Welcome to Six Seconds’ Americas region! On this page, meet members of the team in North America & Latin America, see upcoming events, and view recent articles.

Para obtener información en español, consulte esp.6seconds.org

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Joshua Freedman

Joshua Freedman

Chief Executive Officer

My Noble Goal is... To inspire compassionate wisdom.
My work is about... People! Coaching, storytelling, aligning, researching.
Professional accomplishments include...
... As a...Read More

Joshua Freedman

Joshua Freedman

Chief Executive Officer

My Noble Goal is... To inspire compassionate wisdom.

My work is about... People! Coaching, storytelling, aligning, researching.

Professional accomplishments include...

... As a cofounder of Six Seconds, I've led emotional intelligence programs in 50+ countries, and supported the startup of dozens of team to grow EQ around the globe, and together we've built a thriving community that's engaged over 7 million people to learn & grow emotional intelligence.

... I've written five books, scores of articles and case studies, and six psychometric assessments supporting people to grow emotional intelligence by measuring what matters.

... Partnering with leaders, I've cocreated numerous EQ development programs for organizations such as FedEx, the US Navy, HSBC, Intel, Amazon, and the United Nations, all with measurable results in strengthening the people-side of performance - I hope you'll check out the case study library.

... Together with an incredibly heartful global team, I'm proud that we are partners with UNICEF World Children's Day to bring emotional intelligence insights to millions of young people for free. This joyful and creative program supports wellbeing and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: POP-UP Festival


A few past experiences...
Before joining Six Seconds I started multiple businesses, including becoming a licensed building contractor. I first learned about emotional intelligence as a middle school teacher and administrator at Nueva School the same year Daniel Goleman came to visit (and then he wrote about the approach as one of two model programs in the world). I also worked as a stage manager and technical director in theater.


One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….
There's a moment when people realize their emotions matter... and they have choice about their own feelings, thoughts & actions... and I relish the spark that shines in those times. Freedom. Authenticity. Purpose.

Pronouns... he/him. Background... I grew up in Berkeley, California, and now live in a small rural town. For the last 10 years pre-pandemic, I was traveling internationally, 'on the road' for more than half of each year.


Favorite...
 I love cooking, and recently learned to make a great pizza.


I'd love to talk to you about ...
Emotions, neuroscience, change, leadership, the SDGs... and coaching.

Corralitos,California,United States
Anabel Jensen, PhD

Anabel Jensen, PhD

President

With over 30 years of pioneering work in emotional intelligence education, Anabel is an inspiring and caring speaker who helps people find the best in themselves and each other. An...Read More

Anabel Jensen, PhD

Anabel Jensen, PhD

President

With over 30 years of pioneering work in emotional intelligence education, Anabel is an inspiring and caring speaker who helps people find the best in themselves and each other. Anabel says people pay attention to less than 30% of what you say, but 70% of what you do, so she models the lessons she teaches.

Anabel was the principal of Nueva School when Daniel Goleman came and wrote about the model emotional intelligence program there; under her guidance the school also won two Federal Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence in Education. She’s started two schools, together with Karen McCown, founded the remarkable lab school educating future change makers: Synapse.

As the Founding President of Six Seconds EQ Network, Dr. Jensen has co-authored four books on teaching EQ, written numerous articles, and trained over 15,000 educators and leaders around the globe. She has taught the principles of emotional intelligence all over the country and beyond.

Anabel is the lead author of the SEI-YV, Six Seconds’ emotional intelligence assessment for children. She’s coauthor of Self-Science, the emotional intelligence curriculum, as well as numerous articles, books, an programs including  Trust or Doubt: Essential Strategies to Co-Create Thriving Teaching Teams, the Think Feel Act Cards, and A Teacher’s Daily Dose of Optimism: Your EQ Prescription for Thriving, as well a numerous articles offering practical inspiration to use emotional intelligence -- please see this archive of Anabel’s blog on 6seconds.org

In addition to her leadership at Six Seconds, she is Emeritus Professor of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University. Her background includes the teaching and supervising of instruction from preschool to the university level. Anabel received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. Her interests include a passion for reading, the building and consuming of gourmet desserts, the construction of various hand-crafted projects, and surfing the net for new ideas. She is very active in a variety of church and community service projects. She has one son, Caleb.

USA
Patty Freedman

Patty Freedman

Creative Director

My Noble Goal is... To use my voice so that others may use theirs
My work is about... telling stories with colors, data and words to help people make friends with their emotions
...Read More

Patty Freedman

Patty Freedman

Creative Director

My Noble Goal is... To use my voice so that others may use theirs

My work is about... telling stories with colors, data and words to help people make friends with their emotions

Professional accomplishments include...

... Director of POP-UP Festival in partnership with UNICEF World Children's Day reaching 3M children and families to support their emotional wellbeing and take action for the Sustainable Development goals

... Keynote Speaker at the first United Nations conference on Emotional Intelligence

... Co-Creator Six Seconds Youtube Channel

... Leading a fantastic team of people in Six Seconds' marketing and communications team - reaching over 1.5 million people per year on our website alone

 

 A few past experiences... I'm a visual thinker and endlessly curious about the world. I'm an avid podcast listener and love to bring new ideas, research and stories to our team.

Nothing makes me happier than working on a big creative project. I especially like opportunities for Six Seconds to partner with other organizations to deliver experiences to a global audience.

I'm endlessly grateful for our Six Seconds community and the time I've spent traveling learning how much we have in common. Although I've spent less time in airports in the last couple of years, I've been energized by the innovative ways we've learned to connect using technology.

