Emotionally Intelligent Teams with Abby Rivera

In this episode of The Behaviorist, Sarah Colantonio sits down with Abby Rivera, Principal of Wickersham Elementary School, to explore what emotionally intelligent teams actually look like in practice. Drawing on decades of research and Abby's firsthand leadership experience, Sarah and Abby examine how self-awareness, trust, active listening, vulnerability, and proactive problem-solving shape high-performing teams. From fostering psychological safety to building optimism during challenging seasons, Abby shares candid stories about cultivating a workplace culture that feels more like a family—one where people hold each other accountable, support one another, and stay focused on a shared vision. Whether you lead a school, nonprofit, business, or community organization, this episode offers actionable insights into creating a team culture where people can thrive together and navigate uncertainty with resilience. --- To learn more about Work Wisdom, visit www.workwisdomllc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram (@workwisdom).