What if your ability to lead, influence, and grow had nothing to do with your IQ—and everything to do with your emotional intelligence?
In this week’s episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sat down with Rhonda Parker-Taylor, a woman who was once told she wasn’t smart enough to succeed. She flunked kindergarten. She nearly failed high school. And yet—she went on to earn a doctorate, publish books, lead organizations, and contribute to global emotional intelligence research at the United Nations.
Her journey is a reminder that your past does not define your future—and your ability to understand and manage emotions can unlock doors that credentials alone never will.
What We Talked About
This episode is especially for women in tech leadership roles who:
-
Feel like they’re not being heard in meetings
-
Are often asked to take notes or play a “supportive” role
-
Struggle to get buy-in despite having the data
-
Want to lead with empathy, confidence, and clarity—without burning out or becoming someone they’re not
Here’s a taste of what we covered:
Emotional Intelligence vs. IQ
Rhonda breaks down how EQ (emotional intelligence) is measurable and developable—and why it’s a more reliable predictor of leadership success than IQ.
“EQ allows you to stop, pause, listen—and that is the real key to success.”
Overcoming Bias in the Boardroom
From the subtle (being asked to make coffee) to the structural (being overlooked for leadership roles), we talked about how women can recognize bias, set boundaries, and shift how they’re seen by others.
“When you serve the coffee, you’re seen as the help—not the leader. It’s not about the act—it’s about the perception it creates.”
How to Truly Listen
Real listening isn’t just staying quiet. It’s regulating your reactions, reflecting back, and building trust with your team, peers, and stakeholders.
“Listening builds trust. Trust builds influence. Influence builds leadership.”
Reframing Challenges with EQ
Rhonda shared strategies for leading high-stakes meetings using EQ: how to acknowledge biases, regulate group dynamics, and move a room toward alignment—without overpowering anyone.
Why This Episode Matters
I work with so many women in tech who know they have the skills, the ideas, and the work ethic—but still feel invisible in the rooms that matter.
This conversation reminded me (and I hope reminds you) that the missing piece isn’t more credentials or “acting like a leader”—it’s learning to lead through emotional intelligence. And yes, it’s a skill you can build.
Ready to hear the full story?
This episode is packed with wisdom, practical tools, and the kind of empowering truths that can change the way you show up.
👉 Listen now: https://limorbergman.com/podcast/
And if it resonates with you—share it with someone else who needs this reminder:
You don’t have to change who you are to be a leader. You just need to unlock the power of who you already are.
About Rhonda Parker-Taylor
Rhonda Parker-Taylor is an author, entrepreneur, academic researcher, and the Director of Operations at Intelligent Solutions. With over 20 years of experience in leadership, HR, and education, she specializes in emotional intelligence and leadership development for individuals and organizations.
Rhonda’s work has been featured in emotional intelligence studies at the United Nations Global Compact, and she continues to speak, write, and consult on how emotional intelligence can drive influence, trust, and transformation in leadership.
She is also the author of Crossroads, a suspense novel endorsed by Golden Globe-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway.
🌐 Website: https://rhondaparkertaylor.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rhondaparkertaylor
About Me
I’m Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. I help women rise into leadership roles with confidence—without burning out or compromising who they are.
🎙️ From a Woman to a Leader is where I bring you honest, powerful conversations with women who’ve been there—and want to help you get there too.
Let’s connect:
🌐 Website
▶️ YouTube
Want to Step Into Executive-Level Leadership?
If you’re a mid-to-senior woman in tech leadership who’s tired of being overlooked and ready to be recognized, respected, and promoted—without changing who you are—join the waitlist for my Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator. It’s a 12-week coaching experience designed to help you show up with clarity, confidence, and influence.
- Speak up with confidence
- Get invited into strategic conversations
- Position yourself for VP or executive roles—without burnout
👉 Join the waitlist today: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator/
Let’s get you the recognition you already deserve
