Feminine Intelligence

How Visionary Leaders can Reshape Business for Good

Feminine intelligence is the key to running some of the world's most successful companies ― with greater joy, authenticity, purpose and profit.

Drawing on exclusive interviews with billionaire philanthropists, unicorn founders, and happiness pioneers, Feminine Intelligence uncovers the most powerful, often-overlooked traits that are driving the future of business. Through vivid storytelling and insightful research, Teboul shows that the future of leadership lies in embracing feminine strengths.

Whether you're leading a global enterprise or navigating the early stages of your career, Feminine Intelligence serves as a powerful guide for you to unlock a newfound wholeness. It will optimize your decision-making, expand your vision, fuel your creative genius, and empower you to reshape capitalism with love, compassion, and consciousness.

A Seat At The Table

Excerpt from chapter one

Faith in Nature is a UK-based startup that makes soaps and other beauty and household items. In 2022, they became the first company in the world to bring someone to the company’s board specifically to speak on behalf of the natural world. With this one simple action—although it took a great effort to get there—the company has effectively done something no one else in the world has done—they have given the Earth a formal vote in company decisions. To this company, nature is deemed as having enough standing and enough meaning to warrant a seat at the table.

This is a momentous act. Keep in mind that, in the U.S., such an action would be considered illegal. U.S. laws require that directors of a corporation abide by fiduciary duties and act in the interests of “shareholder value.” And while there is great debate as to the meaning of “value” in such laws, in the U.S., it is interpreted as referring specifically to shareholder returns. Not surprisingly, that means, once again, that shareholder interests must be prioritized over and above all other stakeholders.

A Spiritual Awakening

Excerpt from chapter TWO

It wasn’t until I returned to Columbia University for my master’s degree in psychology that my journey into expansiveness and awakening truly began. It was there that I had a chance to explore consciousness, spirituality, and psychospiritual states induced by various breathing techniques (some of which were practiced in the university basement, cocooned in a sleeping bag, in the dark, with very loud music!). These experiences sparked my curiosity and prompted me to delve deeper into the therapeutic applications of psychedelic medicines, such as MDMA and LSD, which expanded my mind, body, and spirit even further. As a result, I came to realize that I was a part of a larger collective energy and felt more connected to myself and the world around me.

The culmination of these years of exploration was life changing. I could tune out the chatter, judgment, and limitations of the masculine-infused mindset that previously dominated me. My heart was open. I felt expansion. I uncovered the feminine intelligence inside me. But perhaps just as importantly, the shift inside me drove home the power of congruence. I finally knew the power of having one’s heart, mind, and spirit aligned with one’s purpose. And Iearned that through the power of congruence, authentic leadership “presence” is achieved.

A Forgotten Gift

Excerpt from chapter THREE

To guide us toward a prosperous and healthy global landscape, we must take a look at how the various aspects of ourselves further or impede the realization of our highest visions. As Albert Einstein once said, “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” And a gift it is.

Unfortunately, ours is a culture that chooses to elevate Einstein’s “servant”—the rational, linear, goal-oriented mind—rather than the gift. We are blindly submissive to the rational mind and have learned to close off receptivity to our intuition and imagination, our physical bodies, and our humanity. We’ve been indoctrinated into a masculine mindset and attitude, and we assume that the perspective we’ve been raised with since birth is the only way to go.

