Soft Skills Salon: Recent Episodes
The Soft Skills Group
Welcome to the Soft Skills Salon: an audible think-tank on soft skills with your host, Diana Kawarsky. This podcast is where you learn how soft skills make a difference to your work, your teams, and your organization. Here, you will listen to international and diverse voices, both novices and experts, discussing their real-life perspectives, strategies, and insights. Learn how, when, and where our guests have experienced soft skills having a positive impact on-the-job. Each episode is a conversation based on our Soft Skills Impact Questionnaire. Join us for a dynamic and informative chat because “Conversation is the Currency of Communication”.
In this episode of the Soft Skills Salon podcast, host Diana Kawarsky and guest Renée Walkom, COO at Foxquilt, discuss the evolution of soft skills in the post-COVID workplace. They explore the challenges of building rapport in hybrid environments, the role of technology in communication, and the importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership. The conversation also covers cultural variations in self-expression at work and the significance of aligning personal values with one's role for fulfillment. Additionally, they delve into the practice of feedback, advocating for frequent, reciprocal, and constructive exchanges to promote personal and professional growth.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you compare pre-COVID soft skills to what we frame as moving beyond COVID soft skills at work?
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
- How do you provide feedback to others?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this podcast episode of the Soft Skills Salon, host Diana Kawarsky talks with Michael Teape, the co-founder and lead trainer of Teape Training International. Diana and Michael dive deep into the world of self-confidence, discussing the essential strategies for overcoming doubt and enhancing personal and professional growth. Through a comprehensive exploration of soft skills, effective communication, and leadership dynamics, they offer listeners actionable insights and techniques to build their confidence. Highlighting the importance of curiosity, humility, and purpose, the episode serves as a guide to navigating challenges and unlocking the potential within. Perfect for those looking to improve their self-assurance and impact in their careers and daily lives.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you contribute or build your own self-confidence?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this podcast episode of the Soft Skills Salon, host Diana Kawarsky has a conversation with change management expert Keren Castelli about the critical role of soft skills in the workplace, especially during the pandemic-induced shift to remote work. They discuss the misperceptions of soft skills as less valuable than hard skills and advocate for terms like "emotional quotient" to represent their importance better. Keren shares her strategies for promoting empathy and understanding during change, such as welcoming resistance and using affirmations to resolve conflicts. The episode emphasizes the significance of empathy, listening, and open communication in change management and conflict resolution.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you compare pre-Covid soft skills to moving beyond Covid soft skills at work?
- Do you use the term soft skills? Why or why not?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode of the Soft Skills Salon podcast, Diana Kawarsky speaks with Shoko Matsuda, an executive coach and leadership trainer, as they delve into the essence of self-assurance, influenced by Eleanor Roosevelt's insights, and explores Shoko's experiences with English as a second language. Diana and Shoko also examine the dynamics of teamwork across cultures, emphasizing the importance of clear objectives in forming cohesive teams. As they navigate the challenges of a post-pandemic workplace, the discussion highlights key aspects of psychological safety, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of leadership in today's complex world, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to enhance their soft skills.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you define confidence?
- How have you created teamwork in your career so far?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode of the Soft Skills Salon podcast, host Diana Kawarsky converses with Dr. Charles Michael Austin, also known as Dr. Chaz. They discuss leadership, the importance of understanding different cultures, and providing constructive feedback in the workplace. Dr. Chaz emphasizes the need for leaders to create a safe space for their teams, genuinely listen to their ideas, and implement them when possible. He also shares his philosophy on leadership and management, stressing the importance of focusing on results and problem-solving efficiency. The conversation also covers the concept of situational leadership and the value of consistent and constructive feedback in fostering a positive work environment.
Today's Selected Questions
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- How do you provide feedback to others?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this Soft Skills Salon podcast episode, host Diana Kawarsky talks with speaker, leadership coach, and author Billy Anderson founder of The Courage Crusade. Diana and Billy discuss the significance of self-confidence and self-belief in personal growth and the role of emotions in this process. Billy shares his insights on the importance of pushing beyond one's comfort zone. He also delves into the value of personal values in resolving conflicts and addresses the unique challenges of remote work. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on Billy's personal symbol of emotional openness and authenticity.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you define confidence?
