Kevin Kruse is the Founder and CEO of LEADx and he is a bestselling author of 13 books on leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal development, including “52 Strategies to Build Relationships, Increase Resilience, and Achieve Goals.” Kevin is also a speaker and entrepreneur, known for his expertise in leveraging technology and emotional intelligence to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Kevin reflected on the eight years since launching LEADx, reaffirming the mission to inspire the next 100 million leaders while transitioning from AI-powered executive coaching to human coaching due to early challenges. He highlighted emotional intelligence (EQ) as a key predictor of success, especially in a world increasingly dominated by AI, and discussed his new book’s unique feature: a free EQ assessment.
Kevin shared insights on managing emotions to improve personal and professional relationships, predicting that AI will soon mimic human emotional responses. He also touched on the importance of self-awareness in leadership, noting that his book offers 13 strategies to help individuals enhance their leadership effectiveness. Kevin stressed the value of building relationships and approaching networking with curiosity.
Key Takeaways
[02:04] Kevin reflected on the past eight years since the launch of LEADx, noting that while many things changed, the mission to spark the next 100 million leaders remained the same. He mentioned transitioning from an AI-powered executive coach to human coaches due to initial challenges with technology.
[04:43] Kevin emphasized that emotional intelligence (EQ) has always been the key predictor of success, particularly in an age dominated by AI, where soft skills will differentiate individuals as devices gain advanced intelligence.
[06:01] In discussing his new book, Kevin highlighted that while it builds on established emotional intelligence science, its unique aspect is providing a free EQ assessment via a QR code, enabling readers to start their EQ development journey without purchasing the book.
[08:59] Kevin elaborated on the book’s bold promise of life transformation within a year, suggesting that understanding and managing emotions can significantly enhance personal and professional relationships, leading to positive outcomes.
[11:13] When discussing the potential for computers to possess emotional intelligence by 2029, Kevin expressed his belief that advancements in AI would enable machines to convincingly emulate human emotional responses, blurring the lines between human and machine interaction.
[12:03] Kevin noted the rapid progress in AI’s ability to create content indistinguishable from human work, asserting that while some people may manipulate emotional intelligence, AI could soon do the same in a more sophisticated manner.
[14:57] Kevin humorously predicted a future where individuals might form emotional connections with AI, likening it to the current trend of pet ownership, hinting at the changing dynamics of human relationships in an increasingly digital world.
[17:02] Kevin emphasized the importance of serving others and making a difference in their lives. Kevin mentioned that he aims to leave a positive impact by saying, “I just tried to leave the place a little bit better in my path.”
[18:25] Kevin highlighted how stress often reveals the best or worst in people. Kevin encouraged listeners to respond thoughtfully to pressure rather than reacting impulsively. Kevin shared that self-awareness is crucial for managing emotions effectively. Kevin noted that taking a moment of pause between stimulus and response can lead to intentional actions, enhancing leadership capabilities.
[21:15] Kevin pointed out that his book offers 13 strategies focused on improving self-awareness. Kevin explained that these strategies help individuals understand their personal growth and leadership effectiveness. Kevin agreed with the pie theory of success, stating that performance is just one component of promotability. Kevin argued that relationships and emotional intelligence significantly influence career advancement. Kevin recognized the value of networking and being genuinely interested in others. Kevin noted that curiosity can reframe networking from a daunting task to an enjoyable experience.
[25:14] Kevin expressed that he feels pleased rather than proud of his accomplishments. Kevin highlighted that his children’s success brings him joy, and he appreciates the teamwork he experienced during a memorable trip in the woods.
[28:41] Kevin advised early and mid-career professionals to focus on building strong relationships. Kevin concluded that by being curious and helpful to others, good things will follow over time.
[30:34] And remember, “Leadership is all about emotional intelligence. Management is taught, while leadership is experienced.” — Rajiv Suri.
