The Team

As a successful business owner for over 30 years, Jim Vaive speaks the language of CEOs and uses his personal experience to connect with decision-makers in the business arena. Jim completed extensive training in spiritual direction, along with deep dives into emotional intelligence work. He is trained as an emotional and spiritual intelligence coach, and is a PCC Professional Certified Coach (International Coach Federation)

Jim founded Spirit of EQ in 2012 to better address the burgeoning needs he saw unfolding around him. After several years of journeying with people as a Spiritual Director, guiding them to a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human, Jim sought more training through Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) Certification, SQ21 by Cindy Wigglesworth’s Deep Change, Inc.

As he developed a greater understanding and competency using this assessment tool, he also sought training and certification for several Emotional Intelligence tools through Six Seconds, ultimately accepting the invitation to become a Preferred Partner Organization in 2014.

Eric is the managing partner at Spirit of EQ. He leads the strategy for keeping the mission moving and growing. He is also responsible for all upfront client interaction and onboarding. Eric is a certified practitioner in varied emotional intelligence and neuroscience tools and has over fifteen years of practical entrepreneurship and leadership experience inside of small and large organizations alike.

Eric is also the author of the eye-opening book, The Well-Being Guide: Making the Most of Life and Work. Based on personal experiences and as a follow-up to his 2008 book, Waking Up in Corporate America, the guide is practical and offers readers the opportunity to evaluate their own lives through self-discovery.

Jeff believes that each person has at their center something that is “A work of Art”. This defines his Noble Goal, for himself and the clients he serves. His greatest pleasure is helping people find that art buried deep within. These opportunities come from his expertise in EQ, work in spiritual areas such as local mission and prison work, or virtual and live experiences.

Jeff has seen in himself, and in others, how working on Emotional Intelligence can allow people to look inside themselves and see the hidden art that makes them special. Jeff holds multiple certifications in emotional intelligence and other neuroscience tools. He is a proud volunteer with Kairos Prison Ministries, where he has served on various advisory councils and held weekend leader roles.

Entrepreneur and Time Out Specialist, Judy Joseph McSween is a proponent for scheduling a pause amid the busyness of individuals, teams and organisations.  She brings her whole self to the facilitation space, lighting the way for participants to engage in highly introspective and experiential activities, that allow for the transitioning their Knowing to Being and Doing.

As she interacts with client systems, Judy draws on her theoretical knowledge and business acumen developed through her more than thirty years of practical experience at executive level with corporate and faith-based organizations.

Judy is a Certified Coach and Facilitator in Emotional Intelligence, Conversational Intelligence (Creating We Institute), Spiritual Intelligence (SEQ, SQ21, Deep Change Inc) and the Frameworks Coaching Process (InnerLinks).  She received her training in organisation behaviour and is a Trainer with the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioural Science USA.  She facilitates Human Formation programs with lay and clergy.

Judy holds a Master of Business Administration degree from City University Business School UK and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry from City University UK.

Amy Jimison discovered her passion for learning and development over 20 years ago.   Her areas of expertise are in leadership, coaching and employee skill development.  Amy focuses on creating positive momentum for herself and others to become their authentic selves.

Amy has paired her expertise in learning and development with emotional intelligence to bring new depths to her interactions.  She is also a certified EQ Assessor, EQ Facilitator and SEQ Assessor through Six Seconds, bringing that lens to effective workshop design and facilitation.

Peter Hoover is a facilitator, coach and consultant specializing in emotional intelligence (certifications: 6 Seconds, HeartMath, and the International Coaching Federation). He is also currently engaged in graduate studies in comparative religion, philosophy and spiritual counseling.

Emotionally, he supports individuals, teams, and organizations in managing overwhelm, stress and change. Spiritually he specializes in self-regulation, integration, and non-duality. His vision is to provide spiritual and emotional intelligence tools that transform individuals and uplift communities worldwide.

As a 35-year radio veteran turned podcast consultant, Brett leverages his years of content creation, marketing skills, and sales to provide customized consulting solutions. He works with entrepreneurs, businesses, brands, and non-profits to plan, launch, produce, and implement podcasts into their marketing strategies. He plays an essential and strategic role in the Spirit of EQ Podcast.

Part of his value can be found in:

• Developing and implementing strategic internal (private) and external (public) audio content
• Targeting the right audience for your content
• Delivering your content through multi-channel marketing and content repurposing
• Professional recording and publishing of your audio content

By working with him, his clients focus on the ‘WHY’ they are podcasting, not on the ‘HOW’ to podcast.

Dr. Don Ajené is a seasoned educator and holistic advisor with a distinguished career in higher education and a heart-centered commitment to human development. With a unique ability to blend ancient wisdom traditions, psychology, spirituality, inter-spirituality, and emotional intelligence, Dr. Don Ajené guides individuals and small groups through transformative journeys of spiritual, emotional, and psychological integration.

He holds certifications in the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ), as well as a non-clinical certificate from the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles and a certificate in Foundations of Logotherapy and Attitudinal Change from the Viktor Frankl Institute. Drawing from these and a deep understanding of the unconscious and soul patterns that shape our lives, Dr. Don Ajené helps others explore their inner landscape—uncovering what lies beneath the surface to promote emotional healing, spiritual alignment, and lasting transformation. As the co-developer, with the team from Spirit of EQ, in the internationally recognized Spiritual Emotional Intelligence (SEQ) Development Inventory, Dr. Don Ajené has helped expand the conversation around inner wisdom, soulful leadership, and personal alignment.

Hattie Hawks has spent her career uncovering and amplifying powerful stories. As a former TV journalist, she reported on stories that sparked change, shaped public perception, and built deep connections with audiences. Working in high-pressure environments taught her the power of clear communication, presence, and emotional intelligence—skills that are just as critical in leadership as they are on camera.

After navigating her own healing journey following a Complex PTSD diagnosis, Hattie now brings neuroscience-backed techniques into leadership development. Through her company Authentic Connections, she helps business leaders and organizations strengthen impact through Trauma-Informed Life Coaching, Conscious Leadership Training, and Media Training.

As someone who is neurodivergent (ADHD), Hattie understands how perception, behavior, and communication shape leadership. She meets clients where they are, helping them develop the self-awareness and resilience needed to inspire and lead effectively. Whether through conscious leadership coaching or media training, she empowers leaders to show up authentically and with confidence.

Hattie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Temple University and combines her background in media with a passion for mindful, high-impact leadership.