157. Why CQ

In this first episode of the Cultural Intelligence series, Julia Middleton, Mother of Practical CQ, founder of Women Emerging and the podcast host, explains what Cultural Intelligence (CQ) means, why it is essential for leading today, and the foundational mindsets needed to develop it. CQ is often assumed to be just about geography, but as Julia explains, it goes far beyond that, spanning generations, sectors, beliefs, specialisms, backgrounds, and aspirations. "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 cultural intelligence to cross them," said Julia. Julia unpacks four prerequisites for Cultural Intelligence - A deep interest in people, being genuinely curious about others; willingness to unpick personal biases and habits that hinder CQ; the stamina for an endless journey, knowing CQ is something we build over time; the courage to stand up to cultural intolerance when we see it. Listen to this episode to learn why Cultural Intelligence is no longer optional while leading in a global world and how you can start building it.