It’s a strength, not a weakness to say 'I don’t know'

Leaders are under pressure to project certainty and to know all the answers. Julie Linn Teigland of EY tells Howard Yu why it’s better to admit you’re unsure and collaborate to find a solution

Julie Linn Teigland is a business leader, innovator, and advocate for women’s inclusion. A Managing Partner at EY, she is responsible for 160,000 knowledge workers across Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa. In 2021, she was named among Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women (International). We met for an in-depth conversation at her company’s London HQ overlooking the Thames. Howard Yu: I’m fascinated by your journey. Looking at your career path, you never lost your real passion. Julie Teigland: No, I haven’t. I’m still passionate. By the time leaders reach your level, they can often be cynical. That’s what I see – deep cynicism among top leaders. Why is there widespread cynicism in the corporate world? You’re right. A lot of people turn cynical, dangerously so. Cynicism creeps into upper…

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I by IMD (Digital) - 1 Issue, 17. March 2025

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