This presentation invites attendees to engage in meaningful self-reflection and personal growth through a thoughtfully designed, interactive experience. Guided by activities and assessments, participants will define emotional intelligence and explore why it is an essential component of cultural self-awareness. The session helps leaders recognize how to manage their own emotions while intentionally influencing the emotional climate of those around them. Through relationship management and social awareness, emotional intelligence becomes a powerful tool for strengthening leadership effectiveness and credibility. Participants will: • Discover how to shift perceptions and better understand differences in others • Explore self-awareness and intentional emotional management • Identify and examine two major components of emotional intelligence that support authentic leadership • Demonstrate the power of empathy and learn strategies to address personal bias while building credibility • Discuss best practices for developing cultural competency