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Gong Xi Fa Cai!! The Lunar Year of the Dragon

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EQ World

In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes auspicious qualities such as courage, wisdom, and prosperity. 2024’s Year of the Dragon is particularly significant due to its association with renewal and new beginnings. Dragons are known for their ability to navigate change with resilience and adaptability, making this year a great opportunity for personal and professional growth. At EQ World, we see the Year of the Dragon not merely as a celebration in Chinese culture but also reflect upon the dragon’s inner qualities that connects to emotional intelligence (EQ) and the Enneagram.

From an EQ perspective, the Year of the Dragon aligns with self-awareness and empathy. Dragons are revered for their wisdom and strength, traits that are congruent with the high EQ ability to do the right thing at the right time in the right context. Like the dragon, we can navigate challenges with grace and inspire others with our resilience and directed purpose.

In the Enneagram system, the Year of the Dragon resonates with Type 8, known as “The Challenger.” Type 8s embody the dragon’s assertiveness, fearlessness, and desire for justice. They are natural leaders, unafraid to confront obstacles head-on and protect those they care about.

As we embrace the energy of the dragon in the lunar calendar, let us also draw inspiration from its timeless wisdom and mobilising traits of empowerment, optimism, and progress. Let us embrace our inner strength, boldly pursue our dreams, and embark on new adventures with confidence! Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

Article contributed by Dr Granville D’Souza and Alicia Ng

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Aaron Toh

Marketing Consultant, Ice Cube Marketing

Really enjoyed the session! The facilitators were very spontaneous and used many real-life examples instead of just sharing theories. You can really tell they have deep knowledge and experience in Enneagram, especially when it comes to understanding human behaviour, which can be complex. I was impressed by how they explained everything in such a simple and relatable way.

I also got to understand myself better and why people around me behave and communicate differently. It helped me become more empathetic and more aware of how I communicate with others.

Highly recommended for anyone who is curious to learn more about themselves, understand others better, and improve their communication skills. Definitely a go-to programme. Thank you, Dr Granville and Alicia, for the insightful and enjoyable session!

Andy Quek

Compliance Officer, Financial Services

The Enneagram Level 2 course with Alicia and Dr. Granville was truly transformative! Their depth of knowledge and engaging teaching style made complex concepts easy to grasp. The course went beyond surface-level theory, providing practical tools and insights to apply the Enneagram in everyday life.

Both instructors were warm, approachable, and eager to answer questions, creating a safe space for deeper exploration. I left with a much richer understanding of my type and how it shows up in relationships and growth. Highly recommend this course for anyone ready to take their Enneagram journey to the next level! 

Kenny Lim

Financial Services Senior Director & Multi-Business Founder

I recently completed the Enneagram Level 3 course with EQ World, and it was an exceptional experience. The course was not only deeply insightful but also highly practical. The integration of the Enneagram with emotional intelligence principles provided a comprehensive understanding of both self-awareness and interpersonal dynamics. I particularly appreciated the focus on “Passion by Type” and the “Importance of Instinct”, which offered profound insights into how our core motivations shape our behaviors. The EQ Competency Framework was a standout element, providing clear guidance on developing emotional intelligence in real-world scenarios. Additionally, learning about the “4 Stages of Team Development” helped me better understand group dynamics and how to lead teams more effectively.

Both trainers Dr Gran & Alicia were knowledgeable, engaging, and provided clear, actionable steps to apply the learning in both personal and professional contexts. I found the exercises, especially the coaching techniques, to be incredibly valuable. Overall, it was a well-structured, impactful course that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Enneagram and enhance their emotional intelligence.

Irfaan Fauzi

Vice President, Academy for Distributors' Development, HSBC Life Insurance

I’ve completed Levels 1, 2, and 3 with them, and each time, the experience has been nothing short of amazing. The team is so warm, so welcoming, and what I really appreciate is how non-judgmental and inclusive they are. Whether you’re new to the Enneagram or have been studying it for a while, they make you feel completely at home.

