Her best-selling book Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is recommended by Newsweek Magazine AND the Dali Lama. And if that isn't enough, her company, TalentSmart, is a global consultancy and provider of emotional intelligence tests that are used by more than 75% of Fortune 500 companies. With all of that going on, why is she talking to The Boomer Brief? Because we called in a favor from our friend the Dali Lama, asked her, that's why.
We caught up with Jean as she and her husband were heading to New York to celebrate his 50th birthday. I'll let her fill you in on the rest...
Other than going to New York for your husband's birthday, what are you doing these days?
For the last 10 years, I've loved every minute of building a web-based emotional intelligence firm, writing books, and coaching executives. It's a real thrill to work closely with leaders who struggle with how to handle their emotions in challenging situations. Most people want to run from a meeting that begins to go south. That's when I come alive, lose track of time and forget my hunger. Figuring out what to say or do in a tense moment without damaging yourself or the other person is fun for me, like a puzzle to solve. And the only thing that makes it more fun is giving the solution to the puzzle to someone else who's looking for answers to try on their own.
Dr. Jean Greaves taking tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, Canada with daughters Claire (16) and Ingrid (13)
What time do you get up on a work day?
Out here in sunny San Diego, it's up at 6:20am for me every day to get the kids out the door by 7:10 and then it's my turn to eat breakfast, check email, take a 30 minute fast walk with my husband when we're feeling disciplined, and then on to the rest of our day.
What are three songs you've been listening to on your iPod?
I've been listening to Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley (the original studio version) because I recently discovered it and love the length of his version and the tone of his voice. I can play it while I write at work and not be distracted. It almost helps me concentrate better. I've always been that way about music and thinking work. I'm also listening to Heinz Hollinger's Oboe Concerto in D Minor because my daughter will be attempting her first solo in the San Diego Symphony Hall in February. Picture me, her Mom, sitting on pins and needles about 15 rows back at her request so she can't see my own nerves, excitement, pride and relief sweep across my face!
Favorite movie?
Days of Heaven is the movie that has stuck with me the longest. I could watch it once a year and not get tired of its visual beauty, interesting plot, the creative way it's narrated by a 12 year old, and its haunting music. I would never have guessed that wheat fields in the Texas panhandle could affect me emotionally, but somehow Terrance Mallick knew. Do other people remember it and how it made them feel the way I do?
Elvis or The Beatles?
The Beatles, for their variety, lyrics and sing-ability.
What's the one electronic gadget you could not live without?
My MacBook Pro. Whether it's writing an article, creating photo albums, emailing my family, or watching funny YouTube videos the kids find, I would choose my laptop. The day that the iPad offers what the laptop does, I'll maybe switch, but for now my laptop trumps my iPad.
Dog or Cat?
Two bunnies because they don't need to be walked, they are quiet, yet they offer personality, warmth and fur to cuddle with.
Favorite iPhone app.
It's going to sound like I made this up, but I love TalentSmart's Daily EQ quotes app. It's the only app I've opened every day over a whole year. The quotes are thoughtful, funny, and constructive. They keep me thinking about what this boss is doing every day to work on her own emotional intelligence.
Conan, Letterman, Leno, Fallon or Ferguson?
Fallon, because he's a great impressionist, funny, and just so likable.
What's on your DVR?
My husband, teenage daughters, and I are hooked on Downton Abbey. We rented the first season on Netflix and waited through the holidays for the next phase in the Grantham family's life at the Abbey during World War I. I grew up watching Upstairs Downstairs and now Downton Abbey is the show that my kids will remember. We get all our "to dos" out of the way so that Sunday night, before the week gets rolling, we all plop on the sofa and watch it together. Now we're predicting what will happen to Mary and Mathew.
What are you reading now?
At Home, by Bill Bryson and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Both were given to me for Christmas gifts from women who loved these books.
Last concert you attended?
Beethoven's 9th in December. My husband and kids had never heard it live, and it always engulfs me. To sit there and have the sound from entire symphony and what seemed like 100 singers rushing through you is hard to match. What a great way to let your mind go and feelings take over.
Last time you read a "real" hold-it-in-your-hands newspaper?
I skim the weekly Christian Science Monitor for the photography in the center and their short briefings on issues around the world. I can keep up with a once-a-week publication.