keep up with Jamelle & Closing
(27:08) [Extended Episode Only] Self-awareness research: internal vs. external self-awareness and why most people miss it
(33:17) [Extended Episode Only] The emotion wheel and 30-day reflection practice for building awareness
(35:23) [Extended Episode Only] Balancing assertiveness & empathy through presence

Additional Resources

✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/

✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/

✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle

✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=

✨Read the transcript here

Keep up with Jamelle

- Follow Jamelle on LinkedIn here

- learn more on his Website here

- Watch his speaker reel on Vimeo here

Guest bonus: 10% off All Services

1. Emotional Intelligence Assessments & Debriefs

We use scientifically validated EQ assessment reports (such as the EQ-i 2.0®) to identify individual or team emotional intelligence strengths and gaps. The debrief process (60-90 minute virtual debrief session) translates the results of the EQ report into practical, real-world insights and action steps for improved leadership and workplace effectiveness.

2. Executive & Leadership Coaching

Our one-on-one coaching supports leaders in building emotional intelligence skills that drive influence, decision-making, and resilience. Each engagement is customized using our Emotional Empowerment Process™ to ensure measurable behavior change.

4. Keynote Speaking & Thought Leadership

I deliver inspiring, science-based keynotes on emotional intelligence, emotional empowerment, and leadership in the age of AI. Each session is designed to spark awareness and motivate audiences to unlock their full potential.

5. Workshops & Training Programs

Our experiential workshops help participants develop practical EQ skills in areas such as self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. Programs are designed for all organizational levels and are fully customizable to strategic priorities.

👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

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372: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Ever with Jamelle Lindo

The Modern Manager

372: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Ever with Jamelle Lindo