Meet Brent Darnell

Born in Mobile, Alabama, Brent Darnell grew up surrounded by construction. His father worked in the business and Brent's summer jobs centered on construction projects. Brent graduated from Georgia Tech in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and has since held numerous positions in the construction industry, such as Senior Project Manager and Mechanical/Electrical Coordinator. While gaining construction experience, Brent also gained insight into the difficulties of this rigid business. He found that most issues were the result of poor leadership and miscommunication.

His extensive study of emotional intelligence found that people in technically trained fields tend to have a low social competence resulting in costly business consequences. Brent was inspired to teach technical companies how emotional intelligence can increase their efficiency, so he created Brent Darnell International. He subsequently authored the book, The People-Profit Connection: How Emotional Intelligence Can Maximize People Skills & Maximize Your Profits, in 2004. The book has subsequently become an international bestseller. The second edition was published in 2007 and is currently available.

Brent is a leading authority on emotional intelligence and a pioneer of its use in the construction industry. He has seen the proof that emotional intelligence is one of the most important and reliable predictors of ultimate success in individuals and organizations. His proven program creates fundamental behavioral shifts in employees, improving performance and increasing the company's bottom line. Brent has helped to improve the social competence and leadership skills of thousands of people working with over 70 companies in more than 15 countries worldwide. He is fluent in English and conversational in Swedish and Spanish.

Brent lives in Atlanta with his wife Andrea and their dog Ginger. He practices yoga and is an avid reader.