In this conversation, Kelly Blackmon, a change management specialist, discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and relational intelligence in the workplace. He emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to cultural shifts and the role of generational perspectives in shaping workplace culture. The discussion also covers the significance of communication, feedback loops, and addressing fear and uncertainty within organizations. Kelly introduces his Culture EQ framework as a guide for implementing positive change in workplace culture. In this conversation, Kelly Blackmon and Danielle Marshall explore the complexities of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of self-awareness in organizational settings. They discuss the fragility of leadership roles, the challenges of measuring impact, and the significance of curiosity in personal and professional Growth. Kelly shares insights from her experiences, emphasizing the need for emotional groundwork and the power of inquiry in fostering self-discovery. The discussion also touches on the interconnectedness of human experiences and the ongoing journey of self-improvement.

BIO

Kelly Blackmon is a culture strategist who helps organizations see culture not as a buzzword, but as a living system shaping leadership, identity, and belonging every day. Through his frameworks—CultureEQ, AI-EQ, and IdentityEQ—he works with leaders to decode the hidden narratives driving disconnection and resistance in their teams. His focus? Helping people understand that culture isn’t just what happens between DEI trainings. It’s the story people live every day at work.

Drawing from his lived experience as a Black professional and his work across industries, Kelly brings a practical, systems-focused approach to what often gets treated as “soft work.” He believes that workplaces have quietly become the last institution where people are required to show up—and that if we’re serious about change, we have to build cultures worth showing up to.

To get in touch with Kelly visit:

• www.thebeconsulting.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/cultureeq/ 

• Future-Proofing HR Today: The Culture-EQ (Re)Evolution Playbook https://a.co/d/a0CSVZF 

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Keywords

workplace culture, emotional intelligence, change management, generational perspectives, communication, feedback loops, uncertainty, culture EQ framework, leadership, relational intelligence, leadership, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, impact measurement, curiosity, organizational culture, resilience, personal growth, Coaching, change management

Takeaways

The podcast focuses on exploring cultural differences and bridging gaps.

Emotional intelligence is crucial for workplace dynamics.

Generational shifts are influencing workplace culture positively.

Self-awareness is key to understanding one’s impact in the workplace.

The workplace is becoming a primary institution for cultural learning.

Effective communication is essential for organizational success.

Feedback loops can enhance employee engagement and trust.

Implementing frameworks like Culture EQ can guide cultural change.

Curiosity and self-discovery are vital for personal growth.

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Danielle Marshall Founder

Danielle Marshall hosts Unpacked: Culture Chronicles, a space where we slow down and make sense of the moments that shape how we show up with each other. This podcast is an invitation into honest, sometimes messy, always meaningful conversations about culture, identity, and what it takes to stay connected in a world that often pulls us apart.

I don’t come to these conversations with all the answers. I come with questions. With curiosity. With a deep belief that when we are willing to look a little closer, to listen a little longer, something shifts.

In my work beyond the podcast, I serve as an executive coach and equity strategist, partnering with leaders and organizations navigating complexity, growth, and change. Through coaching, facilitation, and speaking, I support people in leading with clarity, cultural humility, and intention, especially in moments where the stakes feel high and the path forward is not always obvious.

Whether I’m working with a leadership team, sitting in a coaching conversation, or recording an episode, the throughline is the same. I’m interested in what becomes possible when we choose curiosity over certainty, and connection over assumption.

And when I’m not working or behind the mic, you can usually find me on the water, attempting to kayak my way through all 50 states. Still in progress, still learning, and very much in the spirit of figuring things out as I go.