More In Common

Emotional Intelligence in Action: Leadership Beyond the Title


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Episode Description

In this episode of More in Common, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor sit down with Zach Amatore to explore what it actually looks like to practice emotional intelligence in real life—at work, in leadership, and in moments of pressure.

Zach’s appearance on the show isn’t accidental. As he shares in the conversation, his approach to emotional regulation, listening, and supporting others was deeply shaped by the More in Common learning he experienced alongside Keith. That foundation—slowing down before reacting, staying present in hard moments, and choosing curiosity over control—runs through every part of this discussion.

Together, they unpack why “staying calm” isn’t about suppressing emotion, but about creating space for clarity, trust, and better outcomes. From workplace dynamics to being heard without overpowering others, this episode explores how emotional mastery shows up not as perfection, but as practice.

This conversation is for anyone navigating leadership, teamwork, or personal growth—and wondering how to respond more thoughtfully when it matters most.

Keywords

communication

curiosity
emotional intelligence
conflict resolution
active listening
social conditioning
power dynamics
self-awareness
relationships
More in Common podcast

Key Takeaways
  • Curiosity can disarm conflict when it’s rooted in care, not performance

  • Listening isn’t passive—it’s an intentional skill

  • We often react to discomfort before we understand it

  • Slowing down creates room for better conversations

  • You don’t need to fix someone to show up for them

    Sound Bites

    “Curiosity isn’t about being right—it’s about staying open.”

    “Listening well changes the temperature of the room.”
    “Most conflict comes from moving too fast with too little information.”
    “We confuse reaction with honesty.”

    Chapters / Time Stamps

    00:00 – Opening & episode framing

    Setting the tone: curiosity, communication, and why this conversation matters

    02:15 – Why curiosity feels risky

    How social conditioning shapes the way we enter hard conversations

    06:40 – Listening vs. reacting

    Why most of us respond before we actually hear each other

    11:30 – Power, identity, and discomfort

    How dynamics of power affect communication and emotional safety

    17:10 – Slowing the conversation down

    Creating space instead of escalation

    22:45 – Curiosity as an act of care

    When questions build connection instead of control

    28:30 – What it looks like to stay present

    Letting go of the need to fix, prove, or win

    33:20 – Final reflections & listener takeaway

    How to practice better conversations in real life

     

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