Why Leaders Need To STOP Ignoring Cultural Intelligence w/ Maria Petnga-Wallace | Lost and Searching EP12

Written By Seven Jacobs

In this episode of Lost & Searching, we sit down with Maria Petnga-Wallace, a seasoned consultant, founder of Ubuntu Works, and expert in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) who has dedicated 18 years to fostering equity across various sectors, including law, adtech, and charity. Maria’s work extends to roles as a trustee at Black Tri Tribe and Impact Initiatives, and she serves as EDI Lead at S-RM, a strategic and cyber intelligence business, all while pursuing a PhD. Her deep understanding of human behavior and resilience in leadership brings invaluable insights into the complex landscape of leadership, identity, and societal pressures today.

Here are some of my reflections on the episode:

Why Hostility Towards "Others" is Rising

Maria highlights that societal hostility is often rooted in a fear of the unknown. As our societies become more diverse and interconnected, these fears are magnified by rapid change and uncertainty. She emphasizes that addressing these biases begins with understanding our own reactions and biases toward those who are different from us. For leaders, this means not only fostering inclusion but actively creating spaces where different perspectives can thrive.

The Minefield of Leadership: Navigating Complex Conversations

One of Maria’s key insights is the metaphor of “the minefield” in leadership, where certain conversations feel dangerous or fraught with risk. In leadership, addressing challenging topics like race, identity, and inequality can feel risky, but Maria argues that avoiding these topics only deepens misunderstandings. Her approach encourages leaders to develop resilience in addressing these “minefield” topics with openness and empathy, creating a culture of trust within their teams.

Resilience as a Core Leadership Skill

For Maria, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about building inner strength and adaptability that enables leaders to face ongoing challenges with integrity. She shares actionable steps for developing resilience, such as building a supportive network and cultivating self-awareness. By embracing these practices, leaders can better manage crises and set a powerful example for their teams.

The Power of Adaptability and Self-Awareness

Maria underscores the importance of adaptability, particularly in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. Leaders who are self-aware can recognize their own limitations and growth areas, which allows them to adapt and evolve. This adaptability is crucial for managing complex team dynamics and maintaining balance in high-stress environments.

Building a Support Network That Uplifts

A strong support network can make or break a leader. Maria’s advice is to surround yourself with people who uplift rather than drain you. By building genuine connections, leaders not only gain emotional support but also valuable perspectives that can guide them through tough times.

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Final Thoughts: Maria Petnga-Wallace’s insights provide a thoughtful roadmap for leaders looking to navigate today’s challenging and polarized landscape. Her experiences emphasize the need for resilience, self-awareness, and courage in addressing the “minefields” of leadership, from managing diverse teams to engaging in difficult conversations about identity and inclusivity. For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of inclusive leadership and foster a culture of empathy, this episode is a must-listen.

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Seven Jacobs
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