TalentSmart

What TalentSmart does

TalentSmart Inc. (doing business as TalentSmartEQ) is a privately held San Diego-based company founded in 1996 that specializes in emotional intelligence (EQ) assessment and training. Its core offering is a proprietary EQ assessment that has been completed by over 2 million people, paired with a tiered curriculum built around the methodology of the best-selling book "Emotional Intelligence 2.0," which has sold more than 2.5 million copies. The portfolio spans foundational programs (Mastering EQ Level 1 and Level 2, EQ Essentials), applied programs (EQ in Action, EQ for Teams, EQ for Sales, Leading Through Friction, EQ in Policing), assessment products, human executive coaching, and an AI-Powered Coaching platform.

The company's technology stack centers on its validated EQ assessment instrument and the app.talentsmarteq.com digital delivery platform that hosts AI-driven coaching. Distribution operates through four channels: direct enterprise field sales (targeting 75% of the Fortune 500), a global certified-trainer network (B2B2B licensing model), self-service e-commerce for individual assessments and books, and virtual instructor-led training. Revenue is generated via custom-quoted enterprise subscriptions, trainer certification licensing fees, executive and AI coaching engagements, standalone assessment and book sales, and keynote speaking. Named enterprise customers include DaVita, NV, and Ally Bank, and the company continues to expand its curriculum with new offerings such as the April 2026 launch of "Leading Through Friction."

Name

TalentSmart

Legal name

TalentSmart Inc.

Website

https://talentsmart.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

TalentSmart (TalentSmartEQ) is a private San Diego-based emotional intelligence company offering proprietary EQ assessments, training programs, AI-powered coaching, and trainer certifications to enterprise organizations — including 75% of the Fortune 500 — as well as individual buyers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Training and Coaching

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) & Self-Awareness (EDABAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Skills Assessment & Talent/Employability Testing Platforms (EDAFADAM), Sales Leadership & Revenue Executive Coaching (EDABANAL)

Keywords

• Emotional intelligence training
• Corporate leadership development
• EQ assessment services
• Executive coaching programs
• Professional training certification

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Enterprise EQ Training Programs: Organization-wide emotional intelligence training including Mastering EQ, EQ for Teams, EQ in Action, and EQ Essentials delivered through instructor-led sessions, virtual training, or internal trainer deployment. Pricing is custom/quote-based for enterprise engagements.
2. Trainer Certification: Certification programs for external trainers to deliver TalentSmartEQ content, generating recurring licensing and certification fees. Upcoming dates include Mastering EQ Level 1 (July 14-15) and Level 2 (July 16-17).
3. Executive and AI Coaching: One-on-one coaching services including AI-powered coaching and traditional executive coaching for leadership development.
4. Assessments: EQ assessments sold as standalone products, with over 2 million completions documented.
5. Speaking and Keynotes: Keynote presentations and executive sessions for corporate events and conferences.
6. Book Sales: Sales of the award-winning Emotional Intelligence 2.0 book and related publications. Over 2.5 million copies sold.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

TalentSmart (TalentSmartEQ) delivers emotional intelligence training programs, proprietary EQ assessments, AI-powered and executive coaching, and trainer certification to enterprise organizations and individual learners. The company sells multi-level EQ curricula (Mastering EQ Level 1 and 2, Leading Through Friction, EQ for Sales, Mastering EQ for Teams, EQ in Action, EQ Essentials, EQ in Policing) alongside assessments, coaching services, keynotes, and the #1 best-selling book Emotional Intelligence 2.0. Revenue is generated through enterprise training contracts, certification licensing, assessment sales, coaching engagements, keynote fees, and book sales.

