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Lead to Soar: Career Advice and Guidance for Ambitious Women Leaders
The Importance of BQ for Women's Leadership Success
In this episode of the Lead to Soar podcast, Michelle Redfern explores why Business Intelligence (BQ) is the missing link for women’s leadership success. She explores how developing and demonstrating BQ—alongside Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Social Intelligence (SQ)—can help women advance in their careers, close the gender leadership gap, and be perceived as strategic, results-driven leaders.
What You’ll Learn:
The status quo for women in leadership globally—and why progress remains slow
The three components of leadership: BQ, EQ, and SQ
How BQ impacts career advancement and why women must be known for business, strategic, and financial acumen
The six steps to reaching your full potential as a leader
Why women aren’t getting the right career advice—and what to ask for instead
How to audit your leadership strengths and gaps
The importance of perception in leadership and why being seen as a high-BQ leader is crucial
Resources & Takeaways:
The Leadership Compass: Michelle’s book on leadership success for women
No Ceiling, No Walls: Susan Colantuono’s research on The Missing 33% and leadership
BQ Audit & Career SWOT Analysis (Available for Lead to Soar members)
Join the Lead to Soar Network for exclusive leadership resources and mentoring leadtosoar.network
Attend the Weekly Hour of Power: A dedicated session for real-time leadership coaching and peer support
Action Steps for Listeners:
Assess your leadership perception: How are you perceived by decision-makers in your organization?
Identify your leadership strengths and gaps: Are you strong in EQ and SQ but missing critical BQ skills?
Demand better career advice: Ask for guidance on strategic, business, and financial acumen.
Develop your BQ skills: Learn how to think and speak like a business leader.
Expand your strategic network: Connect with mentors and sponsors who recognize and support your leadership potential.
Final Thought:
Women are already great leaders, but to close the leadership gender gap, we need to be seen as business leaders first. Developing and demonstrating BQ is the key to unlocking more opportunities, higher salaries, and greater influence.
Join the Conversation:
Follow Michelle Redfern on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleredfern/
Follow Mel Butcher on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabutcher/
Subscribe to the Lead to Soar Podcast
Become a Lead to Soar Network member https://leadtosoar.network/landing
Lead to Soar is a podcast for ambitious women and the leaders who support them. Hosted by Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher, it delivers evidence-based, practical advice on leadership, career progression, and closing the gender gap. Join the Lead to Soar Network at leadtosoar.network or get Michelle’s book The Leadership Compass at michelleredfern.com/book.
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