Luke Cavanaugh is our guest host for this episode! His guest is Zara Shirazi, a native of Tehran, Iran who now runs a boutique branding agency based in Vaxjo. Zara is a really strong example of an optimist, a trait she learned from her highly entrepreneurial father, and she reflects on the upsides and downsides of growing up in the shadow of such a dominant figure. Zara and Luke share perspectives on the complicated Iran-USA relationship throughout our lifetimes (as natives of the two countries, bonded by a deep interest in personal development) and she shares how her father's business and her own life were hugely impacted by the 9/11 attacks, and the role optimism and resilience played there. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player. New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month! Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial. 
 
 Music from Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE We hope you enjoy the podcast. Hopefully, you're tuning in on a regular basis. We'd love it if you would give us a great review on whatever platform you're listening to the podcast. It's so appreciative and helps us as we try to get more exposure for the work we do and the episodes that we publish. We're grateful to you as a listener. Secondly, our content is for educational purposes only. It's not intended by any stretch to diagnose or treat anything that may be occurring in your life or anyone else's life that you may be connected to through the podcast. And as always, we look forward to the next time that we're together. Take care. Spirit of EQ 

Optimism, Culture and Generations with Zara Shirazi

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Self-Improvement

Embarking on a sales career or starting a business venture is much like committing to a long-term relationship. It presents a myriad of challenges, from the emotional toll of rejection to the discipline required to manage time.  J.A. Dava of Latreia Coaching and Consulting unwraps the layers of wisdom of how to sustain the passion for sales and thrive in the dynamic world of business. Facing rejection is an integral aspect of sales that can weigh heavily on one's emotional well-being. Embracing rejection as a teacher rather than an impediment can significantly improve one's approach. Success in sales and business, as Eric and J.A. Dava discuss, hinges on intentionality. It's about aligning one's aspirations with the tangible realities of the market.  Both Eric and J.A. Dava emphasize the sheer power of discipline, especially for new entrants in sales. A revealing tip from J.A. Dava is the '10 daily phone calls' rule, which promises to ramp up business by a significant 40%.  The concept of time management is an underpinning theme of the episode. The '8-8-8' rule – balancing work, play, and sleep – is emphasized as a disciplined foundation for a successful life.  A significant part of sales success is staying visible and accessible. Eric and J.A. Dava stress the importance of marketing oneself—whether it be through sharing exciting news like a marriage or by simply reaching out to the contacts on one's phone to update them about your business.   J.A. Dava, Co-founder, Sr. Coach & Consultant30+ year veteran in real estate & mortgageProfessional presenter, trainer & coach Rain-maker entrepreneur for 20+ years Influencer, leader & master networkerHusband of 28 years & proud dad of 2 sonsAvid marathoner, golfer & Harley-Davidson cruiserJ.A. brings incredible insight to helping individuals achieve well-being in five areas of life. He is passionate about helping people live their very best life.
Memorable Moments 00:00 Focus on high aspirations in business growth. 06:19 Preparing for business, excitement and enthusiasm. 12:02 Accountability is crucial for personal and business success. 19:10 Focus on marketing and prospecting, not sales. 28:51 Turned intimidating task into approachable, creating scripts. 33:12 Simplify sales approach and measure success effectively. 46:56 Discipline yourself to focus on productivity. 48:06 Consistency in tasks, learn from losses too. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player. New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month! Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial. 
 
 Music from Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper License code:...

Deconstructing Sales Intimidation: Tips from J.A. Dava

In this episode of the "Spirit of EQ" podcast, hosts Eric Pennington and Jeff East engage in a deep conversation with guest Jeremy Jensen, the chief of police for the Dubuque Police Department. Jensen's focus on emotional intelligence (EQ) and its impact on law enforcement makes for a compelling discussion about recognizing and managing emotions in high-stress situations, enhancing community interactions, and creating a supportive organizational culture. Takeaways from this episode: 1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is crucial for law enforcement officers in recognizing and managing emotional levels, promoting officer wellness, and preventing negative outcomes caused by stress and emotional hijacking. 2. Building trust and safety in the community depends on utilizing EQ when interacting with citizens, including establishing personal connections, showing empathy, and fostering accountability in policing. 3. Mindfulness and EQ practices, such as breath work, can help officers manage stress, stay calm in tense situations, and improve the quality of interactions with the public. 4. Police departments can integrate EQ into their culture and operations, incorporating de-escalation techniques, mindfulness, and EQ assessments into leadership training and hiring processes. 5. EQ impacts how law enforcement interacts with the community, promoting self-awareness, emotional recognition, and positive community interactions. 6. Law enforcement departments should prioritize self-empathy, open conversations, and support networks to help officers cope with traumatic experiences and prioritize mental well-being. 7. Introducing EQ skills in law enforcement should focus on individual skill sets and better communication, aiming to improve community relations without appearing overly formal or "touchy-feely." 8. Recognizing and mitigating conscious thoughts is crucial for managing stress and improving performance in high-stress law enforcement situations. 9. COVID-19 has emphasized the need for government employees, including law enforcement, to prioritize self-awareness and emotional intelligence to better serve the community, improve communication, and address personal issues effectively. 10. Small interactions, personal connections, and improved communication within the community are essential metrics for measuring the success of EQ initiatives in law enforcement and promoting community trust. Memorable Moments 00:00 Congratulations! Dubuque stands out for emotional intelligence. 04:28 Mindfulness and EQ used in the hiring process. 06:30 Recognizing emotional stress in law enforcement is crucial. 10:15 Curious about police-community interactions in Columbus. 14:07 Police work requires controlled interaction with the public. 18:11 Appreciate integration, accountability, and mindfulness in interactions. 21:26 Senior leader surprises with personal health revelation. 24:56 Focusing on others can help solve issues. 26:20 Creating a safe and impactful community through EQ. 29:58 Recognize and address personal biases in work. 32:41 Inability to manage emotions leads to empathy. 37:46 Empathy for first responders in difficult situations. 39:55 Suppress feelings, speak up, offer support, adapt. 42:28 Advice for police chiefs on EQ adoption. 46:03 Tools to simplify daily challenges, and minimize program mindset. 48:41 Recognize emotions in the organization and use them. 52:00 Road rage leads to deadly freeway shootings.  Jeremy Jensen is a trailblazer in the field of law enforcement leadership training. In 2018, he recognized the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and made it his mission to incorporate it into law enforcement training. Before this, he had experience in personal empowerment and other areas, but it was...

