A Conversation With Zachary Blakeney

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

The need for Emotional Intelligence development is the heart of true personal growth and healing. The future is inevitable, and the people that invest in this now will not only have the competitive advantage, they’ll also be more fulfilled, more enthusiastic, less stressed, less anxious, and more flexible, all of which lead to sustainable innovation, growth, and fulfillment.

Do you have any personal anecdotes about how SEL/EQ has brought you success in your
personal life/career?

As an entrepreneur, EQ is has been pinitol to the success of my business. As a human, it has has helped me heal past traumas, dial in my focus for daily peak productivity and performance, and increasing my self-worth and belief.

What do you believe to be one or two of the main challenges in education (K-8) today?

I hold a Master’s Degree in Higher Education but chose not to work within the school system for two main reasons.
1. The curriculum is too rigid which constricts emotional development and creativity.
2. The curriculum does an overall poor job getting students ready for the real challenges of adolescence and adulthood.

Conversely, what do you believe to be one or two of the biggest opportunities in education (K-8) today?

1. Emotional Development to understand how to move through life challenges efficiently and effectively
2. Curriculum that stimulates creativity and readiness for adolescence