{"id":4056,"date":"2026-01-06T09:48:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T14:48:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/icom.imagemakers-inc.com\/global-insights\/\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T04:16:04","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T09:16:04","slug":"leading-with-emotional-intelligence-a-conversation-with-the-icom-women-in-leadership-group","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/icomagencies.com\/global-insights\/leading-with-emotional-intelligence-a-conversation-with-the-icom-women-in-leadership-group\/","title":{"rendered":"Leading with Emotional Intelligence: A Conversation with the ICOM Women in Leadership Group"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ICOM Women in Leadership Group<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Editor\u2019s note: <\/em><\/strong>Emotional intelligence (EI) has long been recognized as a critical leadership skill, but for women leading advertising agencies, it is more than just a professional asset\u2014it\u2019s a strategic advantage. From managing high-pressure creative environments to fostering collaboration across global teams, EI empowers leaders to navigate complexity with empathy and decisiveness.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this conversation, members of the <\/em>ICOM Women in Leadership Group*<\/em><\/strong> share how emotional intelligence shapes their leadership styles, enhances team dynamics, and drives business success.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For agency leaders, emotional intelligence extends far beyond self-awareness. It is the ability to read, understand, and manage both individual and group dynamics in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Emotional intelligence is the ability to deeply understand and manage my emotions but also those of the people around me\u2014whether they are team members, clients, or suppliers,” <\/em>says Melissa Manthos<\/strong> of Switch<\/a>, Malta. “In our industry, where creativity and deadlines often collide, EI helps us build trust, strengthen relationships, and lead with clarity.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annika Avikson<\/strong> of AD Angels<\/a>, Estonia, emphasizes the importance of creating a motivating environment: “It\u2019s about fostering communication, ensuring people feel valued, and keeping calm in the midst of a storm.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ashley Lewis<\/strong> of FARM<\/a>, USA, adds a nuanced perspective: “EI is about balance\u2014being attuned to emotions without being consumed by them, leading with empathy without always conceding, and making thoughtful decisions without hesitation.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Evolving Skillset: The Growth of EI Over Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Emotional intelligence isn\u2019t a static trait\u2014it evolves with experience, reflection, and continuous learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“EI has been a lifelong journey for me,”<\/em> shares Colette Fortin<\/strong> of KenCol Consulting, Canada. “I see it as being open to reflection, not striving for perfection.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Emma Keenan<\/strong> of ICOM Network, her international career played a pivotal role in shaping her EI: “Working in different countries and adapting to new languages forced me to rely on more than words. I learned to read body language, facial expressions, and unspoken cues.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annika<\/strong> adds, “As you grow, so does your emotional intelligence. You become more aware of yourself and, in turn, more aware of others.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real-World Applications: When EI Drives Business Success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

EI isn\u2019t just an abstract concept\u2014it directly impacts business decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amanda Forgione<\/strong> of Morrison<\/a>, USA, recalls a key moment: “I once announced that we made the finals of a pitch, expecting excitement, but was met with anxiety. It wasn\u2019t the news itself, but the workload implications that worried my team. That moment reinforced the importance of listening, understanding concerns, and communicating with clarity.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melissa<\/strong> echoes this: “It\u2019s a reminder to never assume reactions and always give space for open dialogue.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conflict Resolution & Cultural Adaptation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With agencies operating across diverse markets, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in conflict resolution and cross-cultural leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natalie Cook<\/strong> of Olomana Loomis ICS<\/a>, Hawaii, shares her structured approach: “We\u2019ve developed \u2018Conflict Norms\u2019\u2014guidelines rooted in EI that encourage direct yet constructive conversations. We also allow \u2018permission to process,\u2019 giving people time to think before responding in high-stakes situations.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristy Rothenberger<\/strong> of Assemble Studio<\/a>, Costa Rica, underscores the importance of cultural awareness: “EI is about understanding how your message will be received in different contexts. A leadership style that works in one region might not translate the same way elsewhere.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navigating Gender & Leadership with EI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Women in leadership often face unique challenges, and EI becomes an essential tool for navigating them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cManaging work-life balance remains a challenge.<\/em> There\u2019s still the assumption that women leaders may be less committed to their careers, or that mothers might be less dedicated to their children because of work responsibilities<\/em>\u201d <\/em>says Melissa<\/strong>. “EI helps me manage expectations\u2014both mine and others\u2019\u2014while staying true to my leadership style.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristy<\/strong> adds, “I believe women naturally excel in emotional intelligence, but the challenge is knowing when to dial it up and when to set firm boundaries.”<\/em>Annika<\/strong> raises a thought-provoking point: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Why do we say<\/em> \u2018female leader\u2019 but just \u2018leader\u2019 for men? It\u2019s a rhetorical question, but one worth asking.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

EI in a Globalized World: Leading International Teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As agency networks become more interconnected, emotional intelligence helps bridge cultural and communication gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I grew up in a multilingual environment, which shaped my ability to adapt”<\/em> says Melissa<\/strong>. “Cultural differences can create misunderstandings, but EI allows us to navigate them with sensitivity and clarity.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristy<\/strong> agrees: “It\u2019s about learning to meet people where they are, adapting communication styles, and ensuring alignment across diverse teams.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advice for Aspiring Leaders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For women aspiring to leadership roles in advertising, emotional intelligence is more than just a skill\u2014it\u2019s a competitive advantage. The leaders we spoke with emphasize three key areas for development: allowing yourself to be vulnerable, actively listening, and being adaptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natalie<\/strong> highlights self-awareness as the foundation:
“Take the time to understand how your experiences, biases, and emotions influence your reactions and decision-making. Learn to regulate your emotions and stay composed under pressure.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristy<\/strong> underscores the importance of active listening:
“It\u2019s easy to assume we know what our teams need, but real leadership comes from listening first\u2014without the intent to respond right away. When people feel heard, they feel valued.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annika<\/strong> advises embracing adaptability:
“No matter how well you plan, the world moves fast, and challenges arise. Emotional intelligence allows us to pivot with confidence, rather than reacting with fear.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For those looking to deepen their understanding of emotional intelligence in leadership, the ICOM Women in Leadership Group recommends the following books, authors, and podcasts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcd6 Books<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n