Unlocking Emotional Resilience: A Q&A with Hassan Kamel on Emotional Intelligence for First Responders

Since 1977, OKA has been a leader in emotional intelligence, transforming workplaces by fostering self-awareness and better self-management. But when it comes to first responders—our military, firefighters, police, and EMS personnel—emotional intelligence takes on even greater importance. Leading the charge in this space is Hassan Kamel, OKA’s lead consultant, whose collaboration with Ryan Munsey, author of F*ck Your Feelings, has resulted in a groundbreaking new workshop focused on resilience and hardiness training. 

Recently, OKA partnered with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Department to host a 3-day Emotional Resilience Program. In this Q&A, we sat down with Hassan to discuss his partnership with Ryan, the significance of resilience, and how emotional intelligence is making a tangible difference in the lives of first responders.

Hassan, how did the Resilience workshop come to be? And can you share a little bit about the partnership with F*ck Your Feelings author, Ryan Munsey? 

Resilience and grit have always been a part of my tool belt, ever since I did work with the USAF from 2005 – 2014. Shortly thereafter, Ryan published his book, F*ck Your Feelings, the content really resonated, and I liked his approach to resilience. I recommended the book to many of my military friends and clients of OKA. One day, a friend of mine, who is a Battalion Chief at a local Fire Department, asked if I wanted to meet Ryan. That started it all. We met, got to know each other and each other’s approach to resilience, and we thought joining forces would be the natural win/win approach. When COVID began, we had clients inquiring about resilience and grit which motivated us to put the program together for first responders and military. 

What were some of your favorite moments during the three-day workshop that truly stood out to you? 

Oh, there are so many, and all equally powerful.  

The first was a realization one of the participants had about his low Emotional Self-Awareness and low Emotional Expression. He realized that these were not only leading to low resilience, but also an inability to effectively communicate with his spouse and children. It led to an incredible conversation and action plan for him on the job and at home. 

Another was the realization of a Battalion Fire Chief. He was injured from a spinal injury on the job, resulting in terminal paralysis. He realized that better resilience would empower him to handle his new normal and new life, post-incident. 

And finally, there was a participant who was so moved by an insight that he exclaimed “If I had realized this a few years ago, I could have had a better relationship with my mother before she passed!”  

How do you think the skills and techniques shared during the workshop will benefit the officers in their daily work? 

The department was immediately motivated to put their emotional intelligence and resilience work into practice. They even started a group chat to hold each other accountable for their commitments. They are driven to put their learning into practice and incorporate new behaviors – with patience and grace, toward self and each other. 

How do you personally connect with the theme of resilience, and has it influenced your own life or career? 

Resilience has absolutely influenced my life and career. I learn the best lessons from my clients.  They are an inspiration.  When I see that the program is resulting in helping people cope with the challenges they face, professionally and personally, I am inspired.  If this program can help first responders show up better, at work and for their families, then my vision and dream has been met. 

What do you hope first responders will take away from this workshop in the long run, and how do you envision it impacting their work/culture? 

If they can be better people, for themselves, for each other, and for their families – better coaches, better mentors, better friends, and better family members, then the objective of this program will have been accomplished.  We at OKA don’t believe that systems change! People change, and when people change, the ripple effect will ultimately create better cultures for first responders, professionally and personally.

Through OKA’s Emotional Resilience Program, Hassan Kamel and Ryan Munsey are empowering individuals to strengthen their resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability. As we’ve seen through the partnership with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Department, these tools have a profound impact. The future of first responder training is evolving, and with leaders like Hassan at the helm, emotional resilience is becoming a key pillar of support for those who protect and serve.  

Check out OKA’s website or reach out to oka@oka-online.com to learn more about how the Emotional Resilience Program can help your teams. 

What is OKA’s Emotional Resilience Program?

In response to repeated client requests (first responders, military, corporate, and government clients), OKA is now offering its own Emotional Resilience Program. This immersive, highly experiential, and scalable (1 day, 3 days, and 3 months) program helps participants develop emotional resilience. Participants will dissect the building blocks of resilience and the behaviors that foster hardiness and grit. Each participant develops an action plan detailing the steps and behaviors that lead to growth and resilience.

Who is This Program For?

• Professionals/individuals who want to develop their resilience.
• Leaders who want to help their teams become more hardy and resilient.
• Military personnel and first responders who experience the emotional challenges of front line situations.
• Organizational leaders who have a focus on mental and emotional wellbeing for their teams and working groups