As a former 4-6th grade classroom teacher and professor of Education, I love writing project based curriculum giving students real life outcomes. Helping students make meaning from books, mentors, and lived experience was the thread that led me to emotional intelligence.

 

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….I've seen how children and families benefit from learning more about emotions. Emotional intelligence is like love-- the more you have the more you can give to others.

Pronouns... she/her and I hope you'll feel comfortable to share your's with me

Favorite... My favorite podcast is.... Radiolab. I know that I'm rockin oldschool with that but they craft science, music, smart writing and wonder together in just the right inviting mix

I'd love to talk to you about ... I love talking about data visualizations. I am a sucker for a great infographic

Ask me about...  chocolate banana bread with chocolate ganache. It's our staff's favorite celebration cake

Santa Cruz,CA,United States
Hala Jimenez

Hala Jimenez

Program Manager, Certification

My work is about... Engaging people in North America in the EQ Network to support their continued work with emotional intelligence.
A few past experiences... Before joining Six Se...Read More

Hala Jimenez

Hala Jimenez

Program Manager, Certification

My work is about... Engaging people in North America in the EQ Network to support their continued work with emotional intelligence.

A few past experiences... Before joining Six Seconds, I was a middle school math teacher for 9 years, a website UI designer in a start up, and a business manager in the healthcare industry. 

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. I'm passionate about emotional intelligence because at the end of the day relationships are what matter most in my life and I have seen the positive impact EQ has had in my life firsthand.

Pronouns, ... she/her/hers

Favorite... My favorite ice cream is mocha almond fudge. My favorite place to travel is France. My favorite flower is the dahlia!

I'd love to talk to you about ... How Six Seconds tools and methods can serve your work -- and the remarkable professional certification pathways

Austin,TX,United States
Jeff Kinsley

Jeff Kinsley

Director EQ Biz, Americas

My Noble Goal is...Learning to accept and appreciate everyday
My work is about...Supporting Business with the advancement of emotional Intelligence
Professional accomplishments i...Read More

Jeff Kinsley

Jeff Kinsley

Director EQ Biz, Americas

My Noble Goal is...Learning to accept and appreciate everyday

My work is about...Supporting Business with the advancement of emotional Intelligence

Professional accomplishments include...I have led multiple change efforts, centered around EQ, for FedEx during the last 15 years. I have been a host speaker for the SHRM conference on the topic of emotional intelligence.

A few past experiences... Before joining Six Seconds, I worked as a Managing Director for Learning and Development for FedEx serving both domestic and international locations, also during this time I served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for South Florida, and volunteered for the Tech to Youth program for Miami.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….I advocate so strongly for emotional intelligence because I have seen a tremendous difference it has made in my life both professionally and personally. Prior to learning through Six Seconds, I had no ideas of the patterns in which I reacted to life's situations. I know I still have much to learn, but now I better understand my life choices. It does make a difference.

Favorite... My favorite past times are playing golf, especially with my son, and hopefully one day with my grandkids and traveling with my wife (and any other family member) to new and old adventures.

I'd love to talk to you about ... Actually I ask questions and listen better than I talk, so if you ever want to bounce some ides off of me, feel free to strike up a conversation. I promise I will do my best to keep up.

"Whether you think you can or think you can't... either way you are right"
- Henry Ford

Miami,Florida,United States
Michael Eatman, MAE,  CDP,  PCC

Michael Eatman, MAE, CDP, PCC

DEI-EQ Strategist

My Noble Goal is... Living, Leading, Lighting the way for the world we need
My work is about... Supporting intercultural capacity building through emotional intelligence a...Read More

Michael Eatman, MAE,  CDP,  PCC

Michael Eatman, MAE, CDP, PCC

DEI-EQ Strategist

My Noble Goal is... Living, Leading, Lighting the way for the world we need

My work is about... Supporting intercultural capacity building through emotional intelligence and cultural awareness

Professional accomplishments include... I have co-developed Coaching Equity Essentials, which helps coaches expand their coaching presence, practice, skillsets and toolboxes for justice & equity -- and is ICF accredited. I work with Six Seconds on a variety of initiatives supporting schools and other organizations to build leadership capacity. I co-authored the Disrupting Bias EQ Café which introduced concepts around EQ+Equity to 1000s of people in 200+ cities around the world. Through our partnership with Columbia University, I've been honored to support cohorts of educational leaders as they work to create great places to learn.

A few past experiences... I served as a director of diversity in K-20 learning environments for over 2 decades

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. it has supported my ability to communicate more clearly the impact of cross cultural collisions.

Pronouns... he/him

Favorite... My favorite genre is personal development

I'd love to talk to you about ... how to engage emotions in intercultural situations

Haverhill,MA,United States
Michael Miller

Michael Miller

Senior Content Manager

My Noble Goal is... To inspire sustainable joy
My work is about... To make helpful information about emotional intelligence accessible to all.
Professional accomplishments includ...Read More

Michael Miller

Michael Miller

Senior Content Manager

My Noble Goal is... To inspire sustainable joy

My work is about... To make helpful information about emotional intelligence accessible to all.

Professional accomplishments include... I am the author of hundreds of blog posts and case studies on emotional intelligence (please see the archive).

 A few past experiences... Before joining Six Seconds, I worked on an organic farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. I also traveled widely with my lovely wife, Maria, in Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. I'm personally passionate about emotional intelligence because I think most cultures' expectations and norms around emotions drives suffering - and is totally preventable.

Pronouns... he/him

Favorite... My favorite places to travel are Italy and Guatemala.

