🎲 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.

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.​

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.