ABOUT US
Dignity: The Über Emotion
The aim of intellectual development is that we can choose how we think. We can decide where we will apply our thinking to make a difference. The aim of emotional development is that we can choose how we emote. We can put our emotions to work for us rather than fighting with them.
Changing the visible – friends, food, clothes – seems to be easier than changing the invisible – our thoughts and emotions. But there is a reason why interior growth and change are essential and rewarding. In every forest, on every farm, in every orchard on earth, what is underground creates what is above ground. You cannot change the fruits that are already hanging on the tree. You can, however, change tomorrow’s. But to do so you will have to dig below the ground and nurture the roots. It is worth the effort, because when you succeed at evolving, it ensures the best day you will ever have is one that is still out ahead of you.
Dignity is the primary emotion that allows us to nurture and care for ourselves and is a channel that enables us to connect with and elevate others.
The Founders
Marcel Brunel: Co-founder
Marcel Brunel
Over ten years, Marcel transformed into a wellness expert by drawing from personal struggles. In his past, Marcel grappled with avoidance and silence in his marriage and career, attempting to outthink emotions with logic.
Collaborating with public and private organizations, Marcel gained insights into the emotional dynamics of the leadership role in agencies and municipal organizations, from telecommunicators to command staff. He notices that many agency leadership issues show up in decision-making, problem-solving, and relationship-building.
As an instructor and coach, Marcel recognizes the global struggle we all face to notice, name, and leverage emotions. His ongoing journey, marked by sobriety and introspection, emphasizes that emotions are messengers, demanding constant awareness. Marcel’s military background and partnership with Dan underscore his commitment to helping first responders navigate emotional challenges today and when they retire.
Dan Newby
Dan is a passionate advocate for understanding and harnessing the potential of emotions. Like many of us, he has grappled with significant life challenges and through them came to realise that his struggles were rooted in emotional ignorance. That realization led him to explore and articulate a practical understanding of emotions that is both learnable and teachable.
Dan believes that emotions are a valuable source of information. Listening to them, noticing their ebb and flow, and intentionally including them in decision-making can be tools for navigating life effectively. A globally recognized expert in emotional literacy, he is the author of four books, including “The Field Guide to Emotions” and “The Unopened Gift: A Primer in Emotional Literacy.”
Dan’s expertise extends to the academic realm, leading courses at the University of Calgary and the University of Wisconsin. His impact also reaches A wide range of organizations globally, offering insights on building and leveraging emotional competence in leaders and teams.
Dan Newby: Co-founder
Our Values
Mission First * People Always
Be authentic with uncompromising integrity.
Stay honest, open, and willing to do the uncomfortable work.
Surrender the outcome.
Do the next right thing. It takes what it takes.
Guiding Principles
1. There’s an ironclad connection between your emotions and the way you show up for yourself and others.
2. We get to choose our emotions in any situation we face, but that choice is only available if we have developed the tools.
3. There are no inherently positive or negative emotions; they are messengers, not dictators.
4. Emotions are practical, logical, and relevant.
5. The building blocks of emotional literacy are a. Noticing your emotions, b. Naming your emotions, and c. Learning to navigate them.
6. Emotions are at the root of our decision-making, problem-solving, and relationship-building. There is no part of life that isn’t touched by emotions.
7. Emotional competence requires regularity and commitment.
8. (Emotional Literacy + Emotional Intelligence) x (Emotional Agility + Emotional Resilience) = Emotional Regulation.
9. Emotional literacy is for those who want it, need it, and are willing to do the work.
10. Only you can emotionally regulate you.
11.. Emotions don’t justify your behavior, they explain it.
12. Don’t assume you know what emotion another person is experiencing based on their behavior.
Client Testimonials
No one can grow your emotional capacity but you, so where do you think it would benefit you most to begin?
There is an ironclad connection between your emotions and the way you show up for yourself and others. And nothing is fully learned until it is fully applied.
When you’re ready to begin we’ll be here willing and able.
