In this episode, leadership mentor Maria Rush shares how emotional intelligence, connection, and clear communication can reshape modern leadership. She reveals why traditional 'command and control' approaches no longer work, why deeper connection, vulnerability, and emotional awareness matter more than ever, and how expanding our emotional vocabulary can transform both professional and personal relationships.

Key Takeaways

1. Growing up above the arctic circle shaped Maria's perspective: living through extreme seasons - midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter - gave Maria a deep appreciation for nature, resilience, and community.
2. Maria followed a non-linear career built around human connection: although Maria worked across languages, design, and various industries in Sweden and the UK, the common thread has always been her interest in people and communication.
3. Today’s leadership needs are changing: many people feel disconnected in their relationships - at work, at home, and with partners. Maria sees a strong desire for more emotionally intelligent, people-centred leadership.
4. A shift away from old models of authority: traditional 'do as you're told' leadership no longer resonates. People now seek inclusion, trust, and a sense of being valued.
5. Emotional vocabulary is a language of its own: Maria highlights the need to expand our emotional vocabulary to express needs clearly. She even created word lists in English and later Swedish to better articulate feelings.
6. Younger generations are driving positive change: she mentors people in their 20s who are increasingly open to self-development and emotional awareness - seeking help earlier and expecting healthier communication.

About Maria Rush

For the past 25 years Maria has worked as a leadership mentor, entrepreneur, and an international employee in state organisations and private businesses promoting self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and solution-focused communication.

With her genuine interest in people and how we connect deeper with ourselves and others through self-awareness and better communication skills, Maria has helped redefine the way we create thriving relationships irrespective of gender, background, and generation.

Whether you’re a parent, partner or professional, Maria helps you become the modern leader people are truly looking for today - authentic, empathetic and adaptable.

Connect with Maria

Maria's website: mariarush.co.uk

Maria on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariadhrush

Women Don't Rush podcast on IG: @womendontrushpodcast

Offer for this podcast's listeners: Maria is offering you all, my lovely listeners, a 15% discount on her online group programme starting in April called The Connected Leadership Programme: https://www.mariarush.co.uk/the-connected-leadership-programme

Use discount code WWL15 to claim your 15% off. Valid till 13th April 2026.

About Sonia Kampshoff

Sonia is an experienced, multilingual digital marketing consultant focusing on Google Ads and advertising on social media. She works with small and medium-sized companies, agencies and charities across ecommerce and lead generation accounts, supporting them from strategy and planning all the way through optimisation and management.

Languages are integral to her identity and career, so much so that in September 2025 she created and hosts this podcast, telling stories of people who merge their language skills with the work they do - and inspiring many more to learn languages and build a career on these valuable soft skills.

Connect with Sonia

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingwithlanguages
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniakampshoff/
3. Website: https://moreperfect.digital/
4. Email: [email protected]

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