The Power of EQ in Law Enforcement

In this episode, Eric Pennington hosts Rachel Scott, a senior UX designer at Buckeye Innovation. Rachel is also a passionate world traveler who aims to visit every country on the planet. Both Eric and Rachel discuss the importance of embracing adventure, challenging perspectives, and living intentionally in both personal and professional aspects of life. Top Takeaways  1. Embracing different perspectives: Rachel Scott's extensive travels and exposure to diverse cultures have influenced her design work and thought processes, highlighting the value of embracing different perspectives to foster creative problem-solving and innovation. 2. Challenging societal structures: Rachel and Eric agree that ideas of certainty, safety, and security are illusions and discuss the impact of societal structures as illusions that people buy into, prompting listeners to consider questioning and reevaluating established norms. 3. Personal growth through adversity: Rachel shares experiences of being stranded on Socotra and navigating dangerous trips, emphasizing the transformative power of difficult experiences in building confidence and resilience, offering inspiration for personal growth through adversity. 4. Intentional living and life transitions: Rachel's transformation after a divorce led her to prioritize joy, passion, and intentional living, prompting reflection on how life transitions can inspire individuals to reevaluate their goals and redefine success. 5. Continuous self-challenge: Both Eric and Rachel emphasize the value of continuously challenging oneself and pushing beyond comfort zones, encouraging listeners to seek personal and professional growth through ongoing self-challenge and exploration. 6. Impact of early experiences: Rachel's early exposure to different cultures, including visiting the Dachau concentration camp at a young age, demonstrates the profound impact of early experiences on shaping one's perspective and values. 7. Reevaluating success and fulfillment: Rachel's shift in perspective on Western values and success during her year-long trip prompts reflection on reevaluating personal definitions of success and fulfillment, encouraging listeners to consider broader perspectives beyond societal expectations. 8. Embracing change and uncertainty: Eric and Rachel discuss the inevitability of change and the importance of embracing it, drawing parallels to adapting to fluctuating weather conditions and the suspense of movies, offering a reminder to embrace change as an opportunity for growth. 9. Dispelling misconceptions about "unsafe" places: Rachel's experiences of finding hospitable people in places often labeled as dangerous challenge misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of seeking authentic experiences and reframing perceptions of off-the-beaten-path destinations. 10. Intersecting life and career goals: Rachel's emphasis on aligning her work with her life goals, focusing on serving the community and underserved individuals, offers inspiration for individuals seeking to integrate their professional endeavors with their values and aspirations. Memorable Moments 00:00 Twist: Discuss travel goals and exotic destinations. 04:42 Nervous about Kabul, interaction with locals limited. 08:49 Adventurous, curious person with an active mind and body. 13:38 Year-long remote work and travel in 12 countries. 17:41 America's competitive mindset and dangerous places are discussed. 18:31 Stranded tourists on disputed Yemen island conflict. 22:44 Pushing beyond comfort for a healthy brain this year. 27:52 Money isn't a motivator. Alignment with life goals is more important. 31:00 Divorce led to self-discovery and travel. 34:43 Reflect on your life and make changes. 37:41 Embracing uncertainty and overcoming challenges with curiosity. 40:27 Preparing for...

