EQ U by ChoiceCenter Leadership University

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
—
📘 Order the book: Raising the Stakes (Amazon Bestseller!)🎧 Listen to his podcast: Road to 100🌐 Learn more: www.pashaesfandiary.com
—
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.

Chris Lee: Turn Breakdowns into Breakthroughs

For 37 years, Master Trainer Chris Lee has coached and trained thousands of people worldwide, empowering them with the tools to achieve extraordinary results. That includes his work at ChoiceCenter Leadership University where he has delivered Breakthrough and Abundance and Prosperity trainings since 1998.
Through a candid conversation, co-hosts Robin Williams and Corrine Clement explore the transformative power of EQ through the lens of Chris Lee's journey and the trainings offered by ChoiceCenter Leadership University.
Chris shares his personal experiences with emotional intelligence training, the significance of self-love, and the importance of relationships in achieving success. The discussion delves into the three levels of training: Discovery, Breakthrough, and Leadership, highlighting how each stage contributes to personal growth and the ability to influence others positively.
The conversation emphasizes the need for connection in today's high-tech low touch world and how the ChoiceCenter provides a nurturing environment for individuals seeking to unlock their full potential. 
In this episode, Robin, Corrine and Chris explore the transformative power of workshops, the common limiting beliefs that hinder personal growth, and the importance of connection and trust. They discuss strategies for overcoming resistance, handling breakdowns, and embracing abundance. The conversation also touches on coping with grief and the significance of nurturing relationships, emphasizing the need for self-love and the impact of one's mindset on their reality.
 

Daniel Negreanu: Winning with EQ in Poker & Life

LV127 graduate Daniel Negreanu is a seven-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Poker Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the most successful and recognizable professional poker players in history. Known for his exceptional ability to read opponents and his strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to the game, he has earned over $50 million in live tournament winnings, making him one of the highest-earning players of all time.
What separates a good poker player from a world-class champion? It’s not just skill — it’s emotional intelligence. In this episode of EQ U, the official podcast of ChoiceCenter Leadership University, hosts Robin Williams and Corrine Clement sit down with Daniel to unpack his journey of transformation through emotional intelligence, discussing how it has impacted his poker career and personal life. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and self-awareness in building relationships and achieving success. The conversation explores the role of coaching, the challenges of navigating personal relationships, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset.
Daniel also reflects on his aspirations for the future, including family goals and the importance of helping others. In the episode, he also discusses his new podcast The Mania which he hosts with his wife and media personality, Amanda. Together, the duo provide an unfiltered look at the reality of living with a partner who has bipolar disorder.