Why Growth Mindset and Emotional Intelligence Are the New Superpower in Life and Work
- Karri Owens
- Sep 30
- 3 min read

In today’s fast-changing world, education and ongoing training matter, but they aren’t enough on their own. I know this from experience. My career began in sales and catering, later moving into a sales assistant role. But I knew I wanted more. That drive led me back to school for a second degree in graphic design and later a digital marketing certificate. Each reinvention required me to stay curious, push past fear, and believe I could grow into something new.
That is the essence of growth mindset: the belief that you can develop your skills and potential through effort and learning. And when paired with emotional intelligence (EQ), it becomes a true superpower, helping you adapt, connect, and thrive no matter what challenges come your way.
What Is Growth Mindset and Why Does It Matter?
Growth mindset means believing that your abilities are not fixed. They can be developed through effort, practice, and openness to feedback. It is the difference between saying “I can’t do this” and asking “How can I learn this?” With a growth mindset, challenges stop being threats and start becoming opportunities.
Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Human Connection
Emotional intelligence is about more than being “nice.” It is the ability to understand your own emotions, manage them effectively, and respond with awareness to the emotions of others. EQ shows up in leadership, teamwork, and even in how we handle conflict. It is what allows people to build trust, inspire confidence, and create stronger results together.
How Growth Mindset and EQ Work Together
On their own, growth mindset drives learning and perseverance, while EQ drives connection and communication. But together, they create a true superpower: the ability to adapt quickly, build strong relationships, and lead with both strategy and empathy. In a world where change is constant, this combination is invaluable.
Real-Life Ways to Build This Superpower
These are not just theories. I have seen the impact of growth mindset and EQ firsthand in my own journey:
Reinvention Through Education: I began my career in sales and catering, then moved into a sales assistant role. But I knew I wanted more. I went back to school, earned a second degree in graphic design, and later a digital marketing certificate. Each step required me to embrace learning, step into new territory, and believe in my ability to grow.
Leadership and Relationship Building: Leading marketing initiatives has shown me that success is not just about strategy or metrics. It is about understanding people, listening, and creating solutions that work for everyone involved. EQ has been at the heart of building trust and driving results.
Embracing Innovation: Instead of resisting change, I have leaned into it. From AI to marketing automation, I have embraced new tools that create efficiencies and scale results. Staying curious and adaptable has kept me moving forward in a rapidly changing industry.
Daily Practices: Simple habits like journaling, reframing challenges, and using affirmations help me stay grounded. These practices build resilience and keep me aligned with a growth-focused perspective.
Why This Superpower Matters in Business and Life
Whether it is leading a team, shifting careers, or building healthier relationships, growth mindset and emotional intelligence are the skills that truly make the difference. They are not “nice-to-have” soft skills. They are the foundation for long-term success.
The takeaway: Education and training will always matter, but the real superpower today is the combination of growth mindset and emotional intelligence. Build them, and you will be ready for whatever life or business brings next.