I'd love to talk to you about ... If you're interested in optimism and its limitless potential to change our lives, I'd love to talk to you about it!

St. Louis,MO,United States
Daniel Choi, M.Ed.

Daniel Choi, M.Ed.

Research Analyst

My Noble Goal is... To bridge the research-to-practice gap in psychology and education.
My work is about... Support and facilitate the effective use of Emotional Intelligence tool...Read More

Daniel Choi, M.Ed.

Daniel Choi, M.Ed.

Research Analyst

My Noble Goal is... To bridge the research-to-practice gap in psychology and education.

My work is about... Support and facilitate the effective use of Emotional Intelligence tools and assessments.

A few past experiences...Before joining Six Seconds, I worked as a behavioral therapist at a clinic in Southern California, administering ABA services to child, adolescent, and young adult clients. Shortly after, I moved out to Texas to pursue a doctorate in the field of School Psychology. There I had the opportunity to learn about psychological assessments and evaluations, as well as practice therapy as a Graduate Student Clinician. During this time, I also worked as a research assistant, studying the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and the use of assessments for improving student outcomes.

Pronouns... he/him

Favorite... My favorite simple pleasures are a cup of coffee in the morning and watching sunsets. Bonus points if either is happening at the beach!

San Diego,California,USA
Eduardo Gonzalez

Eduardo Gonzalez

Director of EQBiz, LatAm

My Noble Goal is... Support people to achieve their transformation, through my own transformation
My work is about... Generate that more people access and practice emotional intel...Read More

Eduardo Gonzalez

Eduardo Gonzalez

Director of EQBiz, LatAm

My Noble Goal is... Support people to achieve their transformation, through my own transformation

My work is about... Generate that more people access and practice emotional intelligence in Latin America

Professional accomplishments include... Be with more than 5000 professionals and teenagers on the way to discovering their passion, vision, and mission. Be part of the first Latin American emotional intelligence summit in 2019 in Mexico. Being able to integrate the Six Seconds model with the Ontological Coaching Model to create programs, accompany people and organizations from there.

A few past experiences... I started to live off law, working closely with the first case of civil repair from Peru to USA and fight protecting the rights of the Peruvian families. After that, I started to dedicate my life to photography and from there I got a step closer to my real passion. Photographing, for me, was starting to see different perspectives of what or who I had in front of me; that let me realize there are many different ways and angles to see life. After working with organizations and having titles as Director and CEO, run and broke my own business and built a new one; I decided to focus on my dream: Make this world a place where it's worth living, where my kids can feel comfortable in being part of.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….I think emotional intelligence can get you out of any mess you can get into! It can help you save lives and above all save yours

Pronouns, Background... He; I'm a dreamer 

Favorite... My favorite is take photos, and imagine what the final photo would be like after each training session. This is why what I create I do thinking or composing that moment

I'd love to talk to you about ... I love talking people about happiness and dreams, and after that I start talk about EQ

Lima,Peru
Fiorella Velarde, M.Ed, PCC

Fiorella Velarde, M.Ed, PCC

Regional Network Director, Latin America

My Noble Goal is... I want to model and infuse joy, laughter and inclusion throughout the planet
My work is about... Increasing our community members in LATAM so we can benefit mo...Read More

Fiorella Velarde, M.Ed, PCC

Fiorella Velarde, M.Ed, PCC

Regional Network Director, Latin America

My Noble Goal is... I want to model and infuse joy, laughter and inclusion throughout the planet

My work is about... Increasing our community members in LATAM so we can benefit more people with our assessments and EQ Model

Professional accomplishments include... I started building the foundation for Six Seconds's presence in Latin America making resources available in the local language, reaching out for new members, forging exciting alliances, and bringing to the region live and virtual certifications fully in Spanish. I have also co led and co organized the first Leaders Worth Following Conference in Lima, Peru (2019) and the very first EQ Six Seconds summit in the Latin American region which congregated participants, network members and preferred partners from all continents in Mexico City. (2020). My intention for 2022, aside from working on keeping growth in the LATAM region, is about harnessing the relevance and powerful influence of EQ to expand the conversation to more topics related to wellbeing such as relationships, parenting, and aging.

 A few past experiences...I started my life as an entrepreneur when I was 17 years old, becoming really profitable by the age of 23, and always invested my hard earned savings traveling around the world. Also, I, once, was a stellar sales director for a company selling soulless high end watches.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….the way in which I've been invited to connect with feelings intentionally; not just driven by impulse or whim. EQ has brought an immense sense of self worth and belonging that has empowered me to be ME, and keep working actively and committedly in healing my body, mind and heart.

Background...I am human going by she/her

Favorite... Mint chocolate. Passion. Cold Showers. Always learning something new.

I'd love to talk to you about ... emotional intelligence, trauma informed coaching, power of neuroplasticity and somatic experience. And, also, about art, travel, and philosophy.

Boca Raton,Florida,United States
Joanna Brewster, ACC

Joanna Brewster, ACC

Network Leader Coordinator- North America

My Noble Goal is... to foster Empathy, Love and Kindness for deeper connection and understanding of ourselves and others
My work is about... Building community and supporting NL's...Read More

Joanna Brewster, ACC

Joanna Brewster, ACC

Network Leader Coordinator- North America

My Noble Goal is... to foster Empathy, Love and Kindness for deeper connection and understanding of ourselves and others

My work is about... Building community and supporting NL's to share EQ within their communities

Professional accomplishments include... I've been honored to co-create and lead EQ workshops for individuals (youth and adults) and organizations on a variety of EQ topics; my favorite being Empathy and Leadership. I am a cofounder of some EQ projects and collaborations including- EQ in You and The Empathy Incubator, both which seek to share EQ with individuals and organizations. As part of Six Seconds Climate of Emotions online conference in 2021 I co-created and led a creative workshop on Empathy and I've facilitated many activities with youth for World Children's Day Pop Up festival in 2020 and 2021.