The Design Adventure with Rachel Scott

Welcome to the Spirit of EQ podcast! In this episode, host Eric Pennington is joined by special guest Ellen Isaacs, a licensed orthopedic physical therapist and nutrition coach.  Ellen shares her inspiring journey from struggling with her own nutrition and eating disorders to becoming a passionate advocate for holistic health.  After years of struggling with her nutrition, Ellen found a nutrition coach who met her at her starting point and guided her through a transformative process of gradually increasing her calorie intake.  Ellen offers valuable insight into the process of setting attainable fitness and nutrition goals, emphasizing the significance of starting with small, sustainable steps.  Key Takeaways 1. Gut microbiome plays a significant role in energy, mood, and mental health, emphasizing the importance of gut health in overall well-being. 2. Nutrition coaching can provide transformative results for individuals struggling with eating disorders and improper nutrition, highlighting the effectiveness of personalized nutrition guidance. 3. Adequate energy intake is crucial for the body's recovery and repair processes, especially for individuals dealing with frequent injuries or chronic pain. 4. Healthcare providers need to consider the holistic well-being of patients, looking at lifestyle factors before resorting to medication or surgery, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare. 5. Patients play a significant role in their health and should consider educating themselves, asking specific questions, and taking responsibility for their well-being. 6. Starting with small, sustainable steps when setting fitness and exercise goals leads to long-term success and prevents disruption in other areas of life. 7. Nutrition changes should be gradual and sustainable, allowing for indulgences while incorporating nutrient-dense foods to alter cravings over time. 8. The impact of food on overall health, emotional management, recovery, and inflammation is significant and should not be overlooked in healthcare and wellness practices. 9. Nutrition coaching and support can be particularly beneficial for women seeking body composition changes and improved athletic performance, addressing specific needs in health and fitness. 10. Seeking help and understanding that recovery from eating disorders is not linear are crucial steps for individuals struggling with eating disorders, highlighting the importance of support and perseverance in the recovery process. Memorable Moments 01:22 Started running in high school due to eating disorder, struggled with body image and performance, and continued to struggle in college. 05:11 An Incremental approach to increasing calorie intake helped. 07:54 Exercising depletes body energy, leading to breakdown. 12:01 Trainer shows care by providing snacks for a runner. 15:38 Jump, try, don't waste time, the road to recovery. 17:25 Leap, sit with your fears. 22:18 Clients often expect coaching to work magically, but it requires hard work. Mostly women seek body composition changes. 24:07 Our country's health needs urgent attention. 27:59 Zoom out, ask about symptoms, modify lifestyle. 32:39 Mixed bag of doctor appointments: Some positive. 35:28 Health care system lacks solutions for chronic pain. 37:29 Performance and body composition goals can conflict. 40:32 Set small attainable goals to prevent discouragement. 44:53 Small changes in diet alter cravings. 48:25 Deep dive into gut health and microbiome. Ellen Isaacs is a former college runner who found her passion for running during her freshman year of high school. However, her running journey began on a difficult note, as she was struggling with an eating disorder at the time. Despite her initial...

Nutrition and Mental Health with Ellen Issacs, DPT, CNC

Cat Perlson, Leadership Development Corporate Trainer We have an engaging conversation with Cat Perlson. We talk about the profound impact of trauma on mental health, advocating for the validation of emotions and resilience after traumatic experiences.  Here are the key takeaways from our discussion: 1. Embracing Vulnerability and Seeking Support: Cat Perlson's courageous journey emphasizes the importance of seeking help, being vulnerable, and addressing mental health challenges. By sharing her experience with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, she encourages openness and seeks to destigmatize seeking medical assistance for hormonal changes affecting mental health. 2. Psychological Safety and Empathy: We explore the significance of creating psychologically safe environments, validating others' feelings and traumas, and using empathy to understand diverse experiences. Cat's emphasis on understanding and accepting one's emotions contributes to fostering positive workplace cultures and personal growth. 3. Self-Compassion and Growth Mindset: Cat Perlson's inspiring message of hope and personal growth after traumatic experiences resonates with the concept of a growth mindset and the significance of self-compassion. She advocates for the use of dialectical behavioral therapy to balance emotions and logic, promoting the extension of grace to oneself and others. Memorable Moments: 02:36 Discussing the impact of trauma on relationships. 10:01 Struggled, found purpose in teaching, learned a lesson. 14:15 Witnessed miracles watching children with disabilities thrive. 18:05 Acknowledging past pain and seeking help. 25:30 The Anxiety bobblehead makes me seek help. 30:56 Concerned about culture lacking noble goals in life. 35:29 Believing and empathy are essential in storytelling. 41:21 Supporting brain health: tangible, straightforward actions. 45:20 Yearning for hugs now cherishes solitude. 52:35 Understanding the chemical side of mental health. 53:11 Focus on women's hormonal and thyroid issues. 01:03:13 Excited about holidays, art, family, life, facilitation. 01:03:57 The Proudest moment is being here, still fighting. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player. New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month! Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial. 
 
 Music from Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE We hope you enjoy the podcast. Hopefully, you're tuning in on a regular basis. We'd love it if you would give us a great review on whatever platform you're listening to the podcast. It's so appreciative and helps us as we try to get more exposure for the work we do and the episodes that we publish. We're grateful to you as a listener. Secondly, our content is for educational purposes only. It's not intended by...

Optimism, Culture and Generations with Zara Shirazi

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