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Quotable Quotes
“EQ trumps IQ even more than before.” Share on X “The only way to succeed at work when all the devices that cost pennies are genius IQ is by your ability to relate to others.” Share on X “Emotional intelligence, the soft skills stuff, have always been the number one predictor of success.” Share on X “By better understanding our own emotions, more empathy, and understanding of others' emotions, it will help us in our relationships and decision-making to bring the best possible future into our hands.” Share on X “Too many people act like they care when they don't. Many people are friendly when they're trying to sell you something.” Share on X "We all need to sort of train ourselves to respond to things, not react to things." Share on X "Understanding ourselves is a journey that doesn’t end. There are so many facets to ourselves, and we change as people." Share on X "If you show up and genuinely care about people, your exposure will be there because people always remember that person who cared about them." Share on X "In the backdrop of exponential technological advancement, the way we win is to lean into our human stuff, our relationship stuff." Share on X "Dig your well before you're thirsty. And you dig that well by being curious, by being helpful to a lot of people." Share on X
These are the books mentioned in Kevin’s podcast.
15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management: The Productivity Habits of 7 Billionaires, 13 Olympic Athletes, 29 Straight-A Students, and 239 Entrepreneurs
What if a few new habits could dramatically increase your productivity, and even 5x or 10x it in key areas? What if you could get an an hour a day to read, exercise, or to spend with your family. New York Times bestselling author, Kevin Kruse, presents the remarkable findings of his study of ultra-productive people.
More info →
Employee Engagement 2.0: How to Motivate Your Team for High Performance (A Real-World Guide for Busy Managers)
This isn't just another ivory tower book on leadership. Employee Engagement 2.0 is the result of both massive research and real-world experience. The author, Kevin Kruse, is a former Best Place to Work winner, serial entrepreneur, and NY Times bestselling author. He has advised dozens of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies like SAP, to startups and non-profits, and even to the US Marines.
More info →
Why is Everyone Smiling? The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity, and Profit
CEO, Paul Spiegelman, believes that everyone deserves a chance to feel important. He rewards people frequently, respects their efforts and opinions, and informs them of everything that impacts them.
More info →
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: A Round Table Comic: How Successful People Become Even More Successful
The corporate world is filled with executives, men and women who have worked hard for years to reach the upper levels of management. They’re intelligent, skilled, and even charismatic. But only a handful of them will ever reach the pinnacle
More info →
Slow Down to Speed Up: How to manage your time and rebalance your life
Do you feel like a lab mouse running inside a wheel, getting nowhere? In today's around-the-clock world, many people feel that they cannot get ahead, no matter how hard and fast they work. So what's the best way to break out of the wheel? Slow down.
More info →
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Forget the old concept of retirement and the rest of the deferred-life plan–there is no need to wait and every reason not to, especially in unpredictable economic times. Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, experiencing high-end world travel, earning a monthly five-figure income with zero management, or just living more and working less, The 4-Hour Workweek is the blueprint.
More info →
TouchPoints: Creating Powerful Leadership Connections in the Smallest of Moments
TouchPoints speaks to the theory and craft of leadership, promoting a balanced presence of rational, authentic, active, and wise leadership practices. Leadership mastery in the smallest and otherwise ordinary moments can transform aimless activity in individuals and entropy in organizations into focused energy—one magical moment at a time.
More info →
Emotional Intelligence (A LEADx Guide): 52 Strategies to Build Strong Relationships, Increase Resilience, and Achieve Your Goals
Imagine if you could unlock the power of emotional intelligence in a matter of weeks.
The secret to success isn’t IQ, a fancy degree, or even hard work. While those things might land you your first job and even your first promotion, it’s your ability to connect, persuade, and lead that will skyrocket your career.
Research is undeniable–emotional intelligence is the number one factor in work performance.
In the coming age of AI, automation, and robots, your ability to connect on a human level is your ultimate advantage.
This book will teach you how to:
- Discover your strengths and weaknesses with greater self-awareness
- Stay calm under pressure by monitoring and managing moods and emotions
- Influence and persuade with your understanding of others
- Build strong relationships through empathy
- Resolve conflict easily with collaboration and negotiation strategies
- Improve decision-making by uncovering biases
- Be a strong leader who motivates others and fosters teamwork
Resources Mentioned
- The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com
- Sponsored by | www.darley.com
- Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com
- Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com
- LEADx Website | LEADx.org
- Kevin Kruse’s Personal Website | KevinKruse.com
- LinkedIn Profile | Kevin Kruse LinkedIn
- Books by Kevin Kruse | Amazon Author Page
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