Linking emotional intelligence, leadership and well-being for enhanced entrepreneurial performance and growth

This review explores how entrepreneurial performance and growth drive emotional intelligence (EI), leadership, and well-being. Combining psychological, behavioral, and organizational insights, it draws on established frameworks including Goleman’s emotional intelligence model, leadership theory, and well-being. The evidence shows that EI is key to entrepreneurial success, enhancing emotional regulation, communication, and conflict resolution. Leaders with strong EI build trust, encourage innovation, and foster collaboration, boosting organizational flexibility and outcomes. Emotional intelligence also improves entrepreneurs’ psychological well-being by reducing stress, increasing resilience, and maintaining motivation in uncertain environments. In turn, well-being promotes creativity, innovation, and persistence, core drivers of entrepreneurial achievement. Leadership is an important link, transforming emotional capabilities into effective team management and long-term sustainability. The review also notes that emotionally intelligent leadership benefits both business results and personal satisfaction for entrepreneurs and their teams. Nonetheless, there are gaps in understanding how cultural, gender, and firm size influence the EI-leadership well-being relationship. The study deepens theoretical insight and stresses the need to integrate EI and leadership training into entrepreneurship education and policy efforts.