We recently connected with Regina Atkins and have shared our conversation below.

Regina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was, surprisingly, reject me. Rejection is something we all face in life, but experiencing it from a parent is uniquely painful. Growing up, I often felt a deep sense of rejection and abandonment from my father. There were several moments that made me feel as though I was loved and valued less than my siblings. Whether intentional or not, these experiences shaped my perception of myself and the world around me.

For years, I carried that weight, believing that rejection was something to fear, something that defined me. But through my relationship with God, emotional intelligence and deep inner work, I found the power to reframe it. I realized that rejection wasn’t a reflection of my value—it was an invitation to rise. It was a painful yet profound teacher, one that pushed me toward self-awareness, healing, and strength I never knew I had.

What once felt like my deepest wound became the foundation of my greatest transformation. I learned that rejection doesn’t close doors—it redirects us to the places we are truly meant to be. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Regina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the world of Emotional Intelligence (EI), leadership, and personal transformation wasn’t a straight path—it was one forged through deep self-discovery, resilience, and a passion for helping others unlock their full potential. At its core, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage both your own emotions and those of others—and it was this very skill that guided me through my transformation.

I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, as well as a master’s in human resources, equipping me with both the instructional expertise and the organizational leadership skills necessary to develop people effectively.I also have years of experience as a coach and continuously invest in expanding my expertise through specialized certifications and training in emotional intelligence. This blend of formal education, real-world experience, and ongoing professional development allows me to offer a well-rounded, research-backed approach to coaching. My ability to bridge education, leadership, and EI principles helps individuals and teams cultivate the skills needed to thrive both professionally and personally.
After years of working in education and leadership spaces, I realized that technical skills alone don’t drive success—emotional intelligence is the real differentiator. I saw firsthand how a lack of self-awareness, effective communication, emotional regulation and resilience could hinder even the most talented professionals. This realization led me to deepen my understanding and knowledge of EI and how it transforms leadership, relationships, and workplace dynamics. It led me to write a book-Leveraging Emotional Intelligence “Your Blueprint for Lifelong Learning, Meaningful Connections, and Personal Transformation”.

What I Do & The Problems I Solve
I spark joy by helping people leverage the power of emotional intelligence to effectively lead in both their personal and professional lives.

Through my work, I offer EI-based coaching, training, and speaking engagements that help professionals, leaders, and organizations:
-Develop greater self-awareness & confidence
-Lead with empathy & emotional resilience
-Improve workplace communication & collaboration
– Navigate difficult conversations & conflict effectively
– Transform leadership styles for greater impact

Whether through one-on-one coaching, corporate training, or panel discussions, my goal is to equip people with the tools to lead authentically and navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.

What Sets Me Apart
What makes my approach unique is that I don’t just teach EI—I’ve lived its transformational power. My own experiences of overcoming self-doubt, rejection, and the fear of taking up space have shaped how I coach and train others. I create safe spaces for learning, where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. My approach blends practical EI strategies with real-world application, helping individuals and teams unlock their fullest potential.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the impact my work has had—not just in helping professionals thrive, but in empowering them to transform the way they lead, communicate, and cultivate relationships. It’s not just about shifting workplace cultures—it’s about shifting how people show up in every space they enter, how they engage with their colleagues, and, quite honestly, how they connect with their families. Emotional intelligence isn’t confined to boardrooms and meetings; it ripples into the most personal corners of our lives. When we learn to lead with self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, we don’t just become better professionals—we become better parents, partners, and friends. This work is about transformation at every level, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Seeing clients step into their workplace with more tranquility, set healthy boundaries, and lead with authenticity fuels my passion every day. I’m also proud of the book I’ve written, Leveraging Emotional Intelligence “Your Blueprint for Lifelong Learning, Meaningful Connections, and Personal Transformation.

What I Want You to Know
If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s this: Emotional intelligence isn’t just a skill—it’s a game-changer. It transforms how we lead, connect, and show up in the world. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, improve team dynamics, or simply navigate life’s challenges with more confidence and clarity, EI is key.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the illusion that comfort and predictability are the ultimate goals. For years, I sought security in routines and familiar spaces, but that safety kept me tethered to a version of myself that wasn’t fully realized. True growth began when I stepped beyond what felt safe and into the unknown.
I’ve learned that security and growth rarely coexist. The safety net I once clung to had to be replaced with something even more powerful: belief in myself. I had to let go of the idea that certainty was a prerequisite for success and instead embrace the discomfort, the risk, and the fire that fuels true innovation.
As strange as it sounds, I had to unlearn the comfort of security so I could step into the limitless potential of possibility. Because the real security is in the skills, resilience, and mindset you carry with you, no matter where you go.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’ve read many books that have shaped my entrepreneurial and transformational journey, but one that had a profound impact on me was Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels. This book is all about stepping into purpose, embracing disruption, and expanding the way we see our own potential—concepts that are essential for any entrepreneur.
Marshawn shares her personal story of experiencing an unexpected setback that ultimately led her to a greater calling. Through her journey, she teaches the power of ‘Purpose Mapping’—a framework that helps individuals navigate their own pivot points, break free from limiting beliefs, and boldly step into their next level.
As an entrepreneur, this book helped me redefine what success looks like. It challenged me to embrace the unknown, trust the process, and recognize that every challenge is actually a divine setup for something greater. It reinforced the idea that entrepreneurship isn’t just about strategy—it’s about mindset, faith, and having the courage to believe in something bigger than what you can currently see.
For anyone on the path of business ownership, leadership, or personal reinvention, Believe Bigger is a must-read. It shifts how you approach not only your career but your purpose-driven impact in the world. The road to entrepreneurial success is built on the foundation of self-development. You can never reach your full potential without first becoming the best version of yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rjanel.com/
• Instagram: i_am_rjanel https://www.instagram.com/i_am_rjanel?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: Regina Atkins https://www.facebook.com/iamrjanel
• Linkedin: Regina Atkins M.ED, HRM, SHRM-CP. www.linkedin.com/in/regina-atkins-m-ed-hrm-shrm-cp-8a980b168
• Other: My book is found here on Amazon. https://a.co/d/cvql7J1

Image Credits

pictures in black were taken by The Visual Co.