It’s not every day you come across a conversation that makes you rethink how leadership and business intersect, but that’s exactly what happened during an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast. We had the privilege of hosting Blair Carey, Managing Partner at Inside CRO, whose approach to emotional intelligence (EQ) offers a compelling roadmap for fostering trust, connection, and sustainable growth in the workplace.

From Coaching Rowers to Coaching Teams

Blair’s background in competitive rowing — and later as a high-performance coach — has profoundly shaped his leadership style. He didn’t just teach athletes to row; he taught them to row together. This idea translates beautifully to the business world: success comes when individuals move in sync toward a common goal. During the podcast, Blair shared how he brings this ethos into his leadership, emphasizing the importance of empathy, active listening, and collaboration.

Key Insight: Great leaders don’t direct; they inspire and align. Think of yourself as the coach who steers the team, not the one shouting orders from the sidelines.

Breaking Down the Lone Wolf Myth

Every sales team has its “lone wolf” — the high performer who thrives independently. While their results might impress, their isolation can stifle team growth. Blair shared how he helped integrate a lone wolf into a broader team vision, transforming individual excellence into collective success.

Takeaway: Connection is key. Even your most independent team members can flourish within a shared vision when they feel heard and valued.

Looking Beyond the Metrics

Blair reminded us of something we often overlook: numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Behind every metric is a person, and behind every person is a story. He stressed the importance of celebrating progress, no matter how small, as a way to motivate and engage.

Try This: Instead of focusing on where someone falls short, highlight how far they’ve come. Celebrate the gains, not just the goals.

EQ and the Remote Work Revolution

The shift to remote work has reshaped how teams connect. During the episode, Blair shared practical strategies to maintain cohesion in virtual environments, from hosting regular one-on-ones to organizing creative team activities.

Quick Tips:

• Use tools like Slack for asynchronous but personal communication.
• Plan virtual book clubs or workshops to foster connection.
• Whenever possible, prioritize in-person meetups to deepen team bonds.

Service as Leadership

Blair believes that leadership is ultimately about service — helping others succeed so the organization as a whole can thrive. His goal as a leader? To make himself irrelevant by empowering his team to take the reins.

Reflection: What would happen if you approached every interaction as an opportunity to serve? This simple mindset shift could transform your leadership style.

Measuring the Immeasurable

How do you quantify the impact of emotional intelligence? Blair pointed to metrics like employee retention, client loyalty, and repeat business. When people feel connected, results follow.

Food for Thought: EQ might feel intangible, but its effects show up in tangible ways — happier teams, stronger client relationships, and better business outcomes.

Final Thoughts: Love as a Business Strategy

Some might balk at the idea of love in business, but Blair reframed it beautifully during our conversation. Love isn’t about being soft; it’s about being real. It’s about recognizing the humanity in every decision, interaction, and goal.

Challenge: How can you infuse empathy and care into your daily work? Start small. Listen more. Celebrate often. Lead with your heart as much as your head.

As Blair Carey said on the podcast: “We’re in service of each other.” In a world dominated by metrics and margins, this simple truth is a breath of fresh air — and a reminder that empathy isn’t just good for business; it’s essential.

Check out the conversation with Blair Carey on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog