June 1, 2026 
On Thursday, 21 May 2026, Polyglot Group welcomed business leaders and professionals to its Sydney HQ for an engaging breakfast roundtable. The roundtable was focused on one of today’s most critical workplace capabilities: emotional intelligence.
Titled “Why Emotional Intelligence Is Every Leader’s Superpower,” the session brought together attendees for a practical and interactive discussion on how emotional intelligence shapes leadership, strengthens collaboration, and enhances organisational performance.
The event was led by Claire Denut-Samuels, PCC, Global Head of HR at Polyglot Group, a leadership expert and executive coach with over 20 years of international experience supporting individuals and teams to thrive.
Moving Beyond “Soft Skills”
During the session, Claire challenged the common perception of emotional intelligence as merely a “soft skill,” positioning it instead as a core leadership competency.
Through real-world examples and guided discussions, participants explored how emotional intelligence directly impacts:
- Decision-making under pressure
- Communication effectiveness
- Team trust and engagement
- Adaptability in times of change
The roundtable format encouraged open dialogue, allowing attendees to exchange perspectives and reflect on their own leadership styles.
Claire Denut-Samuels, Global Head of HR for Polyglot Group
Attendees exchanging ideas during the Emotional Intelligence event at the Polyglot Group.
Key Takeaways from the Session
The discussion highlighted several practical insights that resonated strongly with participants:
- Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership: Understanding one’s own emotions enables clearer thinking and better decision-making.
- Emotion management supports resilience: Leaders who can regulate emotions are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change.
- Empathy strengthens team dynamics: Building genuine understanding fosters trust, engagement, and collaboration.
- Emotionally intelligent workplaces perform better: Organisations that prioritise emotional intelligence tend to be more adaptable, productive, and resilient.
These takeaways echo a growing body of leadership thinking that places emotional intelligence at the heart of sustainable business success.
Emotional Intelligence Workshop at the Polyglot Group’s Sydney Office
Continuing the Conversation
At Polyglot Group, we believe that building strong organisations starts with understanding people, and emotional intelligence plays a vital role in that journey.
This event is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting businesses with practical insights and tools that empower leaders and teams to perform at their best.
In order to explore this topic further, we invite you to read our related insights on “Emotional Intelligence in Leadership”. Get in touch with our team to continue the conversation around building emotionally intelligent workplaces.
