De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less

The Authority Formula

Guest: Doug Noll | Former Trial Lawyer Turned Peacemaker & Emotional Intelligence Expert

In this episode of The Authority Formula, George Wright III interviews Doug Noll, a former trial lawyer who left the courtroom behind to pursue peacemaking and emotional intelligence. Doug shares how his background in law and philosophy led him to question the traditional approaches to conflict—and ultimately devote his life to helping people manage emotions and resolve disputes through empathy and neuroscience.

They discuss how skills like affect labeling and emotional awareness can transform leadership, foster trust, and create emotionally safe environments at home and at work. Doug also offers tangible practices for mastering emotional competence and shares tools to apply immediately.

Key Moments:

01:29 – Doug's Journey from Lawyer to Peacemaker

03:22 – The Turning Point: Questioning the Legal Career

04:32 – Pursuing a New Path in Peacemaking

08:06 – Understanding Emotional Intelligence

12:12 – The Science Behind Affect Labeling

19:21 – Overcoming Social Prejudices in Emotional Labeling

19:52 – The Power of Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence

20:29 – Mastering Emotional Competence in Business

24:59 – The Two Types of Listening

27:26 – Creating Emotional Safety in Leadership

Know someone navigating conflict or leadership challenges? Share this episode with them.

About GUEST:

Doug Noll is an expert in resolving complex and emotional conflicts, with a distinguished career as a lawyer turned peacemaker, mediator, and leadership consultant. After 22 years as a trial lawyer, he shifted to mediation and leadership development, earning recognition as one of the Best Lawyers in America and Northern California Super Lawyer. He co-founded the pro bono Prison of Peace project, winning California Attorney of the Year in 2012.

An acclaimed author, Doug has written award-winning books, including De-Escalate and Elusive Peace. He teaches at Pepperdine’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and is a sought-after trainer and lecturer on peacemaking and conflict resolution.

Outside his professional life, Doug is a skilled violinist, pilot, tai chi master, and chef. He lives in the Sierra Nevada, California, with his wife Aleya.

Guest Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douglasenoll/

Website: DougNoll.com

About George Wright III:

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