Emerging Leaders Distinguished Lecture Series Fosters Emotional Intelligence in University Students

26^th November 2023

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — In an affirmation of the pivotal role that Emotional Intelligence (EI) plays in personal and professional triumphs, students at University of The Bahamas (UB) have been encouraged to cultivate these crucial skills as a key part of growing their leadership potential.

Managing Director of RBC FINCO and AVP of Personal Banking, Mr. Deverson Warner recently delivered a guest lecture to the UB scholars on the topic, “The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Success”. The lecture was part of UB’s Emerging Leaders Distinguished Lecture Series, a collaboration with the Office of Greek Life and Student Leadership, the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations, and RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited, a legacy corporate partner.

Mr. Warner highlighted the relationship between EI and leadership success.

“When you think about emotional intelligence, the ability to work with others is going to be a key trait if you’re going to be successful in this world, whether it’s in your personal space or the professional space,” said Mr. Warner. “Emotional intelligence, knowing when to speak, when to remain quiet, knowing when to speak up, and knowing when to advocate, that’s a skill. It’s a skill that you have to develop over time. And unfortunately, I’ve seen some really good, solid people, IQ very high, walking encyclopedia, but their ability to interact with another human being to get someone to be able to believe in their vision is a challenge, and they can’t move forward.”

Attributes like self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills are all indispensable to individuals who aspire to advance in their careers or climb the corporate ladder. They are also essential to fostering positive work environments. Mr. Warner urged students to develop their EI skills as part of their personal brand to distinguish themselves and their success in the workplace.

“At the end of the day, no matter how much money we make, no matter the fancy titles that we have, the only thing that we have in this world really is our brand, and our brand is how someone perceives you, not how you perceive yourself,” noted Mr. Warner. “We live in a world with human beings; we have to live with them. So, I can think I’m the best thing since sliced bread, but if you don’t think that, you’re not going to want to interact with me, you’re not going to want to do business with me, you’re not going to want to have a relationship with me, to be able to move to that next level.”

Mr. Warner also noted that as a leader in the corporate world, it was important to connect with and help to foster the next generation of leaders.

“As human beings, I would say we all want to be a better version of ourselves, for us and for our families and as leaders, we have the amazing opportunity to help shape the direction of future leaders. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to come here, to be able to shape and have a dialogue about future leaders,” he said.

Hearing from these industry leaders enhances the educational experience for students and gives them the opportunity to find out important insights, network with professionals, receive career guidance and tap into real-world relevance.

Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
University Drive, Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365

Chartered on 10th November 2016, University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon for national transformation. Students are enrolled in the University of The Bahamas system which includes campuses and centres on New Providence, Grand Bahama, and San Salvador, as well as UB online education. UB’s diverse academic programmes, research engagements, athletics and leadership development experiences equip our students to become global citizens in a dynamic world. For more information, visit www.ub.edu.bs.