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This dissertation explored how cultural intelligence (CQ) influences global leaders’ and followers’ self-efficacy in utilizing English as a lingua franca (ELF) in diverse organizations to communicate for work purposes. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 non-native English speakers who work in Canada, the Gulf Cooperation Council of Arab nations, and the United States to understand how behavioral and motivational CQ influence their perceptions of confidence in using English to bridge communication with other non-native English speakers. It was necessary to explore this topic because global leaders are increasingly responsible for leading linguistically and culturally diverse team members (Kim, 2019). To explore this topic, the study was underpinned with a conceptual framework comprised of Earley and Ang’s (2003) CQ construct, Bandura’s (1997) self-efficacy theory, and the ELF phenomenon. Data analysis of the study’s findings revealed five themes: cultural intelligence, interlocutor accommodation, confidence in using English, English efficiency, and linguistic power dynamics. The findings suggest that while CQ influences the confidence of non-native English speakers who use English to bridge their communication, several factors can either diminish or promote the level of self-confidence the individual has in using English. While this study revealed new knowledge into the bridge language aspect of the ELF phenomenon, there is a need for further studies to confirm this study’s findings and its applicability to a broader population.