Earlier this month, I stepped away from the noise of daily life and into “the work”. I was selected as part of the first Emotional Agility certification cohort, trained directly by Harvard psychologist and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Dr. Susan David in New Mexico
This was not a typical certification. There were no hotel conference rooms or online breakout rooms, no slide decks to memorize, no new assessments to learn, and no client worksheets to choose from. Instead, the experience was intentionally designed to remove distraction and invite full immersion in the practice of Emotional Agility. Surrounded by nature, stillness, 49 other practitioners, and incredible fresh food, we were asked to model vulnerability and live the work…not just learn it.
One phrase grounded the entire experience:
“We Are The Work.”
That phrase has stayed with me, especially as I reflect on the evolving and inundated landscape of leadership training.
“Personality Style”
“Emotional Intelligence.”
“Vulnerability.”
“Trauma-Informed.”
“Empathy.”
“Psychological Safety.”
“Curiosity.”
And now—“Mental Wellness.”
Each of these learning objectives has rightfully taken its turn as a leadership and HR priority. All are necessary. All contribute to stronger teams and healthier cultures. But as we look toward 2026, the question is no longer which topic should come next, it’s what psychological framework actually holds all of these together?
There is one. Two words. Eight syllables.
In 2016, Harvard psychologist Dr. Susan David introduced the concept of Emotional Agility in her book of the same name. While more academically grounded than catchy hooks like the “Let Them Theory,” Emotional Agility expands courage into something deeper: the strategic ability to hold the complexity of competing emotions (grief and gratitude, fear and courage) without dodging adversity, avoiding difficult people, or leaping over uncomfortable emotions in the name of positivity and peace.
“Moving on” is Exploring to The Edge of Our Ability.
What made this certification experience transformative was the insistence that Emotional Agility cannot be taught without being practiced. “We are the work” became more than a repetitive phrase (initially accompanied by a hard eye roll by yours truly). It became a standard…one I genuinely came to value.
We expect ministers and clergy to live the values they teach. The same expectation belongs in leadership, education, coaching, and mental health spaces.
- Teachers who teach empathy are the work of empathy.
- Coaches who teach discipline are the work of discipline (shall I repeat this one 😁 !)
- Parents who expect emotional regulation are the work of emotional regulation. (Now I’m preaching!)
The personal and professional work I engaged in on a ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico will directly inform and strengthen Agility Counseling Group’s work across our executive coaching, psychotherapy, and athletic team consulting. Emotional Agility does not replace emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, or empathy, but it integrates them like a coach integrates the mechanics of shooting a basketball. It offers a practical path toward building capacity, healing, courage, curiosity, and mental wellness when things are hard, complex, and uncertain.
If you are interested in becoming more emotionally agile, or in developing emotionally agile employees, leaders, coaches, or athletes, let’s begin the work together!
[email protected]
Two of my Favourite Quotes from “the work” on “the ranch”.
“We are not entitled to people’s vulnerability.”
“Who’s running to the emotional exits right now….or are you going to stay here and do the work?” 🙂 (Me! That was me on the first day…..running!)
