Mastering Emotional Intelligence & Resilience – Diana Dobin ‘93
The Dyer Center hosted Lafayette alumna Diana Dobin ’93, CEO of Valley Forge Fabrics, for an essential discussion on Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Resilience as cornerstones of effective leadership.
Valley Forge Fabrics is an internationally successful, family-run textile company. It is a dominant force in the hospitality sector, specializing in contract fabrics for hotels and recognized as a global leader in sustainable production practices. Diana’s journey leading the company to this standing was, however, anything but smooth. She emphasized that navigating market turbulence and internal challenges required far more than just business acumen; it demanded a deep well of composure and a genuine dedication to her team.
The Entrepreneurial Superpower: EQ
Diana made a compelling case for the necessity of Emotional Intelligence in leadership. She defined EQ as a pivotal entrepreneurial superpower, encouraging students to focus on the often-overlooked areas of empathy, active listening, and mentorship. For an entrepreneur, being emotionally aware and intelligent is the key to managing internal stress, understanding customer needs, and building loyal, high-performing teams. Diana shared that this commitment to EQ and resilience paved the way for Valley Forge Fabrics’ long-term success, amidst market and macro changes.
Sustainability, Setbacks, and the Power of Learning
A core part of her presentation detailed the incredibly hard work and dedication required to move the company toward becoming a sustainability leader. This included developing and introducing innovative new products, such as textiles made from bamboo sheets. This ambitious transition, while successful overall, included significant setbacks, such as a failed attempt to launch a consumer-facing line. Diana was candid about this mistake, stressing that entrepreneurs must embrace failure as a critical learning tool. Her message was clear: resilience is not about avoiding difficulty, but about maintaining composure and commitment to your team as you iterate and adapt.
As a Lafayette alumna, Diana’s success demonstrates how the foundation of a liberal arts education can perfectly prepare a leader to tackle complex global challenges, from supply chain management to pioneering environmental stewardship, all while prioritizing the human element of leadership. We were delighted Diana shined a light on this pivotal quality, proving that EQ is truly the secret to sustainable entrepreneurial success.