EQ U by ChoiceCenter Leadership University

Brittany Hanson LV42: Weddings, Wildfires and Autism Wisdom

🎧 What do you do when your home burns down, your multi-million-dollar business is crippled by COVID, and your non-verbal autistic son is struggling in a chaotic world? 💔🔥♾️
If you’re LV42's Brittany Rogers Hanson, you rise — with emotional intelligence as your superpower. In this powerful and unfiltered episode, Brittany shares her journey from photographing icons like Steve Wynn, Dana White and Tom Breitling, to navigating the heartbreak of the 2017 Napa wildfires, to building a business with her son Kai — who inspires her every day to lead with love, patience, and vision. 🧠💙📸 
A 2003 graduate of ChoiceCenter Leadership University, Brittany used her EQ Leadership training to triple her income in just 100 days. She later founded Runaway With Me, a $2M destination wedding company — and today, she’s a master of leading both teams and family with EQ. 💍📈🧭
Married to her high school sweetheart (Eric Hanson LV41), Brittany takes us behind the scenes of:
📸 Her path from art school to photographing billionaires and destination weddings
🔥 Rebuilding after losing her home in the Napa wildfires
📈 Tripling her income after EQ leadership training
🧩 Raising her autistic son Kai with compassion and resilience
♻️ Building a garbage-bin-inspired business with her son
🚀 How she uses AI to 10x her team’s productivity
🧡 25 years of marriage rooted in declarations, clarity, and shared vision
🎯 The impact Abundance & Prosperity can have on planning your family’s next 10 years
Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, or simply seeking strength through adversity — this episode will meet you where you are and inspire you to dream, declare, and deliver at the next level.
🔊 Listen now for a masterclass in EQ-fueled leadership, neurodiversity, and unapologetic reinvention.
🎙️ Hit play if you're ready to be moved, empowered, and reminded of what’s possible when emotional intelligence leads the way.

Nicolas Sfeir: Built Different — From $300 to a $250M Raiders Stadium Deal

Born in a hospital bunker during the Lebanese Civil War, Nicolas Sfeir arrived in the U.S. with two suitcases, $300, and a dream.
Today, he’s the owner of EEF Custom Homes, a father of four, and a graduate of ChoiceCenter’s LV159 EQ Leadership training who has scaled companies from $23M to $72M and won the $250M mechanical contract for the Raiders Stadium in Las Vegas. But none of that defines him like his emotional intelligence does.
In this powerful episode of EQ U, Nicolas shares:
How he immigrated to the U.S. and found purpose through construction
The inside story of how he used enrolling and vision to beat competitors and win the Raiders Stadium bid
Why his EQ training helped him become the kind of father and husband he always wanted to be
How he scaled two companies and bought his dream business at age 46
What the Samurai Game, Journey Within, and Men's Retreat gave him that business school never did
His biggest coaching moment: “Would you want your daughter to marry someone like you?”
Plus, Nicolas leaves listeners with an EQ Stretch Challenge inspired by his time as a Boy Scout—and a heartfelt message to his children that will stay with you long after the episode ends.
🎧 Listen now and be reminded: You’re never too old, too late, or too far behind to build your dream. You just have to be present—and put in the work.

Pasha Esfandiary: Raising the Stakes to Win in Business & Life

🎲 What happens when you stop playing not to lose—and start betting on yourself?
From poker prodigy ♠️ to $50 million real estate mogul 🏢, Pasha Esfandiary has mastered the art of betting on himself — and winning big 💥.
In this unforgettable episode of EQ U, Pasha opens up about growing up without a mother 💔, being raised by a hardworking Iranian immigrant father 👨‍👦, and how a single declaration at ChoiceCenter during his LV122 EQ Leadership training in 2012 🎓 changed the trajectory of his entire life. He shares the emotional journey behind flipping his first home 🛠️, raising his first $700K 💸 , and how he's scaled Evoke Capital into a $50M investment firm 📈 built on heart, trust, and EQ 💙.
He’s also the author of Raising the Stakes 📘—a bold new book blending poker strategy ♣️ with emotional intelligence, business insight, and personal transformation 🔥. The book is already an Amazon Bestseller 🥇 ahead of its official release on April 22 📅.
But Pasha’s greatest wins aren’t financial—they’re deeply personal 💞. From the way he leads his team 🤝 to how he shows up as a father to twins Zoe and Taj 👶👶, and a son to his beloved dad Bijan 🌍, this episode reveals the EQ behind the empire — and the man.
In this episode:♠️ How poker strategy shaped his leadership and parenting📈 The capital raise that changed everything💡 What it takes to build trust with investors🧭 The daily practices that keep him aligned with his vision❤️ Why leading with love is the highest return of all
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📘 Order the book: Raising the Stakes (Amazon Bestseller!)🎧 Listen to his podcast: Road to 100🌐 Learn more: www.pashaesfandiary.com
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New episodes of EQ U drop every Tuesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and ChoiceCenter.com.Subscribe. Share. Stretch yourself.

