Leading AI Adoption with Emotional Intelligence: Practical Strategies for Change | EP 194 Featuring Karrie Sullivan

What if your biggest challenge with AI adoption isn’t technology it’s people?

In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant talks with Karrie Sullivan, founder of Culminate Strategy Group, about what it really takes to lead teams through transformation. Karrie shares how she combines psychology, data, and AI to help organizations navigate change with less resistance and more clarity.

You’ll hear real-world examples of how emotional intelligence (EQ) can accelerate adoption, build stronger teams, and reduce the emotional drama that derails strategic initiatives. Whether you're managing a project, leading an M&A, or simply trying to help your team thrive, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss

⏱️ Key Moments in the Episode

00:00 – 02:00 – Introduction

02:00 – 07:00 – Karrie’s journey from marketing to transformation and AI consulting

07:00 – 13:00 – How data-driven EQ helps teams adopt change more effectively

13:00 – 17:00 – Case study: M&A roadblocks, seller’s remorse, and emotional drama

17:00 – 23:00 – Leading engineers: Learning styles, trust, and team dynamics

23:00 – 30:00 – Risk-taking, burnout, and redefining success at work and at home

30:00 – 38:00 – Coaching frameworks, impostor syndrome, and self-worth

38:00 – 42:00 – Final thoughts, continuous growth, and how to connect with Karrie

👤 Guest Information

Karrie Sullivan
Founder of Culminate Strategy Group
Expert in AI-driven change management and team psychology

• 💼 Connect with Karrie on LinkedIn
• 🌐 https://culminatestrategy.com/
• 📘 Upcoming ebook: Hacking the Change Curve

💡 Key Insights & Takeaways

• AI adoption is as much about mindset as it is about systems
• Emotional intelligence is a practical leadership skill—not a soft skill
• Belonging and psychological safety accelerate team transformation
• You can segment your team’s learning preferences using data
• “Should” is one of the most dangerous words in the workplace
• True success includes how you show up at home, not just at work

🧠 Notable Quotes

“EQ isn’t about hugging employees. It’s about solving complex problems while letting go of fear, guilt, and shame.” — Karrie Sullivan

“You create that little bit of need to belong… and magic just happens. Adoption just happens.” — Karrie Sullivan

Engineer Your Success equips technical professionals and business owners to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who thrive at work and at home.

Through a blend of executive coaching, business consulting, and strategic content solutions, we help you:

• Lead with clarity
• Communicate with impact
• Build aligned systems that support your values
• Avoid burnout and thrive in every area of life

Learn more at engineeryoursuccessnow.com

Follow Dr. James Bryant | https://sleek.bio/jbryant