In this deep and insightful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Joshua Freedman to explore emotions, emotional intelligence, and the journey toward emotional wisdom.In a world facing rising burnout, declining empathy, and emotional overload, Joshua brings decades of research and lived experience to help us understand what emotions really are and how they shape who we are, how we lead, and how we perform. From childhood experiences and unmet emotional needs to leadership, burnout, and compassion, this conversation moves beyond theory into practical, human application.Together, Utkarsh and Joshua unpack how emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotions, but about learning to recognize, interpret, and use emotional data wisely. The episode offers a powerful shift from reacting on autopilot to pausing, choosing consciously, and leading with purpose, presence, and compassion.The episode dives into:- What emotions really are and why they matter- The difference between emotional intelligence and emotional wisdom- How unmet emotional needs lead to burnout- Why compassion and validation matter more than fixing- The role of emotions in leadership and decision-making- How values conflict and why prioritization is essential- Practical steps to build emotional intelligence every day- Why staying open-hearted matters more than everKey Takeaways:✅ Emotions are fundamental to identity and performance✅ Understanding emotions improves personal and professional outcomes✅ Emotional intelligence means recognizing, appraising, and using emotional data✅ Emotional growth is gradual and requires daily practice✅ Compassion and validation are more powerful than fixing✅ Burnout often comes from unmet emotional needs✅ Emotional intelligence can be measured and scaled in organizations✅ Values frequently conflict and leaders must choose wisely✅ Pausing before reacting unlocks growth✅ Staying open-hearted and in love with life sustains wellbeingAbout Joshua FreedmanJoshua Freedman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Six Seconds, a global emotional intelligence network reaching over 10 million people across 150+ countries. A globally recognized EQ expert and bestselling author, Josh has spent more than 25 years making emotions practical, measurable, and strategic for leaders and organizations.Through Six Seconds, more than one million people have used the Emotional Intelligence Assessment and other psychometric tools he developed to make the people-side of performance visible, measurable, and scalable. His work has impacted organizations including Amazon, FedEx, Microsoft, Intel, the U.S. Navy, the United Nations, and WHO, driving outcomes such as higher engagement, stronger decision-making, and greater resilience.Josh is also the Director of The State of the Heart, the world’s largest ongoing study of emotional intelligence, which revealed the global emotional recession affecting workplaces today. A Master Certified Coach (ICF) and author of seven books, his upcoming release Emotion Rules: The Science and Practice of Emotional Wisdom (March 10, 2026) offers a practical framework to decode emotions and transform them into wisdom.Known for a grounded, authentic style, Joshua blends neuroscience, data, and real-world stories to help leaders build cultures where people and performance flourish together.📌 Follow Joshua FreedmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-freedmanSix Seconds: https://www.6seconds.org/🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation helped you understand yourself and others more deeply.Hashtags:#JoshuaFreedman #IgnitedNeuronsPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #EmotionalWisdom #BurnoutRecovery