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Meet Misha Safran: Founder of CEEQ, Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence



What does Empowering Women mean to you?


Empowering others is at the heart of what I do. I believe that empowerment is an art and a right. It is essential to creating a more just and compassionate world. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they step into their full potential, fostering confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate conflict with empathy. True empowerment isn’t just about personal success; it’s about uplifting others, strengthening communities, and transforming systems for lasting, meaningful change.


How did you get started working in your field?


I started as an educator: middle and high school as well as community college and university. Due to a life-changing accident, which was a curse and a blessing, I had to leave teaching. I started my own business because it afforded me the time to amplify my self-care. First it started as life coaching students 1:1, then I was asked to be a facilitator of leadership development. This was exhilarating. It was like teaching but not 8 hours back to back five days a week so I could manage it. One of my team members in 2022 told me that my superpowers were empathy and emotional intelligence and that I uplifted each room I entered whether virtual or in-person. And so, in October of 2022, CEEQ, Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence, LLC was born. With keynote speaking and facilitating, I am still living my passion to be an educator just in a different form.


What do you love most about your job? / What are you most proud of?


I love to see transformation happen from the inside out. The people I work with go from being discontent, frustrated, and barely surviving to joyful, radiant, and thriving. I am proud of my ability to create brave spaces where, if and when, people slip or fall - they can land softly*. Transforming personal and professional relationship conflicts into connecting, collaboration, and healthy currency give me the greatest smile. Seeing folks decrease judgment and increase compassion, shift language from volatile to inspiring, and going from being against one another to for one another. It's invigorating work!


*I first learned this term "to land softly" from Sonja Renee Taylor


What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work?


If you are passionate about it, give it all you've got. However, you can't give anything you don't have so be sure to cultivate your own wellness, your own joy, and create a team of people in your life who can support you when it feels hard. We never have to do this all alone. In the beginning, being self-employed can sometimes feel lonely but it doesn't have to be that way. Start networking to build relationships not to pitch yourself. Find the people who believe in what you do so and vice versa so you can champion one another!


Anything else you would like to add?


What started out as a wilting flower, I am now a vibrant, strong, and radiant flower. I have learned more from leaning into my heart than seeking or chasing clients. I have learned more from being generous than being competitive. And I have learned more from shining the light on others (and myself) than trying to somehow hide behind them. It has been an incredible journey for which I am so grateful!


My song - recently released - Are You Willing? by Misha Safran

 
 
 

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