 A few past experiences...Before joining Six Seconds, while navigating life and exploring my purpose, I had the pleasure of gaining and sharing knowledge in several different roles which included: facilitating body image and leadership workshops for youth, studying and teaching yoga (also a part of my healing journey for managing chronic pain), a run as a marketing manager for a top Microsoft partner, and a fashion designer and production manager for an athletic wear company. Before I learned the art of slowing down, I also juggled several of my own business ventures including a handmade jewelry business, a greeting card company, that used quotes and my fashion illustrations to promote confidence and self love, and was co-owner of a landscaping company. Each experience has given me an unforgettable reward.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….we all want to feel seen, heard and understood. Imagine if we all got that chance and learned how to offer that and feel that from a young age...What would our world look like? Emotional intelligence allows me (us) to take the moment to pause and respond rather than react... get curious rather than judgmental... That's the moment we're given to use the wisdom of our emotions to make a choice, and offer each other this gift of feeling seen, heard and understood. This is just one reason I love EQ so much, there are SO many.

Pronouns... she/her

Favorite... my favorite way to restore and come back to balance is alone time next to the ocean

I'd love to talk to you about ... Emotions, relationships (all kinds), human experiences- hearing and sharing stories, human behavior, the big vision, coaching and personal growth, and uncovering your truest self- What does the whisper in your heart say?

Passion project... I love creating and sharing digital stories that connect us or allow us to learn from others experience. I have created two short videos: one about finding my voice, and one about being a white mom of bi-racial children. What would your story be about?

Vancouver,BC,Canada
Jenny Wiley

Jenny Wiley

Operations Director

My Noble Goal is... Sharing the skills of emotional intelligence for more compassion, love, joy and happiness in the world
My work is about... Supporting educators, facilitators, ...Read More

Jenny Wiley

Jenny Wiley

Operations Director

My Noble Goal is... Sharing the skills of emotional intelligence for more compassion, love, joy and happiness in the world

My work is about... Supporting educators, facilitators, coaches and members in the Six Seconds EQ Network to utilize the tools and resources available

Professional accomplishments include... ICF ACC Coach. I joined Six Seconds in 2009 and have supported the growth of our EQ Store since then, as well as countless courses, conferences, and learning programs. I've conducted training and webinars on emotional intelligence, but my real passion is helping others find the tools they need to create transformational learning.

 A few past experiences...With a lifelong passion for holistic health, the power of empathy and an optimistic outlook, I was enchanted and thrilled to find the community of Six Seconds. After growing up in Sacramento, CA, I earned my BA at UC Santa Barbara, moved to Kauai, becoming a personal vegetarian chef, and spent time traveling in South East Asia where I studied Nature Cure, Ayurveda and Yoga, in Almora, India. After returning to California, I met my husband and became Co-Proprietor of Roses of Yesterday, where we specialize in growing old, rare and unusual roses. While raising my son, I spent a few years earning my teaching credential and teaching Adult Education at Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Watsonville, CA. In 2009, I joined Six Seconds, becoming an ICF ACC accredited EQ Coach and continue to work supporting the incredible network of change makers.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….these skills help youth and adults find more peace, joy, love and purpose.

Pronouns, background... She/Her, lover of beauty, art, good food and swimming

I'd love to talk to you about ... how to better support youth, utilizing the tools and resources Six Seconds has to offer.

Santa Cruz,California,United States
Ilaria Boffa

Ilaria Boffa

EQ Education & Community Manager, Europe

My Noble Goal is... Co-design and collaborate to enable sustainable landscapes using Poetry, EQ and Ecological Agency
My work is about... supporting EQ Communities around th...Read More

Ilaria Boffa

Ilaria Boffa

EQ Education & Community Manager, Europe

My Noble Goal is... Co-design and collaborate to enable sustainable landscapes using Poetry, EQ and Ecological Agency

My work is about... supporting EQ Communities around the world and designing & facilitating programs for Educators and Network Leaders. 

Professional accomplishments include...  I am one of the co-authors of the latest release of Self Science (the Six Seconds SEL curriculum) and one of the co-designers of the new EQ Educator pathway. I have onboarded over 400 Network Leaders since this Six Seconds role has been created. 


A few past experiences... 
Before joining Six Seconds I worked as an HR manager inside multinational corporations for 15 years. I'm a poet and a tai chi teacher.


One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….
It unlocks our full potential as human beings

Pronouns... she/her 


Favorite...
My favourite living poet is Anne Carson


I'd love to talk to you about ...
If you're interested in knowing more about the power of connection, community and collective co-creation through EQ, I'd love to talk to you about it!

Padua,Italy
Brian C. Armbrust

Brian C. Armbrust

Senior Consultant and Facilitator

My Noble Goal is... Nourish & Embolden Our Spark
My work is about... Connecting with partners to build communities to grow emotional intelligence around the world
Professiona...Read More

Brian C. Armbrust

Brian C. Armbrust

Senior Consultant and Facilitator

My Noble Goal is... Nourish & Embolden Our Spark

My work is about... Connecting with partners to build communities to grow emotional intelligence around the world

Professional accomplishments include... I'm working to create workshops that connect youth from the QUILTBAG community to the power within. My work in EQ has included workshops in community healthcare helping leaders and managers make more effective decisions. I have also worked to integrate approaches to using EQ within Lean/Six Sigma change efforts.

