Women’s Networking session

The recent networking session was a presentation by Mari Steyn, titled ‘The conscious communicator: Using motivational intelligence to build people and relationships’ and provided an in-depth exploration of how motivational intelligence (MQ), a concept that goes beyond traditional metrics of intelligence and emotional acumen, is so vital to building a tomorrow that is sustainable and equitable for all.

Raising consciousness is not an easy feat, especially when the system is geared specifically against equity, compassion and love. Mari explained the core tenets of MQ. She highlighted that MQ is not only about identifying what motivates us, but also about leveraging that understanding to foster a new kind of leadership focused on resilience, adaptability and sustained engagement in our pursuits.

By mastering MQ, individuals can build themselves and their teams who navigate challenges more effectively and remain committed to their objectives, even in the face of adversity. Key takeaways from the session:

1. For any sustainable system, we need to build people and to build people, we need to first build relationships. One of the biggest mistakes we make is to think that because someone is highly qualified, they believe in themselves. By increasing your own MQ, you have a higher level of influence over others – use it wisely.

2. We all want success, strong teams and happy relationships, but are you willing to do what it takes and be in it for the long haul? If yes, you have a growth mindset allowing you to understand MQ and the value it brings. Without a growth mindset, there is no change.

3. The four cornerstones of MQ are:

• Vision: Without a vision, there is no future. 
• Unlimited potential: Without embracing unlimited potential, learning and growth, we stay stagnant. 
• Ultimate responsibility: Without taking ultimate responsibility, we are victims. 
• Adaptability: Without adaptability, we lose our relevance.

4. Working on behaviour alone doesn’t bring sustainable change, as individuals we influence a person’s thoughts and beliefs, which in turn informs new behaviour.

5. You have everything it takes to make life a bit better and easier for all – use each opportunity you get. 

Women’s Network book of the month

Greenlights

Michael McConaughey

Paperback, Headline, £9.93 (Amazon)

304 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1472280879

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is a memoir that blends personal anecdotes, life lessons and philosophical reflections. One of the main concepts that resonates is the idea of embracing life’s ‘green lights’ – moments of opportunity, growth and alignment – while learning from and navigating through the ‘yellow’ and ‘red lights’ that inevitably come our way.

McConaughey emphasises the importance of authenticity, taking risks and finding meaning in both successes and failures. I found the principles from Greenlights particularly applicable in my professional life.

One lesson that stood out was McConaughey’s emphasis on taking calculated risks and being true to oneself. This encouraged me to pursue a career change that aligned more closely with my passions, despite the uncertainties involved. His storytelling about perseverance also inspires during challenging times, reminding me to stay resilient and keep moving forward.

The book underscores the importance of cherishing relationships, pursuing passions and living authentically. Overall, Greenlights and its treatment of mortality and loss were profoundly impactful, offering a perspective that helped me navigate my own journey of grief and personal growth.

Genna Rourke FCInstCES