<p>In this episode of <em>Lunch with Leaders</em>, host <a href="⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaeze-iloeje-udeogalanya⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"><strong>Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya</strong>⁠⁠</a> sits down with leadership expert <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/deedee-fisher/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">DeeDee Fisher</a> to unpack the <strong>CPL Framework</strong>.</p><p>As a TEDx speaker and leadership strategist, Adaeze guides a conversation focused on <strong>Compassion, Process, and Learning</strong> to help leaders in STEM amplify their visibility and influence.</p><p>The discussion centers on emotional intelligence in 2026, offering practical strategies to handle high-stakes communication, reduce workplace friction, and cultivate a leadership mindset grounded in self-awareness and proactive empathy.</p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deedee.fisher/ " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.instagram.com/deedee.fisher/</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@deedeefishercpl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.tiktok.com/@deedeefishercpl</a></p><p>Website: <a href="http://discoverresponse.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">deedeefisher.com<strong> </strong></a></p><p><br></p><p>Timestamps</p><ul><li><p><strong>00:26</strong> – Introduction to <em>Lunch with Leaders</em> and guest DeeDee Fisher.</p></li><li><p><strong>02:44</strong> – Breaking down the CPL Framework: Compassion, Process, and Learning.</p></li><li><p><strong>07:20</strong> – The Harvard Story: How assumptions stall progress.</p></li><li><p><strong>09:34</strong> – Applying Emotional Intelligence to high-stakes meetings.</p></li><li><p><strong>15:30</strong> – The power of asking: &quot;How did you get there?&quot; to start a dialogue.</p></li><li><p><strong>30:17</strong> – DeeDee’s origin story: Lessons from rural Idaho to global consulting.</p></li><li><p><strong>36:54</strong> – Actionable advice: Interviewing your circle for self-awareness.</p></li><li><p><strong>48:51</strong> – Closing remarks and how to connect with the guest.</p><p><br></p><p>FAQs</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>What is the CPL Framework?</strong> It stands for Compassion, Process, and Learning. It’s a method to pause reactions and choose a more constructive path.</p></li><li><p><strong>How do I handle a non-responsive email?</strong> Practice compassion. Instead of assuming negativity, consider neutral or positive reasons for the delay to save your emotional energy.</p></li><li><p><strong>Why is self-awareness critical for STEM leaders?</strong> It allows you to identify your &quot;magic sauce&quot;—the unique value you bring that you might otherwise take for granted.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Steps</p></li></ul><ol><li><p><strong>Catch the Reaction</strong>: The next time you feel tension, stop and tell yourself a compassionate story about the situation, even if you aren&#39;t sure it&#39;s true yet.</p></li><li><p><strong>Define the Outcome</strong>: Before your next high-stakes meeting, write down the desired outcome for both yourself and the other party.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Magic Sauce Interview</strong>: Ask three trusted colleagues or friends, &quot;What do you think is my unique contribution to the world?&quot;</p></li><li><p><strong>Practice the &quot;Mantra&quot;</strong>: Use the phrase &quot;I never thought of it that way&quot; to shift from a defensive stance to a curious one.</p></li><li><p><strong>Audit Your Dialogue</strong>: Notice if you are making &quot;POV statements&quot; or actually engaging in a dialogue that includes the &quot;why.&quot;</p></li></ol>