A few past experiences...Before joining Six Seconds, I walked many paths. I was a professional opera singer and adjunct instructor of music, I am a published composer, I have started three nonprofit organizations (two in music and one in EQ), and I was the Artist Liaison at Houston Grand Opera and a Managerial Associate at IMG Artists.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. I love without hesitation, with no reservations. EQ has helped me feed that love and grow my own spark, allowing me to connect deeply and unabashedly with the people around me. Let's connect, let's love, let's grow!

Pronouns, Background... My pronouns are he/they. I identify as a queer gender-expansive person

Favorite... My favorite movie is Bedknobs and Broomsticks

I'd love to talk to you about ... I believe in practicing radical love. I focus on empowering members of the QUILTBAG community. Let's connect and talk about identity and EQ!

Metro Atlanta,Georgia,United States
Mariaelena Welch, MA, PCC, EQCC

Mariaelena Welch, MA, PCC, EQCC

Lead Coach, EQ Coach Certification

My Noble Goal is... To empower and connect us to the wisdom that will bring peace
My work is about... Supporting coaches and coaches-in-training to grow their skills, confidence, ...Read More

Mariaelena Welch, MA, PCC, EQCC

Mariaelena Welch, MA, PCC, EQCC

Lead Coach, EQ Coach Certification

My Noble Goal is... To empower and connect us to the wisdom that will bring peace

My work is about... Supporting coaches and coaches-in-training to grow their skills, confidence, joy, and impact

Professional accomplishments include... I've co-created and continue to co-facilitated Six Seconds' Coaching Equity Essentials course - a course that alumni have expressed was transformative in their relationship with their own identity and helped them become more courageous and equity-conscious in their coaching conversations.

 A few past experiences...Prior to coaching, I was an executive and leader for 20+ years in companies both large and small. I began my career as a mechanical engineer, but my talent for managing complex people and issues led to leadership roles, where I gained extensive experience in management, sales and business development, software and product development, and operations.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. I've seen first hand how leaning into our own and others' emotions builds trust and creates a bridge for deeper connection and more sustainable change

Pronouns, background... She/Her. I identify as female, mother, wife, Latina, multi-racial, and change-maker

Favorite... My favorite guilty pleasure is trashy, historical romance novels. Open to any and all recommendations 🙂 

I'd love to talk to you about ... how our emotions contain wisdom about ourselves and about others and how to really feel and evoke that wisdom

Reflection... I'm a better mom, daughter, sister, wife, friend, and colleague because of the generosity of spirit in Six Seconds and their extended EQ community that feels like family

Santa Barbara,California,United States
Issac M Carter, PhD

Issac M Carter, PhD

DEI & EQ Consultant

My Noble Goal is... To partner with people to make a better world
My work is about... Expand our understanding of culture, emotional intelligence, and coaching
Professional accom...Read More

Issac M Carter, PhD

Issac M Carter, PhD

DEI & EQ Consultant

My Noble Goal is... To partner with people to make a better world

My work is about... Expand our understanding of culture, emotional intelligence, and coaching

Professional accomplishments include... I have created and implemented with clients a working model for culturally responsive emotional intelligence. Using the Six Seconds emotional intelligence assessment, I have supported the growth and increased productivity of C-Suite leaders. I lead retention initiatives for students of color at a number of institutions that have increased retention and graduation rates.

 A few past experiences...Designed and taught courses linking music to social change: The Rhythm of Resistance; and Hip Hop and the Black Experience in America. Wrote and recorded a Blues album in a garage with my friends.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. it has key to surviving and fighting against systematic inequality in our world, and EQ will lead our social transformation

Pronouns, Background... Oun (he/she) / Un (him/her); Black Male Feminist

Favorite... A Me'Shell Ndegeocello bass line; James Baldwin and Schitt's Creek

I'd love to talk to you about ... Culture, Music, Intersectionality, BBQ and Spirits

Miami,Florida,United States
Ale Asin

Ale Asin

Communication Manager, LatAm

My Noble Goal is... a work in process
My work is about... Connecting and growing our community in Latin America. Achieve the greatest number of clients who wish to take courses an...Read More

Ale Asin

Ale Asin

Communication Manager, LatAm

My Noble Goal is... a work in process

My work is about... Connecting and growing our community in Latin America. Achieve the greatest number of clients who wish to take courses and complete certifications in EQ, and then become active members growing and practicing emotional intelligence.

Professional accomplishments include... In the short time learning about EQ, I have performed Emotional Intelligence assessments on my entire family (dad, mom, brother, uncles and cousins).

A few past experiences... Before joining Six Seconds, I spent years in recruiting and selecting personnel for companies both, Peruvian and abroad such as the USA, Canada and Australia. Looking for profiles according to each company such as customer service, sales and bilingual interpretation. 

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. I am beginning to fall in love with emotional intelligence. In my learning I have been able to see how people can achieve feeling good about themselves in terms of the emotions we feel and how we act in relation to them.

Pronouns, Background... I identify as she/her and I am a single mom of a beautiful 8-year-old boy.

Favorite... My favorite ice cream: Aguaje. Favorite place to travel: Punta Cana Favorite genre in books would be: self-help and psychological or suspense books. My favorite flower: Tulips Favorite dessert: Chocolate nougat.

I'd love to talk to you about ... Do you think that all people should have psychological support? Why?

