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Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Learning Design
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In this uniquely personal episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast, Vanessa shares her reflections after hosting a very special pair of guests: her two young daughters, Giselle and Gianna, for Bring Your Kid to Work Day.
What started as a fun, spontaneous activity quickly turned into a powerful conversation about what learning really looks like—free from jargon, metrics, and formality. What her children expressed, without realizing it, was a masterclass in emotional intelligence, behavior change, and human-centered performance.
Why does this matter? Because emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and those of others—is not only foundational for leadership... it's critical for learning transfer.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
How children instinctively understand key drivers of learning transfer: coaching, repetition, and emotional support
Why emotional intelligence is a performance catalyst—not just a personal trait
How feedback (even from a 7-year-old) reveals blind spots and builds trust
The connection between microlearning and respect for cognitive and emotional bandwidth
Why organizations must audit not just outcomes—but perception and morale
Whether you're a CEO, VP, or L&D strategist, this episode invites you to see learning through a new lens—one rooted in empathy, human connection, and psychological safety. Because the truth is: when people feel seen, supported, and safe, they learn more, apply more, and contribute more.
Key Takeaways:
Emotional intelligence enables learning transfer by creating safe, supportive conditions
Coaching and mentoring aren’t “extras”—they’re essential to behavior change
Microlearning isn’t about speed—it’s about respect for time and attention
Honest feedback—even hard truths—build stronger, more aligned teams
Your people are paying attention. The question is: are you asking what they see?
Listen if you’re asking:
Why aren’t our people applying what they learn?
How can I foster a more emotionally intelligent culture of feedback?
What would I learn if I stopped assuming—and started asking?
🎧 Tune in for this unexpected yet powerful reminder: The most effective learning environments don’t just transfer knowledge. They affirm humanity.
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