In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Jules Wilhelm, the creator, founder, and president of Capacity Leader Center, Cardia Counseling Center, and EQ-niversity™, about what every change leader needs to know about emotional intelligence (EQ) but probably didn’t learn in school.

Jules, who has nearly 30 years of experience in elite counseling and coaching, is currently focused on transforming the leadership of the world’s top executives. Her mission? To train 1.1 million people in the skills that help us lead—and live—with greater connection, compassion, and emotional clarity.

During the conversation with Jess, Jules introduces her EQ Roadmap, a powerful four-step framework leaders can use to manage high-emotion moments, build trust quickly, and create safe, productive environments where change can take root. They also explore why even the smartest leaders lose their cool during stressful conversations, and how building “muscle memory” for emotionally intelligent leadership can transform everything from performance to retention.

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ How to use curiosity, emotional labeling, and co-regulation to de-escalate conflict and get unstuck

☑️ Why investing in emotional intelligence helps people feel seen—and stay—at work

☑️ How to teach your team to ask for what they really need (without awkwardness or therapy vibes)

Jules also shares how the ROI of emotional intelligence shows up in measurable business outcomes: better retention, faster conflict resolution, and stronger team performance. Whether you’re managing change in a high-pressure environment or just trying to lead with more humanity, this episode is packed with tools you’ll use.

If you want to learn how to lead change with more compassion, clarity, and emotional resilience, don’t miss this conversation with Jules Wilhelm.