Lima,Peru
Blossom Beatty Pidduck

Blossom Beatty Pidduck

Senior Consultant

My Noble Goal is... Helping people and systems leverage emotions to find and fulfill their best purpose
My work is about... Helping to bring EQ to the center of leadership, teams ...Read More

Blossom Beatty Pidduck

Blossom Beatty Pidduck

Senior Consultant

My Noble Goal is... Helping people and systems leverage emotions to find and fulfill their best purpose

My work is about... Helping to bring EQ to the center of leadership, teams and systems

Professional accomplishments include... I've built a high school advising pilot around Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence assessments, employed the 360 assessment in team building and faculty professional development, the Education Vital Signs tool for culture development, and helped to develop a customized student leadership assessment based on the SEI.

 A few past experiences... I've spent my life in schools, with teachers and teenagers. I've been teacher, coach, mentor, administrator and leader.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. because I know from experience that feelings drive people. The more we understand about feelings, the better we can live in the full capacity of our humanity.

Preferred Pronouns...she/her

Favorite... My favorite place on the planet is playing in the ocean waves.

I'd love to talk to you about ... Where EQ meets leadership is my sweet spot--and a conversation I'm eager to have with you.

Ojai,California,United States
Yoshimi Miyazaki

Yoshimi Miyazaki

SEI Program Manager

Yoshimi leads Six Seconds’ global network of emotional intelligence assessors providing training and support to coaches, consultants, and educators world-wide.  A master trainer...Read More

Yoshimi Miyazaki

Yoshimi Miyazaki

SEI Program Manager

Yoshimi leads Six Seconds’ global network of emotional intelligence assessors providing training and support to coaches, consultants, and educators world-wide.  A master trainer in the SEI Assessment, she has supervised assessment of thousands of individuals and trained hundreds of professionals in a robust methodology to effectively measure and develop emotional intelligence.

As a certified addictions counselor and clinical supervisor, Yoshimi brings a rich background in a career spanning three decades focused on helping people change behavior to live healthy, positive lives.  Prior to joining Six Seconds in 2007, Yoshimi led a variety of counseling and treatment programs focused on addiction recovery using client centered, strengths based and cognitive behavioral approaches. She has facilitated groups and educated clients in substance abuse and directed programs.  Her broad client base included seniors, adolescents, and men and women with diverse multi cultural, economic and sexual preference backgrounds.  This milieu augmented her EQ skills in a natural dynamic manner that has led to Yoshimi to train clients to use the Six Seconds premier assessment tool, the SEI, in the SEI 1:1 Online Certification course.    

Dr. Ajene Wilcoxson

Dr. Ajene Wilcoxson

Faculty - EdD x SEL

My Noble Goal is... Inspiring a life of self-love, transparency, authenticity, vulnerability, and presence!
My work is about... Helping to create and support Emotional Intelligenc...Read More

Dr. Ajene Wilcoxson

Dr. Ajene Wilcoxson

Faculty - EdD x SEL

My Noble Goal is... Inspiring a life of self-love, transparency, authenticity, vulnerability, and presence!

My work is about... Helping to create and support Emotional Intelligence within the Community College, High School, and Elementary Schools in North America -- I am one of the instructors in the EdD x SEL Specialization, a partnership of Six Seconds and Antioch University

Professional accomplishments include... I've led and continue to support change via emotional intelligence education to students, classified professionals, and management using what we call The EQ Academy. I regularly present at educational conferences across North America.

A few past experiences...Before joining Six Seconds, I worked in Higher Education (still do), briefly as a stockbroker, and in the Mental Health field.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. Emotional intelligence is intertwined with who I am, as Jung would say, at a soul level. One moves the other. From this perspective, I am passionate about living and teaching how to experience a soul-centered emotionally intelligent life.

Pronouns, Background... he/him/ele

Favorite... I love to travel, read, and build lego sets. My favorite destinations are Rota, Spain and all of Portugal.

I'd love to talk to you about ... I love talking to people about EAR in education. How do we engage our students and assist them in activating the learning process and the personal growth that results from reflection.

Temecula,California,United States
Aleasa Word, CTSS

Aleasa Word, CTSS

Program Manager, Trauma Support

My Noble Goal is... Inspiring hope while holding onto my own even in challenging times and spaces
My work is about... Supporting the evolution of personal growth as a foundational...Read More

Aleasa Word, CTSS

Aleasa Word, CTSS

Program Manager, Trauma Support

My Noble Goal is... Inspiring hope while holding onto my own even in challenging times and spaces

My work is about... Supporting the evolution of personal growth as a foundational component of diversity, equity, inclusion and trauma healing

Professional accomplishments include... I support the personal development of new leaders and teams, implement trauma healing strategies for BIPOC communities through my Chapter 2 Living, Embrace EQ and Embrace AR programs as well as educate others about living with life threatening food allergies. Additionally, I have coached hundreds of individuals and spoken at events with 1000 people in attendance. This has afforded the opportunity to represent food allergic families on the Dr. Oz Show, share my voice on Black Women Own the Conversation on the OWN TV, and appear in a documentary about the impact of pharmaceutical costs in America entitled Drugs: The Price We Pay.

 A few past experiences...Prior to joining Six Seconds I founded A. Word & Company a full service coaching firm and diversity and inclusion consultancy. I also spent over 15 years in the Wealth Management industry and founded a non-profit outreach organization. I have written 2 books and work as a certified trauma support specialist.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….  I see the need for it in both our professional and personal live as it is a holistic approach to unifying humanity

Pronouns... she/her/hers

Favorite... My favorite animals are giraffes

I'd love to talk to you about ... Imagine what life would look like if you could re-ignite the passion you have for the one goal that you've always wanted to accomplish. Let's talk about that.

