Ep. 139 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in High-Stakes Conversations with Janine Klein

Show Notes:

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Janine Klein, Founder of the Emotional Intelligence Institute (EII), to explore one of the most unconventional and impactful intersections of business, technology, and human connection.

Janine shares her remarkable journey from professional actress to CEO, revealing how storytelling, improvisation, and emotional intelligence became the foundation of a powerful training platform used by the U.S. military and Department of Defense. By blending live actors, CGI avatars, and immersive role play, EII helps leaders and service members rehearse the hardest conversations before they have to live them.

This conversation goes far beyond business as usual. Together, Heidi and Janine unpack fear, intuition, leadership identity, the role of AI in sensitive training environments, and why humans must remain at the center of emotionally complex conversations.

Bio:

Janine Klein is a dynamic professional with over 40 years of experience as an actress, director,medical recruiter, and improviser. Her expertise lies in blending the talents of military professionals, diverse improvisational actors, and skilled writers to create groundbreaking training environments. As a trauma survivor, she used those experiences to create empathetic communication through performance, she is celebrated for her ability to handle complex material with emotional authenticity and depth.

Janine is the CEO and founder of the Emotional Intelligence Institute (Eii), where she

collaborates with Air Force and First Responder clients and diverse organizations to deliver impactful training.

Her contributions include developing AF-specific human-domain scenarios, designing

leadership education curricula, and utilizing MRLS technology for educational purposes. Janine has personally executed over 3000 hours of AF MRLS training and facilitated more than 300 tailored scenarios for audiences ranging from one to 500 attendees.

Renowned for her improvisational techniques and character development, she excels at

creating compelling scenarios that align with client objectives. Her work encompasses

curriculum design, public speaking, EQ workshops, MBTI training, and high-level military

meetings.

Janine’s has performed internationally, from Scotland to New Zealand and across the United States, including off-Broadway appearances in New York City, as well as roles in commercials and films. Her accolades include a 2018 Best

Actress nomination from the Orlando Sentinel, a Broadway World Vocalist of the Decade

nomination, and 10 Fringe Patron Pick Awards in her hometown for standout performances overtwo decades. Most recently was nominated regionally for an MTA award for Best Actress in 2024 for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes in Stephen King's "Misery".

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-klein/

Website:  www.eiieq.com

Email:  Janine@eiieq.com

Connect with me:

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LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/