Episode 32: Brace Yourself-We’re Talking About Feelings (and Why You Need to) with David Cory

Written By Kathryn Sandoe

“Emotional Intelligence: It’s Not A Thing, It’s THE Thing”

In this transformative conversation, Katie sits down with the EQ Sensei himself—David Cory, founder of the Emotional Intelligence Training Company (EITC), celebrating 27 years of global impact. From creating national EQ programs in Botswana to dodging elephants in Zambia (yes, really), David brings heart, humor, and unmatched insight into why emotional intelligence (EQ) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything.

David breaks down what EQ actually is (hint: it’s not just empathy or soft skills), why emotions are central to how we function as humans, and how ignoring them—especially at work—comes at a cost. You’ll learn why EQ is misunderstood, how gender and culture shape our emotional socialization, and what we can do—today—to build emotionally intelligent workplaces, relationships, and communities.

From psychology to parenting, leadership to loss, this is a masterclass in how emotions shape us—and how to honor that truth with courage and clarity.

🔥 Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered:

  • Why do people say emotions don’t belong at work—and what’s the real cost of that mindset?

  • Are women really more emotionally intelligent than men? (Spoiler: it’s complicated.)

  • What’s the connection between emotions and trust, courage, mental health, and… elephants?

  • How can parents, leaders, and anyone start building EQ today—even without certification?

  • How can grief, vulnerability, and therapy become powerful tools of emotional growth?

About David Cory

David Cory is a leadership development coach, trainer, keynote speaker and consultant known for his expertise in applying the concept of emotional intelligence to individual and organizational performance improvement. With a Masters’ degree in Adult Education, Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accreditation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and “Master Trainer” status in emotional intelligence from MHS Inc., David founded one of the first companies to specialize in the development of leadership based on emotional intelligence. The Emotional Intelligence Training Company (EITC) celebrates its 27th anniversary in 2025. David has worked with the most progressive organizations around the world on the design and delivery of leadership development programs, all of which include EQ assessment, EQ training, and EQ coaching as the unique elements that make them cutting edge. In addition, David has been a keynote speaker at conferences around the world, including the Harvard Medical School, the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Shanghai, and a 7-time keynote speaker at the Asia HR Congress held in Bahrain, Brunei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (2x) and twice virtually. Most recently David was an invited keynote speaker at the World of Tomorrow Leadership Conference in the Maldives and the national Society for HR Management (SHRM) in Nashville, TN.

David and the team at EITC completed the creation of an EQ skills development course for the entire nation of Botswana in 2013, currently being delivered throughout the country through 36 trainers who were trained and certified by EITC. This is a first in the world.

In the course of his work David has been an invited guest of the Sultan of Brunei, kicked out of a restricted area in Saudi Arabia, chased by elephants in Zambia, sang for royalty in Malaysia and worked under armed guard in Nigeria.

Kathryn Sandoe https://www.lightecho.co
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Episode 33: Reclaiming the Spirit in a World Obsessed with the Mind - A Conversation with Author, Jules Kuroda
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Episode 31: The Courage to Lead from Within with Deb Crowe