Emotions as Data: Joshua Freedman's EQ Wisdom for the Modern Leader

In this episode of Leading Human, Chad sits down with EQ-research pioneer Joshua Freedman.

Who’s our guest?

• Joshua Freedman — co-founder & CEO of Six Seconds, the world’s largest emotional-intelligence network.

Why listen?

• Led EQ programs in 50+ countries and helped seed regional teams now serving 7 million+ learners.
• Author of 5 books and creator of 6 validated EQ assessments that turn “soft skills” into hard data.
• Partnered with brands like FedEx, U.S. Navy, HSBC, Intel, Amazon, and the UN to produce measurable gains in the people-side of performance.
• Co-architect of the POP-UP Festival with UNICEF World Children’s Day—free EQ activities for kids worldwide.

Origin story highlights

• First discovered EQ as a teacher/administrator at Nueva School (later profiled by Daniel Goleman).
• Serial entrepreneur—once a licensed building contractor—and former theater stage manager/tech director.

Big idea

• Emotions are data, not baggage. When people realize they have agency over that data, freedom, authenticity, and purpose ignite.
• Expected takeaways

1. A simple framework to measure and grow EQ.
2. How compassionate wisdom boosts both well-being and bottom-line results.
3. Practical tips for weaving EQ into teams, kids’ programs, and your own daily choices.

🎧 Tune in to learn how mastering emotions can transform performance—and why, for Joshua, inspiring “compassionate wisdom” is more than a mission statement; it’s a measurable practice.

Check out Joshua Freedman's 6 Seconds organization here.Here's his 2011 classic: The Heart of LeadershipAnd his 2010 on organizational change with EQ: Inside Change: Transforming Your Organization with Emotional IntelligenceWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.