In this episode, we delve deep into emotional intelligence, or EQ, the hidden superpower that can make all the difference in your IT career and comedic pursuits. EQ is often what separates successful professionals from the rest of the pack, and it's likely what's holding many of us back from reaching the next level. Join us as we take an intimate look into the transformative journey of one IT professional, who started with a low EQ but went on to develop these crucial skills through life's challenges.We explore the five first principles of EQ: Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Empathy, Social Skills, and Motivation. These form the foundation of our EQ and are skills that can be developed and refined over time. We learn how emotional intelligence is the compass that guides us in our social interactions, the soothing touch in our conversations, and the peacekeeper in our conflicts.In the context of stand-up comedy, we discover how comedians use EQ to understand their audiences, handle criticism, build connections, and engage their listeners through emotional storytelling. Just like in IT, a high EQ can turn an average comedian into an unforgettable performer.Join us as we unpack how to level up your emotional intelligence, both in your IT profession and in the comedy realm. We have comedy bits from Jerry Black, Matt Campisi, and Tim Stephens, offering you both insightful lessons and a dose of laughter.