In this episode, I talk with Loren Rosario-Maldonado, PCC, an executive coach at Torch, CQ Fellow at the Cultural Intelligence Center, and Chief People Scientist at Cultura, Inc. We discuss how cultural intelligence can transform engineering teams, effective ways to improve organizational culture, and the importance of self-care for successful leadership.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Loren:
- Could you explain cultural intelligence and its importance in today’s engineering fields?
- What’s one effective strategy you’ve used to improve organizational culture?
- How do you incorporate self-care into your leadership training, and why do you think it’s crucial for effective leadership?
- What practical steps can engineers take to navigate diversity and promote inclusivity in the workplace?
- Given the fast-paced changes in modern workplaces, what do you envision as the future of work, particularly within engineering disciplines?
- How can we motivate individuals and teams to embrace and utilize their diverse backgrounds and perspectives?
- What factors influence motivating diverse engineering teams across generations?
- What are some simple daily habits people can adopt to boost their cultural intelligence?
- What advice would you offer to women engineers aiming to progress in their careers and potentially assume leadership positions?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Cultivate Cultural Intelligence in Devoted Engineering Teams:
- Cultural intelligence is crucial in our diverse world, especially as technology connects us globally. Understanding and collaborating with people from different backgrounds enriches relationships and enhances communication.
- Crafting the employee value proposition is essential for understanding the employee experience from a human-centered perspective in organizational strategy. As a people scientist, leveraging insights into human behavior at home and work helps create value propositions benefiting both employees and organizations.
- Prioritizing self-care is crucial for sustained success, especially in leadership. Remembering MEADS, which includes activities like meditating, eating well, accepting the moment, developing movement, and ensuring sufficient sleep, offers a simple yet effective framework for maintaining balance and resilience.
- Leading effectively means ensuring everyone feels valued and nurturing an environment where authenticity thrives. Embracing self-awareness, humility, openness, curiosity, and empathy creates inclusive workplaces where individuals can contribute meaningfully and show up authentically.
- As disruption accelerates, the future of work relies on human skills for effective collaboration. Cultivating abilities like emotional intelligence and communication becomes crucial in navigating rapid change and industry shifts driven by technology.
- Encouraging open dialogue while respecting boundaries promotes authentic collaboration in the workplace. Sustainable change is driven by embracing diverse perspectives with empathy and focusing on human skills to achieve business results effectively.
- In diverse team environments, effective motivation often revolves around creating spaces where individuals feel truly understood. Simple strategies like regular check-ins and team sessions, focused on listening without judgment, can cultivate a sense of support and collaboration, ultimately driving team success.
- Exploring something new every day outside of one’s comfort zone, such as trying different cuisines or engaging with neurodivergent individuals, promotes learning and broadens perspectives. These small, enjoyable challenges encourage personal growth and understanding of diverse experiences.
- Maintain curiosity and embrace continuous learning as essential practices for career development. Beyond certifications, ongoing learning fueled by curiosity propels individuals forward in their careers.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest: Loren Rosario-Maldonado, PCC
Loren Rosario-Maldonado, PCC, is a dynamic executive coach at Torch, where she uses her expertise to foster leadership and professional growth. She holds the title of Chief People Scientist at Cultura, Inc., where she pioneers innovative strategies to enhance organizational culture. Additionally, Loren is a CQ Fellow at the Cultural Intelligence Center, advocating for the integration of cultural intelligence in business practices. She is also an active member of the EQ Community, engaging in the study and application of emotional intelligence.
Loren is currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at California Southern University. Previously, she earned a Master of Science in the same field from California Southern University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, showcasing her academic excellence. Her foundational education was completed at American InterContinental University, setting the stage for her subsequent achievements in the field of psychology and organizational development.
About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a senior Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani is the owner of Thrive Edge Publishing and the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
As an engineer with more than 19 years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift – 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book at www.stemistheway.com.
Sources/References:
Torch
Cultural Intelligence Center
Cultura, Inc
Employee Value Proposition (EVP)
Gallup Report – State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report
Bloomberg Report – Soft Skills Beat Experience on UK Employer Wish Lists
Connect with Loren Rosario-Maldonado, PCC, on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how you cultivate cultural intelligence in your engineering teams.
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