I always walk away with deeper awareness, practical tools, and a whole lot of “aha!” moments. It’s not just theory—they really help you apply it in real life. Big thank you to Gran wnd Alicia. Keep doing what you do. You’re making a real difference in people’s lives—and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. Two thumbs up!

Vindce Aw

Marketing Manager, Penta-Ocean Construction

Before discovering the Enneagram, I always saw myself as a fun, easygoing and jovial person. I thought being “fun” was simply a positive trait — something that made people enjoy being around me. As a core Type 7, I believed that everything in my life had to be fun — otherwise I would quickly lose interest or disengage.

What I didn’t realise was that even “fun” has different levels. Through the Enneagram, I learnt that there is a difference between developed and undeveloped expressions of it. Looking back, I began to recognise that my version of “fun” was sometimes a way to avoid discomfort, deflect deeper emotions, or keep things light so I didn’t have to face what was really going on.

At the same time, I started to notice something else — some of my friends were slowly distancing themselves, and I didn’t fully understand why. I would often reframe it as them being busy, but deep down, something didn’t quite sit right.

Through the Enneagram and EQ World’s programmes, I began to see myself more clearly. I realised that my energy could sometimes come across as too intense or overwhelming. When things didn’t go my way, I could become a stronger, more controlling version of myself without even being aware of it.

That was quite a confronting but important realisation — understanding that it wasn’t just circumstances, but also how I was showing up.

What I appreciated about EQ World’s approach is that it wasn’t judgmental. Instead, it gave me the language and awareness to understand my patterns, pause, and choose how I want to respond.

More importantly, I’ve come to realise that fun doesn’t always have to come from what I’m doing — it’s also about how I experience things. Even routine or challenging situations can be meaningful and enjoyable when I show up differently.

Over time, I’ve become more grounded, more present, and less forceful in how I interact with others. And interestingly, I began to see changes in my relationships as well — friends started coming back, and many have shared that they find me more approachable and easier to connect with now.

Today, I still value being fun and light-hearted, but it comes from a more developed and conscious place. I’m more intentional, more aware of myself and others, and better able to manage how I show up. This journey has been deeply meaningful, both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for the growth it has brought into my life.

Sebastian Ong

Director, Empathica Pte Ltd

I attended the WSQ Negotiation with Enneagram course with Dr Gran and Alicia. I thought I was just going to learn my type, but it went deeper. I now understand my patterns and defence mechanisms, and I catch myself when I slip into default so I can adjust how I communicate.

The session was engaging and practical. The stories made each type easy to recognise, and I could apply it immediately.

I signed up for the Enneagram practitioner program after the course to upgrade myself.

Cindy Tien

Speaker, Executive Coach, and Author of InSide: Break Through Your BS to Influence Yourself

I entered the speaking and coaching industry the way a lot of driven people do — by doing more, learning more, and hustling more.

I thought the gap between where I was and where I wanted to be could be closed with sheer effort. What I didn’t realise was that my addiction to achievement was the gap.

That’s what the Enneagram showed me — and specifically, what Granville and the EQ World team helped me see. Not through dry theory, but through powerful storytelling, rich content, and the facilitation that makes you feel safe enough to be honest with yourself.

From one-day workshops to multi-day certifications, every programme gave me something I could immediately apply — first to my own development, and then to the leaders and teams I work with. EQ World’s Enneagram programmes gave me self-insight. It gave me a language for the patterns I couldn’t see and the courage to do something about them.

Today, I’m able to speak, train and coach leaders and corporate teams with conviction — and the Enneagram is woven through all of it. Granville, you and the EQ World team changed the trajectory of my life. And I don’t say that lightly.

