Kevin Kruse is the Founder and CEO of LEADx and he is a bestselling author of 13 books on leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal development, including "52 Strategies to Build Relationships, Increase Resilience, and Achieve Goals." Kevin is also a speaker and entrepreneur, known for his expertise in leveraging technology and emotional intelligence to inspire the next generation of leaders. Kevin reflected on the eight years since launching LEADx, reaffirming the mission to inspire the next 100 million leaders while transitioning from AI-powered executive coaching to human coaching due to early challenges. He highlighted emotional intelligence (EQ) as a key predictor of success, especially in a world increasingly dominated by AI, and discussed his new book's unique feature: a free EQ assessment. Kevin shared insights on managing emotions to improve personal and professional relationships, predicting that AI will soon mimic human emotional responses. He also touched on the importance of self-awareness in leadership, noting that his book offers 13 strategies to help individuals enhance their leadership effectiveness. Kevin stressed the value of building relationships and approaching networking with curiosity.     Key Takeaways [02:04] Kevin reflected on the past eight years since the launch of LEADx, noting that while many things changed, the mission to spark the next 100 million leaders remained the same. He mentioned transitioning from an AI-powered executive coach to human coaches due to initial challenges with technology. [04:43] Kevin emphasized that emotional intelligence (EQ) has always been the key predictor of success, particularly in an age dominated by AI, where soft skills will differentiate individuals as devices gain advanced intelligence. [06:01] In discussing his new book, Kevin highlighted that while it builds on established emotional intelligence science, its unique aspect is providing a free EQ assessment via a QR code, enabling readers to start their EQ development journey without purchasing the book. [08:59] Kevin elaborated on the book's bold promise of life transformation within a year, suggesting that understanding and managing emotions can significantly enhance personal and professional relationships, leading to positive outcomes. [11:13] When discussing the potential for computers to possess emotional intelligence by 2029, Kevin expressed his belief that advancements in AI would enable machines to convincingly emulate human emotional responses, blurring the lines between human and machine interaction. [12:03] Kevin noted the rapid progress in AI's ability to create content indistinguishable from human work, asserting that while some people may manipulate emotional intelligence, AI could soon do the same in a more sophisticated manner. [14:57] Kevin humorously predicted a future where individuals might form emotional connections with AI, likening it to the current trend of pet ownership, hinting at the changing dynamics of human relationships in an increasingly digital world. [17:02] Kevin emphasized the importance of serving others and making a difference in their lives. Kevin mentioned that he aims to leave a positive impact by saying, "I just tried to leave the place a little bit better in my path." [18:25] Kevin highlighted how stress often reveals the best or worst in people. Kevin encouraged listeners to respond thoughtfully to pressure rather than reacting impulsively. Kevin shared that self-awareness is crucial for managing emotions effectively. Kevin noted that taking a moment of pause between stimulus and response can lead to intentional actions, enhancing leadership capabilities. [21:15] Kevin pointed out that his book offers 13 strategies focused on improving self-awareness. Kevin explained that these strategies help individuals understand their personal growth and leadership effectiveness. Kevin agreed with the pie theory of success, stating that performance is just one component of promotability. Kevin argued that relationships and emotional intelligence significantly influence career advancement. Kevin recognized the value of networking and being genuinely interested in others. Kevin noted that curiosity can reframe networking from a daunting task to an enjoyable experience. [25:14] Kevin expressed that he feels pleased rather than proud of his accomplishments. Kevin highlighted that his children's success brings him joy, and he appreciates the teamwork he experienced during a memorable trip in the woods. [28:41] Kevin advised early and mid-career professionals to focus on building strong relationships. Kevin concluded that by being curious and helpful to others, good things will follow over time. [30:34] And remember, “Leadership is all about emotional intelligence. Management is taught, while leadership is experienced.” — Rajiv Suri.   Quotable Quotes “EQ trumps IQ even more than before.” “The only way to succeed at work when all the devices that cost pennies are genius IQ is by your ability to relate to others.” “Emotional intelligence, the soft skills stuff, have always been the number one predictor of success.” “By better understanding our own emotions, more empathy, and understanding of others' emotions, it will help us in our relationships and decision-making to bring the best possible future into our hands.” “Too many people act like they care when they don't. Many people are friendly when they're trying to sell you something.” "We all need to sort of train ourselves to respond to things, not react to things." "Understanding ourselves is a journey that doesn’t end. There are so many facets to ourselves, and we change as people." "If you show up and genuinely care about people, your exposure will be there because people always remember that person who cared about them." "In the backdrop of exponential technological advancement, the way we win is to lean into our human stuff, our relationship stuff." "Dig your well before you're thirsty. And you dig that well by being curious, by being helpful to a lot of people."   This is the book mentioned in this episode   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | LEADx Website | Kevin Kruse's Personal Website | LinkedIn Profile | Books by Kevin Kruse |