Emotional Intelligence at Work
EI at Work is a monthly podcast that highlights the difference emotional intelligence (EI, or a lack thereof), makes in businesses across the globe. Each episode, co-hosts Dr Ben Palmer and Marie El Daghl are joined by professionals and leaders implementing EI in their workplace. They share real-world examples of how EI has transformed their customers, staff, business outcomes and selves.
Latest Episode
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Meet the Hosts
Dr. Ben Palmer
Dr Ben Palmer is the CEO of EI network, Genos International. Renowned for transforming workplaces, business outcomes and lives, Genos International is a world leading provider of EI assessments and development programs.
At Genos International, Dr Palmer has been at the forefront of providing game-changing emotional intelligence services to iconic organisations worldwide, such as IBM, Pfizer, Rio Tinto, Laing O Rourke, and Qantas. Through his work with leaders and professionals, he has invaluable insight into how EI significantly improves staff performance, customer satisfaction, profitability and more.
Dr Palmer completed his PhD at Swinburne University, Melbourne. He developed the first Australian model and assessment of emotional intelligence specific to workplace outcomes. Dr Palmer has continued to contribute his extensive knowledge to various global research articles, book chapters and journals.
As our resident EI Expert on EI at Work, Dr. Palmer brings his extensive knowledge to facilitate thought-provoking discussion on the transformative effects of EI.
Marie El Daghl
Marie El Daghl brings both her affinity for people and knack for humour to her role as EI at work co-host. A master communicator and comedian you can expect her to bring out the best in all guests and the details you’re looking for.
No stranger to business, or training, Marie is the managing director of communications agency Chasing Albert. She runs the firm’s training and coaching program, where she helps her clients to improve their communication effectiveness including presentation training, media skills and more. She is also the host of Commical; a successful business communications podcast that is light on the ear and heavy on the learning.
On EI at Work you can expect Marie to ask all the right questions with her signature wit.
All Episodes
November
Too much heat in kitchen
When the kitchen heats up and emotions run high, Genos Certified Practitioner Una Crilly steps in to turn teams from stressed to happy, healthy and thriving. With over 30 years’ experience as a Leadership Consultant, specialising in the hospitality industry, Una has been transforming kitchens across Ireland. Top executive chefs have experienced life changing results – from dropping 20kg, quitting smoking to boosting overall wellbeing. All thanks to Unas go to EI tool – Genos Grow.
October
EI Future Global Insights
It’s a power panel of EI experts this time with Debbie Muno, MD Genos North America, Deiric McCann, MD Genos Europe and Vicky Karuga, MD Genos Pan Africa. They join Genos International CEO Dr Ben Palmer and co-host Marie El Daghl to discuss the top 3 emerging trends in EI for 2025.
August
Culture Measurement Tool in Action
Mel Neil, CEO of Mind Insurance, shares why the Emotional Culture Index (ECI) is her go-to tool in her toolkit. In this episode, she explains how the ECI measures workplace emotions and delivers live results in just 5-6 minutes. Learn how the ECI fosters psychologically safe conversations, enhances emotional intelligence, and builds a more engaged, successful workforce.
July
Using Technology to improve EI in the Workplace
Delve into behavioural science with Juliette Tobias-Webb, a leader in applying psychology to real-world challenges. From Antarctic expeditions to workplace dynamics, she highlights the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in leadership and organisational success. Her insights emphasise how technology and collective action can drive positive behavioural change, fostering high-performing teams and enhancing employee well-being. Discover how embracing curiosity, capability, and connection shapes the future of work in a rapidly evolving landscape.
June
Not Your Typical Engineer
A mechanical engineer and Genos Certified Practitioner, Karine Leblanc is on a mission to revolutionise how engineers communicate and connect. From challenging the status quo in a male dominate industry to embarking on a personal transformation journey, discover how Karine’s embrace of emotional intelligence led to in increased peace, productivity, sales and influence.
May
The Urgent need for EI in Education
Daymyen Layne, a Genos Certified Practitioner and expert educator from Lakeville, Connecticut, discusses the critical challenges facing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, particularly in the US. Sharing the profound impact legislative shifts and escalating protests is having on students and educators, revealing that students are increasingly disconnected, lacking authenticity, and emotional intelligence – amplified by Covid19 and the rapid growth in technology. Daymyen shares the power of harnessing EI to navigate turbulent times, fostering healthier, more inclusive, and empathetic communities.
March
Genos Certification in Action
Emotional intelligence demand is skyrocketing – which is what lead seasoned leadership consultant to becoming a Genos certified practitioner. Georgia shares her journey on getting certified and her experience using the Genos products. Learn how she navigated the challenges of her first client and the specific tools used to help the organisation foster an engaged culture, manage conflict, refine leadership styles, and enhance well-being.
