Strong workplace relationships are not built by chance; they are cultivated through emotional intelligence and intentional connection. This session integrates the proven strategies of Emotional Intelligence (EI) with the RELATE component of the Rappel: Break Through To A Better You framework, which focuses on building trust, fostering understanding, and strengthening communication. Participants will explore how to read both verbal and nonverbal cues, listen for what is said and unsaid, and respond in ways that deepen mutual respect and collaboration.

Attendees will gain practical tools to acknowledge and manage their own emotions, recognize emotional triggers in others, and use this awareness to create meaningful relationships that fuel performance. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, we will examine how empathy and active listening can transform workplace dynamics, reduce conflict, and increase engagement across in-person, hybrid, and remote teams. This powerful blend of EI and RELATE equips participants to bridge differences, create psychological safety, and lead with authenticity for lasting organizational success.

Joni makes a difference in the lives of others by tapping into their individual and collective potential, igniting them in their greatness for success. She collaborates with employees, sales professionals, leaders, and executives, and together they boost learning initiatives, sales, leadership, and achieve extraordinary results!

Joni has over 25 years in the learning and development space where she has delivered Miller Heiman’s Conceptual and Strategic Selling programs, DISC behavioral styles instruction, and Situational Leadership amongst a variety of other Professional Development curricula. Joni was selected and trained by Dr. Brené’ Brown as one of the first Certified Dare to LeadTM facilitators (CDTLF) in the world! She is also a published author of: “The Book of Road Tested Training Activities”, “Association for Talent Developments (ATD) Training Toolkit application”, and “101 More Ways to Make Training Active”, and her newest release, Rappel: Break Through To A Better You.

Joni is a biochemist by trade turned experiential facilitator, master trainer, executive coach, and professional speaker. Joni creates appealing learning engagements, and her superpower is cultivating safe spaces where leaders can let down their armor and authentically lead. Her experience encompasses effective leadership development, sales training, mentoring, and executive coaching. She holds a certificate in Women Centered Coaching, a professional coaching program specializing in empowering self-actualizing women one-on-one, she is also a Woman Centered professional facilitator leading extraordinary workshops, women’s circles, retreats, and more. Joni is the founder of the EncounterYouTM Luxury Women’s Experience, her flagship program for women leaders.

Ms. Goodman has been a featured speaker for the HR Houston Gulf Coast Symposium, ATD ICE, ATD Houston, ATD San Antonio, ATD Baton Rouge, Gulf Coast Diversity Council, Millipore Sigma, Invesco, CenterPoint Energy Women in Leadership, and Texas Executive Women (TEW) to name a few. She is the past president of the ATD Houston chapter, an Annual Leaders Conference Planning Advisory Committee chair (ALC PAC), and a past National Advisor for Chapters (NAC). She is also a facilitator for the ATD national organization and gives back by volunteering her time with the Texas Executive Women (TEW).

Joni is a graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future Business and Civic Leadership Forum. She was awarded as a Texas Executive Women (TEW) 2023 Women on The Move Honoree and received the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Houston Community Impact Award for her dedication and support to the talent development and training community.