In this throwback podcast episode, Philip and Mary Elizabeth Diab debate the timeless tension between brainpower and people skills in the world of project delivery.

This week's theme has been all about PMO evolution and relevance and today's throwback takes us back to one of the early debates that helped shape how I think about project leadership.

The question: Are there times when IQ is more important than EQ for project managers?

In this episode of the PM Debate Podcast, Mary Elizabeth Diab and I take opposite sides of this surprisingly nuanced argument.

We explore:

* Why emotional intelligence has become a core leadership skill

* When technical complexity demands more than just empathy

* How project managers can balance people-savvy with analytical rigor

* Whether EQ or IQ matters more when you're thrown into a new industry or technical domain

You’ll hear personal stories, hard truths, and practical takeaways for any project leader navigating high-stakes delivery.

As always, our debate isn’t about who’s right. It’s about seeing both sides clearly so you can lead with clarity.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and weigh in: Which side do you find yourself on?

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