- What is your favourite way to solve interpersonal conflicts or problems on either your team or a team?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this podcast episode, Diana Kawarsky speaks with Ilana Ben-Ari, a toy designer turned social entrepreneur. They discuss the controversial nature of soft skills and the undervaluation of these skills compared to hard skills. Ilana shares her experiences with her learning and development toy company, Twenty One Toys, and the challenges of convincing adults that toys can be valuable tools for learning. They also explore the importance of confidence in entrepreneurship and the role of tension and friction in creativity and design. The conversation touches on vulnerability, self-awareness, and the significance of intuition and emotional awareness in personal growth and entrepreneurship.
Today's Selected Questions
- Do you use the term soft skills, why or why not?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- How do you define confidence?
- What have you done or seen during your career that develops a person's professional presence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this podcast episode, host Diana Kawarsky has an insightful conversation with renowned leadership strategist and author Dan Pontefract. They explore the meaning of confidence and its relationship with feedback and recognition. They highlight the limitations of annual performance reviews and employee engagement surveys, proposing a more effective approach to having frequent and meaningful conversations about performance and engagement. Dan emphasizes the value of empathy in building confidence and suggests using data and surveys to evaluate empathy levels within organizations. They also delve into the significance of trust and empathy in the workplace, especially in the context of the hybrid work environment. Dan introduces his innovative concept of the "four-day hybrid way," which combines a four-day workweek with a hybrid working method. Overall, they emphasize the importance of timely feedback, trust, and empathy in nurturing confidence and achieving success.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you define confidence?
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, host Diana Kawarsky speaks with Alan Middleton, an independent author, speaker, and consultant with Sage Management Advice. The conversation centres around soft skills in the workplace. Alan shares his insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the need for soft skills and the importance of listening to frontline employees. The conversation also covers the significance of complexity theory in planning and decision-making, building trust with customers and employees in the banking industry, successful leadership, developing mobility systems, and recognizing and understanding cultural differences in the workplace. The episode highlights the importance of soft skills and cultural awareness in the workplace, especially in the current global climate.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you compare pre-COVID soft skills to what we frame as moving beyond COVID soft skills at work?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- What have you seen or done on the job to develop a person's professional presence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, host Diana Kawarsky interviews Douglas Squirrel, an executive coach and consulting Chief Technology Officer. Diana and Squirrel discuss the importance of aligning technical teams with business goals and using a common language for effective communication and productivity. They also delve into change management, resiliency, confidence-building, empathy, and difficult conversations. Squirrel shares techniques for promoting understanding and open-mindedness, including coherence-busting and genuine questioning. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for improving soft skills in the workplace.
Today's Selected Questions
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- How do you define confidence?
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this Soft Skills Salon podcast episode, Diana Kawarsky speaks with leadership speaker and coach Stephen "Shed" Shedletzky about soft skills and leadership. Shed emphasizes the importance of teaching and helping others to succeed in leadership roles, promoting from within, and building solid relationships through empathy. The conversation also touches on the difference between leadership and management, the importance of safe and effective use of self in building trust with others, and the need for deliberate courage to step into discomfort. Shed and Diana conclude that recognizing patterns and being open to feedback can lead to growth and success in leadership.
Today's Selected Questions
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
- Do you use the term soft skills? If yes, why? And if not, why not?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this Soft Skills Salon podcast episode, Diana Kawarsky speaks with guest Steve "Mr. Pineapple" Mathieu about his philosophy on living a positive and authentic life. They discuss the importance of emotional batteries, positive curiosity, and self-awareness in communication. Mr. Pineapple emphasizes the significance of daily self-reflection and recharging to maintain positive energy and emotional balance. He also suggests that success is about leaving a positive legacy and making others feel their best. Finally, Mr. Pineapple's philosophy emphasizes the importance of being present and appreciating each day as it comes.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you have a conversation with someone who has their facts wrong?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode of the Soft Skills Salon podcast, host Diana Kawarsky sits down with David Chapman, a seasoned trainer and executive coach, to explore the fascinating world of purpose-driven teams. Through their engaging conversation, Diana and David delve into the roles of entrepreneurs, leaders, and managers, highlighting the importance of purpose in inspiring and securing results. They discuss David's visionary framework, the vision triangle, which offers a fresh perspective on creating a sense of purpose and aligning teams towards a common goal. The episode emphasizes the power of asking meaningful questions, embracing vulnerability, and developing the confidence to lead with purpose. Join Diana and David as they uncover the crucial role of soft skills and purpose in fostering effective teamwork.
