Emotional Intelligence Is Your Superpower: Lessons from My Conversation with Shara Goswick

When I landed my dream job straight out of college, it wasn’t because I was the best writer or had the most technical skills.

It was because I utilized emotional intelligence (EQ).

In a recent interview on the Life Stories Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Shara Goswick and talk about how emotional intelligence shaped every step of my career, from landing an unpaid internship in New York City to becoming VP of Operations at a digital agency, to launching The Independence Lab for Gen Z women like you.

Here’s what we covered, and why I believe EQ might be the most underrated career skill in the game.

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The Skill That Quietly Powered My Career

Like a lot of people, I didn’t know what emotional intelligence was at first. I couldn’t have defined it for you back when I was 22 and just getting started.

But I felt it.

I could sense when my boss needed me to take something off her plate, even if she didn’t say it. I knew how to talk to clients in a way that made them feel heard. I learned to manage my emotions in high-pressure situations, like a job interview where I completely blanked on a question—and still landed the role.

Looking back, I realized that EQ was the thing that quietly gave me the edge.

That’s why I started The Independence Lab. Not just to give you job application tips and budgeting checklists (though we’ve got those), but to teach you how to build confidence, navigate stress, and show up with intention. That’s how you build a career that lasts.

Why EQ Matters More Than You Think

During our conversation, Shara asked me about the workplace “secrets” no one talks about. Here’s one that surprised her: you don’t need to be the best at your technical skill to move up.

What sets people apart, especially if you want to move into leadership roles, is emotional intelligence.

Think about it. If you’re brilliant but you can’t communicate your ideas clearly, build relationships, or handle feedback, you’re going to hit a ceiling. Fast.

But if you can:

Stay calm under pressure

Respond to mistakes with humility

Lead meetings with empathy and clarity

…then you become the kind of person people want to work with—and promote.

The EQ5 Framework

So how do you actually develop emotional intelligence?

I shared my EQ5 Success Framework on the show. It’s the foundation of what I teach at The Independence Lab, and it’s helped so many young women build confidence in the workplace without faking it.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Self-Mastery

Set a phone alarm twice a day to ask: “How am I feeling right now?” Noticing your emotions helps you manage them more effectively—and stop them from managing you.

2. Stability Under Pressure

When you’re caught off guard in a meeting or interview, take a breath. Buy yourself time. Show that you can stay composed. That’s what happened in my first NYC interview; I asked to circle back on a question, and that pause impressed the hiring manager so much, she created a role for me.

3. Social Intelligence

Pay attention to the power dynamics around you. Who influences decisions? Who gets heard? Learning the unwritten rules of your workplace helps you navigate it more effectively.

4. Strategic Communication

Practice public speaking. Volunteer for a presentation. Join a Toastmasters group. Clear, confident communication is a skill anyone can learn, and it pays off exponentially in your career.

5. Smart Money Moves

Financial wellness is emotional wellness. If your money situation is stressing you out, it will affect your focus, performance, and confidence. Start tracking your spending and building habits now. Your future self will thank you.

Let’s Talk About Mistakes

Shara also asked me about early career mistakes, and I didn’t hold back.

I shared the story of missing a press deadline during my first week as managing editor. It was a huge error, and I felt terrible. But what I did next mattered more than the mistake itself.

I owned it. I apologized. And I told my boss exactly what I’d do to make sure it didn’t happen again.

That response helped me gain more trust in the long run. Not less.

We’re all going to mess up at some point. The key is how you handle it.

Confidence + Curiosity > Credentials

Here’s the truth no one told me at 22: you don’t need to have the perfect resume. You don’t need to wait until you feel "ready."

You need to be curious. You need to be confident in your ability to learn. That’s what hiring managers are looking for.

In fact, I shared this advice for new grads at the end of the episode:

“Curiosity and confidence will get you further than your credentials.”

It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being the kind of person who’s ready to ask the right questions and show you're willing to put the work in to grow.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Start practicing the EQ5 framework
2. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth
3. Subscribe to The Independence Lab newsletter