EQ

It's complicated

Transforming entrenched cultural systems takes time and sustained commitment as they do not shift easily or quickly. True value often arises from scarcity; when something becomes widespread, its strategic significance tends to diminish. Leaders must ask: where are the real constraints, and how can we create value within them?

I think one should strive to be the kind of leader whose presence elevates the work, someone whose absence would be deeply felt. Bring emotional intelligence, critical insight, and seasoned judgment to every interaction. This is not about shortcuts; it’s about pursuing meaningful, lasting impact. If you are seeking an accountability or progression partner for your leadership journey, feel free to reach out via email.


More speed less haste

Most of what people are rushing to do isn’t actually urgent. And in today’s fast-moving environment, urgency can feel like the default setting. As a leader, your power lies not in keeping up with everything, but in your ability to slow down and think clearly when everything around you is speeding up. This is where emotional intelligence (EQ) becomes critical.

“You should meditate every day and if you don’t have time, you should meditate more.”
— Seth Godin

The tyranny of urgency

I think the difference between reacting and responding isn’t just about self-control, it’s about self-awareness. The first step is noticing what’s really going on, internally and externally. The second step is pausing long enough to process, and the third is choosing to move forward with intention. Unlike IQ, which is about logic and information processing, EQ is about navigating uncertainty, tension, and human complexity. And while artificial intelligence (AI) is getting faster, cheaper, and smarter, what makes you effective as a leader isn’t how much data you can consume—but how well you connect, adapt, and lead with emotional maturity. That’s the human edge, and it’s more important now than ever.


Matter of fact

I’m sorry to say it, but education and training alone do not equal intelligence. As a DEIB advocate, I believe that diversity intelligence deserves to sit alongside intellectual intelligence (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), and cultural intelligence (CQ). Too often, people misunderstand the differences across and within cultures. To treat all employees fairly, honestly, and with integrity, we need to develop the intelligence to understand the full picture: IQ, EQ, CQ—and the policies, rules, and laws that shape them.

I think both formal leaders and those leading without a title must learn to recognise difference, not as a threat or obstacle, but as a reality of the modern workplace. Being different doesn’t mean being less capable, and it shouldn’t get in the way of performance. I encourage you to reflect, look at your own actions, and examine your biases, because that’s where inclusion starts.