Today's Selected Questions
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- How have you created teamwork during your career so far?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Garima Gupta, the founder and CEO of Artha Learning - an award-winning, e-learning design firm providing custom and off-the shelf learning solutions. Diana and Garima begin by discussing how confidence really has two distinct forms namely an external perception that we present to the world, and a second, deeper form of confidence rooted in our values, self-worth, and sense of belonging. They conclude their conversation with the idea that an evolution of authenticity in leadership requires a willingness to be vulnerable and genuine with one's team, while also maintaining a level of professionalism and projecting confidence. By embracing growth and striving for authenticity, leaders can inspire their teams to do the same and achieve greater success.
Today's Selected Questions
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- How do you define confidence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Lorelle Luciuk, a platoon staff sergeant with over 27 years of experience in Ontario's policing community. Diana and Lorelle discuss how the policing community has undergone a shift in culture towards empathy as a form of communication. The traditional military-based approach has given way to a more empathetic approach that allows officers to build better relationships with the people they serve. This shift towards empathy is not only important in communication but also in mental health promotion, as it fosters genuine caring and better self-awareness. They continue their discussion by examining how clear communication and a culture of assertiveness are crucial to effective policing. They conclude the discussion by stressing that asserting oneself on the job can be challenging and complicated, especially for female law enforcement officers who face gender biases.
Today's Selected Questions
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- How do you effectively assert yourself on the job?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Marsha Shandur, a storytelling, communication and sales coach and trainer who founded Yes Yes Marsha, a company that has helped thousands of executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals gain storytelling skills for ethical influence. Diana and Marsha begin by emphasizing the significance of empathy in effective storytelling. Through well-crafted narratives, people can connect with and gain insights into experiences they may not have personally encountered. They conclude their discussion by stressing the importance of empathy and curiosity in communicating with someone who may have inaccurate information rather than solely focusing on proving oneself to be right. Now let's have a conversation.
Today's Selected Questions
- What do you recommend others do to improve their soft skills based on your experience?
- What is your favourite way to solve interpersonal conflicts or problems on your team?
- How do you provide feedback to others?
- How do you define confidence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Audley Bell, a retired Chief Audit Executive, most recently with World Vision, a humanitarian aid organization helping children, families, and their communities overcome poverty and injustice. Diana and Audley begin by discussing the importance of taking an inventory of oneself to determine strengths and areas needing improvement as a way of improving their soft skills. They continue their talk on conflict management and the need to avoid the "blame game" by setting the expectation up front that mistakes are going to be made, which fosters a non-judgmental and open environment. They conclude their discussion by examining the merits of face-to-face feedback and its timely importance.
Today's Selected Questions
- What do you recommend others do to improve their soft skills based on your experience?
- What is your favourite way to solve interpersonal conflicts or problems on your team?
- How do you provide feedback to others?
- How do you define confidence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Cian Donnelly, who, among many things, is the founder of Diamond Dog Coaching, a company that provides training, development, and coaching for artists. Diana and Cian begin their discussion by exploring the importance of empathy in conversations where just listening can offer people a safe space to analyze and make difficult decisions. They continue their talk by examining how the conversation is the relationship. They conclude their discussion by exploring how the concept of self-talk is linked to self-awareness and emphasize the importance of understanding the weight of our words and how we can effectively communicate with others.
Today's Selected Questions
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
- What is your understanding of the phrase "Conversation is the currency of communication"?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Una Wright, the founder and executive director of YouthSpeak, an organization promoting mental health and well-being to increase the resiliency of youth facing challenges. Diana and Una begin their discussion by examining how self-awareness and accountability are the first steps toward empathy. They continue their conversation by suggesting that successfully leading others is looking for someone's strengths in unexpected areas and providing them with opportunities and places to demonstrate those strengths. They also discuss that teamwork can prosper when a culture of mentorship is organically allowed to happen. They conclude their discussion by considering if one can acquire confidence from the result of taking action with a mindset of viewing failures as opportunities.
Today's Selected Questions
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- How have you created teamwork in your career so far?
- How do you define confidence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Kelly Shannon, an executive coach and development strategist for female leaders. Kelly is the founder of Women Lead Daily, a platform developed to inspire and engage women on their path to leadership. Diana and Kelly begin their discussion by examining the synergy between performance evaluation and professional development to successfully lead others. They continue their conversation by discussing the benefits of promoting yourself and your expertise confidentially without waiting to be asked for an update. They conclude the discussion by offering advice that we don’t need to have the perfect answer to successfully assert ourselves when we offer our opinions or ideas.