February
The State of EI in 2024
What is the State of EI in 2024? We delve into the critical role of emotional intelligence in today’s labour market, the opportunity for Genos Certified Practitioners and the exciting lineup of events from Genos this year.
December
EI in Hospitality
It’s the happiest season of the year, a whirlwind of Christmas parties, family gatherings, holidays, and joy. Yet, amid the festivities, the end of year brings long hours, short breaks and lots of forced smiles as the seasons demands intensify – particularly for retail and hospitality sectors. This can leave individuals feeling more frantic than festive. In this episode of EI at Work, Leadership Coach Christine Rumble reveals the essential micro behaviours for navigating the end of year mayhem – including taking adequate breaks to manage stress, being self-aware and practicing gratitude..
November
What People Want in a Workspace
Learn how to improve organisational culture through workplace design, it’s no longer just about aesthetics – but about creating environments that foster connection, collaboration, and wellness. Discover how Futurespace is revolutionising workspaces.
October
Resolving Workplace Conflict Through Mediation
Delve into workplace conflict resolution through mediation and explore the essence of conflict, the role of self-awareness, and the transformative power of a win-win mindset.
September
Building Teams That Can Effectively Manage Highly Emotional Customers
Do your employees have to cope with the unique stress of dealing with stressed out customers? Learn how Allianz is tackling high levels of emotional labour across its workforce – with great results.
August
Cultural Readiness for AI adoption
Business leaders know that AI will disrupt their business in the near future. However, not many have given thought to the culture required to adopt AI successfully. In this podcast with Karl Treacher, CEO of The Culture Institute Group, learn why strong leadership, resilience and collaboration are essential to success.
June
The Power of Emotional Culture: Building a Successful Business
An emotional culture is at the heart of what makes people and companies tick. Learn how this innovative and highly successful company built an emotional culture that not only drove its success, but transformed the industry it operates in.
May
Psychological Safety and Legal Obligations in the Workplace
Unlock the secrets to ensuring workplace safety and legal compliance in this eye-opening episode of EI at Work. Renowned workplace health and safety expert Steve Bell from Herbert Smith Freehills reveals the global emphasis on psychological safety and recent legal changes impacting employers in Australia. Gain invaluable insights on proactive risk management, legal protection, and effective incident response strategies. Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode that could save your organisation from reputational damage and legal consequences. Stay ahead of the game and prioritize the well-being of your team today.
March
Paul Wood on EI at Work
What was the crime? Murder. And as he puts it in the podcast “feel the weight of that word”. Dr Wood shares a remarkable story of Netflix proportions of his journey to becoming a Dr of Psychology. Today, he is an expert in helping people and organisations strive towards their potential and flourish through change and adversity. Paul works with everyone from senior leaders in fortune 100 companies such as Google to at risk-teens. He is a regular contributor in the media, an author, and his recently released second book, “Mental Fitness; Build your mind for strength and resilience every day” was another instant best seller.
February
Building team emotional intelligence
Success hinges on the ability of teams to collaborate, communication and connect effectively. However, in today’s dynamic and dispersed world of work, it can be more difficult than ever to foster an environment where teamwork – really works. In this episode with leadership and team development expert, Dr Vanessa Druskat, discover how emotional intelligence applies to teams and how to foster this essential skill set at a group level.
October
Celebrating 20 years of Genos International
Game-changing for business. Life-changing for people. Genos International is proud to celebrate 20 years of realising this very philosophy, through the assessment and development of emotional intelligence in the workplace.
An organisation that started as the brainchild of a passionate research team and Swinburne University, has since become the world-leader in emotional intelligence and assessment development. So where did it all start? How was emotional intelligence evolved over the last twenty years and where is it headed in the future? Learn all this and more, in this very special anniversary episode of EI at Work. .
September
The cost of hiring the emotionally unintelligent
It’s no secret that Australia has a staff shortage. Businesses across the country are competing for talent. But at what cost? In a recruitment landscape with a candidate shortage, can hiring for potential fill the gaps? And if so, does that make emotional intelligence our most crucial asset? Will Ainsley, COO at Testgrid, joins us to discuss value of emotional intelligence during the recruitment phase, and whether it should be a non-negotiable for businesses navigating Australia’s employment crisis.
June
The Science of Opinions
If you’ve debated where Covid-19 came from, whether Amber Heard is believable, or who should win a recent election – this is a podcast for you. Polarised opinions seem to be the norm on most things these days. So, learning how to express and solicit strong opinions is paramount. Dr Andy Luttrell, social psychologist and host of Opinion Science, joins us to discuss the fascinating science of opinions, and why EI is a must in managing our views respectfully at work or home.
April
How to make work from home – work
It’s official, working from home is here to stay for good. 1 in 2 employees now work mostly from home, and 70% would like to continue doing so post-pandemic. But are we truly prepared?
