Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at High Point University as an Executive in Residence within its Access to Innovators series. This program connects students with leaders shaping industries around the world. Walking across campus and meeting such engaged, thoughtful individuals reminded me why emotional intelligence sits at the core of meaningful leadership and collaboration.
For almost three decades, the journey of building Linder Global Events is defined by people; by the relationships that transform ideas into experiences and by the empathy that turns a vision into impact. In our work as a world-class event management agency, reading a room emotionally is every bit as important as designing it. We create experiences intended to move hearts as well as minds, and doing so requires listening deeply, anticipating needs, and leading with compassion and curiosity.
“The students at High Point University reminded me just how naturally the next generation embodies these principles. Their questions reached beyond technique or success; they were about authenticity, trust, and the responsibility of influence. In them, I saw a deep understanding that leadership is, at its essence, a human practice. That realization left me both inspired and reassured; proof that the future of connection-driven leadership is bright.”
At Linder, emotional intelligence isn’t a side note in our work; it’s part of our DNA. It guides how we design best-in-class event experiences, how we communicate with clients, and how we support one another as a team. When you lead with empathy, everything, from a conversation to a large-scale event, becomes an opportunity to create understanding.
As I reflect on 30 years of creating an award-winning event agency in Washington, D.C., last week at High Point stands out as more than a milestone: it was a reminder that impact begins with awareness. Emotional intelligence is not just a quality of good leaders; it’s the heartbeat of exceptional teams. And it’s what turns every gathering, every exchange, into something that truly lasts.
About Linder Global Events
Sitting firmly at the intersection of strategic convening and design, the Linder Global Events Team is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of strategically designed events. We create moments of inspiration, wonder, and influence that elevate each client’s brand, mission, and strategy.