Soft Skills Salon

Hosted by The Soft Skills Group

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2024

Language

EN-US

About the show

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”.

Listen to episodes

35 recent

June 5, 2024Episode 3539 min

Building trust and rapport in a hybrid work environment with Renée Walkom

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsHow 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

March 20, 2024Episode 3437 min

Mastering self-confidence techniques for overcoming doubt with Michael Teape

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsHow 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

January 25, 2024Episode 3335 min

The secret sauce for surviving office drama with Keren Castelli

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsHow 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

January 11, 2024Episode 3236 min

Strategies for fostering teamwork and boosting confidence with Shoko Masuda

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsHow 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

November 23, 2023Episode 3138 min

The most effective ways to support and empower your team with Dr. Chaz Austin

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsWhat 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

November 9, 2023Episode 3040 min

The most effective strategies for building confidence in your career with Billy Anderson

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsHow 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

October 17, 2023Episode 2944 min

Exploring the power of soft skills and toys with Ilana Ben-Ari

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsDo 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

September 19, 2023Episode 2839 min

Why Annual Performance Reviews and Engagement Surveys Fall Short in Building Confidence with Dan Pontefract

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsHow 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

September 12, 2023Episode 2745 min

The secret sauce to winning friends and influencing people in the workplace with Alan Middleton

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsHow 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn

July 11, 2023Episode 2641 min

Unleashing the power of conversations: transforming teams and organizations with Douglas Squirrel

Send us Fan MailIn 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 QuestionsWhat 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 LinksThe Soft Skills Group | LinkedInThe Soft Skills Group | TwitterThe Soft Skills Group | InstagramDiana Kawarsky | LinkedIn