Ep. 36 - What Leaders Can Learn from SEL in Schools with Dr. Jessica Hoffmann, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
What can today’s leaders learn from the way we teach emotional intelligence in schools?
In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jessica Hoffmann, Assistant Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and Director of Research at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Jessica’s work explores how social and emotional learning (SEL) — through Yale’s flagship programs RULER and inspirED — improves school climate, boosts creativity, and strengthens well-being for students and educators alike.
But the lessons don’t stop at the classroom door. In our conversation, Jessica explains how the same SEL practices that empower adolescents can also help leaders build healthier, more resilient organizations. From learning to regulate emotions under stress, to cultivating climates where people feel safe and supported, her research offers practical insights for anyone tasked with guiding teams through complexity and change.
We cover:
Why adolescence is a powerful mirror for understanding growth and regulation in adults.
What leaders can borrow from SEL frameworks like RULER to improve collaboration and decision-making.
How emotion skills shape culture — whether in a school or a workplace.
Practical strategies for weaving emotional intelligence into leadership practice.
Jessica reminds us that emotional intelligence isn’t an “extra” for leaders — it’s foundational. If young people need these skills to thrive, so do the adults responsible for shaping our workplaces and communities.
Whether you’re a CEO, educator, or team lead, this episode will challenge you to see leadership through the lens of emotional learning — and to recognize that the best leaders never stop growing.
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At CivilTalk, we help leaders and teams grow through emotional intelligence, intentional communication, and real-world tools for human-centered leadership. Explore our resources, podcast episodes and AI Assisted ORGTALK designed to bring more civility, presence, and clarity into the workplace and beyond.
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