After years of working with senior executives across industries, I noticed a pattern: the most effective leaders weren’t necessarily the smartest in the room—they were the most emotionally intelligent. They listened deeply, responded thoughtfully, and navigated complex interpersonal dynamics authentically and clearly. But here’s the question that kept nagging at me: Can emotional intelligence be developed in meaningful, lasting ways through executive education?
That question led me to my doctoral research and, ultimately, my dissertation: “A Study of the Efficacy of Multiweek, Immersive, Experiential, In-Person Executive Education Programs for Developing Emotional Intelligence Competencies in Senior Executives as Perceived Leadership Effectiveness.”
Yes, it’s a mouthful—but behind the title is a profoundly human exploration of how leaders grow. Through surveys and interviews with senior executives who completed immersive programs, I examined whether (and how) emotional intelligence competencies—like self-awareness and relationship management—shifted during their experience. The results were revealing in terms of outcomes and what elements of the learning environment made those shifts possible.
If you’re a leadership development professional, coach, or L&D strategist or believe outstanding leadership starts with great self-awareness, I think you’ll find real value in this work. I unpack the data and programmatic conditions—like peer learning, cohort-based reflection, and coaching—that make emotional growth possible at scale.
This dissertation culminated years of work, but more importantly, it contributes to a growing body of evidence that leadership is not just taught—it’s experienced.
👉 If you're curious about how we can better design executive education to create lasting behavioral change, I invite you to read the complete study. I'm always open to conversations and collaboration.
Why I Studied Emotional Intelligence in Executive Education—And Why You Might Want to Read About It