Grateful for the invitation to speak at the Singapore Management University yesterday; in a room full of bright business undergraduates.
What was meant to be a session on leadership in business quickly evolved into a lively, very human conversation about something rarely taught in classrooms: dating, relationships, and the emotional intelligence behind choosing well.
There wasn’t a dull moment.
Hands kept shooting up.
Questions flowed freely.
And the energy in the seminar room was electric.
Heartening to also see male students asking questions about feelings when they could have easily played it cool.
While our young adults are learning economics, finance, and strategy, no one gives them a textbook on how to build healthy relationships, communicate with emotional maturity, or choose life partners wisely.
Sometimes, the most valuable leadership lessons don’t come from case studies - they come from learning how to lead your own life with clarity, self-respect, and emotional awareness.
Conversations with next generation leaders, dreamers & future founders are always inspiring and am glad we tackled issues that are truly stirring in their hearts. #AskAnisa #datingadvice #relationshiptips #datingmistakes #tiktokhighlights
Attending a seminar that transitions from business leadership to the nuanced topics of dating and relationships highlights a vital gap in formal education—emotional intelligence. While economics, finance, and strategy are foundational to business studies, the ability to navigate personal connections and understand emotional dynamics is equally crucial for future leaders. Emotional intelligence, especially in the context of choosing life partners and maintaining healthy relationships, equips individuals with self-awareness, empathy, and communication skills. These competencies foster not only personal happiness but also more effective leadership, as leaders with emotional maturity relate better to their teams and make wiser decisions. It's inspiring to witness young adults engage actively on topics like feelings and emotional growth—demonstrating a shift away from traditional stoicism toward more open conversations about vulnerability. This trend encourages the development of well-rounded leaders who can balance analytical expertise with emotional comprehension. Moreover, discussing "choosing major?" as seen in the seminar images underscores the broader theme of decision-making—not only in education but also in personal life. Making wise choices requires clarity and self-respect, skills that are essential whether one is selecting a career path or a life partner. Integrating leadership lessons with relationship wisdom provides a more holistic approach to personal and professional success. Incorporating these elements into educational programs can prepare students better for life's complexities. Future seminars and curricula might benefit from including emotional intelligence training, fostering environments where students can freely discuss 'dating mistakes,' 'relationship tips,' and ultimately how to 'choose well.' These conversations prime young leaders to face real-world challenges with emotional resilience and maturity.
