161. Questions for CQ

In this fifth episode of the Cultural Intelligence series, Julia Middleton pauses to answer the questions you’ve been sending in. After four episodes unpacking the Core and Flex model and exploring what happens when cultures collide, both between people and within individuals, this episode dives into real-world dilemmas, confusions, and curiosities. 

“Almost everybody you meet will have a different culture from you,” says Julia. “CQ is about interfacing with cultures that aren’t your own. Way beyond just race.” 

Julia responds to questions such as: 

• Does your Core ever change? 

• Can organisations have Core and Flex? 

• Do you always have to stand up for cultural intolerance? 

• How do you find your knots, your biases, and what do you do about them? 

She shares personal stories. Choosing whether or not to cover up in Jeddah. Picking a sari for her son’s wedding in Bangalore. Moments that show how her own Core and Flex have evolved. 

Listen to this episode to reflect on your own Core and Flex, learn why self-awareness is key to leading across cultures and discover how CQ is not about perfection, it is about staying curious, courageous, and committed to growing. 

Every week, we produce a new episode that explores women and leadership from a different perspective.In a series of lively, wide-ranging discussions, we talk to women all over the world who are dealing with tough leadership challenges in their daily lives. We find out the barriers they face and how they are overcoming them; they share their experiences, insights and advice. (the series also informs and illustrates the expedition while it is underway and gives updates on the members’ progress.)Episodes come out every Wednesday and once a month, we do a live q&a.

• No. of episodes: 163
• Latest episode: 2025-04-30
• Education Society & Culture

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