Success may seem like it is given to the elite few, but in reality it is not. It wasn’t until a few years ago when I was on my own self discovery of success that I stumbled across a little-known secret that helped me to understand more about it. Now I see it all around me, and so today I wanted to share one often unknown secret to success. 

The tool that unlocked this insight for me was called JDI. It’s a self-assessment framework that measures you against three qualities: Judgement, Drive, and Influence. All three are critical factors in shaping your success, whatever “success” looks like for you.

Think of it like this:

• Prefer to watch Netflix rather than write that presentation that's due tomorrow? Your Drive might need some fuel.

• Keep making choices that cost you money, or find your relationships constantly in turmoil? That points to Judgement.

• And then there’s Influence - the one that’s arguably the hardest to grow.

You might not use these exact terms, so let’s translate them into an alternative language:

• Judgement → IQ (your "intelligence quotient"), your ability to think clearly, make sound decisions, and see the bigger picture.

• Drive → WQ (your “work quotient”), the grit and energy you bring to get things done.

• Influence → EQ ( your"emotional quotient") or, your emotional intelligence: how well you read people, tune into a room, and connect with others.

In reality, most people can get far on IQ and WQ alone. You work hard, you make smart calls, and you rise through the ranks. But there is often a ceiling. At some point, you reach an inflection where IQ and WQ aren’t enough. Without EQ, you’ll hit a wall.

And that’s where this “secret” comes in.

Emotional intelligence is often underestimated, sometimes dismissed as being “soft” or, worse, manipulative. But to me, it’s the ability to bring out the best in people. It’s not about Machiavellian tactics. It’s about creating an environment where people want to give their best, because they feel seen, heard, and understood.

For years I’ve said my biggest strength is building exceptional teams and empowering them to deliver a clear strategy. Looking back, that’s EQ at work. It’s not just a nice-to-have, but it is the differentiator that sets leaders apart. It is certinly something that I hold in high regard with whomever I work for, and with.

So, if you want to unlock the next level of success in your career, don’t just focus on sharpening your technical skills or doubling your output. Ask yourself: How am I growing my EQ?

Because that, more than anything else, could be your secret superpower.