Atlanta,GA,United States
John Dodds, BS, MIS

John Dodds, BS, MIS

IT Project Manager

My Noble Goal is... Laughter liberation
My work is about... Supporting technologies that engage for a more emotionally intelligent world
Professional accomplishments include... C...Read More

John Dodds, BS, MIS

John Dodds, BS, MIS

IT Project Manager

My Noble Goal is... Laughter liberation

My work is about... Supporting technologies that engage for a more emotionally intelligent world

Professional accomplishments include... Coordinating with our IT team to develop numerous Six Seconds tools, including implementing our assessments in over 25 languages, the creation of the online Think-Feel-Act app, and our global events calendar.

 A few past experiences...Before joining Six Seconds, I traveled the world playing music and making friends.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. I've learned many useful tools that have improved my personal and professional life

Pronouns... he/him

Favorite... My favorite music is filled with energy and good storytelling

I'd love to talk to you about ... If you're interested in talking about process improvement or technical issues, I'd most likely love to talk about it.

Santa Cruz,California,United States
Antonella Málaga

Antonella Málaga

Super Mentors Coordinator

My Noble Goal is... To help people reaching their own kind of happiness, flourishing by developing skills in well-being and EQ.
My work is about... Supporting Pop Up Festival prog...Read More

Antonella Málaga

Antonella Málaga

Super Mentors Coordinator

My Noble Goal is... To help people reaching their own kind of happiness, flourishing by developing skills in well-being and EQ.

My work is about... Supporting Pop Up Festival program and the volunteers globally.

My Pop Up Festival journey started when I partnered with a Peruvian non-profit, which goal is to get kids out of poverty through a social music program giving them tools for a better future, to host Pop Up Festival in the aim to introduce to their kids EQ skills and practice Optimism. I've been hosting EQ Pop Up Festivals in Peru for different schools of low income areas, online and in person, since 2019 to the present.

 A few past experiences... Along with joining Six Seconds, I'm a psychologist counselor in private practice also for an Italian-Peruvian non-profit, and a researcher of positive organizational psychology in the Peruvian context. I’ve been a professional volunteer for Mental Health causes since I started my career, two of my favorite past experiences was been part of a Seedstars project for supporting African startups participating as a Mentor, and being a founding member of Favored Nations org.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….  that there's more than enough scientific data to say that it can help next generations become better adults and aid current population to make a better world.

Preferred Pronouns... She/Her. Third Culture Kid: as a result of that life experience I speak 3 languages fluently, and currently learning a 4th one out of fun (Spanish, English, Italian, Korean).

Favorite... My favorite flower is the sunflower 🌻

I'd love to talk to you about ... EQ, nature, and any of the arts.

Lima,Peru
Ayaka Mawarida

Ayaka Mawarida

POP-UP Festival Coordinator

My Noble Goal is... Make a world where every person can live the way truly they are.
My work is about... Supporting POP-UP Festival hosts from all over the world to spread EQ and ...Read More

Ayaka Mawarida

Ayaka Mawarida

POP-UP Festival Coordinator

My Noble Goal is... Make a world where every person can live the way truly they are.

My work is about... Supporting POP-UP Festival hosts from all over the world to spread EQ and make the world a kinder, braver and safer place for everyone.

Professional accomplishments include... Founded an EQ & Equity learning platform in Japan. Holding an online space to learn EQ & Equity couple hours a month and leading a community of making a world "DAIJOUBU" ("safe" in English) place for children and adults. Accomplished the largest POP-UP Festival at shopping mall in Japan in 2021. 

A few past experiences... Before joining Six Seconds, I had worked for an investing/trading company, and worked so hard to raise two little children as a single parent. Once I had hospitalized for a month due to extreme stress from the social unjust system, I was seeking for an opportunity to learn and become a professional about myself, and found a term "Self-Science" in Anabel Jensen's blog, and found Six Seconds.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is….  because I got to allow and embrace myself and others to a point where I could feel a lot more comfortable with being myself and interact with other people.

Pronouns.. She/They

Favorite... My favorite foods are Japanese, Thailand, and Filipino food.

Whidbey Island,United States
Natalia Vergara

Natalia Vergara

Lead Facilitator for LatAm

My Noble Goal is... to accompany and support others in finding their maximum potential to shine brightly with their own light.
My work is about... building capacity for growing em...Read More

Natalia Vergara

Natalia Vergara

Lead Facilitator for LatAm

My Noble Goal is... to accompany and support others in finding their maximum potential to shine brightly with their own light.

My work is about... building capacity for growing emotional intelligence by facilitating Six Seconds’ certifications (public and in-house) in LatAm

Professional accomplishments include... I obtained my first certification with Six Seconds in 2007 and have been involved in supporting organizations, teams, leaders, consultants, and independent professionals in Latin America for over a decade. After a brief pause, I returned in 2024, and I'm thrilled to be back and part of this exceptional team.

 A few past experiences... During my break, I worked with numerous organizations across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, finance, petroleum, insurance, agrochemicals, consumer goods, among others, collaborating with leaders at different levels. Additionally, I worked as a consultant and facilitator on various topics such as leadership, communication, team building, and I also supported cultural transformations and succession processes through assessment and coaching. Through this experience, I have confirmed that the most inspiring leaders, who have the greatest impact on their teams, are those who have undoubtedly developed emotional intelligence skills.

