In a recent conversation with Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS, Mike introduced the concept of AQ—Adaptability Quotient—and why it’s become the defining edge for today’s most effective leaders. ViRTUS specializes in helping organizations build great long-term leadership development programs that truly stick—and scale.
For most of my career, I’ve worked with incredibly smart and emotionally attuned leaders. They’ve built great businesses. They’ve built strong teams. But in today’s world, that’s not enough.
We’re living in an era of relentless change. Whether it’s market volatility, technological disruption, geopolitical curveballs—or just the chaotic nature of running a fast-scaling business—what separates good leaders from great ones isn’t just their IQ (intelligence) or even their EQ (emotional intelligence).
It’s their AQ—Adaptability Quotient. Or what some people call Adversity Quotient.
Why AQ Matters More Than Ever
AQ is your ability to adapt to change, recover from setbacks, and thrive in uncertainty.
It’s not theoretical. It’s not a trend. It’s what real leaders do—especially when the heat is on.
I recently had a conversation with Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS, and his story brought this into sharp focus.
In the early days of his business, Mike leaned hard on IQ and experience. Like many entrepreneurs, he was driven, sharp, and hands-on. But for years, he didn’t see much value in planning, leadership development or structured coaching.
That changed. And with it, so did everything else.
Mike chose to lean into growth—even though he didn’t “need” to. He introduced planning rhythms, formalized leadership development, and created a cadence of team learning. He adapted. And now, he’s not just evolving—he’s leading a more aligned, engaged and high-performing team than ever before.
That’s AQ in action.
The Good News: AQ Can Be Built
Unlike IQ, which is mostly static, or even EQ, which can take years to develop, AQ is highly trainable—if you’re willing.
To build it, you have to:
- Embrace discomfort and ambiguity.
- Make time for reflection and recalibration (hello, quarterly reset).
- Lean into tough feedback—and act on it.
- Prioritize structure over instinct.
- Train your team like you would train your top athletes.
And most importantly? Keep showing up when it’s easier to retreat.
Watch the full interview with Mike below.
The Challenge
When was the last time you stretched your AQ?
What’s one area in your leadership right now where you’re resisting change, because it’s unfamiliar, uncomfortable or simply new?
Resources
- Deal with Your Emotional Junk – Chapter 6, Your Oxygen Mask First
- Double Your Personal Resilience
- Quarterly Reset & Master Plan Tools
- Think You Know It All? True Professionals Learn Like Amateurs
If you’re interested in exploring leadership development with your team and the programs ViRTUS offers, reach out and we’d be happy to facilitate an introduction.
About ViRTUS
ViRTUS is a Vancouver-based leadership development firm that works with growth-oriented organizations to build aligned, resilient, and high-performing teams. Through customized leadership development programs, ViRTUS helps leaders turn potential into performance—and strategy into results.
Lawrence & Co’s work focuses on sustainable and enhanced growth for you and your business. Our diverse and experienced group of advisors can help your leaders and executive teams stay competitive through the use of various learning tools including workshops, webinars, executive retreats, or one-to-one coaching.
We help high-achieving leaders to have it all – a great business and a rewarding life. Contact us for simple and impactful advice. No BS. No fluff.