Henry Akins: How a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Sees What Others Miss

In this powerful episode of EQ U, co-hosts Robin Williams and Corrine Clement of ChoiceCenter Leadership University sit down with Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and globally renowned instructor Henry Akins, the fastest person to ever receive a black belt from the legendary Rickson Gracie. But beyond the mat, Henry is a graduate of ChoiceCenter’s LV144 EQ Leadership Legacy training and a master of emotional intelligence.
We explore how the subtle principles of “hidden jiu-jitsu”—like flow, stillness, presence, and adaptability—mirror the inner work of EQ. Henry opens up about his journey through grief, the mental discipline behind mastery, and how learning to breathe under pressure has shaped both his life and leadership.
Additionally, Henry provides a captivating overview of the history of the UFC, shedding light on its evolution and the pivotal role Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu played in shaping mixed martial arts. His firsthand experiences and stories offer listeners a unique perspective on the martial arts community and its enduring impact.​
From Henry Akins, you’ll learn:
Why black belts train their mindset as much as their body
How to stay calm when the pressure is on
What jiu-jitsu teaches about resilience, emotional regulation, and growth
The moment Henry nearly walked away from jiu-jitsu—and what brought him back
The incredible parallels between martial arts and emotional intelligence
Whether you're a martial artist, a leader, or someone seeking to draw life lessons from the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire you – inside and out.​

Dwayne Murray: The 4 EQ Pillars That Got Me Through Grief, Loss, and Fatherhood

In this powerful episode of EQ U, hosts Robin Williams and Corrine Clement sit down with 2009 ChoiceCenter Leadership University graduate Dwayne Murray (LV98)—a resilient entrepreneur, devoted father, and intentional leader—who shares his transformative journey through emotional intelligence.
Dwayne opens up about his path from growing up without a father to becoming the kind of father he never had. He recounts the heartbreak of losing his wife when their daughter was just 18 months old, and the unwavering commitment he made to raise her with love, purpose, and strength. Through it all, he leaned into the 4 EQ Pillars of Leadership:– 100% is possible, 100% of the time– I live my stand as if my life and the lives of others depend upon it– My vision and commitment dictate my actions and ways of being– If it’s to be, it’s up to me
These guiding principles became the foundation for Dwayne’s parenting, his business success as a State Farm agency owner, and his ability to lead with clarity through unimaginable loss.
The conversation explores themes of authentic connection, immersive self-development, and the power of community support. Dwayne shares how emotional intelligence shifted his values from materialism to meaningful experiences, and how his personal strategic plan (PSP)—written during training—came full circle years later.
They also discuss navigating challenges in business, redefining relationships through EQ, and how intentional parenting can shape emotionally aware children. The episode concludes with a heartfelt EQ stretch challenge, reminding listeners that acts of kindness and belief in possibility can transform not only their own lives—but the lives of others.

Keith Bentz: Master Trainer's 40-Year Journey from Stanford to Sauvignon Blanc

🤔 What does it take to go from Stanford professor to world-renowned transformational trainer? And how do ancient philosophy, emotional intelligence, and experiential training shape the way leaders break through their limitations?
In this episode of EQ U, hosts Robin Williams and Corrine Clement sit down with Keith Bentz—a master trainer, training designer, and trainer of trainers at ChoiceCenter Leadership University with over 40 years of experience in the field of experiential education. Keith has led transformational trainings for over 60,000 people worldwide 🌍, helping them elevate their leadership, mindset, and results in business, relationships, and life.
✨ Keith’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He began his career teaching philosophy, literature, and languages 📚 at Stanford & Boston University before making a bold leap 🚀 into the world of personal development & transformational training.
🔹 Certified Lead Trainer for Discovery & Breakthrough🔹 Creator of The Business Challenge & The Journey Within🔹 One of the few trainers in the world certified to lead The Samurai Game® ⚔️ — a legendary leadership training experience.
Beyond his decades of training and coaching, Keith has also followed his lifelong dream of winemaking, owning a Napa Valley vineyard and co-creating AURELIA, a premium single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ 📖 How Stanford & philosophy shaped Keith’s approach to leadership✅ ⚡ The moment that changed everything & led him to transformational training✅ 🧠 The power of experiential learning vs. traditional education✅ ⚔️ Why The Samurai Game® is one of the most powerful leadership experiences in the world✅ 🍷 How operating a vineyard taught him the ultimate lesson in resilience & surrender✅ 🚀 Keith’s personal EQ challenge for listeners—a stretch that could change how you see life
🔥 If you’re ready to break through your own limitations, master emotional intelligence, and discover what’s truly possible, this episode is a must-listen!

