Ep163 - Relational Intelligence with Maria Ruberto

<p>In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Maria Ruberto, founder of Salutegenics and a resilience and neuroscience consultant, about the often-overlooked role relationships play in workplace wellbeing and performance. </p><p>Together they unpack relational intelligence, how trust and real connection are built in the space between people and why understanding the body’s stress and safety responses can strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and support healthier ways of working.</p><p>~</p><p>📍M<strong>edibank Workplace Wellbeing </strong>supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: <a href="https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/</a></p><p>¬</p><p><strong>Resources:</strong></p><p>Salutegenics: <a href="https://www.salutegenics.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.salutegenics.com.au/</a></p><p>Connect with Maria Ruberto on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaruberto/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaruberto/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Paper | The Emotional Recession: </strong><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1701703/full" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1701703/full⁠</a><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Paper </strong>| Beyond positivity: A review of the functional outcomes of negative emotions at work: <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41678250/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41678250/</a>¬<strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Relational Intelligence in the Workplace</p><p>03:47 The Science of Belonging and Human Biology</p><p>05:25 Why Connection Matters More Than Communication</p><p>07:07 The Neurological Basis of Relational Space</p><p>09:00 Challenges of Virtual Connection and Disconnection</p><p>10:52 The Difference Between Communication and Genuine Connection</p><p>12:14 Building Trust Through Relational Space</p><p>15:01 The Role of Relational Leadership in Organizational Success</p><p>15:54 Holding Space for Uncertainty and Ambiguity</p><p>18:01 Biology Before Behavior: Managing Stress and Safety</p><p>19:59 The Power of Silence and Reflection in Meetings</p><p>22:04 The Concept of a Relationship Resume</p><p>23:58 Developing Relational Capacity and Trust</p><p>25:49 Relational Space as a Foundation for Growth</p><p>29:49 Addressing Relationship Breakdowns and Conflict</p><p>32:02 The Importance of Repair and Co-Regulation</p><p>34:01 Practicing Pause and Reflection in Leadership</p><p>36:00 Understanding Silence and Feedback in Teams</p><p>38:08 Applying Relational Strategies for Better Outcomes</p><p>40:00 Practical Tips for Enhancing Relational Intelligence</p>