What happens when success no longer feels meaningful?

In this episode of At Work With…, I’m joined by Rich Hua — former founder of EPIC Leadership at Amazon and creator of EQ@Amazon — to talk about emotional intelligence, non-linear careers, and why compassion sits at the heart of true leadership.

From immigrant beginnings to ministry, from Amazon to a bold new mission to bring EQ skills to a billion people, this conversation is thoughtful, human, and quietly powerful.

00:00 – Intro
Welcome to At Work With… + why this conversation matters

02:10 – Leaving Amazon & What’s Next
Why Rich chose to step into a new chapter

06:00 – Growing Up as an Immigrant
Early identity, language barriers, and empathy

10:30 – High IQ, Low EQ
What being “the smartest in the room” didn’t teach him

14:40 – Ministry & Missionary Work
How working with people shaped his emotional intelligence

19:45 – Reinventing a Career at 40
The Oracle story and betting on yourself

25:30 – Building EQ@Amazon
How a side passion became a global movement

30:50 – EPIC Leadership
Empathy, Purpose, Inspiration & Connection explained

35:40 – Compassion as Leadership
Why EQ matters more than ever in an AI-driven world

39:30 – EQ for a Billion People
Rich’s vision for the future

43:30 – Quick-Fire Round
Personal, fun, and reflective questions

47:30 – Closing Reflections
What success really means now

⏱️ Episode Chapters / TimestampsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richhua/

Substack: https://substack.com/@richardhua