Traditional classroom-based learning—whether in person or virtual—continues to face mounting challenges: shrinking attention spans, time-constrained learners, and limited transfer to real-world behavior. In today’s increasing complex and time challenged workplace, we need new ways to teach leadership skills that stick—especially when it comes to essential skills like emotional intelligence (EQ).

In this practical and forward-thinking session, Drew Bird, EQ Master Trainer, and author of The Leader’s Guide to Emotional Intelligence, will explore alternative strategies for developing EQ in leaders using tools that meet people where they are. You’ll learn how formats like podcasts, short-form audio, e-books, and interactive scenario-based tools can create more flexible, engaging learning experiences. We’ll also look at the power of group coaching and social learning communities to deepen reflection and accountability.

The session will conclude with a live demonstration of how a community-based learning platform can be used to pull these elements together into a single, integrated learning environment.

Whether you’re a coach, facilitator, or L&D professional, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and proven tools to expand your EQ development toolbox—beyond the classroom.

Drew is an established leadership and organization development practitioner with more than two decades of experience coaching leaders, developing programs, and creating solutions that generate results. His broad exposure to organizations in a variety of sectors has allowed him to witness first-hand the difference that effective leaders, and effective leadership practices, can have on an organization and the people within it.

He is a Premier Partner and an approved Certifying Trainer for the EQ-i and EQ360 assessments by Multi-Health Systems (MHS), as well as the Risk Type Compass and the Hardiness Resilience Gauge. In addition, he holds certifications as an Achieve Global Master Trainer, is a qualified MBTI practitioner, and is certified in the Hogan HDS, HPI, and MVPI instruments.

Drew holds an MSc in Organizational Psychology from the University of London, England, and an MA in Leadership from Royal Roads University in Victoria, Canada. He is a member of the Canadian Psychological Society (CPA) and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).