As the American workforce and workplace become more diverse, the need for skilled leaders who are culturally intelligent and able to maximize diversity has become crucial. The purpose of this exploratory sequential mixed methods research study was to identify patterns of Self-Directed Learning (SDL) that were found in a sample also assessed on cultural intelligence, as well as understanding how SDL was leveraged by individuals with above average cultural intelligence. This study had two research questions: (1) Are cultural intelligence and self-directed learning related, and if so, in what ways?; and (2) What patterns of self-directed learning can be identified in individuals with above average cultural intelligence? A criterion sample used to obtain the study participants (N=52) consisted of individuals currently in specific leadership development programs. The population was invited to participate by completing two online assessments. Each subject provided basic demographic information, completed the LPA (also known as the SDLRS) and the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS). The test scores were analyzed to see if any patterns emerged. From this sample of 52, a subset of 12 volunteers was interviewed using the interview protocol. The quantitative data revealed a moderate positive relationship between SDLRS and CQS results. The qualitative data revealed nine themes/findings, which collapsed into two distinct categories: participant attributes and approaches. The researcher found: (1) A moderate positive correlation exists between SDLRS and CQS, grounded in above average metacognitive capabilities; (2) Common attributes were shared by study participants who possessed both above average SDLRS scores and above average CQS scores: (a) Intrinsic appreciation for difference; (b) High adaptability without fear; and (c) Acceptance of ambiguity of norms; and (3) SDL was leveraged by study participants (who possessed both above average SDLRS scores and above average CQS scores) through the utilization of their metacognitive strengths to establish heuristics/approaches for effective management of cultural differences. The researcher concluded that desirable characteristics of a leader stem from above average metacognitive capabilities. Organizations may need to revamp their current approaches utilized for identification and cultivation of leaders. Organizations should focus their leadership training on items that develop metacognitive capabilities and highlight the importance of context. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]