67 episodes
Ep. 66: How Leaders Can Use Emotional Intelligence to Turn Anxiety Into Collaboration
2026/07/01 | 16 mins.In this episode, Sameer and Ismail explore the critical role leaders play in setting the emotional and psychological tone of their teams, especially during stressful moments. Discover how emotional intelligence and self-awareness can transform leadership dynamics and create a safe, motivated work environment.
Key Topics:
The duck analogy: leaders appear calm but are paddling hard underneath
The importance of setting the emotional climate for teams
Leaders as thermometers vs thermostats: reading vs regulating emotions
Managing emotions during high-stress situations for effective leadership
The impact of emotional contagion on team culture and performance
Practical ways to communicate anxiety productively without alienating the team
The dangers of toxic leadership behaviors and passing stress down the hierarchy
Why controlling your own emotions is the foundation of influencing others
Proximity and control: effective leadership isn’t about micromanagement
How consistent emotional regulation builds psychological safety and trust
Feel free to send us an email at info@emotionalintelligents.com and share your thoughts, or visit us at https://linktr.ee/emotionalintelligents
Send us Fan MailEp. 65: Encore of Ep 27: Interview with Adrian Koehler – A Candid Chat About Life and Leadership with a Self-Proclaimed ‘Crazy Man’
2026/05/06 | 42 mins.Sameer and I are heads-down on a few things this cycle, so we're resurfacing one of our favorite conversations from 2024. Adrian was such a great guest and we had to reshare! New episode coming soon. — Ismail
In Ep 27 of the Emotional Intelli-Gents Podcast the EQ Gents had the pleasure of sitting down with Adrian Koehler, leadership engagement expert and senior partner at the executive coaching firm, Take New Ground. Adrian coaches execs and entrepreneurs in the art of science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work.
Adrian’s constant pursuit of people and experiences that push him closer to the edge is the way he has always lived his life. His diverse career history and the anecdotes he shares in this episode are evidence of his unique approach to coaching.
During this episode we hit on a bunch of really interesting topics like:
- The Role of Crisis in Personal Growth
- Outward Mindset and Leadership
- The Influence of Past Experience
- The Fear of Vulnerability
- The Journey to Authenticity
More about Adrian Koehler:
He is the Founder and Senior Partner at Take New Ground, a leadership coaching, training, and consulting firm based in Los Angeles. TNG partners with select executives and organizations to get the results they want by creating the culture they need. He is the co-host of two engaging podcasts: Raising The Bar with Drybar Founder Alli Webb and The Naked Leadership Podcast with TNG Sr Partner Dan Tocchini.
Drawing on his background in philanthropy, ministry, activism, and medicine, Adrian thrives in extreme environments and finds comfort in difficult conversations—in fact, his passion for human performance has taken him around the globe, serving people in times of crisis, transformation, and stalemates. Over the last decade, Adrian has trained and developed leaders at NIKE, Virgin Hyperloop One, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Herschel Supply Co., Oprah Winfrey Network, Gavin DeBecker & Associates, Siegel & Gale, UCLA, and elsewhere.
Prior to his work as an executive coach, Adrian was the founding executive director of The Cornerstone Project, a grant-giving foundation that supports positive life transformation and spiritual reconciliation for the incarcerated and those with criminal histories. Before moving to Los Angeles in 2005, Adrian worked as a pediatric intensive care specialist at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He has also served as a pastor and community organizer at Mosaic LA and founded serveLA, Mosaic’s community dedicated to holistic development for the marginalized and vulnerable in Los Angeles.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while playing football at Millikin University. Adrian resides in the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles with his wife and four children.
Connect with Adrian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrian.k/?hl=enb
Connect with Adrian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriankoehler/
Link to learn more about Take New Ground: http://takenewground.com/
Link to ‘The Naked Leadership’ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-naked-leadership-podcast/id1495058489
Feel free to send us an email at info@emotionalintelligents.com and share your thoughts or visit us at https://linktr.ee/emotionalintelligents
Send us Fan MailEp. 64: Navigating Grief and Emotional Intelligence: Insights from Personal Loss
2026/04/01 | 27 mins.In this episode, Sameer and Ismail share heartfelt insights about coping with the loss of a loved one, emphasizing the pivotal role of emotional intelligence (EQ) during life's most challenging moments. They explore how personal experiences shape emotional resilience and the importance of self-awareness, control, and empathy in healing and strengthening relationships.
Key Topics:
The impact of losing a loved one and personal grief journeys
The role of emotional intelligence in processing loss and difficult emotions
How self-awareness and self-management help maintain stability during trauma
The importance of empathy and shared experiences in supporting others
Recognizing the non-linear nature of healing and emotional ups and downs
Releasing control and finding peace through acceptance and authentic presence
The analogy of grief waves and the importance of managing emotional surges
The significance of honest conversations to prevent regret
Self-care as a foundation for long-term support for others
Leveraging trauma to deepen self-understanding and leadership
Feel free to send us an email at info@emotionalintelligents.com and share your thoughts, or visit us at https://linktr.ee/emotionalintelligents
Send us Fan MailEp. 63: The Authenticity Tax: What It Costs You to Leave Part of Yourself at the Door
2026/03/04 | 20 mins.In this episode, we explore the profound impact of authenticity in the workplace, especially during cultural and religious observances like Ramadan. Discover how being true to yourself can enhance performance, foster loyalty, and create a more inclusive environment.
Key Topics:
The experience of observing Ramadan and managing authenticity at work
The emotional and mental costs of code-switching and hiding one's true self
How company culture and leadership influence openness and trust
Practical tips for managers to foster authentic environments
The importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in navigating authenticity
Personal stories highlighting the challenges and rewards of being authentic
The shift from traditional work boundaries to a more holistic approach
The role of leadership in setting the tone for diversity and inclusion
The benefits of being open about cultural and religious practices for retention and engagement
How curiosity and genuine interest from managers can improve team dynamics
Feel free to send us an email at info@emotionalintelligents.com and share your thoughts, or visit us at https://linktr.ee/emotionalintelligents
Send us Fan MailEp 62: Listener Favorite - Conquering Work Anxiety— Practical Tips for Serenity
2026/02/04 | 35 mins.Summary
Originally released in June of 2024, episode 38 is still one of our most referenced EQ conversations. 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 rarely stop to ask ourselves and explore in detail:
Main Topics:
What causes work stress/anxiety and what impact is it having on you as a person?
How to recognize when your stress is going from ‘normal' work stress to work stress that is dominating your life.
How to manage your stress an anxiety and make it into your ally or friend.
What changes mentally or physically should we be making to ensure we keep work in its proper lane?
Feel free to send us an email at info@emotionalintelligents.com and share your thoughts or visit us at https://linktr.ee/emotionalintelligents
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About 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.
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