We kick off the episode with a karaoke session to set the tone before diving into the topic. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Tracy Henry's insights on the power of silence, we explore the nuances of being quiet in a room and deciphering unspoken messages. I highlight the importance of emotional intelligence, specifically focusing on personal competence and social competence. By referencing the book "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Travis Bradbury and Jean Greaves, I emphasize the significance of being socially aware and managing relationships in professional settings. In the segment "Somebody Should Have Told Me," I share valuable lessons learned, such as the power of silence in meetings and the need to observe without letting personal biases cloud judgment. I stress the importance of understanding the political dynamics in discussions and the art of perceiving unspoken cues. Moving on to the segment "Truth Is," I delve into the Mehrabian's Communication Theory 7-38-55 rule, highlighting the impact of body language and facial expressions in conveying feelings and attitudes. I recount a personal experience of misinterpreting a message due to the lack of visual cues, underscoring the significance of non-verbal communication. In the segment "Another Rung Mended," I draw parallels to the McKinsey study on women in the workplace, focusing on the barriers faced by women of color. I emphasize the need to be present in meetings, listen to understand, and be mindful of body language and energy to navigate professional spaces effectively. I conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to prioritize emotional intelligence, leverage resources like the book "Emotional Intelligence 2.0," and engage in self-assessment to enhance social competence. I invite listeners to follow us on social media for more content and look forward to empowering women of color in their leadership journeys. Join me next week for another insightful episode on The Climb Podcast. Keep climbing and thriving, sis! See you in the next episode.