listening SUPERPOWER podcast

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all of the challenges that show up at work and at home? And then you feel stuck. This episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast will give you a way to get clear and unstuck, and listening plays a key role. Reuven Shelef is the Founder and CEO of OUT OF THE BOX Consulting and creator of the Untangling Complex Challenges® methodology. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, technology, business transformation, and human dynamics, he helps Fortune 500 companies, startups, and executives solve complex problems by combining sharp logic with deep understanding of human behavior. His method was developed from his own life experiences, blending business, engineering, management consulting, and personal growth. As a Certified Salesforce Consulting Partner with 30+ years of Management Consulting experience, Reuven's precise approach and authentic leadership have made him a trusted advisor who drives meaningful change. In this episode, Reuven clarifies what a complex challenge is and how to map out what seems overwhelming to a clear picture that can lead to clearly defining next steps. He shares his journey from engineering to personal development, highlighting the importance of listening to oneself and others. He explains how focusing on root causes instead of symptoms leads to better solutions and explores how relationships fuel personal and professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights on empathy, self-awareness, and navigating life's complexities. On listening: "Part of my listening is to listen to their listening. Are they actually listening? And what are they listening to?" - Reuven Shelef SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:03 - The Power of Listening: Reuven recalls learning to listen consciously during his Air Force tests. 05:35 - Complex vs. Simple Challenges: He explains complex challenges involve feeling stuck without clear solutions. 10:30 - Listening to Their Listening: Reuven highlights reading others' non-verbal cues to improve communication. 12:57 - Personal Growth Journey: He shares transitioning from a technical mindset to exploring identity and purpose. 19:07 - Applying Business Tools Personally: Reuven used professional methods like mapping to navigate personal crises. 20:32 - Untangling Complex Challenges: He outlines his approach to identifying root causes over symptoms. 25:10 - Cross-Pollinating Problem-Solving: Reuven combines engineering logic with emotional perspectives. 29:21- Unique Consulting Role: He blends technical and personal insights for a distinct coaching style. 34:40 - Discovering Self and Connection: Understanding oneself is key to meaningful relationships. 36:06 - Relationships and Growth: Reuven notes interpersonal dynamics drive many personal growth challenges. 40:08 - Free Short Calls: Listeners can book free calls with Reuven to discuss and untangle challenges. Key Takeaways: on the power of listening: "Listening to silence... it's fascinating to be alone and listen to silence." - Reuven Shelef on listening and self-awareness: "Sometimes I'll stop and I say, 'I'm sorry, I wasn't listening.' It took me some time and training to get over the "looking bad" issue." - Reuven Shelef on relationships: "There is very little that can be accomplished alone. There are times to be alone. That's also part of being comfortable in your own skin." - Reuven Shelef Connect with Reuven Shelef: Website: www.reuvenshelef.com Book a call: MeetReuven.com Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuvenshelef/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Substack listening ALCHEMY newsletter Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com

Oscar Trimboli, renowned listening expert and author, returns with transformative insights from his unique journey of coding listening behaviors into software. Inspired by personal experiences with his father's stroke recovery and extensive research within organizational teams, Oscar reveals how technology and conscious facilitation can dramatically improve listening dynamics, reduce meeting time, and foster authentic participation. In this episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast with host Raquel Ark and discover how simple shifts—like asking shorter, clarifying questions and enabling everyone's voice to be heard—can overhaul team communication and unlock untapped commercial and human potential. Learn why "the hardest listening role is the speaker," how pre-meeting listening can boost confidence, and how vivid metaphors can make your message unforgettable. Whether you lead meetings, manage teams, or want to deepen your listening practice, Oscar provides practical tools and data-driven strategies to elevate your communication for lasting impact. On taking action: "The difference between hearing and listening is action." -- Oscar Trimboli SUPERPOWER Notes: 02:00 — Stroke recovery communication breakthrough—Oscar's father's stroke taught him "you can communicate very effectively with somebody who can't speak" using hand squeezes and positioning techniques that forced medical staff to engage the patient directly 04:42 — Taking