While remote work has a long list of advantages, it doesn’t come without its flaws. One survey found that 56% of people get along worse with their colleagues from home, and 30% enjoy their job less from home. WFH has fundamentally transformed our understanding of culture and connection. So, what are the long-term impacts of moving employees and leaders to permanent remote work? And how we can we get it right?
March
Signs you need to improve psychological safety in your workplace
Do you want psychological safety at work? You need emotional intelligence.
In the face of continuing change, COVID disruption stress and high levels of burn out, people are in desperate need of psychological safety, and ready and willing to change jobs to find it.
But how can you tell if your workplace needs to work in this area?
World-leading EI expert and CEO of Genos International, Dr Ben Palmer, reveals the signs you need to look out for. Plus, how emotionally intelligent ways of working can create and support psychologically safe teams.
January
Why facial expressions aren’t a true reflection of our emotions
Welcome to 2022 and a new world of work. Virtual teams and remote work are here to stay, and the lines between our professional and personal lives are more blurred than ever. As we learn to adapt to all this change, being in touch with the emotions of ourselves and others is critical. The issue? Some of our core beliefs about managing, perceiving, and understanding emotions are wrong. We’re joined by Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, Distinguished Professor and Scientist, to discuss how emotions are made and what her revolutionary research has uncovered about facial expressions and reading emotions.
October
Your EI Questions – Answered
Everyone wants to know more about emotional intelligence, and for good reason. Emotional intelligence is a soft skill that’s in high demand. It’s promised to improve many facets of work and personal life, including productivity, job satisfaction, stress, and change just to name a few.
Want to know more? Tune into this special episode of EI at Work, where we answer our listener questions sent in over past 6 months.
September
The importance of emotional intelligence for teachers and educational leaders
Educator, mentor, counsellor, motivator, mediator, and even friend. On any given day, school teachers and leaders wear many hats to fulfil the demands of their profession. However, with these different roles comes the toll of highly charged emotional labour. We’re joined by Neil McDonald, CEO of QELi, to discuss why growing emotional intelligence in school teams is key to enhancing culture, wellbeing, and student outcomes.
August
Coaching with compassion and its role in helping people change
A big part of any manager or leader’s job is to help people change – yet we often overlook the way we tackle this. Coaching is often approached from a lens of compliance, that is, with set ideas of how people need to act or change. While the best of intentions may drive this style, trying to ‘fix’ others is far from effective. We’re joined by distinguished professor and author Richard Boyatzis to discuss why leaders must coach with compassion.
July
How EI helped a patient-centric pharma company enhance vision and workplace culture
We’re introduced to a pharmaceutical startup that harnessed the power of EI to cultivate a successful organisational culture – from the get-go. Newly formed from its major pharmaceutical parent, the startup was on a mission to establish patient-centric vision and improve ways of working. Over 18 months, they worked with Genos to implement an EI program that helped them transform workplace behaviours and reach these goals.
June
Emotional intelligence in sports: a critical component of a sports leadership program
The Phoenix Suns are in the NBA Playoffs for the first time in 11 years thanks to a competitive advantage like no other – emotional intelligence. In this episode of EI at Work, we’re joined by Jeff Bower, Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations for NBA team Phoenix Suns. He highlights how emotional intelligence has helped to transform the performance of teams and individuals and the role that played in getting them to where they are today.
May
Can a leopard change its spots?
The bad behaviour of leaders has come into the spotlight over the last year and many commentators have called out a clear deficit of Emotional Intelligence in positions of power. Whether you are an aspiring leader who behaves like John McEnroe in the office or a HR leader trying to tame the CEO, this podcast will help you understand how an established leader with deeply entrenched negative behaviours can genuinely develop emotional intelligence.
April
Can EI help to improve the quality of care in aged care?
The Aged Care sector is responsible for the care of over 1.3 million Australians. However, with issues such as poor workplace conditions, understaffing and abuse confirmed; it’s clear the industry is failing its vulnerable customers and workforce.
Campbell McGlynn, Executive GM People & Culture, at leading aged care provider IRT Group discusses the emotional labour of the aged care industry. He shares how in just 6 months emotional intelligence has already made a mark. Tune in for this deeply insightful episode on emotional intelligence in aged care. Learn why the industry needs to view this as a must-have skill, and how it improves outcomes for workers and residents.
What is Emotional Intelligence? Dr Ben Palmer breaks it down to Marie El Daghl
On EI at work, we’ll be sharing real stories, results and business insights on the power of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the workplace. But before we get started, it’s important to know exactly what EI is. In this opening episode, our hosts Marie El Daghl and EI Expert Dr. Ben Palmer, talk about the science of emotions, what EI is, who should develop it, and how it makes a difference.
New to Emotional Intelligence – then this is essential listening on the basics.