Endorsements
“Feminine Intelligence is replete with rigorous research and sound advice.  In these challenging times, to heal our homes, our communities, and our world, we desperately need the practical wisdom that Elina Teboul shares with us in Feminine Intelligence.”
Tal Ben Shahar,
Creator of Harvard University Happiness Course, New York Times Bestselling Author of Happier
“In Feminine Intelligence, Elina Teboul transcends traditional leadership paradigms, offering a holistic approach that aligns perfectly with the values of social and environmental responsibility championed by B Corps. This book not only provides invaluable insights into conscious leadership but also inspires readers to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century business landscape with integrity and purpose. It is truly a transformative guide for leaders committed to making a positive impact in the world.’
Ben Anderson,
Former CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board of B Lab U.S and Canada 
“An inspiring call to awaken your heart to take the lead.  Feminine intelligence isn’t about thinking outside the box, it is about reimagining a world that doesn’t put you in a box in the first place.”
Dan Tomasulo, Ph.D.,
Author of Learned Hopefulness and Academic Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, Teachers College, Columbia University.
“Teboul boldly reminds us of what we have lost by overemphasizing the rational, linear and masculine side of capitalism, and invites us into the ultimate both/and that values the intuitive, holistic and feminine side in service of a better world. This book is a manifesto for the future of leadership.”
Wendy K. Smith, Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management,
Author of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems
“With a blend of pragmatic business acumen and bold idealism, Elina Teboul challenges readers to envision a new paradigm of capitalism. Prepare to rekindle your faith in a future whereby doing good and succeeding in business are not mutually exclusive.”
Jill Lublin,
Author of The Profit of Kindness
“By challenging conventional notions of leadership dominated by masculine perspectives, Elina Teboul's book serves as a transformative resource for leaders striving to elevate their effectiveness. Feminine Intelligence is a must-read for anyone in a position of power seeking to cultivate inclusive and empathetic leadership skills.”
Elinor Stutz,
Author of Hired!
“Elina Teboul takes readers on a meaningful, spiritual and imaginative journey into the world of business leadership. This book stands as the quintessential leadership philosophy for the dynamic landscape of the modern era.”
Lorna Davis,
Former Chief Manifesto Officer of Danone
“Feminine Intelligence is an eloquent guide on how businesses, governments, and the public can fulfill their moral and sacred obligation to protect nature. Packed full of wisdom, storytelling, and passion, this book tells the story of innovative leaders with win-win solutions that help address the environmental crisis.”
Grant Wilson,
Executive Director, Earth Law Center
“Teboul’s fascinating work on feminine intelligence offers valuable wisdom to all leaders who want to make a difference, by leading with the head and the heart.”
Mauro Schnaidman,
Former President of Sara Lee in Europe, founder of Coaching Ventures and author of the book Who Said You Can’t Change the World? Building a Career with Purpose
“One of the things I look for in a book is its ability to challenge my values and beliefs—to stretch my brain to look at things through a different lens. I found that in Teboul's 'Feminine Intelligence.’  As I journeyed through the chapters, I relished the chapters that resonated with my deepest beliefs; I was inspired by thought-provoking streams of wisdom; and finally, I was challenged to set aside my biases (at least temporarily) to consider new ways of looking at leadership and life. Yes…my brain was stretched and I enjoyed every minute of it.”
D. Lynn Kelly,
Author of Change Questions
“Elina Teboul reveals how our beliefs about modern business leadership can be woefully misguided. She invites all of us to adopt a timeless, yet under-appreciated approach to leadership based on authenticity, joy, and whole system perspectives rather than control, fear, and tribalism. Feminine Intelligence offers a roadmap for leaders to cultivate these qualities within themselves and create workplaces that foster genuine connection, creativity, fulfillment...and, importantly, sustainable results.”
Gaurav Bhatnagar and Mark Minukas,
Authors of Unfear: Transform Your Organization to Create Breakthrough Performance and Employee Well-Being
"Through vivid storytelling, Teboul illustrates the untapped potential within each of us to revolutionize our leadership approach by embracing our human capacity, both masculine and feminine. Her persuasive argument that the cultivation of feminine intelligence is vital to the survival and thriving of our planet resonates deeply in a time of global uncertainty.”
Dr. Sandro Formica,
Professor of Positive Organizations at Florida State University
"Through vivid storytelling, Teboul illustrates the untapped potential within each of us to revolutionize our leadership approach by embracing our human capacity, both masculine and feminine. Her persuasive argument that the cultivation of feminine intelligence is vital to the survival and thriving of our planet resonates deeply in a time of global uncertainty.”
Dr. Sandro Formica,
Professor of Positive Organizations at Florida State University
“With Feminine Intelligence, Elina Teboul challenges the business world to enter a new era of conscious capitalism. Her approach to blending economic success with global well-being and environmental sustainability is innovative and essential. This book is a powerful guide for current and future leaders to create lasting, positive impact.”
Elisa Juarez,
Bestselling author of Sparkle on Changemaker: A Practical Guide for Equitable Social Impact
“Elina Teboul offers a refreshing perspective on leadership that feels like a breath of fresh air. Feminine Intelligence is a must read. The ideas here will transform the way you think about leadership and your role in creating a happier world.”
Karen Guggenheim,
Co-Founder of the World Happiness Summit and author of Cultivating Happiness: Overcome Trauma and Positively Transform Your Life
“I love this book! Feminine Intelligence is the kind of work that shifts perspectives on leadership forever. It’s an inspiring and essential read for anyone seeking to create a more balanced and compassionate world”
Poonacha Machaiah,
CEO of The Chopra Foundation
Why I wrote this book

One day I awoke. Not from a rest, but from the fog of division and selfishness that has historically guided business decisions and led to the current state of world affairs. Through the guidance of exceptional mentors, my unique life experiences, the transformative power of psychedelics, and my immersive work with influential leaders, I have acquired invaluable lessons in leadership that will challenge the status quo and reset the path we are on.

 

I want to share what I have learned with you so that together we create a more sustainable future.


I encourage you to open your mind and heart to the interconnectedness of the world and continue your leadership journey with a sense of ownership and urgency needed to repair and renew, starting with you. My aim is to provoke and inspire young global leaders, like you, to embark on a path of self-inquiry and exploration. By delving into the depths of your own being, you can uncover hidden truths, realize your potential, and ignite a ripple effect of positive change.
Together, we can create a world where the leaders of the future are not only driven by external success but also by inner fulfilment and purpose.

 

This is a book for those who dare to dream, who long for a more beautiful and prosperous world, and who are willing to step into their power and make a difference. You will gain a new sense of personal responsibility and the courage to step into your leadership potential.