Robin Hills | Director | Ei4Change
Robin Hills is a distinguished expert in the field of emotional intelligence and personal development, bringing over 40 years of business and commercial experience to his role. As the Director of Ei4Change, Robin leads a company dedicated to enhancing business performance through a deep understanding of emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience. Ei4Change offers accredited programs, including the Advanced Emotional Intelligence Programme and the Master Practitioner in Emotional Intelligence Programme, which are recognized by The Institute of Leadership. Robin is also a registered and accredited Test User with the British Psychological Society, utilizing internationally recognized tools to assess various psychological attributes.
Robin Hills was recently honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Advanced Studies (Psychology) from Universidad Azteca. This prestigious award was given in recognition of his significant contributions to making emotional intelligence both accessible and applicable in the business world. Through his dedication to online training, Robin has successfully bridged the gap between emotional intelligence and practical business applications, earning him this well-deserved recognition. At EliteX, we are honored to feature Robin Hills on the cover of Extraordinary Business Leaders to Watch, 2024.
Robin’s career in this field was inspired by his long-standing interest in helping people maximize their potential. The inception of Ei4Change was driven by a desire to continue utilizing his skills and experience after facing redundancy. Despite traditional employment barriers, Robin’s determination and self-belief led him to establish a successful business centered on his strengths. Describing his leadership style in three words, Robin chooses “Self-awareness,” “Empathy,” and “Empowerment.” These values guide his approach to decision-making and organizational growth. Robin believes that integrity and ethical practices are crucial for the long-term success of Ei4Change. By focusing on delivering innovative and high-quality training, he aims to inspire learning and support the development of his clients. A hallmark of a successful business leader, according to Robin, is the ability to drive change and improve performance across all levels of an organization. Such leaders align strategies with emotional intelligence, personal, and organizational goals, demonstrating empathy to connect with others and appreciate diverse perspectives.
“Work is part of life. You live one life, with work and personal activities blending together.”
One of Robin’s significant achievements was creating the first online course on stress management a decade ago. At a time when online learning was just emerging, this course represented a major milestone. It involved extensive time and investment in learning new skills to create an interactive experience that supported adult learning. The course has since evolved significantly, with updates to video quality, audio, and interactive elements, becoming a best-seller in the process. Innovation is a cornerstone of Ei4Change’s success. Robin fosters a culture of continuous improvement by exploring new ways to enhance online learning and making emotional intelligence development more accessible. This includes incorporating artificial intelligence and gamification to enrich the learning experience. By staying attuned to technological advancements and social changes, Ei4Change aims to offer relevant and practical emotional intelligence training that meets the evolving needs of learners.
Robin Hills’ dedication to emotional intelligence and innovative learning solutions continues to make a significant impact in the business world, driving growth and development for individuals and organizations alike. As the business world faces new challenges in 2024, Robin Hills is preparing Ei4Change to adapt and thrive. One major challenge is the evolving landscape of online learning, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence. While AI offers personalized learning paths and instant feedback, it lacks the human touch essential for optimal engagement. Robin recognizes that emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in integrating AI in a way that enhances the learning experience, making it more interactive and motivating. He emphasizes that learners benefit greatly from the opportunity to interact with human tutors, rather than relying solely on AI-driven chatbots.
When it comes to work-life balance, Robin challenges the conventional notion of the term. He believes that “work-life balance” is a misleading concept that creates a false dichotomy between work and personal life. Instead, he advocates for viewing work as an integrated part of life. For Robin, life encompasses all activities, whether work-related or personal. By eliminating the idea of a strict trade-off, he encourages a more holistic approach where work and life seamlessly coexist. Mentorship is a key component of Robin’s professional journey. For the past seven years, he has volunteered as a mentor for the Bolton Lads & Girls Club (BLGC), a local charity that supports young people through action planning and goal setting. By mentoring five teenage boys, Robin contributes to building their self-confidence and resilience. This experience not only allows him to give back to his community but also keeps him connected to young people and offers a refreshing break from his business responsibilities.
“Highlighting emotional intelligence helps people appreciate the skills that distinguish us from AI and robots.”
To stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, Robin actively engages with various sources of information. He regularly reads publications and articles on psychology and emotional intelligence, attends conferences, and networks extensively. He also keeps an eye on online course creators for insights into new software systems and trends, ensuring that Ei4Change’s courses remain up to date and relevant. Reflecting on his journey, Robin shares a personal challenge he faced when starting his business. Despite years of contemplating entrepreneurship, he was initially held back by comfort and lack of confidence. It took multiple redundancies and further skill development to finally overcome his hesitation and take the leap into starting Ei4Change. This experience taught him the importance of resilience and the need to embrace change to achieve personal and professional growth.
Robin Hills’ journey is marked by a commitment to emotional intelligence, innovation, and community involvement. His approach to leadership and mentorship continues to inspire and support others in their personal and professional development. Robin Hills is dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture through his online training programs at Ei4Change. His diverse global audience, which includes learners from Europe, the US, Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia, underscores the importance of understanding and managing emotions effectively. Robin believes that emotional intelligence is culturally independent; regardless of geographic or cultural differences, people universally face similar challenges in managing their emotions to make effective decisions and build meaningful relationships. While cultural nuances may arise, participants are encouraged to address and discuss these differences, ensuring that the training is relevant and inclusive for everyone.
“Effective risk-taking in online courses involves balancing innovation with careful assessment of potential downsides.”
In terms of risk-taking, Robin approaches it with a strategic mindset. He balances the need to experiment with new teaching methods, technologies, and content formats against the potential risks of investing resources in unproductive ways. Risks that align with addressing unmet learner needs or differentiating his courses are considered worthwhile. For example, the recent launch of the course “Risk Management with Emotional Intelligence” and “The Business Communication and Emotional Intelligence Toolkit” reflect this approach. These courses incorporate innovative elements, such as self-study PDFs and interactive online examinations, to enhance the learning experience and address specific needs.
Looking ahead to 2024, Robin is excited about the growing focus on artificial intelligence and its impact on the workplace. His primary goal is to emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence and related skills, which he believes are essential for maintaining our humanity amidst the rise of technology and AI. By helping people recognize and value these fundamental skills, Robin aims to ensure that emotional intelligence remains a key component of professional and personal success in an increasingly automated world.
“Emotional intelligence is universal; people everywhere face similar challenges in managing emotions and building relationships.”
