Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s emotions and those of others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are more likely to create a positive work environment, inspire and engage their teams, and achieve better business results. James Constable, the CEO of Albany Beck, is a leader with incredibly high emotional intelligence and levels of empathy. These qualities have had a significant impact on all his business decisions as well as his leadership style and structure. Because of his unique attributes, James constantly puts himself in another person’s situation and thinks, “How would I behave if I was that person?” It enables him to understand what is needed more clearly. “I’d never expect someone to do something I’m not prepared to do myself. My emotional intelligence is probably why I also respect the quote from Aristotle: “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” It’s the significance of people working together to create something greater than what any of us can contribute individually that I am a firm believer of,” says James. “Everyone can contribute; everyone has a role to play in our company. It’s about putting people in the right seat and empowering them to be their best version. This is what gets the best outcomes for everybody.”