One reason I'm personally passionate about emotional intelligence is... On a personal level, I am grateful for my knowledge and practices of emotional intelligence, which have led me to be a mindful mother, educating my three children in emotional intelligence. Additionally, experiencing very close family losses and navigating grief with emotional intelligence knowledge was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Favorite... What I enjoy the most is spending time with my family: my husband and my three children. We love traveling and exploring different places, as well as being in touch with nature. I cherish accompanying them through the various moments of their lives. Additionally, we are passionate about music and often gather with family and friends to enjoy it together.

I'd love to talk to you about... I love talking to others about the challenges that life presents us with and how there is always a lesson and meaning in every situation we encounter. I enjoy creating spaces with my friends and loved ones to support them in their challenges and be a source of support for them, just as they are for me.

Bogota,Colombia
Liliana Rodríguez, MEBC

Liliana Rodríguez, MEBC

Community Manager, LatAm

My Noble Goal is... Provide knowledge to others, in a way that can help their overall well-being 
My work is about... Supporting and building a good community of Emotional Intell...Read More

Liliana Rodríguez, MEBC

Liliana Rodríguez, MEBC

Community Manager, LatAm

My Noble Goal is... Provide knowledge to others, in a way that can help their overall well-being 

My work is about... Supporting and building a good community of Emotional Intelligence Skills in LATAM

Professional accomplishments include... I have translated Six Seconds material to Spanish (assessments, articles, books, manuals, etc). I've already use assessments for children and adults as psychological support, and for organizations for recruiting. Currently, I am a volunteer Network Leaders Coordinator & POP UP Festival Super Mentor for LATAM.

A few past experiences... Before joining Six Seconds, I was working with children at a school teaching resilience and emotional intelligence skills, before that, I was learning about education as parent to apply with my own kids, and because my original Bachelor is in Computer Systems and Administration, I was working as Project Manager and Project Leader.

Favorite... A love to be curious, learn of a lot of new things, and my favorite activity is to read. I like mystery, sci-fi, poetry and good content genres

I'd love to talk to you about ... the things around us, classical & different music genres, books, international traditions, food, history... I like to talk a about interesting things that makes me feel good and give me knowledge, and more important, things that other people wants to share, because I love to hear what the others think and feel.

Monterrey,Nuevo León,México
Lorea Martinez, PhD

Lorea Martinez, PhD

SEL Consultant

Lorea’s noble goal is to develop emotionally intelligent schools: places where children, youth and adults feel safe, included and connected with the world around them. In order t...Read More

Lorea Martinez, PhD

Lorea Martinez, PhD

SEL Consultant

Lorea’s noble goal is to develop emotionally intelligent schools: places where children, youth and adults feel safe, included and connected with the world around them. In order to meet this goal, Lorea supports schools to implement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs and teaches educators the principles of emotional intelligence. Her favorite emotions are curiosity, courage and serenity.  

Lorea approaches the implementation of SEL programs with the expertise of a practitioner and the rigor of a researcher. A former special education teacher, Lorea has served students and adults in Spain, Nicaragua, and California, and has led several successful innovative initiatives in schools. She developed the first Special Education Program for 8 charter schools in the San Francisco-Bay Area and created a training-of-trainers program to enable 500+ school data leaders to interpret student achievement results to make instructional decisions.

Lorea’s doctoral dissertation received highest honors from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and won the 2014 Graduate Student Award for Excellence in SEL Research from the American Association of Educational Research (AERA). A testimony of the impact SEL can have on students and teachers, her research identifies the conditions that make SEL implementation possible in schools. Lorea is an active member of the SEL research community, currently conducting research on school climate, SEL implementation and school principals’ emotional intelligence. She is part of the leadership committee at AERA’s SEL Special Interest Group.

A published author, Lorea’s work can be found in the International Journal of Emotional Education, the Advances in SEL Research, the Manual de Orientación y Tutoría, and the well-known educational website Edutopia. She frequently blogs about how to incorporate SEL in teaching practices.

Lorea is a big fan of Bossa Nova, school supplies and salsa dancing. She has two daughters, Teresa and Clara.   

Muhammad Noman, PMP®

Muhammad Noman, PMP®

IT Team Manager

My Noble Goal is... I must strive to reform myself and people of the entire world
My work is about... managing Six Seconds’ IT processes and AGILE implementation with a focus on...Read More

Muhammad Noman, PMP®

Muhammad Noman, PMP®

IT Team Manager

My Noble Goal is... I must strive to reform myself and people of the entire world

My work is about... managing Six Seconds’ IT processes and AGILE implementation with a focus on security, customer care, and developing people

Professional accomplishments include... led Six Seconds' IT services, expanding the scope of our systems to deliver over a dozen assessments in 25+ languages to 1000s of people per month

Passion... promote conflict management and peacebuilding

 A few past experiences... I have played an instrumental part in project management, ETL, software architecture, DevOps and software development with commitment to provide people centered solutions for financial, telecommunications and telematics systems worldwide.

One reason I’m personally passionate about emotional intelligence is…. I am interested in the human sides of things, because humans are at the heart of every business and emotions drive people, people drive performance, and performance drives profit.

Lahore,Pakistan

Upcoming events in the Americas

Recent Articles re the AMER Region

State of the Heart 2018: The Latest Research on EQ (9/5/2018) by Joshua Freedman - What's happening with emotional intelligence in the world today? Here are the latest insights from the world's most extensive study of EQ. ...
Case: Doubling Down on EQ Culture at ServRx (5/31/2017) by Joshua Freedman - It's “the classic problem” of a successful startup: The company was growing, but the culture was not. Here's how they used EQ to double their employee engagement and increase net profit by 110%. ...