Episode #254
Ep. 254 Myth or Fact: There’s No Place For Emotions At Work with Wendy Chin
In Episode 244 of The Pausecast , Rachael sits down with her friend and colleague Wendy Chin, an EQ coach and executive recruiter, to unpack something many high-achieving tech leaders know all too well: the higher you rise, the less your technical expertise alone can carry you. Wendy shares practical ways she uses the pause to regulate nerves and get grounded, from wiggling her toes in a meeting to jogging in place and even imagining herself on a boat when she needs to breathe, reset, and come back to center. The conversation explores Wendy’s path from HR, executive search, and recruiting into emotional intelligence coaching, and why self-awareness and adaptability become critical leadership skills as your scope expands. One of my favorite concepts is the difference between being a strong functional leader, an “i,” and becoming a broader enterprise leader, a “t.” It’s the shift from being known for what you know to being trusted for how you lead, influence, and navigate complexity. We also get real about the emotional armor so many leaders build to survive high-pressure environments. The belief that emotions don’t belong at work might have helped you climb the ladder, but at some point, that same armor can start getting in the way of the influence, connection, and confidence you need next. Because emotional intelligence isn’t about becoming “more emotional.” It’s about becoming more aware, more adaptable, and more intentional in the moments that matter. If you’re navigating bigger leadership expectations, questioning how you show up, or realizing that your next level requires more than technical excellence, this conversation is for you. Watch on YouTube if you prefer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bshHryTZj6k&feature=youtu.be
