Interview with Dr. Daniel Goleman

Author of the Book Óptimo*

Entrevista al Dr. Daniel Goleman

autor del libro Óptimo

How to cite: Campos, M. M. A. (2025). Interview with Dr. Daniel Goleman author of the book Óptimo.

Revista Digital de Investigación y Postgrado, 6(11), 161-164. https://doi.org/10.59654/tfxefx83

María Auxiliadora Campos Medina**

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1370-4491

Barquisimeto, Lara state / Venezuela

Revista Digital de Investigación y Postgrado, 6(11), 161-164

Electronic ISSN: 2665-038X

Received: August / 15 / 2024 Approved: September / 27 / 2024

https://doi.org/10.59654/tfxefx83

* Imaginary interview with Dr. Daniel Goleman.

** Doctor in Psychology, Atlantic International University. Doctor in Human Development Ecology, Universidad

Nacional Experimental Simón Rodríguez, Caracas - Venezuela. Postdoctoral Studies in Management, Universidad

de Yacambú. Postdoctoral Studies in Emerging Research, Universidad Tecnológica del Centro-Redit. Advisor in

Guidance, Universidad de Carabobo. Author of articles in national and international journals. Jury member and

tutor for various research projects. Associate Professor, Universidad Nacional Abierta, Lara Local Center - Venezuela.

Email address: mariauxi2502@gmail.com

Abstract

Emotional intelligence, encompassing emotions, their neurological basis, and management, has

transformed fields such as education, psychology, sociology, and business leadership. Daniel

Goleman’s groundbreaking theory on emotional intelligence highlights it as crucial for personal

and professional success, on par with cognitive intelligence. In his latest book, Óptimo (2024),

Goleman presents purpose-centered strategies, offering techniques for self-awareness, cons-

cious perception, burnout management, empathy, and building collaborative teams—all within

a highly technological context to boost satisfaction and productivity. This summary introduces

an imaginary interview with Goleman, aiming to explore the key elements of Óptimo. In con-

clusion, Goleman emphasizes that a fulfilling life is closely tied to developing emotional abili-

ties.

Keywords: Óptimo, satisfaction, emotional intelligence, empathy, productivity.

Resumen

La inteligencia emocional, que abarca las emociones, su base neurológica y su gestión, ha trans-

formado campos como la educación, la psicología, la sociología y el liderazgo empresarial. La

teoría innovadora de Daniel Goleman sobre la inteligencia emocional la destaca como crucial

para el éxito personal y profesional, al mismo nivel que la inteligencia cognitiva. En su último

libro, Óptimo (2024), Goleman presenta estrategias centradas en el propósito, ofreciendo técnicas

para el autoconocimiento, la percepción consciente, el manejo del burnout, la empatía y la cons-

trucción de equipos colaborativos, todo en un contexto altamente tecnológico para mejorar la

satisfacción y productividad. Este resumen introduce una entrevista imaginaria con Goleman,

con el objetivo de explorar los elementos clave de Óptimo. En conclusión, Goleman enfatiza que

una vida plena está estrechamente ligada al desarrollo de las habilidades emocionales.

Palabras clave: óptimo, satisfacción, inteligencia emocional, empatía, productividad.

It is an honor to interview Dr. Daniel Goleman, psychologist, journalist, author, and speaker, who

has left a significant legacy in the study of emotions. He earned his Ph.D. in clinical development

psychology and personality and graduated with the distinction Magna Cum Laude, which ear-

ned him a scholarship to pursue his doctorate in psychology at Harvard University. He worked

as a writer for The New York Times in the Behavioral and Brain Sciences section for many years.

He is the author of numerous books, including the bestseller Emotional Intelligence, with over

five million copies sold and translated into 40 languages. He is also co-director of the Consor-

tium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations and has been nominated for the

Pulitzer Prize several times.

Today, we will talk with this distinguished scientist about his latest work, Óptimo: Empatía, ren-

dimiento e inteligencia Emocional, in collaboration with psychologist Cary Cherniss. This book

outlines techniques to achieve greater productivity and satisfaction, tools to address workplace

conflicts, and the alarming burnout syndrome that has brought about absenteeism, dismissals,

2María Auxiliadora Campos Medina

Revista Digital de Investigación y Postgrado, 6(11), 161-164

Electronic ISSN: 2665-038X

Interview with Dr. Daniel GolemanAuthor of the Book Óptimo

conflicts, somatization, and mental health problems. It also examines emotional management

in various contexts, including technology.

The author explains that empathy, a core component of emotional intelligence, cannot be emu-

lated by artificial intelligence due to the complexity of the neural connections activated during

empathetic interactions—something devices and Artificial Intelligence cannot replicate.

