Author: Olamide Balogun

Why EQ, Not Just IQ, Will Define Your Career Success Even with the development and advancement of the work place, one truth remains :people power progress. That truth echoed at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference, as reported by Business Insider Africa, where George Roberts and Henry Kravis—cofounders of global investment giant KKR—shared a simple but powerful insight: young professionals need more emotional intelligence. Their words were honest, not harsh. Despite today’s generation being the most analytically gifted in history, many are missing the emotional depth to lead, collaborate, and connect meaningfully. And that, they noted, is a problem worth solving. EQ Is the Real Power Skill Technical knowledge can get you through an exam. Strategy might win you a pitch. But in the boardroom—and in life—it’s emotional intelligence (EQ) that keeps the door open. EQ helps you: ✍️ Stay composed under pressure ✍️ Handle rejection without shutting down ✍️ Connect with people from different walks of life ✍️ Lead with empathy instead of ego ✍️ Know when to speak, and more importantly, when to listen Emotional Intelligence Is a Career Advantage—And a Human One Roberts and Kravis didn’t just speak as business titans. They spoke as mentors. As people who’ve seen that the most impactful leaders aren’t always the loudest, but the most emotionally present. They urged young investors to learn how to manage themselves before trying to manage others. That’s not just career advice—it’s life advice. Whether you're fresh out of school, transitioning careers, or climbing the corporate ladder, cultivating emotional intelligence is a way to future-proof your career—and protect your peace. Final ThoughtsYou can master every technical tool in your field, but if you neglect the human skill of emotional connection, your potential remains limited. The good news? Emotional intelligence can be learned, nurtured, and strengthened. And the return on that investment is Limitless.

Author: Olamide Balogun

A CareerPaddy Review of: Billionaire KKR Cofounders Say ‘Emotional Intelligence’ Should Be a Focus for Young Investors

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