S3E2: Next-level Leadership Isn't Technical — It's Relational
Release Date: 12/09/2025
S3E2: Next-level Leadership Isn't Technical — It's Relational
KeyNote: Expert Voices
In this episode of KeyNote Expert Voices, host Qi Zhai-McCartney—psychotherapist, executive coach, and former investment professional—unpacks why relational intelligence has become the defining skill of next-level leadership. Drawing from her work with high achievers across tech, finance, law, and entrepreneurship, Qi reveals the emotional patterns that shape connection, trust, and performance in both professional and personal relationships. Qi explains why today’s leaders can no longer rely on technical excellence or polished competence alone. Modern leadership demands the ability to...
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info_outlineIn this episode of KeyNote Expert Voices, host Qi Zhai-McCartney—psychotherapist, executive coach, and former investment professional—unpacks why relational intelligence has become the defining skill of next-level leadership. Drawing from her work with high achievers across tech, finance, law, and entrepreneurship, Qi reveals the emotional patterns that shape connection, trust, and performance in both professional and personal relationships.
Qi explains why today’s leaders can no longer rely on technical excellence or polished competence alone. Modern leadership demands the ability to navigate emotional dynamics, build psychological safety, and create relationships that are honest, resilient, and deeply human. Through story-rich insights—including her memorable lesson from “stress-bonded bunnies”—Qi illustrates why vulnerability strengthens bonds, why many high performers struggle to express emotion, and how inherited cultural norms have left most of us without an “emotional curriculum.”
Qi breaks relational intelligence into three essential skills: awareness, articulation, and action—and offers practical ways to begin developing each. This episode is a compelling guide for anyone looking to deepen their impact and lead with greater trust, connection, and emotional clarity.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:14 Introduction to Relational Intelligence
02:43 The Shift from Technical Skills to Emotional Connection
05:18 Understanding Vulnerability in Leadership
08:20 The Importance of Shared Stress in Bonding
10:58 The Disconnect in Leadership Training
13:46 Building Emotional and Relational Intelligence
16:54 Practical Steps to Enhance Relational Skills
19:27 Closing
Speaker
Qi Zhai-McCartney is a former investment professional turned psychotherapist, coach, and speaker. With a career spanning finance and mental health, she helps high-performing professionals strengthen the one skill that matters most in today’s world: relational intelligence.
Through a blend of research, storytelling, and cultural insight, Qi challenges audiences to rethink what success looks like in leadership, work, and relationships. Her message is simple but powerful: in a world optimized for output, the leaders who will thrive are those who can tune in to the emotional dynamics between people — whether with colleagues, clients, or loved ones. Because ultimately, our success depends on the support of all of our key stakeholders, at work and at home.
KeyNote Women Profile: https://keynotewomen.com/speaker/qi-zhai-mccartney/
Credits
Magdalena Poulin — Production & Editing
Siti Jumahat — Branding
Filip P — Music