-- A New Kind of Leadership: Combining Authenticity with Emotional Intelligence
Leadership in today’s corporate world is often associated with rigid hierarchies and traditional management styles. Yet, some leaders are quietly reshaping this narrative. Madhu Manohar is one of them—bringing a refreshing perspective that blends authenticity with emotional intelligence (EI) to create impact in industries not typically known for embracing change.
Madhu’s journey has been anything but traditional. As a student, she was often labeled as someone who did not excel within conventional academic environments and was frequently overlooked by teachers unequipped to support children with ADHD. “My advice to young professionals who find university unstimulating is to focus on gaining real-world experience before graduation,” says Madhu. Determined to learn on the job, she began undertaking internships in her first year of university, recognising early that success would not be defined solely by academic performance but by practical skills and hands-on experience. Today, Ms. Manohar is pursuing a Doctorate in Business while continuing her role as a senior marketing leader—driven by a personal commitment to challenge past perceptions and demonstrate what is truly possible.
Challenging Corporate Norms
From the outset of her career, Madhu recognised that achieving success in corporate environments required more than simply conforming to established norms. In sectors such as financial services, she observed a strong emphasis on uniformity and hierarchy—an approach that often stifles creativity, innovation, and open dialogue.
“During my first month in a senior role, a disagreement with a stakeholder prompted my manager to advise me to simply ‘play the game’ rather than speak up,” Madhu recalls. “It was at that moment I realised how outdated many corporate structures still are. Organisations that champion diversity and inclusion must go beyond recruitment targets and actively create environments where young professionals—particularly women—can voice their perspectives without fear of dismissal”.
Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are reshaping corporate norms by challenging traditional notions of leadership, hierarchy, communication, boundaries, and professionalism. Unlike previous generations, they prefer collaborative and empathetic leadership styles over rigid hierarchies, valuing transparency, inclusivity, and expertise over tenure (Katz, 2022; Zhao, 2025). They prioritize mental health, work-life balance, and flexible working arrangements, often rejecting “always on” cultures that lead to burnout (Deloitte, 2023; UKG, 2024). Communication has become more casual and authentic, with digital-first, rapid feedback replacing formal, top-down styles (BBC Worklife, 2023). Professionalism has shifted toward authenticity and results rather than dress codes or strict etiquette, as younger workers emphasize diversity, self-expression, and purpose-driven careers (HiBob, 2023; Forbes, 2024). Organizations that adapt—by flattening hierarchies, embracing flexibility, and fostering inclusive cultures—are better positioned to attract and retain this talent, while those that resist face higher turnover and disengagement (Glassdoor, 2025; Deloitte, 2025).
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Emotional intelligence is not an optional leadership trait—it is essential. Understanding people’s motivations, challenges, and strengths enables leaders to create environments where individuals feel supported and empowered to deliver their best work. This approach is particularly valuable in high-pressure corporate settings, where balancing strategic decision-making with empathy can foster meaningful collaboration and sustainable impact.
“Leading with emotional intelligence goes beyond simply understanding others; it involves creating a culture where people feel genuinely valued and connected to their work. It is this ability to foster collaboration and innovation—even in conservative, traditional industries—that distinguishes strong leaders from merely competent”, says Madhu.
At just 28, Madhu became the youngest marketing leader in one of the world’s largest insurers, reporting directly to the APAC Chief Marketing Officer. She attributes this success not only to her marketing expertise but also to her empathetic, emotionally intelligent leadership style, demonstrating that authentic leadership drives effective results.
Breaking Down Barriers: A Message for Young Leaders
“Today’s workforce is more socially and politically conscious, placing greater value on human rights, inclusivity, and ethical practices. Saying that politics must stay out of the workplace is simply an outdated philosophy” says Manohar. “While many organisations showcase diversity in hiring, they often neglect the deeper cultural changes needed to truly support it. When senior leaders dismiss or speak disrespectfully to younger, diverse employees, it signals that authenticity and fresh perspectives are not valued. A genuine sense of belonging is critical for retention—without it, many talented professionals gravitate away from the financial services sector”.
As industries undergo rapid transformation, there is an urgent need for leaders who can challenge outdated norms while maintaining empathy and human connection. Emotional intelligence enables leaders to guide teams through change, build resilience, and inspire innovation without sacrificing authenticity. Looking forward, her mission is to inspire the next generation of leaders to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence, “you don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold of success. True leadership comes from staying true to your values while empowering those around you.”, proving that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of one’s identity.
About Madhu Manohar
Madhu Manohar is a senior marketing leader, with over 12 years of experience across IT and financial services. She is an avid advocate for authenticity in leadership. With a history of success in creating inclusive, empathetic leadership cultures, Madhu continues to inspire the next generation of leaders to embrace their true selves while effecting meaningful change in conservative industries.
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Madhu Manohar, Marketing Director
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