Today's Selected Questions
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- What do you recommend others do to improve their soft skills based on your experience as a ____ or in ____ industry?
- How do you effectively assert yourself on the job, and what have you seen others do to effectively assert themselves?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Konstantin Tskhay, the Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness at Top Hat, an online teaching platform headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Diana and Konstantin begin their discussion by defining feedback, questioning when and where feedback is appropriate, and how to foster feedback in organizations. They continue their conversation by examining ways to manage interpersonal conflicts by focusing on the future rather than concentrating on the past. They conclude their discussion with the takeaway that a successful leader empowers their team, unlocking each individual’s leadership potential, often resulting in better outcomes for the organization.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you provide feedback to others e.g. colleagues, staff, leadership?
- What is your favourite way to solve interpersonal conflicts or problems on your team?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Albina Mamonkina, an inquisitive and hardworking student currently completing the JD/MBA program at Osgoode Hall Law School and Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, Canada. Diana and Albina begin their discussion by reflecting on the student experience during the Covid-pandemic lockdown and its impact on the social aspect of school life. They continue their discussion examining ways to pre-empt team conflicts on school projects that we can all use on our team projects. They conclude their discussion by offering students advice on building their professional presence as they embark on their work careers.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you compare pre-Covid soft skills to moving beyond Covid soft skills at work?
- What is your favourite way to solve interpersonal conflicts or problems on your team?
- What have you done/seen on the job to develop a person's professional presence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenny Brockis, an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, medical practitioner, and board-certified lifestyle-medicine physician located in Perth, Australia. Diana and Jenny begin their discussion by defining what soft skills are, what they actually mean, and how they are essential for our post-Covid era. They continue their discussion by exploring what empathy is and its importance in healthcare. They conclude their discussion by reflecting on their experiences teaching soft skills, not as a way to fix someone but rather to guide people on their personal and professional journeys.
Today's Selected Questions
- Do you use the term soft skills? If yes, why? If not, what do you use and why?
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
- What do you recommend others do to improve their soft skills based on your experience as a ___ or in ___ industry?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Chris Graham, the founder and principal of TellPeople, a communication and presentation skills training firm in Toronto, Canada. Diana and Chris begin by examining different aspects of successful leadership. They continue their discussion by looking at the best ways to engage with someone who may have incorrect facts by asking questions about their feelings and motivations. They conclude their discussion on feedback by first asking if feedback is always desired, which guides the timing and specificity in providing that feedback.
Today's Selected Questions
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- How do you have a conversation with someone who has their facts wrong?
- How do you provide feedback to others?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Murat Kristal, an Associate Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems at the Schulich School of Business at York University. Diana and Murat begin by exploring the ways confidence can be defined. They continue their discussion by examining the importance of one’s vantage point, whether entry-level employee or CEO, on its impact on empathy. They conclude their discussion by looking at how leaders may empower, offer freedom, and build trust with their teams using a “whole person” approach.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you define confidence?
- How does success leading others look like to you?
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Haesun Moon, the Executive Director at the Canadian Centre for Brief Coaching, an organization that facilitates positive change through dialogue for individuals and organizations. Diana and Haesun begin by exploring the various ways that empathy has been used successfully and unsuccessfully in the workplace. They conclude their discussion by recommending different models that have been effectively used to solve interpersonal conflicts.
Today's Selected Questions
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
- What is your favourite way to solve interpersonal conflicts or problems on your team?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Nikki Cole, a writer, producer, and director with Moving Visions Productions. Diana and Nikki begin by discussing how the pandemic has required us to become more flexible in our work and personal lives. They continue their discussion by exploring how empathy plays an important role in all our collaborations and interactions. Lastly, they talk about how successful leaders can drive substantial results by the thoughtfulness of a small gesture.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you compare 'pre-Covid' soft skills to 'moving beyond Covid' soft skills at work?
- Where have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Sandra Lee, a managing partner for Training & Learning Solutions, a company that offers a range of learning and development solutions to support the wider business strategies of their professional clients. Diana and Sandra begin by exploring the key to conversations and how each conversation allows us to grow. They continue their discussion by emphasizing the importance of “who I am” stories that can help develop one’s self-awareness and the relationship between their intention and impact when communicating. Lastly, they talk about how successful leaders spend the time and energy to establish themselves first, often resulting in a heightened inclusiveness of others.
Today's Selected Questions
- What is your understanding of the phrase "Conversation is the currency of communication"?
