Emotional Intelligence

Smudge Leadership™ is an Indigenous-led approach to emotional intelligence and leadership development that brings together evidence-based emotional intelligence practices, Indigenous ways of knowing, and reflective learning.

In this one-hour introductory session, participants will explore how emotional intelligence influences the way we lead ourselves, build relationships, navigate challenges, and contribute to the communities and organizations around us. Participants will be introduced to the idea that strong leadership begins with self-awareness, relationships, and understanding how our behaviour affects others.

Students will leave with:

A practical introduction to emotional intelligence and why it matters in leadership.

Greater awareness of how emotions influence communication, relationships, and decision-making.

An introduction to Smudge Leadership™ and its approach to connecting Indigenous knowledge with contemporary emotional intelligence practice.

A simple reflective practice they can apply to their own leadership, education, career, or entrepreneurial journey.

An understanding that leadership is not only about authority or position; it is also about how we show up in relationship with ourselves and others.

Why students should attend

Leadership is increasingly about more than technical knowledge. The ability to understand yourself, communicate effectively, build trust, navigate complexity, and work well with others can shape your success in almost any field.

This session gives students an accessible introduction to developing those human skills while experiencing a leadership framework that honours both evidence-based emotional intelligence and Indigenous knowledge. Whether students see themselves as future entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, or changemakers, Smudge Leadership™ invites them to consider not simply what kind of work they want to do, but what kind of person they want to be while doing it.