How do you get people to feel deeply engaged, motivated, and connected at work?

In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with Ricardo Cabete: global keynote speaker and emotional intelligence expert who helps Fortune 500 companies like Novartis, PwC, and HSBC boost employee engagement through the power of emotional connection.

With 17 years of experience as a rock band lead singer, Ricardo brings a unique mix of stage charisma and evidence-based leadership techniques. His mission: to help leaders build cultures where people feel unstoppable.

Together, we unpack the emotional side of leadership and why mastering it is the key to building trust, retention, and productivity that last.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

– The “cow vs. buffalo” mindset shift for facing challenges head-on

– Why emotions drive performance (and how to harness them)

– Ricardo’s GAP model: the 5 human needs behind engagement

– Why leading yourself first is essential to leading others

– A simple weekly habit that can boost engagement up to 80%

– How authenticity and emotional connection create stronger leadership

📚 Ricardo has spoken on TEDx stages, worked with Fortune 500 executives, and trained leaders across the globe. His work proves that emotions aren’t obstacles in business, they’re the most powerful drivers of success.

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Ricardo Cabete

02:15 From Rock Band Singer to Global Keynote Speaker

06:43 Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership

10:21 The “Cow vs. Buffalo” Mindset for Facing Challenges

14:48 Breaking Down the GAP Model of Engagement

19:56 How Leaders Can Spark Real Emotional Connection

23:45 Practical Tools for Building Trust in Teams

27:30 Leading Yourself Before Leading Others

32:10 Why Authenticity Creates Stronger Cultures

37:52 The Habit That Can Increase Engagement to 80%

42:16 Stories of Transformation from Fortune 500 Leaders

47:28 Advice Ricardo Would Give His Younger Self

50:45 Final Insights & Call to Action

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

📺 Watch the full episodes on YouTube: SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌍 Find out more about Sonia: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow Sonia’s journey on Instagram: @soniamartaauthor | Linktree