Misha Safran, a dedicated People Professional and founder of the Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence (CEEQ), leads an organization committed to transforming communication and leadership. Through CEEQ, she helps individuals and teams cultivate authenticity, psychological safety and human connection in their professional and personal lives.
Tell about your business
What makes The Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence (CEEQ) truly one of a kind is its holistic, heart-centered approach to transforming communication and leadership through the lens of empathy. CEEQ doesn’t just teach emotional intelligence—it helps individuals and teams embody it in practical, sustainable ways. Using our signature CAPE© model (Compassionate Communication, Positive Intent, Principles of Inclusion and Belonging and Empathy before Accusation), CEEQ bridges personal growth and professional development to create environments where authenticity, psychological safety and human connection thrive. Unlike traditional leadership consulting, CEEQ infuses joy, play and deep emotional awareness into every training, keynote and coaching session, making it not just informative—but transformative.
What inspired you to start your business?
I decided to start my business, which is now celebrating its fifth year, and keep doing what I do because I find pure joy in helping people do peopling better. It is tremendously rewarding to see my clients’ faces light up when they share with me that they are having healthier relationships not only in the workplace but also at home. It makes for a much more peaceful society. When we center empathy and create joy, we truly move from experiencing life as ‘human doings’ and return to our natural state of ‘human beings’ again!
What was the first step to starting your business?
The first step was to wholeheartedly believe that people want to change, that they are willing to get and pay for the help to make the changes they are seeking, and then to share aloud boldly that I am the one to help them! I had to become very clear on who I help, how I help them and how my help benefits them and beyond! Then, it became ALL about building relationships and making an impact – which are two of my favorite parts!
What’s one mistake you made early on in your business, and what did you learn from it?
The mistake I made early on in my business was that I did not share more about what benefits people could experience from working with me so folks didn’t know what pain I was solving and how they could feel once the pain was solved. There was a disconnect in hearing what I offer and why it was important to them.
Describe your company in three words.
Empathy. Connection. Transformation.
How do you differentiate your company from other similar offerings?
While many leadership development firms emphasize performance metrics or one-size-fits-all communication models, The Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence (CEEQ) takes a different approach—centering relationships, inclusion and emotional well-being at every level of leadership. Other companies may offer empathy training or executive coaching as optional extras. At CEEQ, empathy, joy and emotional intelligence are the foundation—not the fringe. Where others aim to correct leadership behaviors, CEEQ nurtures self-awareness, presence and connection to foster inclusive cultures and a true sense of belonging. Our CAPE© model empowers individuals and teams to lead with courage, compassion and clarity—transforming how people show up at work and with one another. In short: CEEQ doesn’t teach transformational leadership practices (aka soft skills) as secondary—we center them as strategic tools for trust-building, collaboration and sustained organizational well-being.
What’s your proudest business milestone so far?
I would have to say it was speaking virtually in front of more than 700 people and not only having tremendous engagement hearing that my talk shifted their entire mood that day but then reading a comment from a participant that I needed to be a TedTalk Speaker. It was invigorating and rewarding!
What excites you about your work?
I have been a lifelong facilitator of learning, and every time I witness that “aha” moment. Whether with my students or now with corporate and nonprofit leaders, I’m reminded of why I do this work. My mission is to empower people to be their best selves while truly enjoying life. In a world that often feels divided, I’m passionate about creating brave, courageous spaces for difficult conversations. Watching the camaraderie and breakthrough ideas that emerge through this process genuinely lights me up.
I’m grateful to connect with and support people from all around the globe in building healthier, more authentic relationships at home and in the workplace. Sometimes the most challenging moments are also the most transformative. When someone recognizes they’ve been stuck in a relationship that no longer serves them, powerful shifts can happen. Communication can open the door to healing, or stepping away can create new opportunities. Either way, it’s a win-win: a chance to move from stuck to empowered rather than letting toxicity take hold.
What’s a business myth you’d love to bust?
I was actually surprised to learn, so want to bust this for others as well, that people need to be told what to do. That if we don’t offer a CTA (Call To Action), people won’t act. Not that all people will act all of the time but that it helps make the decision-making easier for people who are really wanting/needing help but nervous about making the commitment. Part of this myth is also that marketing is sales. When actually marketing is education. If you don’t know anything about me and what I offer and then you see a post or an advertisement about me and my services, you have a chance now to learn about me and how I could help you or someone you love! Sales is very different!
Who’s a female entrepreneur that inspires you?
I would have to say that my bonus-mom, Naomi Lowinsky, is one of the entrepreneurs who inspired me. With a bit of trepidation, I decided to leave teaching due to my disability and become self-employed. As a Jungian analyst, therapist, published author and phenomenal poet, my bonus-mom of 46 years encouraged me by telling me that if anyone could be successfully self-employed, it was me. This was a huge compliment and since she has known me well, I chose to believe her. Watching her build her business, supporting clients and her passion, has been a life-long gift for which I am grateful.
What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs?
Building a business isn’t easy. So the first offering I have is not to take off the rose colored glasses BUT rather NEVER put them on! Secondly, be sure to set your boundaries, clearly and unapologetically. Take time to identify what you need for yourself to thrive before you start offering too much. Thirdly, saying yes to too many free “opportunities” can dilute your impact. Be clear on when you’re building visibility—and when you’re being undervalued. Create a rate sheet, even for partnerships. Additionally, find a coach, mentor, or community that challenges your comfort zone, not just affirms you. Support matters, but so does accountability. Surround yourself with people who understand both your vision and your blind spots. Finally, remember to play throughout and celebrate the wins, no matter how small you think they are!
Anything else you want to share with our audience?
Outside of my work with leaders and organizations, I am a trilingual singer-songwriter who believes joy is a form of resistance and healing. I find inspiration while hiking, practice laughter yoga and delight in spontaneous moments of play. Whether I am singing at an event or pausing to ask a powerful question, I proudly and joyfully bring my full self to every space—infusing curiosity, compassion and presence into all that I does.
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