Product overview

TalentSmartEQ operates as a comprehensive emotional intelligence training and assessment company offering a multi-product portfolio centered around EQ development. The core offering consists of multiple training programs including Mastering EQ (Level 1 and Level 2), Leading Through Friction, EQ for Sales, Mastering EQ for Teams, EQ in Action, EQ Essentials, and EQ in Policing—all built on the Emotional Intelligence 2.0 methodology from the best-selling book (2.5M+ copies sold). These programs are complemented by EQ Assessments (used by 2M+ people), AI-Powered Coaching, Executive Coaching, and Keynotes services. The company also offers Trainer Certification Programs for organizations wanting to internalize EQ training. The portfolio serves enterprise clients (75% of Fortune 500) and SMBs across industries through both direct delivery and certified trainer networks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mastering EQ Level 1 Foundational emotional intelligence training program based on the best-selling book Emotional Intelligence 2.0. Learners learn four core EQ skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management) and create individual development plans.
• Mastering EQ Level 2 Advanced continuation of Mastering EQ Level 1, providing deeper training in emotional intelligence skills for participants who have completed the foundational program.
• Leading Through Friction Leadership program that helps leaders recognize and navigate friction to accelerate performance, turning moments of tension, resistance, and change into improved performance.
• EQ for Sales Specialized EQ training program designed for sales teams to enhance their emotional intelligence skills for improved sales performance.
• Mastering EQ for Teams Team-focused program where teams understand their current team emotional intelligence and create action plans using proven strategies to improve collaboration.
• EQ in Action Comprehensive suite of programs helping learners apply EQ to master critical skills: navigating emotional conversations, giving and receiving feedback, active listening, managing change, and building resilience.
• EQ Essentials Foundational EQ training covering the basics of emotional intelligence for organizations seeking introductory-level training.
• EQ in Policing Specialized EQ training program designed for law enforcement professionals to enhance emotional intelligence in their roles.
• EQ Assessments EQ assessments that measure emotional intelligence skills, with over 2 million people having completed the assessment. Provides individual development plans based on self-assessment results.
• AI-Powered Coaching AI-driven coaching solution that complements human executive coaching, enabling scalable personalized emotional intelligence development support.
• Executive Coaching Human-led executive coaching services for senior leaders, delivered as a premium engagement for leadership development and emotional intelligence enhancement.
• Keynotes Motivational and educational keynote presentations on emotional intelligence topics for corporate events and conferences.
• Trainer Certification Programs Certification program for individuals to become certified TalentSmartEQ trainers, enabling them to deliver EQ training to their own organizations and clients.
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (book) The #1 best-selling, award-winning book co-authored by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves that forms the foundation of TalentSmartEQ's methodology. Over 2.5 million copies sold.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% goal achievement for analyst leadership development at DaVita
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Six Seconds: Six Seconds is a global emotional intelligence research and training organization that offers EQ assessments, certifications, and corporate training programs — directly comparable to TalentSmartEQ's EQ assessment, training, and certification portfolio.
• Multi-Health Systems (MHS): MHS publishes the EQ-i 2.0 assessment and a suite of psychometric tools used by coaches and enterprises. It competes directly with TalentSmartEQ in EQ assessment instruments and the surrounding training ecosystem.
• Crucial Learning (formerly VitalSmarts): Crucial Learning offers training in communication, influence, and leadership skills — overlapping with TalentSmartEQ's EQ in Action, EQ for Teams, and Leading Through Friction offerings in the soft-skills training category.

Broad incumbents

• Center for Creative Leadership (CCL): CCL is a top-ranked leadership education and research institution offering executive programs, assessments, and coaching. It competes with TalentSmartEQ in the enterprise leadership development space.
• DDI (Development Dimensions International): DDI is a global leadership development firm providing assessment, training, and coaching to large enterprises. Its leadership training portfolio overlaps materially with TalentSmartEQ's enterprise offerings.
• Dale Carnegie Training: Dale Carnegie is a long-established provider of corporate training in interpersonal skills, leadership, and sales effectiveness. Its course catalog and global trainer network closely parallel TalentSmartEQ's enterprise and certified-trainer model.
• Korn Ferry: Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm with a large leadership development and assessment practice. Its Korn Ferry Hay Group division competes with TalentSmartEQ in enterprise assessment-based leadership programs.
• FranklinCovey: FranklinCovey is a long-established leadership and organizational performance company offering training content, certifications, and enterprise programs. It competes with TalentSmartEQ in the broader corporate leadership and soft-skills training market.

Emerging players

• BetterUp: BetterUp is an AI-augmented coaching and mental health platform serving enterprises. It overlaps with TalentSmartEQ's executive and AI-powered coaching offerings, particularly in the leadership development use case.
• CoachHub: CoachHub operates a global digital coaching platform for enterprise leadership development. It is a comparable emerging competitor in the AI-enabled executive coaching category where TalentSmartEQ has begun to play.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/talentsmart

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TalentSmart