EI + AI = ROI (How Emotional Intelligence + Artificial Intelligence Drive Business Success in 2026)

Most small business owners think of AI as a tool—and EI as a soft skill.
The truth? When you combine Emotional Intelligence (EI) with Artificial Intelligence (AI), you unlock one of the most powerful performance multipliers available in 2026.

In this episode of Small Business Growth Lab, Steve Goodner breaks down how the smartest businesses are blending high-tech and high-touch to increase revenue, sharpen decision-making, build stronger relationships, and eliminate wasted time.

In this video, you'll discover:

Why EI is the key to using AI wisely instead of blindly

How emotionally intelligent owners make better technology decisions

The neuroscience behind how emotions shape thinking, problem-solving, and risk-taking

The AI tools that improve productivity only when paired with strong people skills

How EI reduces the fear, overwhelm, and resistance many owners feel toward AI

Real examples of how EI + AI dramatically increase ROI in small businesses

The research is clear:

Harvard Business Review: EQ drives 70–90% of leadership success

McKinsey: AI can free up 20–30% of a small business owner’s time

Gallup: High-EI teams show up to 21% higher profitability
When you combine smart automation (AI) with smart leadership (EI), the numbers become even more powerful.

Why this matters for 2026:

AI will not replace small business owners.
But owners who use AI with emotional intelligence will outperform those who don’t.

This episode gives you the clarity and confidence to use both—together—to drive results.

EQFIT® is focused on equipping people to prosper in every aspect of life.

Steve on Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/murfreesbor...

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