A former financial adviser has launched emotional intelligence training to help advisers communicate with their clients as well as manage their teams.
Raise Your EI was launched today (November 7) by James Woodfall, a former client-facing adviser, turned author, who also trained as a behaviour analyst.
The platform offers training courses which are designed to teach advisers new ways to interact with clients and colleagues, as well has help with recruitment and staff development.
Woodfall said: "I’m incredibly excited to launch Raise Your EI, and bring the science of emotional intelligence to the advice profession.
"Over the past year, I’ve worked tirelessly to develop a training programme that fills a key knowledge gap in the market.
"Raise Your EI’s exclusive courses teach advisers and planners how to better read and understand the behaviour of their clients, improving communication and building greater levels of trust."
The courses will be offered from 2025 in person and virtually and will be presented by Woodfall himself and behavioural analyst Cliff Lansley.
They will include applied emotional intelligence for financial planners and behaviour analysis and investigative interviewing.
The former will teach advisers strategies for building deeper trust with clients, understanding their unique financial goals, and helping them navigate the emotional complexities of financial decision-making.
The latter will be available as a live workshop or self-directed course intended for advisers and planners in high-stakes roles, teaching them how to evaluate truth, recognise key behaviours, and detect deception.
Woodfall said: "I've spoken to many advisers over the past year about delivering high-quality, science-based training in communication skills.
"All agreed it’s needed now more than ever, especially as we face the challenge of advice becoming less human with the rise of AI.
"This launch marks a new chapter, and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with advisers, planners, and firms. I can’t wait to see what the future holds."
Alongside the courses, Raise Your EI will also offer e-Factor reports, which can help with recruitment or the development of talent in advice firms.
carmen.reichman@ft.com