Leading with Heart: How César Ritz Colleges Develops Emotionally Intelligent Leaders
In today’s fast-evolving world, leadership is no longer defined solely by IQ or technical skills. It’s emotional intelligence (EI)—our ability to understand and manage our own emotions while connecting with others— that increasingly determines success. At César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, this understanding is at the heart of the educational experience. Through initiatives like the “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” workshop, the institution equips students with the self-awareness, empathy, and resilience needed to lead with impact in the hospitality industry and beyond.
Why emotional intelligence matters more then ever
Emotional intelligence, sometimes referred to as EQ (Emotional Quotient), is the foundation of effective leadership. While cognitive intelligence (IQ) measures problem-solving and analytical thinking, EQ defines how well we build relationships, resolve conflicts, and motivate teams. It’s the key to turning ordinary service into exceptional guest experiences and creating work cultures built on trust and empathy.
In fact, a decade-long Google study— Project Oxygen—revealed that soft skills like communication, empathy, and emotional insight matter more for managerial success than technical knowledge. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into the workplace, it’s these deeply human capabilities that will set future leaders apart.
Recognizing this shift, César Ritz Colleges Switzerland has woven emotional intelligence into its leadership education. A standout example is the immersive workshop led by Dr. Yves Givel, a respected expert in mindful leadership and human resource development in the global hospitality industry. His work offers students not just knowledge, but a transformational experience that prepares them for leadership defined by emotional acuity.
A workshop designed for the leaders of tomorrow
Dr. Givel’s “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” workshop offers a practical and introspective journey into leadership. His central message is simple but powerful: great leadership begins within. Before guiding others, leaders must understand themselves.
The workshop introduces students to foundational EI concepts through mindfulness-based exercises, self-reflection, and neuroscience. Using the principles of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change with experience—students are taught how to reshape thought patterns, manage emotions, and foster authentic relationships.
A key component of the training is a guided meditation that helps students build empathy and emotional regulation. By practicing presence and emotional awareness, students learn how to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively— an essential skill for anyone managing teams or handling high-stress situations.
Building blocks of emotional intelligence
The César Ritz Colleges curriculum integrates EI not just as a one-off workshop, but as a lifelong leadership skill. Students are introduced to the four key components of emotional intelligence:
Self-Awareness: Understanding your emotions and their impact on your behavior. Leaders with self-awareness know how their moods influence decision-making and team dynamics.
Self-Management: The ability to regulate emotions, control impulses, and stay positive under pressure. This is essential for managing conflict and inspiring confidence.
Social Awareness: The capacity to sense what others are feeling, read social cues, and empathize with different viewpoints. Socially aware leaders are inclusive and perceptive.
Relationship Management: The art of managing interpersonal interactions effectively—resolving conflicts, giving constructive feedback, and building trust.
By mastering these pillars, students learn not just how to lead, but how to lead with purpose and humanity.
Shaping leaders who will redefine hospitality
The collaboration between César Ritz Colleges and Dr. Givel represents a forward-thinking approach to hospitality education. It signals a shift from teaching students what to do, to preparing them for how to be—resilient, self-aware, empathetic, and inspiring leaders.
In an industry where service excellence depends on the human touch, emotional intelligence isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether managing guest experiences, leading diverse teams, or navigating cultural nuances, emotionally intelligent leadership creates environments where people thrive.
By embedding EI training into its leadership curriculum, César Ritz Colleges ensures its graduates leave with more than credentials. They emerge with the mindset, tools, and heart to lead with confidence and compassion.
As future industry leaders, César Ritz Colleges students will be called upon to manage not just operations, but people. With emotional intelligence at the core of their education, they’ll be uniquely equipped to do both—with empathy, insight, and impact.
