Five years after the original release of Emotional Connection, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and co-author Ramin Sedehi reunite to reflect on what they have learned about emotions, trust, leadership, and relationships—and celebrate the launch of the book’s second edition.

At the heart of their conversation is a powerful idea: when conflict happens, we often focus on what was said, what happened, or who was right. But beneath the content is an emotional experience that is shaping how people react, protect themselves, and relate to one another.

Ramin and Lola share the story behind Emotional Connection, how their own thinking has evolved over the past five years, and why emotional connection matters far beyond the workplace.

They explore what it means to:

• Recognize the emotions underneath conflict rather than continually arguing about the content.
• Build trust by connecting with people at a deeper level than expertise, authority, or transactions.
• Create space for another person's emotions without immediately trying to fix the problem.
• Recognize the negative patterns that keep people disconnected.
• Regulate your own emotions so you can respond differently—even when the other person isn't ready to work on the relationship.
• Use emotional connection to strengthen relationships at work, at home, and throughout life.

Dr. Lola also shares an important realization from her recent work: repairing a relationship doesn't always have to begin with two willing people. Sometimes one person, by changing how they regulate, respond, and create emotional safety, can begin changing the entire pattern between them.

As Ramin puts it, work and life aren't separate worlds. It's all one life—and our ability to connect with one another shapes all of it.

This episode is a celebration of five years of Emotional Connection, but even more, it's a conversation about what becomes possible when people feel valued, cared for, heard, and emotionally safe with one another.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...