Successful leaders in the modern era prioritize emotional intelligence and self-awareness, build a culture that can last and scale, and investment firms must develop a sophisticated approach to identify and measure these qualities.Â
The qualities required to be a successful leader have evolved significantly, with stakeholders now seeking leaders who demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and authenticity. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is becoming more important than IQ, with investors wanting to back founders who are capable of building a culture that can last and scale. Building a culture in the beginning is critical because culture debt becomes more challenging to reverse as a company grows. There is no one-size-fits-all leadership style, but self-awareness is crucial in understanding one’s skills, inspiring and motivating others, and recognizing areas for growth. Investment firms must develop a sophisticated approach to identify and measure these qualities to bet on founders that have a high probability of success.Â