Interviewer: In your recent work, Óptimo, you emphasize the importance of self-awareness and

emotional self-management, with realistic goals and self-motivation to achieve complete satis-

faction. What are the tools to achieve this?

Dr. Goleman: It is essential to understand emotions, to be aware of what we experience, and

the true origin of our feelings. This helps us manage them optimally, avoiding reactions that

lead to negative consequences and impulsive decisions. In Óptimo, I recommend techniques

such as deep breathing and mindfulness practice, which involve awareness of the present mo-

ment. Additionally, cultivating positive habits and maintaining an open, growth-oriented mindset

are necessary for consistency and perseverance to reach set goals.

Interviewer: Dr. Goleman, which aspects of emotional intelligence should be emphasized in uni-

versity education to optimize students' cognitive processes and improve teacher effectiveness?

Dr. Goleman: For decades, I have researched the foundations for achieving academic success.

Among them is emotional self-awareness, which involves understanding one’s emotions,

strengths, and weaknesses for better stress management. Emotional perception contributes to

academic success. Neurologically, the amygdala, which stores emotional memory, activates

under stress and interferes with the hippocampus, a brain structure related to learning and me-

mory. Therefore, there is a dual relationship: better emotional management leads to better in-

formation encoding and retrieval.

The harmonious development of the cerebral cortex also supports the regulatory activity of the

amygdala, reducing the impact of stress and anxiety on cognitive processes. It is essential to focus

emotions on realistic, well-defined, and achievable goals, with sustained motivation and the resilience

needed to overcome obstacles that often lead to poor performance, dropout, and frustration.

Moreover, social skills, such as effective communication and teamwork, are essential tools in

knowledge production, conflict resolution through group thinking, and productive learning en-

vironments in digital communities and AI-disrupted spaces. Each member can shine for their

unique skills in virtual learning and social media environments, where cooperative, empathetic,

and synergistic presence is essential.

Interviewer: According to what you explained in your recent work, emotional management con-

tributes to a state of high performance and satisfaction. Which personality traits can facilitate or

hinder this process?

4María Auxiliadora Campos Medina

Dr. Goleman: Extroverted individuals are generally more sociable and inclined to engage in group

settings, which provides an opportunity to develop social skills like communication, empathy, and

the management of others’ emotions. People prone to neuroticism often face difficulties managing

their emotional world, as they tend to experience anxiety, sadness, anger, and irritability more in-

tensely, are more sensitive to stressors, and are consequently prone to interpersonal conflicts and

low frustration tolerance.

Likewise, people with flexible thinking can adapt to uncertain times and life transitions, such

as the disruption brought by artificial intelligence. As I mention in this publication, AI is not

static; it can develop independently of personality. Better emotional management leads to

higher performance and personal satisfaction, defined as having a productive and meaningful

day achieved through effective emotion management to balance performance and well-

being.

Interviewer: In the organizational setting, how can emotions be managed in a hyper-technological

world where empathetic communication is minimal?

Dr. Goleman: Empathy is essential for a productive and harmonious work life. There are three

types of emotional connection with others: cognitive empathy, which is understanding what the

other person feels and thinks; emotional empathy, which involves feeling what the other person

feels due to neural mirroring of the other’s emotions; and compassionate empathy, which involves

acting with compassion and support in conflict or emergency situations.

Empathy contributes to productivity by promoting a reason-emotion balance, preventing conflicts,

and fostering open, effective communication. In a tech-mediated world, empathy management

becomes a challenge, but it requires conscious device use and attention to nonverbal cues in

video calls. Genuine interest in the emotions expressed in conversations is crucial. Organizations

should offer seminars or workshops on leadership and emotional competencies, as employee sa-

tisfaction and, consequently, productivity depend on it.

We thank Dr. Goleman for the depth of his insights in this interview, where he offered us a glimpse

of his latest work, Óptimo: Cómo alcanzar la excelencia personal y laboral todos los días, co-aut-

hored with Cary Cherniss. The book emphasizes tools like deep breathing, perceptive awareness,

and empathy as essential life habits for satisfaction and performance. Addressing these themes

has a profound impact on organizational productivity, especially for universities. They must em-

brace the challenge of fostering a culture of emotional awareness, innovation, and adaptability in

a hyper-technological, ever-evolving context to prevent dehumanization in cyber society. Without

emotions and motivation, humanity risks becoming a slave to its own creation.

Reference

Goleman, D. y Chermiss, C. (2024). Óptimo: Rendimiento, empatía e inteligencia emocional. Edi-

torial Kairós.