Ellie Tay

Senior Financial Consultant

Attended level 1 and level 2 of the Enneagram courses and it exceeded all my expectations! What was especially meaningful for me is that it deepened my self-understanding, highlighting how we can remain true to our core type while adapting to various scenarios. The conversations with the group were very interesting too. This has helped me greatly when interacting with the people around me, helping me at work and to understand my loved ones better too. The instructors did an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand models, presenting them in a clear, step-by-step structure that I didn’t think was possible. This course is truly worth exploring!

Naomi Chua

Associate Director, Excelsior Financial

Amazing experience as always delivered by Gran & Alicia. I have interacted with EQ world since 2019 and their people-centered approach has differentiated them greatly from other enneagram providers. I have taken enneagram lvl 1 and 2 with them and will consider the lvl 3 next year. Love the no-nonsense pragmatic approach. I would strongly recommend their service to anyone who wish to have breakthroughs in personal growth, leadership or people management skills.

Eunice Boh

Deputy Director, Enterprise Technology and Architecture, Public Sector

Taking the Enneagram Level 3 Practitioner course with Gran and Alicia was truly a game-changer. Their depth of knowledge, intuitive facilitation, and warm presence made the learning experience rich and impactful. This course helped me uncover emotional patterns, recognize blind spots, and gain clarity on how I show up — both for myself and others. I walked away not just with insights, but with practical tools to maximize my potential and help others do the same. If you’re ready for deep transformation and real self-leadership, this course is it. Thank you, Gran and Alicia, for creating such a safe and powerful space for growth!

Stuart Shee

Senior Director & Founder of AiS

I recently had the privilege of spending a few precious days with an incredible group of people at the Enneagram Level 2 course.

In a world where many are moving fast but not necessarily growing, this experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of deep self-understanding.

Because growth is not just about doing more. It is about seeing more—about becoming more aware of who we are, how we show up, and why we do what we do.

If you are looking to fast-track both your personal and professional growth, this is more than just a course—it is a transformative journey.

My heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Gran and Alicia for guiding us with such depth, wisdom, and genuine passion. Their ability to create both clarity and breakthrough is truly remarkable.

Grateful for the experience, the insights, and the people.

Tricia Lee

Director of Comms & Marketing, Community Foundation of Singapore

Just completed 4 amazing days of High Performance Coaching with Enneagram (Level 2) with Alicia and Granville.

I came in expecting a few practical tools and perhaps a clearer structure to what I already “knew” from the first course. I did not expect to have my mind blown.

A large part of why this experience was so impactful comes down to Gran and Alicia. They are highly engaging and clearly deeply immersed in their work. More than just delivering content, they hold the space with intention and have so many great examples and stories that bring the content to life.

They also created an environment that felt safe to explore and be vulnerable.

If you want to learn an incredible way to be a better person and improve your interpersonal relationships i highly recommend signing up for one of their courses.

Jacqueline Chow

Director at PFPFA

I just completed High Performance Coaching with Enneagram Level 2, and I have to say this was on a completely different level. Dr Gran and Alicia are exceptional coaches. What stood out most was not just their depth of knowledge, but their ability to translate the Enneagram into practical, high-performance application. This wasn’t theory for the sake of theory. Every concept was tied back to real-life coaching, leadership, and decision-making.

Dr Gran brings a very sharp, structured perspective. You can tell there is a strong foundation behind everything he teaches. The way he breaks down patterns, motivations, and blind spots is precise and insightful. Alicia complements that perfectly with her ability to bring warmth, intuition, and real human understanding into the room. She has a way of making complex dynamics feel very clear and relatable, especially in live coaching situations.

What I appreciated most are the depth of the Enneagram beyond surface-level typing, how to identify real drivers, not just behaviours, practical coaching frameworks that I can immediately apply and thhe balance between structure and intuition

This course stretched my thinking and sharpened how I observe, question, and guide others. It’s not just about becoming a better coach, it’s about becoming far more aware of how people actually operate. Highly recommended for anyone serious about coaching, leadership, or understanding people at a much deeper level!