Our Emotional Recession: How to Lead When People Are Depleted

Episode notes

Guest: Joshua Freedman, CEO & Co-Founder of Six Seconds Around the world, people are emotionally exhausted, socially polarized, and struggling to stay engaged at work. Global emotional intelligence scores have declined for several years, and leaders today face an unseen burden: an emotional tax on every interaction, decision, and relationship. In this episode, emotional intelligence expert Joshua Freedman joins Maureen Metcalf to explore how leaders can reduce the hidden emotional tax in organizations, rebuild trust, and create healthier workplaces. Discover how EQ drives performance, why trust is a leader’s greatest currency, and what practical steps you can take to lead with clarity and humanity in turbulent times. Here's what Joshua and Maureen discuss: The hidden emotional tax draining teams and cultures The business case for EQ (and how it improves performance) Why trust is now a leader’s most critical output. Other episodes you'll enjoy: - The Human Energy Crisis at Work with Joshua Freedman - What’s the Point: Why Your Leadership Needs Purpose with Ryan Gottfredson - To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Followers with Ira Chaleff For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to