Ep 232: Dr. Bob Wright on the 2026 Inner Work That Changes How You Lead This Year

How emotional intelligence, unfinished business, and pausing unlock real confidence.As we kick off another new year, this episode is an invitation to slow down—and lead differently.Why listen now:Start 2026 with more self-trust, emotional clarity, and leadership ease—without working harder or pushing through.In this special re-release, I’m joined by my leadership mentor, Dr. Bob Wright, one of the most influential thinkers in human development and emotional intelligence. This conversation goes beneath strategy, performance, and productivity—and into the inner work that quietly shapes how you show up as a leader.If you’re a high-achieving leader who’s successful on paper but still feels tension, self-doubt, or emotional reactivity under pressure, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it.Together, we explore how emotional intelligence, pausing, and awareness of your “unfinished business” can radically shift how you lead, decide, and relate in the new year.In this episode, we cover:Why emotional intelligence is the foundation for sustainable leadership—not a soft skillWhat “unfinished business” really is, and how it quietly drives stress, overwork, and self-doubtThe five primary emotions—why they matter, and how working with them creates more ease and pleasureHow projections and transferences show up at work (especially in high-stakes environments)Why pausing is essential when emotions are high and decisions matterHow leaders unconsciously decide whether they do or don’t matterAn introduction to the Wright Transformational Developmental Model and the six levels of emotional and leadership developmentThis episode is not about fixing yourself.It’s about understanding yourself—so you can lead with clarity, presence, and internal authority in 2026 and beyond.Dr. Bob Wright is a globally recognized leader in human development and emotional intelligence. He is the co-founder of LiveWright and former cofounder and Professor of Transformational Leadership at Wright Graduate University.Named by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the nation’s top executive coaches, Dr. Wright has spent decades helping leaders understand the emotional and developmental patterns that shape their lives and leadership.This Model of Human Growth and Development—considered one of the most comprehensive models of its kind—translates deep theory into practical, everyday leadership awareness, and continues to influence coaches, executives, and organizations worldwide.