BusinessDay
Leilah Zaharadeen
May 24, 2026
Crystal Sittser, founder of Propelled Consulting, has called on business leaders to rethink emotional intelligence and workplace leadership, stressing that organisational success increasingly depends on how leaders manage influence, trust, and human connection.
Sittser spoke at the LOSD Skills Live Show 2026 held at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, where global leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals gathered for discussions on leadership, innovation, technology, and personal development.
The event, organised by the London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD) on May 2, 2026, brought together participants from more than 45 countries and featured 51 speakers from various sectors including education, health, business, and technology.
Speaking on the theme, “The Invisible Force Shaping Your EQ,” Sittser presented a leadership framework centred on the role of power and influence in emotional intelligence and workplace culture.
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Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, and leadership, she argued that emotional intelligence extends beyond self-awareness and communication skills, noting that leadership effectiveness is largely determined by how individuals understand and apply influence in professional environments.
She explained the distinction between what she described as “actual power” and “perceived power,” stating that even subtle leadership behaviours can shape trust, engagement, and psychological safety within organisations.
Through practical examples, Sittser noted that workplace culture is often shaped by everyday leadership habits such as interrupting others, dominating discussions, or failing to create room for wider participation.
A major focus of her presentation was the concept she described as the “Power Dial,” which refers to a leader’s ability to intentionally adjust authority, intensity, and presence according to the demands of a situation. According to her, leaders who develop this skill are more likely to build emotionally intelligent and high-performing workplace cultures.
Her perspective is informed by years of leadership experience in corporate finance and management, where she maintained a strong emphasis on employee engagement, retention, and workplace trust. During a nine-year tenure leading a Financial Planning and Analysis department, her team reportedly recorded zero unwanted staff turnover, a result she attributed to intentional leadership and psychologically safe workplace practices.
Through Propelled Consulting, Sittser now works with chief financial officers, finance executives, and corporate leaders to strengthen leadership presence, improve team engagement, and build cultures rooted in accountability and trust. Beyond her presentation, she also participated in networking engagements and the inaugural parade alongside dignitaries, thought leaders, and was honoured a Skills Live Awards 2026.
The Oxford event was led by Prof. Parin Somani, chief executive officer of LOSD, and also featured the launch of A Book of Happiness and the coffee table publication 26 Game Changers of the Year 2026 under the LOSD Publishing House.
Distinguished guests at the event included Cllr Louise Upton, Worshipful Lord Mayor of Oxford; Cllr Dr. Sunny Lambe, Worshipful Mayor of Southwark; Cllr Anjana Patel, Worshipful Mayor of Harrow; Cllr Tushar Kumar, Worshipful Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood; and Cllr Smita Rajesh, Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford City. Sittser’s presentation reflected growing conversations within global business and leadership circles about the importance of emotional awareness and human connection in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
While organisations continue to evolve through artificial intelligence and digital transformation, she maintained that sustainable leadership still depends on leaders’ ability to inspire trust, strengthen workplace culture, and manage influence responsibly.
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