By Scott Barbrack
The Missing Piece No One Talks About
I’ve spent over three decades in the world of finance, specifically in the fast-paced arena of interest rate derivatives. In this space, precision matters, speed is critical, and strategy is everything. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that there’s one skill that often gets overlooked—emotional intelligence (EQ).
In a room full of brilliant minds and razor-sharp math skills, what often sets the best apart from the rest isn’t a degree or algorithm—it’s the ability to read the room, stay calm under pressure, and build trust with clients and teammates alike.
In short, EQ has quietly become the superpower of effective leaders and traders.
Trading Isn’t Just About Numbers
When people think about trading, they imagine screens full of flashing numbers, high-stress decisions, and big wins or losses. And yes, there’s a lot of that. But behind every decision is a person—processing risk, controlling emotion, and navigating uncertainty.
Emotional intelligence plays a huge role in this. The ability to stay level-headed when markets swing, to recognize when fear or greed is clouding judgment, and to know when to walk away—all of that comes from self-awareness and emotional control.
I’ve seen traders with immense technical skill lose big simply because they couldn’t manage their emotions. I’ve also seen quieter, more composed professionals outperform because they mastered their mindset.
Relationships Drive Everything
One of the first things I learned in this industry is that relationships are everything. Whether you’re closing a trade, launching a business, or collaborating with a team—trust is currency. And trust is built through empathy, consistency, and communication.
These are classic traits of emotional intelligence. It’s about listening more than you talk, understanding someone else’s perspective, and being mindful of how your words and actions affect others.
When I think back on the strongest partnerships I’ve had—whether in finance, restaurants, or other ventures—they were built on emotional connection as much as business alignment. EQ doesn’t replace IQ, but it multiplies its impact.
Leadership Isn’t About Command—It’s About Connection
As a Senior Managing Director at GFI, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and leading some incredibly talented people. And I’ve learned that the best leadership isn’t about barking orders—it’s about inspiring trust, offering support, and creating clarity.
That takes empathy. It takes knowing when to push and when to pause. It means recognizing when a teammate is off their game—not just because numbers are down, but maybe because something else is going on.
Leaders who bring EQ into the workplace don’t just get results—they build loyalty, develop talent, and create healthier cultures. Especially in a high-pressure world like ours, that matters more than ever.
The New Competitive Edge
Finance is changing fast. Technology, automation, and AI are transforming how we work. But as machines handle more of the numbers and data, the human side of finance is becoming more valuable, not less.
Emotional intelligence is now a competitive edge. It helps you manage stress, adapt to change, and navigate conflict—all of which are inevitable in any high-stakes career.
It’s also the key to managing diverse teams and working across cultures, which is more relevant than ever in today’s global markets. The ability to read between the lines, understand non-verbal cues, and lead with emotional awareness? That’s what wins in the long run.
You Can Build It—It’s Not Just Natural Talent
The good news? Emotional intelligence isn’t some mystical gift. It’s a skillset. One that can be learned, practiced, and improved over time.
I’ve had to work on this myself. Early in my career, I was more focused on performance than people. I wasn’t always as patient or as empathetic as I could have been. But over time, I realized the power of taking a breath before reacting, of truly listening during a tough conversation, and of leading with curiosity instead of ego.
Reading books, seeking feedback, and watching great communicators in action helped me grow. So did coaching. And so did becoming a parent—nothing teaches EQ like parenting!
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Redefine Strength
For too long, emotional intelligence was seen as “soft.” In finance, where strength is often measured in returns or deals, EQ seemed like a nice-to-have. But not anymore.
Today, the strongest people I know are the ones who stay calm in chaos, who know when to speak and when to listen, and who can influence without intimidation. That’s real strength.
As the business world evolves, it’s time we evolve our definition of leadership and success too. Emotional intelligence isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And if you’re in finance, or any fast-paced field, investing in your EQ might be the smartest trade you ever make.