As traditional leadership models fall short in today’s emotionally complex and fast-changing workplace, author, psychologist, and former corporate lawyer, Elina Teboul, joins The Small Business Show to share why we must expand our understanding of intelligence in business. In her latest book, Feminine Intelligence, Teboul redefines leadership by integrating traditionally “feminine” traits—such as empathy, connection, and intuition—into a new framework for long-term success, one that benefits all genders and is especially critical in the age of AI.
Teboul’s professional path—from investment law in New York to founding a leadership advisory firm—has shaped her unique business leadership philosophy. Her book challenges outdated systems by calling for a more integrated and human-centered approach. Contrary to assumptions about the title, Teboul clarifies that the book is not about women versus men, but about balancing masculine and feminine archetypes—logic and productivity with empathy and creativity.
She explains that both men and women often feel pressure to suppress their more intuitive, compassionate sides in favor of the dominant, masculine-coded traits prized in the workplace. Her insights stem not only from psychology but also from interviews with leaders across various industries—both men and women—who struggle with authenticity in high-performing roles.
In addition, Teboul acknowledges that several accomplished women reacted cautiously when she introduced the book’s theme. They worried it implied an expectation that women alone should carry the emotional labor of leadership. But she stresses the goal is wholeness, not burden—helping individuals, regardless of gender, feel more complete and aligned with their purpose.
For men, embracing feminine intelligence is equally transformative. Leaders who foster emotional intelligence and purpose-driven goals inspire stronger commitment from their teams. “The kind of leaders that connect to their feminine intelligence are the ones that are going to have their teams want to give their heart and soul for them,” Teboul explains.
The book is particularly relevant for Gen Z and millennial leaders, whom she describes as more socially conscious and eager to understand themselves. Feminine Intelligence speaks to their desire for meaningful work and to businesses that prioritize positive impact over mere profit. Further, Teboul ties this shift to climate awareness, urging leaders to move beyond “greenwashing” and into authentic connection with nature—a traditionally feminine-aligned value.
In the wake of AI’s growing role in business, she believes these human qualities will only become more essential. “If all of our left-brain competencies are going to be much better done by our technology, then we really need to tap into our human side,” she warns, noting that skills like empathy, connection, and emotional intelligence may be the most future-proof assets we have.
Ultimately, Teboul is exploring new directions for her next book, one of which will dive deeper into a topic she finds controversial yet deeply important: the use of psychedelics in psychological and leadership development. As both a lawyer and trained psychedelic-assisted therapist, she’s committed to navigating this space with scientific and academic rigor.
“Feminine intelligence is not about gender. It is absolutely not about the ancient battle of the sexes… Really, the ethos of the book is to bring the archetype—the traditional feminine qualities, strengths, and values—into business leadership. And we can do that regardless of our gender.” – Elina Teboul
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