responsibility through direct engagement: Moving close to his father's face so medical professionals had to "look at him when they ask a question" helped his father "take responsibility for his recovery" 08:30 – From Microsoft vision to reality: Fifteen years after his boss said "if you could code how you listen, you could change the world," Oscar now uses AI to analyze meeting dynamics and participation patterns 12:15 –The 80% share of voice problem: Data revealed few participants dominated 80% of speaking time until a different facilitator in week six dramatically increased participation and meeting effectiveness 18:20 – Halving meeting time through inclusion: Better facilitation that included everyone reduced meetings from "90 minutes weekly" to "45 minutes fortnightly" because "people feel heard and get buy-in" 22:45 – Eight words or less rule: Questions of "eight words or less had higher impact" and create "collective understanding" rather than individual comprehension 25:30 –The three-question test: Before asking: "write it down, count words, then ask: is this for me, them, or the group?" Group questions have highest impact 28:15 – Clarifying questions transform meetings:Only "one or two participants" ask clarifying questions consistently, but their presence helps "questions get better and meetings get shorter" 35:45 – Listen before the meeting: Contact executive assistants beforehand to understand question patterns and presentation preferences for high-stakes meetings 42:20 – Metaphors beat numbers:Use compelling metaphors like "budget as jazz band" because "they remember the metaphor before the numbers" 50:30 – The quiet CFO's transformation: A shy CFO's single word "snake" (about shedding old systems) helped transform company growth from 32% to 170% when leadership finally listened Key Takeaways: On the universal listening gap: "We are not good listeners just because we need to be." -- Oscar Trimboli On the speaker's challenge: "The hardest listening role is the person currently speaking." -- Oscar Trimboli On meeting effectiveness: "If you want fewer meetings and shorter ones, when you do have them, focus on inclusive facilitation that ensures everyone is heard." -- Oscar Trimboli On organizational potential: "My question to you listening is who are you ignoring in your organization that is holding you back from massive untapped potential commercially and human potential as well?" -- Oscar Trimboli On taking action: "The difference between hearing and listening is action." -- Oscar Trimboli Notes/Mentions: Listening Quiz: listeningquiz.com - Discover what gets in your way of listening effectively (35,000+ people have taken it) Tools mentioned: TalkTime and EqualTime (meeting analytics add-ons) Google Meets, Zoom, Microsoft Teams listening add-ons Equal Time (Munich-based company for gender and participation analytics) Books referenced: "What Doctors Say and What Patients Hear" by Dr. Danielle Offrey Oscar's third book on listening (influenced by his father's stroke experience) Listening measurement tools: Talk-to-listen ratios, question analysis, clarifying question tracking, curiosity index Connect with Oscar Trimboli www.oscartrimboli.com LinkedIn Deep Listening: Impact Beyond Words Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Substack listening ALCHEMY newsletter Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com

Too many leaders miss the opportunity to have impact when it truly matters: the transformation that takes place when someone feels genuinely heard. This is especially important during turbulent times. It's not just about reacting to a crisis, it's about pausing for a moment to listen deeply. Without it, leaders risk isolation, poor decisions, and missed opportunities. Martin Farrell, crisis coach and bestselling author of "Good Leaders in Turbulent Times: How to Navigate Wild Waters at Work," reveals how listening becomes a lifejacket for leaders navigating chaos. Drawing on decades of global experience with organizations like the British Red Cross and UN Climate Change Secretariat, Martin shares the pivotal moments and practical strategies that help leaders spot early warning signs, create safe spaces for tough conversations, and transform crisis into connection and growth. In this episode, discover the story behind the 'penny drop' moment, when someone knows they're truly understood. Martin gives insight on subtle warning signs before a crisis occurs and also shares excerpts from 138 pieces of his advice in his book. Learn how mastering listening in turbulent times can turn wild waters into opportunities for lasting impact. "Do we want to react and retaliate, or do you reflect and respond?" – Martin Farrell SUPERPOWER Notes: 02:45 – What he realized the time he first noticed the power of listening: Working with coach Nancy Klein for 14 years, where she would listen for an hour and a half with complete presence, even during his silent moments and times of distress 06:30 – The transformative experience of being truly heard: How Nancy Klein's listening created a space where he felt special and important in that moment, demonstrating the profound impact of dedicated attention 08:15 – Supporting leaders in crisis: His work with