Acquisition.com CEO Says Leaders 'Have It Backwards' When It Comes to Hiring: She Says She Hires for Emotional Intelligence Over Technical Skills

Acquisition.com CEO has sparked a debate in the hiring landscape by asserting that many leaders have it backwards when it comes to hiring, emphasizing emotional intelligence over technical skills. Her comments reflect a broader shift in corporate hiring practices as companies recognize the value of soft skills in driving business success ().

This philosophy contrasts with traditional hiring methods that prioritize technical expertise. Companies are increasingly acknowledging that emotional intelligence can enhance team dynamics and leadership effectiveness. The CEO's stance aligns with growing trends in the business world where interpersonal skills are seen as critical for long-term success ().

HealthLeap has recently appointed new executive leadership to support its growth in 2026. The company is scaling its engineering, sales, customer success, and product teams to meet increasing demand from health systems. This expansion reflects a strategic move to integrate more emotionally intelligent leadership into key roles.

Why Is Emotional Intelligence Gaining Prominence in Hiring?

Leaders are beginning to recognize that emotional intelligence is essential in managing diverse teams and navigating complex business environments. The CEO of Acquisition.com argues that emotional intelligence helps foster a more collaborative and innovative workplace ().

HealthLeap's new leadership appointments demonstrate this trend. Wayne Grodsky, the newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer, brings over 35 years of healthcare leadership experience. His background in scaling commercial organizations underscores the importance of interpersonal skills in driving growth.

This shift is particularly evident in the tech and healthcare sectors, where collaboration and adaptability are key to success. As companies face evolving challenges, the ability to manage relationships and navigate change becomes increasingly valuable.

How Do These Trends Affect Business Growth and Innovation?

HealthLeap's AI platform aims to improve patient outcomes and hospital margins by leveraging emotional intelligence in leadership roles. The company's expansion into new markets and its focus on emotionally intelligent leadership suggest a strategy centered on long-term growth.

Other companies are also making similar moves. LumiNicole, for instance, has appointed retail pioneer Linda Johansen-James and operations leader Fred Collins to its advisory board. Their extensive experience in building and scaling businesses highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in strategic decision-making.

EngineersMind, a global technology services company, has also emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in its 2026 strategic roadmap. The company plans to expand its AI-driven solutions and invest in talent development, recognizing the role of soft skills in driving innovation.

What Are Investors Watching Next?

Investors are closely monitoring how these hiring strategies impact business performance and innovation. Companies like Exelixis and Diabolocom are also adapting their leadership approaches to include more emotionally intelligent executives.

The financial performance of companies that prioritize emotional intelligence in hiring is a key indicator for investors. Exelixis has provided financial guidance for 2026 and outlined its strategic priorities, including the growth of its cabozantinib franchise.

The integration of emotional intelligence into hiring practices is likely to influence future business strategies and investor sentiment. As more companies adopt this approach, the market will continue to assess its impact on long-term growth and competitive positioning.

The hiring philosophy advocated by Acquisition.com CEO represents a significant shift in corporate culture. As companies navigate an increasingly complex business environment, the emphasis on emotional intelligence is expected to continue shaping leadership strategies and investment decisions.