Click here for a full transcript of the episode.

In this episode, JoDee and Susan welcome Tammy Smith to explore how emotions shape our work lives. From emotional intelligence to psychological safety, this episode offers practical strategies for navigating emotional complexity and fostering meaningful connection.

Tammy explains that emotions are central to human connection and workplace trust. Emotional intelligence isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a business imperative. She introduces emotional agility, encouraging listeners to observe emotions with curiosity and align responses with personal values.

The conversation highlights tools like the feelings wheel and nonviolent communication to help identify unmet needs and make thoughtful requests. Tammy also shares grounding techniques and reframing strategies for managing stress and difficult emotions.

In this episode’s listener question segment, the hosts discuss emotional disconnect in hybrid work and brainstorm ways to make required training more engaging—through storytelling, gamification, and team-based activities.

We wrap up with a news update on an NLRB ruling involving Amazon, underscoring the importance of staying informed on labor rights.

Quote of the Episode

“Emotions matter because we are human. We are not machines.” – Tammy Smith

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• ”Why Emotion at Work Is a Key Emerging Issue in 2025” – ETFCareer
• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD
• Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David, PhD
• ”The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage” – Susan David’s TED Talk
• info@liveleadwellco.com – Tammy’s email
• Live Lead Well Co. – Tammy’s professional coaching business
• Episode 58, ”Team Building”
• ”Amazon off-duty employees can use parking lots for union activity, NLRB judge rules” – HRDive
• SHRM credit evaluation – the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on October 20, 2026
• JoyPowered® Patreon page
• JoyPowered® on LinkedIn
• JoyPowered® on Instagram
• Email JoyPowered®