Disruption and change are inevitable, but not every leader navigates them with equal success. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the often-overlooked skill that separates good leaders from transformative ones. A recent conversation with Kelly Marshall, President/CEO of Cascadia Credit Union and CUES Hall of Fame inductee, highlights how EQ—curiosity, perspective-taking, and empathy—helped guide one of British Columbia’s most complex three-way mergers. For Kelly, the merger’s success wasn’t
about systems and spreadsheets alone; it was about listening, building trust, and creating space for people to feel ownership in the journey.
This interview goes beyond theory, offering practical takeaways for executives who want to strengthen their EQ and lead change with confidence. From mapping the emotional impact of strategy to institutionalizing listening posts and practicing executive vulnerability, the lessons Kelly shares reflect a mindset that’s reshaping leadership across the industry. If you’ve ever wondered why some leaders thrive in times of uncertainty while others falter, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Click through to read more and watch the full interview.