UK charity chief executives who were at risk of losing their jobs, providing support "until the end of the chapter" through primarily listening rather than advice-giving 11:20 – The power of being present in wild waters: Using the metaphor of someone in wild waters with crocodiles around, and how having someone experienced nearby who won't drown provides crucial support 14:30 – From crisis support to storytelling: How his current work involves interviewing people who've processed their experiences to create anonymous advice for others still in crisis 17:45 – The journey of writing "Good Leaders in Turbulent Times": How the book took eight years to complete with six different manuscripts, and the importance of authentic vulnerability in helping others 22:10 – Career background in civil society: Six decades of working in charitable organizations, from teenage years through international work with UN agencies and climate change initiatives 26:40 – The book's unique structure: Five chapters featuring nine characters over seven years, showing the progression from missing warning signs to integration and wisdom 29:15 – Chapter one – missing the signs: How all the warning signs were present but the characters weren't listening to or acting upon them, using the powerful question "What do you know now that you will discover in a year's time?" 32:50 – Listening to weak signals: The importance of becoming adept at noticing and paying attention to early warning signs before they become crises 35:20 – The 138 pieces of advice: Four categories throughout the book – watch out (red flags), remember this (truths to hold onto), consider this (suggestions for action), and secret sauce (personal stories) 38:45 – Theory U and letting go/letting come: How silence and stillness are essential for touching the source of inner knowledge and emerging possibilities 42:30 – Practical advice for listening to inner signals: Go sit by a river or in a quiet place, use scrap paper for uncensored writing, and allow the process to unfold over 8-9 pages until clarity emerges 46:15 – The "no mud, no lotus" principle: How working with distress and discomfort can produce beautiful outcomes when you know how to process them effectively 48:20 – Developing your support network: The importance of having trusted people around you before crisis hits, and Martin's participation in seven different support groups 51:30 – Live Well, Die Wise grief circles: Creating ceremonial safe spaces with candles, poems, and intentional grounding to allow deep sharing and discovery 53:45 – How to connect with Martin Farrell Key Takeaways: "My ultimate freedom is to respond to whatever you do to me." – Martin Farrell "Here is someone who had no agenda other than being with them and listening. And that was powerful." – Martin Farrell "Even if you're not naturally interested in other people, you can fake it till you make it. Start being interested, and then you get more interested." – Martin Farrell "Particularly with those who are in distress, that is an enormous gift… I noticed the power of being there. I was going to say just being there, but it's not just, it's being there and being present." – Martin Farrell Notes/Mentions: Nancy Klein (Martin's coach for 14 years)- https://www.timetothink.com/ Theory U and Otto Scharmer's Presencing Institute https://www.presencing.org/theoryu Live Well, Die Wise grief circles Deep Adaptation Forum Steven Appleby (illustrator of 41 drawings in the book) "Good Leaders in Turbulent Times: How to Navigate Wild Waters at Work" by Martin Farrell: https://mybook.to/GoodLeaders and https://practicalinspiration.com/book/good-leaders-in-turbulent-times Connect with Martin Farrell: Website: https://www.martinfarrell.org/ Substack: https://martin228.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martingfarrell Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Substack listening ALCHEMY newsletter Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com

Imagine a cartoon opening a door to transform a challenging conversation into a productive and meaningful conversation in your team. In this episode, we explore how listening and observation can engage humor which can shift our mindset and enhance our ability to engage with others meaningfully. Dave Coverly is the award-winning creator of the internationally syndicated cartoon Speed Bump, featured in hundreds of publications including The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and The Globe & Mail. A four-time winner of the National Cartoonists Society's "Best Newspaper Panel" award, he received their highest honor, the Reuben Award for "Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year," in 2009. His work appears on greeting cards, in books, and across major media outlets, and he serves as the principal cartoonist for BarkBox. Dave Coverly has authored several cartoon collections and children's books published by Macmillan namely Speed Bump: A Collection of Cartoon Skidmarks (Andrews McMeel), Cartoons for Idea People (ECW), Just One %$#@ Speed Bump After Another (ECW), Dogs Are People, Too, and its sequel, Cats Are People, Too. And his children's picture books include Sue MacDonald Had a Book (with Jim Tobin, Macmillan), The