In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart—CEO of Friends for Life and a veteran Direct Support Professional with over 20 years of experience—explores a critical but often overlooked skill in the field: emotional intelligence.

Tony shares personal stories and practical insights on how DSPs can better connect with the individuals they support by being more self-aware, empathetic, and emotionally responsive. From learning to truly listen without reacting, to knowing when to be vulnerable, Tony offers a raw and honest look at what it means to support someone beyond just the task list.

Whether you're a new DSP or have been in the field for years, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their impact and build more meaningful relationships in disability services.

Topics Covered:

• Signs of lacking emotional intelligence as a DSP

• How emotional reactions can damage trust

• The importance of asking “How are you?”—and meaning it

• Balancing vulnerability and professionalism

• Why timing is everything in emotional communication

🔗 Resources mentioned:

• IntellectAbility – ReplacingRisk.com

• Assured Health Services – assuredhealthohio.com

• Reliable Drug & Alcohol Testing – reliabdrugtest.com

• THS Remote Supports – thsrss.com

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation on how emotional intelligence can transform the lives of those we support—and our own.