Have you ever sat at your desk, physically present but mentally checked out, your stomach in knots, calling in “sick” when you’re really just depleted, feeling like you’re giving 110% while running on empty? Ryan Giordano knows that feeling intimately, and his journey from the breaking point of burnout to teaching emotional intelligence at Fleetio reveals a radical truth: we massively underestimate how much control we have over our own experience.
Ryan shares why 50% of what happens to us is actually happening inside our heads, introduces the “window metaphor” that transforms how you see reality, and explains why reframing isn’t just positive thinking – it’s a practical tool that could save your career.
Ryan shows how emotional intelligence becomes the antidote when you’re always “on” but never okay. If work feels like it’s happening TO you rather than WITH you, this conversation is for you.
Full Episode
Guest Links
Show Notes
- [00:00 – 03:08] Introduction to Emotional Intelligence and Burnout
- [03:09 – 06:09] Ryan’s Personal Experience with Burnout
- [06:10 – 09:04] The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Managing Stress
- [09:05 – 12:06] Reframing as an Emotional Intelligence Tool
- [12:07 – 15:09] The Window Metaphor for Self-Reflection
- [15:10 – 17:49] Understanding Feelings and Reactions
- [17:50 – 21:01] The Importance of Perspective in Communication
- [21:02 – 23:48] Agency and Control in Our Experiences
- [23:49 – 27:06] Practical Applications of Emotional Intelligence
- [27:07 – 30:01] Building a Culture of Learning and Feedback
- [30:02 – 33:06] Coaching Circles and Their Impact
- [33:07 – 35:59] Creating Practical Learning Experiences
- [36:00 – 48:09] Conclusion and Key Takeaways
👉 Continue the conversation with me on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Emotional Intelligence Tools
Visit Ryan’s website to explore his shared resources: http://rtgiordano.com
A few standouts:
- The Burnout & Resilience section of Ryan’s site: https://rtgiordano.notion.site/Burnout-Resilience-237302c78f7e4c668bd662da7e8a356b
- Using a Feelings Wheel to identify emotions: https://rtgiordano.notion.site/Naming-Emotions-Feelings-c6c7a3d7a2f94978834f52ee569265ba
- Starter Guide to Reframing Your Experiences: https://www.notion.so/rtgiordano/Reframing-A-Guide-to-Shifting-Perspective-192ec3806a7180149d8ffd25cd6abb1b?source=copy_link
Sam Harris, Meditation, and the Waking Up App
Sam Harris is a philosopher, author, and mindfulness teacher who explores consciousness, ethics, and our sense of self. He created the Waking Up app to give people practical tools—like meditation and self-inquiry—to navigate a more meaningful life.
Want to try the Waking Up app for Free? Anyone using this link can get unlimited access to try out the app for 30 days: https://dynamic.wakingup.com/guestpass/SC1441E50
Have only 8 minutes? Give this guided meditation a listen on Spotify: https://spotify.link/0JTtl0CDwXb
Brene Brown’s List of Values
https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/