Mikey Kim: From Wax to Riches – How He Turned $500 Into a Global Candle Empire

🔥 Talk about a glow up! 🔥 What if losing your job and being isolated in the global pandemic became the best thing that ever happened to you? 🚀
In this episode of EQ U, co-hosts Robin Williams and Corrine Clement sit down with LV211's Mikey Kim, the visionary CEO & Founder of Hemlock Park, to uncover his incredible journey from a small apartment side hustle to North America’s #1 privately owned natural candle brand — selling 250,000+ hand-poured candles a year across the U.S., Europe, and Asia ... and with a team of only eight people!
Mikey didn’t just build a thriving business—his candles are now in over 2,500 retail stores, and get this… Hemlock Park is the official candle maker for The White House! 🕯🏛
But Mikey’s story isn’t just about business. He’s a 2023 graduate of ChoiceCenter’s EQ Leadership Development training, and in this episode, we explore how emotional intelligence, resilience, and bold decision-making helped him scale his company, land a spot on Forbes' Next 1000 list, and create a life he loves.
🔹 How did he turn a $500 side hustle into a global brand?🔹 What business strategies and EQ skills helped him succeed?🔹 What’s it like designing for Nike and Aveda before launching his own company?🔹 How was failure the greatest gift to his future success?🔹 How does he balance creativity, leadership, and personal growth?
💡 Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and get ready to elevate your mindset, business, and EQ!
📩 Love the episode? Share it with a friend and drop us a review! 🚀

Phuong Huynh: PART 2 – From Refugee to Resilient Leader

At just seven years old, LV136's Phuong Huynh fled Vietnam in the middle of the night, escaping the communist regime by boat. She endured unimaginable challenges — running out of food & water, her mother being taken by pirates, surviving a year of refugee camps in Malaysia and the Philippines – to arrive in the U.S. with nothing but hope and determination.
In this powerful two-part episode of EQ U, Phuong shares her gripping story of survival, adaptation, and triumph. She opens up about her journey from refugee to corporate leader at VMware, how she overcame adversity, and the role emotional intelligence played in shaping her success.
In Part 1, we dove into her early years—her escape from Vietnam, the struggles of growing up in a foreign country, and the mindset that helped her push forward.
In this episode – Part 2 – we explore her rise in the tech industry, how ChoiceCenter Leadership University transformed her perspective and supported her to find her purpose, and the EQ tools she uses to navigate life and business.
This is a story of resilience, leadership, and transformation that you don’t want to miss!
🔹 Subscribe now and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this episode inspires you!🔹 Follow us on social media for more insights on EQ and leadership development.

Phuong Huynh: PART 1 – From Refugee to Resilient Leader

At just seven years old, LV136's Phuong Huynh fled Vietnam in the middle of the night, escaping the communist regime by boat. She endured unimaginable challenges — running out of food & water, her mother being taken by pirates, surviving a year of refugee camps in Malaysia and the Philippines – to arrive in the U.S. with nothing but hope and determination.
In this powerful two-part episode of EQ U, Phuong shares her gripping story of survival, adaptation, and triumph. She opens up about her journey from refugee to corporate leader at VMware, how she overcame adversity, and the role emotional intelligence played in shaping her success.
In Part 1, we dive into her early years—her escape from Vietnam, the struggles of growing up in a foreign country, and the mindset that helped her push forward.
In Part 2, we explore her rise in the tech industry, how ChoiceCenter Leadership University transformed her perspective and supported her to find her purpose, and the EQ tools she uses to navigate life and business.
This is a story of resilience, leadership, and transformation that you don’t want to miss!
🔹 Subscribe now and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if this episode inspires you!🔹 Follow us on social media for more insights on EQ and leadership development.

David Silverman: Self-Awareness & The Hidden Superpowers of CEOs

🚀 What does it take to build a national mortgage powerhouse from the ground up? And how does emotional intelligence play a role in leadership, scaling, and navigating disruption?
In this episode of EQ U, we sit down with David Silverman, CEO of NFM Lending and ChoiceCenter LV127 graduate, to dive into the EQ principles that helped him grow a small office into a thriving company with over 1,100 employees doing business in 49 states. In 2022, NFM Lending achieved a total loan volume of $6,997,853,234, closing 19,548 loans, and was ranked as the 20th largest home lender by Mortgage Executive Magazine.
From leading through industry shifts to building a high-trust corporate culture, David shares hard-earned leadership insights that apply to entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone looking to level up in business and life.
Plus, he leaves listeners with an EQ Stretch Challenge—a 30-day mental and physical discipline that could transform the way you show up in the world.