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Our Story
In a world where change is the only constant, organizations that thrive are those that are in tune with the human side of performance. Since 1996, the Institute for Health and Human Potential (IHHP) has been at the forefront of helping leaders and teams harness Emotional Intelligence (EI) to create high-performing leaders, teams and cultures.
Companies we are proud to partner with:
- At our core, we’re here to equip people with the knowledge and resources to do hard things by building teams that embody courage and connection.
From the Olympic Arena to the Boardroom
Our story begins on the world’s biggest stage — the 1996 Olympic Games. It was there that our Co-Founder, Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry, witnessed firsthand how pressure impacts performance. He saw elite athletes who had spent their lives training for a singular moment — and in that moment, some excelled while others faltered.
What made the difference?
It wasn’t simply physical ability, but rather the ability to manage emotions under extreme pressure.
Inspired by what he saw, JP began researching the science of Emotional Intelligence and performance. What he discovered was profound: the same principles that determined success on the field of play applied to the business world as well.
Whether in sports, the boardroom, or everyday life, the ability to stay composed and make sound decisions in high-pressure moments is what separates the best from the rest. It’s how you go from good to great.
This insight sparked the creation of IHHP, a company dedicated to teaching leaders and organizations how to understand and leverage Emotional Intelligence to develop their leaders, and build their organizational culture from the inside out.
The Neuroscience of Emotional Intelligence
For decades, traditional leadership models placed a heavy emphasis on technical skills and strategic planning. But something was missing. Leaders are responsible for more than managing processes and numbers—they also need to lead people.
And people bring emotions, reactions, and pressures that can’t be ignored.
IHHP recognized this gap and set out to bridge it. Our research in neuroscience and psychology has shown that Emotional Intelligence is the key differentiator in leadership success. Leaders who regulate their own emotions, recognize emotions in others, and respond effectively under pressure create more resilient and productive teams.
When leaders develop their EI, they enhance their ability to:
A key aspect of EI is handling high-pressure moments effectively — what we call Last 8% Moments. These are the difficult conversations, or inconvenient truths, and tough decisions that many avoid, but that define leadership and team success.
Expanding Our Impact
Over the past 25+ years, IHHP has worked with Fortune 500 companies, healthcare institutions, government agencies, and elite military teams, giving them the tools to handle pressure and make courageous decisions.
To support leaders in their daily development, in 2020, we launched the Last 8% Morning Podcast with JP – this podcast featured insights from neuroscience, psychology, and leadership research, empowering listeners to start each day with confidence and purpose — so they can develop the EI skills needed to lead effectively.
A Legacy of Leadership
At the heart of IHHP are our visionary leaders:
JP and Bill’s legacy is about transforming the human side of business to help leaders and companies thrive.
The Future of IHHP
The workplace is evolving faster than ever, with hybrid work, shifting expectations, and complex global challenges reshaping the way teams operate.
But one thing remains clear: the ability to navigate high-pressure moments is what separates good teams from great ones. At IHHP, we empower leaders to create cultures where people feel psychologically safe, and ready to tackle their toughest challenges.
When leaders embrace the skills to manage pressure and lead with empathy, they improve their bottom line and create environments where people feel valued, heard, and inspired to do their best work.
The best leaders, the best teams, and the best organizations don’t avoid difficult moments. They lean into them, and that’s what we teach at IHHP.
