Lead with Clarity.

Build Influence.

Expand Your Impact.

Leading with Human Intelligence (HQ)

In the age of AI, the most critical leadership skills aren’t technical — they’re human. What I call Human Intelligence (HQ) is the differentiator at the highest levels: executive presence, empathy, judgment, storytelling, the ability to read a room, and the courage to lead authentically.

These uniquely human capabilities build trust, inspire followership, and drive alignment when the stakes are highest.

Through coaching, facilitation, and speaking, I provide a trusted perspective and actionable strategies to help executives and leadership teams strengthen their HQ — so they can lead with clarity, influence, and impact in a rapidly changing world.

About Me

I’m Soojin Kwon, founder of Talent Peak Advisors. For over 30 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to observing great leaders and teams across industries.

My career spans coaching and speaking at McKinsey, consulting at Deloitte, and senior leadership at University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. This path taught me that leadership isn’t just about theory, it’s a practical discipline that shapes how leaders communicate, influence, and navigate complexity.

Today, I work with leaders in tech, finance, consumer goods, healthcare, and higher education while teaching strategic communication at Michigan Ross and the Ford School of Public Policy.

In the age of AI, I believe the differentiator is what Human Intelligence (HQ). My role is to be both a coach and thought partner, helping leaders strengthen these uniquely human capabilities, see what’s possible and translate it into impact.

Focus Areas for Coaching, Workshops, & Keynotes

LEADERSHIP PRESENCE

  • Projecting executive presence that earns trust and respect

  • Leading with agility and adaptability

  • Applying situational awareness to influence and lead effectively

  • Leading with confidence and authenticity

COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE

  • Communicating with clarity, authority, and impact

  • Storytelling that builds credibility and drives action

  • Gaining buy-in from key stakeholders

  • Influencing across levels, functions, and cultures

NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY

  • Leading through uncertainty, change, and disruption

  • Managing conflict and thorny team dynamics

  • Balancing competing priorities and stakeholder demands

  • Demonstrating emotional intelligence under pressure

DEVELOPING OTHERS

  • Coaching and mentoring leaders to reach their potential

  • Giving feedback that drives growth and performance

  • Creating opportunities that accelerate growth and capability

  • Building systems to identify and cultivate high-potential leaders

Partnering with Clients From:

U.S. Soccer Federation

My Experience

  • Management Consultant and Professional Development Coach, Deloitte and McKinsey

  • Managing Director, MBA Admissions & Program, Michigan Ross

  • Communication Faculty, Michigan Ross & Ford School of Public Policy

  • Faculty, Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), specializing in branding, public speaking and influence

  • Board of Directors, GMAC and the Forte Foundation

  • Yale Alumni Admissions Interviewer (20 years)

  • Education: Yale (BA), Harvard (MPP), Michigan Ross (MBA)

  • Quoted in Poets & Quants, NY Times, US News, Financial Times, Fortune, Forbes, CNBC, Business Insider, Bloomberg BusinessWeek

  • Full bio on LinkedIn

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