- When have you seen others flex their non-soft skills to their own detriment?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Robert Conlon, the Global Head of Leadership for Alpha Development, a company founded and run by banking professionals with the aim of creating effective training solutions for success in the financial markets. Diana and Rob begin by discussing why soft skills is still the best term to use to describe these types of skills. They then continue the discussion by doing a deep dive into examining how confidence can result when one stops self-monitoring themselves and manages their self-talk.
Today's Selected Questions
- Do you use the term soft skills? If yes, why? If not, what do you use and why?
- How do you define confidence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Lianne Picot, the CEO & Co-Founder of the Leadership Makerspace®, a free online learning community that helps current and aspiring women leaders build their confidence, competencies, and courage as leaders. Diana and Lianne begin by evaluating the term soft skills and whether another term is more appropriate or even necessary. They continue the discussion by examining how some individuals can flex their non-soft skills to their own detriment. Lastly, they talk about how leadership can be successful when based on trust and how that trust is an ongoing interpersonal set of behaviours and choices that inform our relationships.
Today's Selected Questions
- Do you use the term soft skills? If yes, why? If not, what do you use and why?
- When have you seen others flex their non-soft skills to their own detriment?
- What does success leading others look like to you?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Bill Coda, the founder of Corporate OD Associates, a company offering a full range of training, organizational development, and consulting services. Diana and Bill begin by discussing how the current hybrid and virtual work environments have shifted the reliance on specific soft skills. They continue the discussion by considering how one’s brand or image can be impacted by their speaking and writing skills, especially among junior employees. Lastly, they offer guidance on how one can demonstrate confidence and instill that confidence in others.
Today's Selected Questions
- How do you compare 'pre-Covid' soft skills to 'moving beyond Covid' soft skills at work?
- What do you recommend others do to improve their soft skills based on your experience as a ____ or in ___ industry?
- How do you define confidence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Brad Mahon, the Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at Mount Royal University. Diana and Brad begin by questioning the use of the word soft in soft skills and whether another word to describe these skills is even necessary. They also discuss how people leaders can use the relationship between empathy and authority to make their conversations as impactful and comprehensive as they can be. Lastly, they talk about the significance of every person’s role on a team and how each of these roles is an interconnected and interdependent part of the whole team.
Today's Selected Questions
- Do you use the term soft skills? If yes, why? If not, what do you use and why?
- When have you seen others flex their non-soft skills to their own detriment?
- How have you created teamwork during your career so far?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- The Soft Skills Group | Instagram
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Sabrina Colosimo, a multi-disciplinary creative entrepreneur and founder of Sunday Creative. Diana and Sabrina discuss the importance of the conversation journey and how the bouncing around of ideas can lead to a growth mindset. They also explore ways to engage with people who have a different idea of the facts to get to a mutual understanding. Lastly, they talk about how confidence can sometimes be difficult to define and only better understood as we become more self-aware.
Today's Selected Questions
- What is your understanding of the phrase “Conversation is the currency of communication"?
- How do you have a conversation with someone who has their facts wrong?
- How do you define confidence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Ann Butera, the president of The Whole Person Project, Inc., an organizational development consulting firm. Diana and Ann do a deep dive into the relationship between a person’s conversation skill level and the associated value of their communication currency. They also have a great discussion about what Ann refers to as “covidity,” where the current covid era challenges each of our soft skills. Lastly, they talk about confidence and the technique of “fake it till you feel it.”
Today's Selected Questions
- What is your understanding of the phrase “Conversation is the currency of communication"?
- How do you compare ‘pre-Covid’ soft skills to ‘moving beyond Covid’ soft skills at work?
- How do you define confidence?
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
In this episode, we are joined by Alexander Kjerulf, the founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Woohoo Inc. and one of the world’s leading experts on happiness at work. Diana and Alex explore how leadership and happiness are intertwined and how asking “Is this person’s life better?” can serve as a beacon to each leader’s choices in communication with their team members. They also consider the importance of deliberate and thoughtful communication and the role of addressing disconnections to both pre-empt and manage interpersonal conflicts.
Today's Selected Questions
- What does success leading others look like to you?
- What is your favourite way to solve interpersonal conflicts on your team?
- How do you provide feedback to others?
Alexander's recommended book: Hug Your People by Jack Mitchell
Visit The Soft Skills Group to explore all our workshops to help you and your team in all aspects of communication.
Social Media Links
- The Soft Skills Group | LinkedIn
- The Soft Skills Group | Twitter
- Diana Kawarsky | LinkedIn
