March 7, 2024
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In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and author Daniel Goleman. Dan has been fostering and contributing to contemplative science since the very early days of the conversation between science and Buddhism, and his long experience with meditation helped shape his notable work on emotional intelligence. This conversation covers many topics, including:
- his interest in both Western and Asian systems of mind;
- his relationship with the Dalai Lama and involvement in Mind & Life dialogues;
- how the conversation between science and Buddhism has influenced both sides;
- when emotions become “destructive;”
- the birth of contemplative science;
- social emotional learning (SEL) in education;
- links between emotional intelligence and contemplative science;
- “McMindfulness” and the varying goals of practice;
- nonconceptual states and dissolving the self;
- navigating the complexities of science communication;
- the latest research on emotional intelligence in organizations;
- how awareness is (or isn’t) showing up in the world;
- and how he relates to meditation now.
Psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman has transformed the way the world educates children, relates to family and friends, leads, and conducts business. A frequent speaker on campuses and to businesses of all kinds and sizes, he has worked with organizations around the globe, examining the way social and emotional competencies impact the bottom-line. Ranked one of the 10 most influential business thinkers by the Wall Street Journal, Goleman’s articles in the Harvard Business Review are among the most frequently requested reprints. He has won many awards, including the HBR McKinsey Award for best article of the year. Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences awarded him its Centennial Medallion. Apart from his writing on emotional intelligence, Goleman has written books on topics including self-deception, creativity, transparency, meditation, social and emotional learning, eco-literacy and the ecological crisis. His latest book, Optimal, shows why emotional intelligence can help each of us have rewarding and productive days. Daniel Goleman’s online Emotional Intelligence Program offers anyone a deep understanding of the competencies of self-awareness, self-management, empathy and social skill.