We are currently under contract on a deal that has some firsts for us.
It’s a medtail building in Pennsylvania — a hybrid medical and retail property — and we’re a joint venture with two incredibly talented operators who bring leasing and construction expertise.
I have a lot of excitement and nervous energy. Because the stakes are always high when we buy — and this one is our biggest yet. I’m deeply motivated to rise to the occasion, make disciplined decisions, and not let the pressure get the best of me or our team.
That’s exactly why I keep coming back to emotional intelligence.
“CEOs are hired for their intellect and business expertise — and fired for a lack of emotional intelligence.”
— Daniel Goleman
You don’t have to be a CEO for this to apply to you. We are all leaders in our own lives — whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or running a household. Your EQ can be your greatest asset or your biggest blind spot.
I know this not just from reading about it. I lived it. Before Champion, I started the Office of Leadership Development at Temple University and co-taught a course on Emotional Intelligence and Leadership in the Department of Strategic Communication alongside Dr. Tracey Weiss. I was also mentored by Dr. Dennis Roberts, a published author on leadership. EQ is a skill I’ve been intentionally developing for a long time.
And I still work on it every day. Every morning I spend quiet time journaling and centering myself before the day starts. Then I take a 2½ mile walk-run before I sit down to work. Those daily habits are how I stay grounded — and how I keep sharpening my EQ over time.
The four domains — and how I’m applying them right now:
Self-Awareness — Knowing what you’re feeling and why. Right now I’m excited and nervous because I know I’m leveling up. That energy is a great motivator — but it can also make you move too fast or skip hard conversations. Recognizing it keeps me honest and sure-footed.
Self-Management — Pausing before you speak. Staying steady in uncertainty. Making decisions that are intentional rather than emotional. Things will come up we didn’t plan for. This is what keeps me strategic when they do.
Social Awareness — Reading the room — noticing shifts in body language, tone, and what people aren’t saying out loud. We have new partners and new investors trusting us. Leading with empathy matters more than ever.
Relationship Management — Strong relationships are built through consistent, honest communication. In a joint venture, in an investor relationship, in a team under pressure — every interaction either builds trust or erodes it. I want to build it.
The good news? EQ is not fixed. It’s a skill — and it can be strengthened at any point in your life.
I'm not perfect at any of this. But I'm intentional about it. And intention is where it starts.
If you're navigating something high stakes right now — stay self-aware. Manage yourself first. Read the room. And then rise. You've got this — and know that I'm rooting for you.
Never give up. Always be better.
Liz Bapasola, Ed.D. is Partner at Champion Investment Properties LLC. She writes often about the power of habits, mindset, and strategies for reaching your goals. She can be reached at liz@championinvestcre.com.