In a world where change is constant and pressure is high, emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as one of the most vital leadership skills of our time. For Kylie van Luyn- Global Expert in Workplace Inclusion, Psychological Safety, and Wellbeing- this isn’t just theory. It’s a mission rooted in both deep professional expertise and personal experience.
As the Founder of Elevated Coaching & Consulting Global, Kylie has spent years helping leaders transform their workplaces into environments where people feel safe, valued, and inspired. A Human Rights Consultant, Psychotherapist, and International Speaker, she brings a rare combination of evidence-based insight and heartfelt humanity to the conversation on leadership.
“The true measure of leadership isn’t what you achieve, but how safe, valued, and inspired the people around you feel,” Kylie shares. “Emotional intelligence isn’t optional- it’s the foundation of trust, innovation, and lasting success.”
Turning Pain into Purpose
Kylie’s passion for emotionally intelligent leadership didn’t come from textbooks—it came from lived experience. Earlier in her career, she endured workplace psychological abuse that left deep emotional scars. That painful chapter became her turning point.
“I know firsthand the damage caused when leaders lack empathy or create environments where people feel disrespected and unsafe,” she explains. “No one should have to sacrifice their mental health or dignity for a paycheck.”
Rather than letting that experience define her, Kylie chose to transform it. Today, she helps leaders understand the profound ripple effect of their behavior—and how leading with emotional intelligence can create psychologically safe workplaces where people can thrive.
The Heart of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership
In her book, 8 Qualities for Great Leadership: Critical Elements for Current and Future Success, Kylie explores what sets exceptional leaders apart. She identifies emotional intelligence as the thread connecting effective leadership, psychological safety, and organizational wellbeing.
“Leaders’ people are their greatest asset,” she says. “When leaders prioritize emotional intelligence self-awareness, empathy, and authentic connection they build trust and engagement, reduce burnout, and enhance retention.”
She emphasizes that emotional intelligence isn’t a “soft skill.” It’s a business-critical capability that drives measurable results in culture, morale, and performance. Through frameworks and practical strategies, Kylie helps leaders bring EI to life—turning insight into action.
Five Ways Leaders Can Strengthen Emotional Intelligence
Kylie offers five simple yet transformative practices for leaders ready to grow:
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Practice Self-Awareness Daily
Reflect on your emotions, triggers, and behaviors. Awareness allows you to lead with intention rather than reaction. -
Build Genuine Connections
Take time to truly listen. Empathy and authenticity build trust and belonging. -
Embrace Mindfulness and Presence
Pause before reacting. Mindful leadership helps you respond thoughtfully under pressure. -
Seek Constructive Feedback
Feedback reveals blind spots and fuels personal growth. -
Lead with Authenticity
Show vulnerability and integrity. Authentic leaders inspire confidence and psychological safety.
A Call to Rehumanize Leadership
The urgency of Kylie’s message is clear. Since the pandemic, record levels of burnout and disengagement have revealed a crisis in workplace culture. Employees no longer tolerate toxic leadership or environments that harm mental health.
“This is our moment of opportunity,” Kylie emphasizes. “Organizations that invest in emotionally intelligent leadership are becoming employers of choice. They attract top talent, foster innovation, and build sustainable success.”
Her approach is rooted in the belief that leadership is not about authority—it’s about humanity. By integrating empathy, self-awareness, and compassion into daily interactions, leaders can transform not only their teams but also their entire organizational ecosystem.
The Final Word
If there’s one truth Kylie wants every leader to remember, it’s this:
Leadership isn’t defined by titles or results- it’s defined by how people feel in your presence.
When you choose to lead with emotional intelligence, you do more than manage a team—you create a culture of safety, belonging, and brilliance. And that, Kylie reminds us, is the kind of leadership that changes lives.
More information on Kylie >>HERE<<
