Playback: Reframing Emotional Intelligence at Work - Panel Discussion
(Originally recorded May 13, 2025)
Emotional Intelligence Days are running through May and June! Join us for any of our four 90-minute training sessions online, or for our half-day online workshops. Click below for full details and to sign up!
To work with Kim and/or Jill to bring Trauma-Informed Leadership, Collaborative Communication, The Fundamental Building Blocks of Trusting Relationships, or Navigating Emotions at Work to your organization or team, contact us to set up a free needs assessment
We don't do your typical EI training...
Most emotional intelligence (EI) training in the workplace scratches the surface—offering checklists, personality quizzes, and quick fixes that often fail to create lasting impact. This panel goes deeper. We’ll explore why traditional EI approaches fall short and unpack what’s missing when we ignore the nervous system, unprocessed trauma, and relational safety in our work environments. Emotional intelligence isn't just about self-awareness and empathy—it’s about regulation, connection, empowerment, and belonging.
Join us for a dynamic conversation that brings together insights from Trauma-Informed Care, Polyvagal Theory, the Sanctuary Model, and the principles of Non-Violent Communication. These frameworks and models typically live in the worlds of therapy, neuroscience, and psychology—yet they impact every single interaction we have with others. Our experts have distilled down these complex ideas into information and strategies everyone can use and bring them into every training and workshop we offer.
In this panel discussion, our panelists will share how these powerful frameworks can be thoughtfully woven into workplace practices to build trust, resilience, and stronger teams—without jargon or intimidating language. If you’ve ever felt like the usual EI training left you wanting more, this discussion will offer the depth, nuance, and practical tools you’ve been looking for.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has identified 13 factors of Psychologically Safe & Healthy Workplaces. Organizations who put them into effect can create a culture of belonging—where all workers feel valued, empowered, and engaged.
What We Talked About
Part 1
The core foundation of human connection—feeling safe—and how we can create this at work
Part 2
How past experiences and the stories we tell ourselves impact behaviour & relationships
Part 3
Common barriers to connection and collaborative communication—and how to address them
Part 4
The mindset shift that changes everything, and that builds empathy & trust
Part 5
How the core principles of non-violent communication and trauma-informed care play out
Part 6
How we can start living these principles in work, family, and personal interactions
Here’s What People Are Saying About Our Experts' Work
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“We had the pleasure of working with The Expert Talk for several leadership workshops and follow up booster sessions on the topic of Trauma-informed Leadership. Feedback was positive about the content, information, and real-life experience of the facilitators and coaches. In addition to being supportive, easy to talk to, and always open to feedback and suggestions, we felt safe in their hands at every interaction. If an opportunity arose, we wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again in the future.“
AMY KENDE
Advisor, Organizational Development and Learning
Region of Peel
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The Expert Talk’s keynote on Neurodiversity at Work at WBE Canada's 2024 National Conference was both enlightening and impactful. Kimberly Van Ryn delivered an engaging, informative presentation that shed light on the value of neurodiverse talent, providing key mindset shifts to support Neurodivergent workers and practical strategies to create a safer and more inclusive workplace. Great presentation for forward-thinking businesses!