Emotional Resilience with Dr. Robin Hills

The Braintrust "Driving Change" Podcast

In this episode, Jeff Bloomfield sits down with Dr. Robin Hills, founder of EI4Change and a global thought leader in emotional intelligence. From his early career in pharmaceuticals to building a digital platform with over 500,000 students across 200+ countries, Robin shares how emotional intelligence—once a mystery to him—became his life’s work. The conversation covers everything from emotional regulation and workplace behavior to the neuroscience behind EQ and practical ways to build it.

If you’ve ever wondered why intelligent people struggle with relationships or leadership—or how to better manage your own emotions under stress—this episode offers clear, science-backed answers. Robin’s insights are not just theoretical; they’re rooted in real-world application and made accessible to anyone. Whether you’re a leader, coach, or just someone who wants to stop reacting and start responding, this conversation is for you.

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is Trainable – Unlike IQ, EQ can grow with effort, even into your 70s.

2. Anger is Often a Signal of Violated Values – Recognizing this can turn outbursts into constructive conversations.

3. Mobile Devices Are Killing Situational Awareness – EQ begins with being present.

4. Motivation Is the Missing Middle in the EQ Model – Without it, self-awareness and social skills fall flat.

5. Smart People Can Lack EQ – And often unknowingly sabotage their influence.

6. High EQ Leaders Inspire Loyalty – People follow emotionally intelligent leaders, not just intelligent ones.

7. Use “I Feel” Statements – Emotions can’t be argued with; judgments can.

8. Self-Awareness Starts with Daily Habits – Like avoiding your phone until after breakfast.

9. The Best Leaders Coach, Not Command – Questions build connection; instructions don’t.

10. EQ in the Age of AI Is More Important Than Ever – Human skills like empathy and emotional regulation will differentiate us.

• 00:00–07:00 | Intro & Robin’s Background

• 07:00–13:00 | Early Career & Discovery of Emotional Intelligence

• 13:00–17:00 | Starting EI4Change & The Power of Niche Focus

• 17:00–21:00 | IQ vs. EQ—Why One is Fixed and the Other is Fluid

• 21:00–26:00 | Can Low-EQ Leaders Still Succeed?

• 26:00–31:00 | Smart People & the Phone Addiction Problem

• 31:00–37:00 | Technology, Dopamine, and Relationship Erosion

• 37:00–42:00 | The Emotion That Causes the Most Trouble at Work

• 42:00–47:00 | How to Regulate Anger and Build Healthier Relationships

• 47:00–52:00 | The EQ Spectrum & Unconscious Competence

• 52:00–54:00 | Practical EQ Habits & Where to Learn More

• EI4Change Website
  

• Robin’s Courses
  

• Free Course: Insights into Emotional Intelligence (via link above)

• Monthly Coaching Bundle (mentioned: June 2025 focus is on coaching)

🔍 Why You Should Listen:🧠 Top 10 Takeaways:⏱️ Chapter Markings:🔗 Links Mentioned: