About the Editor:-
DR MAXINE TEO is a trilingual speaker, corporate facilitator, and author with a passion for colourfully impacting and inspiring lives around the world. She has a knack of turning complicated concepts into practical and highly engaging learning applications. Coming from a decade of working in the financial services industry, she shares her experience and knowledge with working professionals through training and keynote delivery in success skills.
In 2020, she authored Secret Manual of the Sales Warrior, and in 2023, Secret Manual of the Engaging Warrior, both of which have received high acclaim from her readers for its practicality and ease of understanding. Her attainment of a Doctorate in Psychology in 2023 has further enhanced her knowledge and understanding of human and organisational psychology. Her insights and personal experiences have moved and inspired audiences globally to take action to boost their work performance and improve their lives. What sets Dr Maxine apart from her peers in the speaking industry is her understanding of cross-cultural issues and ultra-high energy!
Praise for the book:-
“As someone who has navigated countless client emotions and team dynamics, this book resonated differently. Dr Maxine’s MIND Framework isn’t just theory—it’s a practical toolkit I wish I’d had earlier in my career. The True Colors insights alone transformed how I approach creative briefs and client relationships. Her raw interviews with professionals facing real workplace struggles make this feel authentic, not preachy. A game-changer for anyone building brands or leading teams.” — Andrew Chow Angel Investor, Asia Pro Venture
“I really love how Dr Maxine captured what each person said, summarised it, and presented it in an easy and relatable way. I’m looking at it through many different eyes here—one with my Positive Psychology knowledge, from an employee perspective, from a care officer role, and formerly an employer. A truly great piece that highlights the importance of a positive mindset in building a warrior.” — Stacey Nonis Manager of Partnerships, Kindred Spirit Circle, Singapore Kindness Movement
“This is not a book you read from start to end. It’s the kind you refer to when life hits. Dr Maxine zooms straight into 12 emotions we often label as “negative”— Anxiety, Guilt, Shame, Fear, just to name a few. Instead of running away from them, this book shows us how to embrace each of them head-on and turn them into powerful drivers of peak performance. What I loved most? Every emotion comes with raw, real-life stories and expert perspectives. Not just theory, but lived experience. That, to me, is the best kind of modelling. When someone shares their own stories of overcoming challenges, it reminds us that we don’t have to stay stuck. These emotions are not dead ends. They could be our best turning points. The best part? If I ever feel lost or overwhelmed by something I’m feeling, I can flip straight to the chapter on that emotion. It’s like an emotional GPS. Reset, reframe, and move forward. When we were in school, we were never taught how to manage these emotions. Especially in Singapore’s academic system.
Straight As for Math and Science, but emotional literacy? Almost unheard of in my era. This book fills that gap. In a world where we’re rewarded for appearing to have it all together, this book serves as a reminder that emotional intelligence isn’t a soft skill. It’s about survival, especially in high-stakes environments or leadership roles. I’ve read numerous books that advise you to breathe and be grateful. However, this is a truly significant differentiator that teaches you practical approaches to address each emotion. And most importantly, how to channel all that energy into top performance in our lives.” — Jaslyn Ng Financial Services Director, Asia Insurance Agent of the Year 2024
“A powerful and compelling close to a much-needed trilogy. Dr Maxine Teo blends expert insights, real-world stories, and intuitive wisdom into a practical and readable guide. As a relationship counsellor and clinical sexologist, I see how emotional illiteracy fractures connections—this book offers the road map to empathy, resilience, and impactful leadership.” — Dr Martha Tara Lee Relationship Counsellor and Clinical Sexologist, Eros Coaching Pte Ltd
“Where Kindness Meets Emotional Intelligence: Dr Maxine reminds us that emotions aren’t our enemies—they’re guides. As someone who teaches voice with a heart for kindness and expression, I’ve seen how self-awareness and self-management help students grow not just vocally, but emotionally. Her frameworks give structure to what many of us intuitively feel but couldn’t explain.” — Jessica Tea Educator, Vocal Empowerment Coach at Voice Out
“Congratulations to Dr Maxine on achieving a remarkable milestone with the completion of the “Secret Manual” and “Warrior” trilogy, marking a fantastic hat-trick! The latest release delves into the intricate realm of human emotions and feelings, focusing on decoding human behaviour. At a time when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionise the real world, this book shines a light on understanding the complexities of human conscience, behaviour, and emotions, offering insights that resonate on both personal and professional levels. Best wishes to Dr Maxine on this significant accomplishment!” — Santosh Sirur Banker and Podcaster
“Understanding my emotions is crucial to finding purpose and joy in pursuing my goals. In moments of helplessness, I lean on my intuition to guide my decisions. This book by Maxine masterfully explores the fascinating link between emotions, feelings, and intuition. Her engaging writing style and use of simple yet powerful words make it a genuine pleasure to read. It’s been years since I’ve truly immersed myself in a book, but I’ve recently gotten new reading glasses, ready to savour every word.” — Jill Wong Chairman, The Benjamin Wong Foundation
“An engaging and professional trainer by trade, a storyteller by heart, Maxine draws on real-world experiences and expert insights to offer a practical, genuine approach to decoding emotions at work. Each chapter features relatable strategies, making the book an essential read for anyone looking to improve performance, emotional agility, and organisational communication.” — Jack Ellis Business Development Manager
“A sincere and accessible guide. Dr Maxine offers a simplified framework to help readers make sense of the complexity of emotions. While I resonate with contributors aligned with CBT and root-healing approaches, her effort to hold space for diverse views is commendable—a heartfelt resource for seekers of emotional awareness.” — Lynn See Founder, Chayil Consulting, Cognitive Specialist
“As a psychologist, I found this to be a thoughtful and practical guide to navigating emotional complexities. Dr Maxine blends useful insight, real-life stories, and helpful strategies to build emotional resilience—an essential competency for thriving personally, relationally, and professionally.” — Gerald Boh Registered Psychologist / Clinical Supervisor
