Introducing Cultural Intelligence Podcast Series: The Art of Leading Across Boundaries

For years, IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional intelligence) have dominated the conversation around intelligence and navigating success while leading, there’s another kind of intelligence that’s just as crucial: Cultural Intelligence (CQ). 

CQ isn’t about memorising cultural facts or perfecting business etiquette while working with people from different countries. It’s about something much deeper. It's about empowering oneself with the ability to connect, adapt, and thrive in diverse environments. It’s about walking into a room and connecting with people across geography, generations, sectors, beliefs, specialisms, backgrounds, and aspirations. It’s about knowing when to hold onto whatever defines your core and when to be flexible to build stronger relationships, lead effectively, and solve complex problems. 

As Julia Middleton, Mother of Practical CQ, author of Cultural Intelligence: The Competitive Edge for Leaders Crossing Borders, and Founder of Women Emerging, puts it: 

"The really big, complex problems that we dream of solving have no respect for boundaries. If we insist on staying within them, we have no hope of addressing these challenges. We must develop the cultural intelligence to cross them." 

Why is CQ Essential While Leading?

If you’re leading a global team, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) will help you navigate diverse perspectives, foster collaboration, and build trust across cultures. If you’re driving innovation or tackling complex societal challenges, CQ equips you to engage with different viewpoints and create solutions that resonate across boundaries. If you’re committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace, CQ enables you to create an environment where diversity is valued, and every voice is heard. And if taking your first step in leading in a multicultural world, CQ will give you the confidence and skills to connect, communicate, and lead effectively across cultural landscapes.

In a world where people often stick to what they already know, Cultural Intelligence is what allows us to never stunt growth. It’s easy to stay in our own bubbles, but CQ helps break down barriers and connect with people who see the world differently.

People trust leaders who are both grounded and adaptable, who know what they stand for but are open to other perspectives. Without CQ, decisions are often based on what’s familiar rather than what’s needed. The world is changing fast, and rigid leadership doesn’t work anymore. CQ helps people stay open, responsive, and ready for change.

The Women Emerging Podcast Presents: A 7-Part Series on CQ

The Women Emerging podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major streaming platforms, is launching a brand-new 7-episode series on Cultural Intelligence.

Join Julia Middleton, Mother of Practical CQ, as she unpacks the challenges, insights, and strategies that define CQ in leading.

The Seven Episodes in the Cultural Intelligence Series:

Why CQ: Julia explains what CQ is and why it matters.

Core and Flex CQ: Understanding the Core & Flex concept and how it shapes adaptability.

Colliding CQs: What happens when different Cultural Intelligences clash?

Internal CQ: What happens when cultural differences exist within you?

Questions for CQ: A collection of CQ-related questions from around the world.

Tricky CQ: How to lead men, with special guest Francesca Cavallo.

Brave CQ: How to have courageous conversations, with guest Ukonwa Ojo.

The Cultural Intelligence series launches on 19th March 2025

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify