Alumni boost their emotional intelligence skills
Posted: 23 December 2025
Stimulus. Story. Feelings. Needs. Response. These five interconnected elements were at the heart of a dynamic recent workshop on emotional intelligence attended by more than 50 Australia Awards – Nepal alumni. The session explored how each element influences the others and shapes our interactions.
Led by Sagar Satyal, Emotional Intelligence Coach and co-founder of My Emotions Matter, the 90-minute workshop on 19 December 2025 guided participants through real-life examples of everyday stimuli, such as being excluded from a meeting invite, or receiving feedback on one’s work. Mr Satyal explained how our perceptions, environment, mood and other subjective factors create different ‘stories’ about the same stimulus. These stories, in turn, trigger various feelings, which stem from universal human needs, such as purpose, respect, growth, communication and belonging. Ultimately, these factors combine to determine how we respond to that stimulus.
Workshop facilitator Sagar Satyal.
Understanding this step-by-step progression, from stimulus to response, is key to developing emotional intelligence. It enables individuals to respond thoughtfully in diverse situations and foster positive relationships.
After attending the session, alum Nibha Shrestha, Freelancer, highlighted how important it is to understand emotions and the need to manage them. She said, “I will take a pause and understand my emotions and needs before I respond to anyone.”
Alum Nibha Shrestha (right).
Alum Suman Dhun Shrestha, Director – Intellectuals Center, said, “It is good to respond based on the need rather than the story and feeling. This indicates having good emotional intelligence.”
Alum Seema Rai, Human Resources Director at Divya Ankur Child Development Promotion and Research Centre, said that she will apply the learnings from the session in her workplace by leading parenting sessions with the emotional intelligence principles in mind.
Alum Seema Rai directing a question to Mr Satyal during the session.
The workshop was part of Australia Awards – Nepal’s Alumni Learn & Network Series, which offers concise professional development modules designed for immediate workplace application. Each session concludes with a networking opportunity, allowing alumni to strengthen connections and share insights.
Past sessions have included conversations on Using LinkedIn Effectively and Strategic Decision Making. The next workshop will be on Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace, and is currently scheduled for 13 February 2026. To attend, alumni must register in advance.
Cover photo: Alumni Dr Savitree Thapa Gurung (left) and Dr Dhiraj Pradhananga (right)