River Hayes is a recovering corporate workaholic who once saw emotional intelligence as a distraction. Living in a high-pressure "swamp" of deadlines, he acted as the resident crocodile to anyone—himself included—who dared to slow down or show "laziness."
Everything changed four years ago when a severe panic attack served as a "biological bite," forcing River to realize his inner crocodile was consuming him. Since then, he has redirected his intensity toward self-discovery, integrating psychotherapy with insights from cognitive psychology and the Enneagram. He doesn’t claim to be a guru; he’s a fellow traveler on a journey of growth.
River’s philosophy and this first installment of his book series are inspired by nature’s wisdom. He famously recalls fearing a "monster capybara" his mother invented to make him eat vegetables. Seeing the world’s most peaceful creature years later became his life’s metaphor: our shadows aren’t monsters, but parts of us needing empathy and humor.
When not writing, River is a home cook and a mediocre guitar player. He believes finding your "river-smooth calm" is the ultimate act of rebellion.
