IQ & EQ don’t matter nearly as much as this

F&M — I shared th below post on LinkedIn immediately following the Super Bowl and it received over 50,000 views. A lot of folks had never heard of AQ.

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We often celebrate IQ—raw intellect—and EQ—emotional intelligence—but let’s talk about AQ: Adaptability Quotient.

Look at Sam Darnold’s path. Drafted by the New York Jets—an organization mired in dysfunction—he faced early turbulence. Then onto Carolina—another franchise struggling for long-term success. Many would have faltered. But Sam adapted, learning at each turn.

He found his footing in San Francisco, thriving under a well-run organization, then took his growth to Minnesota under a renowned quarterback-whisperer coach. But it didn’t stop there. This offseason, Darnold signed to Seattle. Many doubted he’d rise to the occasion. Yet tonight, he didn’t just play for a Super Bowl—he became a Super Bowl–winning quarterback.

Sam’s story is about AQ—adapting, evolving, and thriving when others would quit. So, as you grow your IQ and EQ, ask yourself: Are you building AQ? Because the storm will come—but those who adapt will grow through it and become champions.

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