Beyond IQ and EQ: The Decency Quotient

How do you build deeply trusted leadership and embed it into an organisation’s DNA?In this episode of Monday Muse, I speak with Michael Fraccaro, former Chief People Officer at Mastercard and now Senior Advisor at Egon Zehnder. Recorded during his final weeks at Mastercard, Michael reflects on his journey from school teacher to global CPO and explores why titles may grant authority, but moral courage creates real leadership.We examine the difference between formal and moral authority, and introduce DQ, the Decency Quotient. Michael shares practical insight into how trust is built through everyday actions, disciplined decisions, and consistency under pressure, including how Mastercard embedded this culture directly into performance and reward.This is a considered conversation about leadership that inspires rather than commands, and about making decisions you would be proud to stand behind. Let's get musing.