If Emily Morash had a leadership spirit animal, it would be a llama—calm, confident, and just a little bit sassy. As the author of Unfunk Yourself and a veteran of nonprofit leadership, Emily blends neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness with a refreshingly human (and hilarious) approach to workplace culture. She’s the kind of coach who will tell you the hard truth, make you laugh about it, and then hand you a practical tool to fix the problem. Her mission? To help leaders ditch toxic habits, connect deeply with their teams, and create workplaces where people actually want to show up.
1. What inspired you to write Unfunk Yourself, and how do your personal experiences inform your coaching and leadership philosophy?
I wrote this book after years of experiencing workplaces that didn’t foster engagement and connection. Places where communication fell apart, conflicts festered, and misunderstandings ran rampant. I realized I wasn’t alone—research confirmed it. The book grew from a workshop I still facilitate called The Mindful Leader Practice, weaving together mindfulness, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. My own not-so-great early management experiences taught me that most of us are trained to manage tasks, not people. My goal is to change that—helping leaders learn to connect, engage, and truly lead.
2. How did your career in nonprofit leadership influence the frameworks you developed for mindful leadership?
Working in nonprofit development is all about relationships—building trust with community supporters and guiding fundraising teams under pressure. Early on, I gave orders instead of providing real support, and it backfired. Those experiences taught me that genuine communication and engagement are non-negotiable in leadership, and I carry those lessons into every client session today.
3. What are the most common challenges leaders face in today’s fast-paced world, and how do your techniques address them?
We’re navigating resource shortages, intense competition, AI disruption, and chaotic global events. But at the core, leaders struggle because they overlook differences in communication styles. Misunderstandings snowball into conflicts. My techniques focus on self-awareness, understanding team members’ needs, and building emotional intelligence—because without that, productive collaboration is impossible.
4. Your book integrates neuroscience into practical leadership strategies. Can you share a specific example of how this approach has empowered a client or team?
I worked with a team on the verge of collapse. Using the Communication Compass and perspective-broadening exercises, they realized their differences weren’t personal—they were simply communication and task-style differences. Extroverts stopped being labeled as “too much,” introverts stopped being called “disengaged,” and the team learned to value each approach. It was like lifting a veil.
5. Humor seems central to your approach, as seen with the meditating llama on your book cover. Why do you think humor is important in leadership and mindfulness?
Humor keeps us emotionally alive. Llamas—my personal favorite—embody unbothered confidence and clear boundaries. If leaders can’t laugh at themselves, they risk becoming rigid and toxic. Good leaders know they don’t have all the answers and surround themselves with people who do. Humor deflates ego and makes work more human.
6. What’s one tool or exercise from your book that leaders can implement immediately to start “unfunking” their teams?
Start with deep self-awareness—without shame. The book’s website offers free journal prompts and the Communication Compass assessment to help leaders understand their own triggers and communication style. Then, have the whole team take it. The insights will be eye-opening.
7. How do you navigate misconceptions about emotional intelligence, mindfulness, or neuroscience in leadership circles?
Some dismiss these concepts as “soft” or “too emotional.” But neuroscience shows our brains are wired to respond to perceived danger—emotional or physical—the same way. A snarky email can trigger fight-or-flight just like a real threat. Mindful leaders create safe environments so teams can think clearly and perform at their best.
8. What role does self-awareness play in creating high-functioning teams, and how can leaders foster it effectively?
Self-awareness is the bedrock of leadership. Without it, leaders can’t manage their emotions, understand others, or tailor their approach to individual needs. It’s about doing your own work first—then learning what drives each team member.
9. What has been your proudest moment as an emotional intelligence coach and author?
Two standouts: a leader who used workshop tools to help their anxious child eat again, and another who said my training saved his marriage. These moments remind me that leadership skills reach far beyond the workplace.
10. What advice would you give to leaders striving to maintain balance and clarity amidst chaos?
Slow down. Create space for reflection and self-care—real self-care, not the buzzword version. Limit news and social media to protect your mental state. Rest and reset to keep your brain out of fight-or-flight.
11. Are there any exciting projects or initiatives on the horizon that our audience should know about?
I’m focused on spreading the word about Unfunk Yourself, speaking at events, and running workshops like The Mindful Leader Practice and The Identity Trap. A second book is brewing, exploring failure and forgiveness—two things we need to master.
Emily Morash isn’t just teaching leaders how to manage—she’s showing them how to truly connect, inspire, and transform their teams from the inside out. With a blend of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and just the right dose of humor, she proves that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, understanding yourself, and creating spaces where people can thrive. Unfunk Yourself isn’t just a book; it’s a blueprint for building workplaces where both productivity and humanity can flourish side by side.
Learn More About Emily Morash
- Official Website – Hampton Morash LLC
This is your go-to hub for all things Emily: details on her workshops (like The Mindful Leader Practice™, The Communication Compass™, and Origins of Identity™), coaching services, speaking opportunities, and insights into her mission for compassionate leadership. [CLICK HERE]: Hampton Morash LLC - Unfunk Yourself Book Website
Head here for author background, downloadable resources like meditations, pep talks, quizzes, and even a peek into what she’s “unfunking” next. [CLICK HERE]: Unfunk Yourself Book