Boundaries as Love, Not Control

What does real leadership actually look like at home—not just at work? In this episode, I sit down with Mick Hunt, leadership and culture coach, to break down what emotional intelligence, boundaries, and masculine presence really mean for husbands and fathers.

Mick shares powerful insights on why being the "nice guy" often kills polarity and attraction in marriage, how emotional intelligence is a strength (not a soft skill), and why men need intentional transition rituals to show up fully present for their families. We talk about journaling as a daily leadership practice, setting boundaries without control, and how a father's emotional presence shapes the safety and confidence of his kids. This conversation is practical, grounded, and deeply relevant for men who want to lead with backbone and heart.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] Introducing Mick Hunt and why leadership matters most at home

[2:06] Morgan Freeman narrating Mick's videos and the unexpected connection

[2:27] Why emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill

[3:01] How the "nice guy" approach kills polarity and attraction

[3:29] Daily practices Mick uses to stay emotionally present with his kids

[4:09] The importance of transition rituals between work and home

[6:04] Mick's marriage story and reconnecting after decades of friendship

[9:07] Emotional intelligence as awareness, regulation, and response

[11:01] Why empathy doesn't mean losing authority as a husband or father

[14:05] Self-awareness as the foundation of emotional leadership

[15:18] Growing up with an emotionally unavailable father

[17:13] Mick's simple daily journaling practice

[19:17] Why writing trains the brain to separate fact from emotion

[21:07] Boundaries as love—not control—in marriage and family

[23:54] Defining boundaries through core values

[24:16] Protecting "me time" to show up better for others

[27:33] Why skipping transition time hurts marriages and families

[28:38] A real story of ignoring boundaries and paying the emotional cost

[31:27] Masculine presence and modeling healthy marriage for kids

[33:11] Being the emotional anchor of the household

[35:30] Teaching daughters confidence and sons how to care

[38:44] Where to find Mick and his leadership resources

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Emotional intelligence is a leadership advantage, not a weakness, for men at home and at work.
2. Being agreeable isn't the same as being emotionally present, and "nice guy" energy often kills attraction.
3. Transition rituals protect your family from your stress, allowing you to show up grounded and present.
4. Boundaries rooted in core values create safety, not distance, in marriage and parenting.
5. A father's emotional presence shapes confidence, safety, and leadership in his children.

Links & Resources

• Mick Hunt Official Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com
• Instagram: @mickunplugged
• LinkedIn: @mickhunt
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1428

Closing Remark

If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, boundaries, or emotional presence at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. The most important leadership role you'll ever have is the one your family experiences every day.