Very Inappropriate Word (with Jim Tobin, Macmillan), and How To Care For Your T-Rex (with Ken Baker, Macmillan). His chapter book trilogy began with Night of the Living Worms, and continued with Night of the Living Shadows, and Night of the Living Zombie Bugs. With a career spanning over 30 years, Dave has mastered the art of observational humor, using his cartoons to reflect on the human experience and the nuances of everyday life. In this conversation, Dave shares personal stories and insights that have shaped his career as a cartoonist with listening playing a core role. Not just as a skill, but as a vital part understanding human patterns and through this tapping into human connection. \We explore how humor can serve as a bridge to deeper conversations and how the act of listening can inform and inspire creativity. Listen to the end, where David also shares how humor can help navigate serious conversations and lighten the mood. Enjoy listening in! "Listening is about connecting with people and understanding their experiences." – Dave Coverly SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:08 – The Power of Humor. Dave discusses how humor can provide a different perspective on serious topics and enhance communication. 02:50 – Early Influences. Reflecting on his childhood experiences with his uncle and teacher that sparked his interest in listening and humor. 10:15 – The Role of Observation. Dave explains how being an observant listener informs his cartooning process and helps him create relatable content. 15:30 – The Importance of Context. Understanding how context shapes humor and the need to stay relevant in a changing world. 22:00 – Listening as a Creative Tool. How deep listening can lead to new ideas and insights in both cartooning and everyday interactions. 30:00 – The Impact of Silence. Exploring how silence can enhance the listening experience and foster deeper connections. 35:00 – Humor in Serious Situations. Dave shares how humor can help navigate serious conversations and lighten the mood. 42:00 – The Evolution of Humor. A discussion on how humor adapts to cultural changes and the importance of authenticity in comedic expression. Key Takeaways: "Doing humor is kind of that right brain, left brain thing." – Dave Coverly "Humor is a way to connect with people and share experiences." – Dave Coverly "Listening is not just about hearing words; it's about understanding the context and emotions behind them." – Dave Coverly "I love the idea of having a cartoon as a pause for, to take a breath or pause to reset or a pause to allow another perspective or pause to give permission to another perspective."– Dave Coverly People Mentioned: Mike Peters - A cartoonist who provided Dave with valuable advice about humor and authenticity in cartooning. Christy Ottaviano - Dave's children's book editor, described as a legend in the industry. Connect with Dave Coverly: https://www.speedbump.com/ https://www.instagram.com/speedbumpcomic/

What if our effort to listen well actually interfered with the power of listening itself? What happens when we let go and allow listening to be about presence, depth, and genuine human connection? In this episode, we're joined by James Cook, a learning and development specialist in coaching and team development at a large global organization. With 28 years of experience in fast-moving consumer goods—spanning process development, supply chain, business optimization, and leadership—James has spent his career fostering growth and transformation. An ICF- and EMCC-accredited coach, he's deeply committed to the power of listening, not just in leadership and team development, but also in life's most critical moments. As a volunteer listener for Samaritans UK, he brings a unique perspective on the profound impact of listening in times of crisis. In this conversation, James shares personal stories and insights that have reshaped his understanding of what listening truly is—and how he applies these lessons in his daily work. We explore how deep listening builds stronger teams, fosters real connection, and even transforms lives. Enjoy listening in! "Listening is something that we shouldn't interrupt. It's there between the two of you." - James Cook SUPERPOWER Notes: 02:01 – The Journey to Listening Awareness. James Cook reflects on his personal and professional experiences that led him to recognize the power of listening. 05:00 – The Birth of a New Understanding. How the arrival of his daughter with a rare skin condition opened his eyes to the need for deeper listening. 15:30 – The Impact of Crisis on Listening. Exploring how moments of personal loss drove James to volunteer as a listener for the Samaritans. 21:00 – The Power of Presence. James discusses the importance of being fully present in conversations and the impact it has on connection. 28:00 – The Role of Silence in Listening. Understanding how silence can enhance the listening experience and create deeper connections. 31:00 – Listening as a Leadership Skill. Why developing deep listening skills is essential for leaders to drive meaningful change. 38:00 – Practical Tips for Enhancing Listening Skills. James shares actionable strategies for improving listening in everyday interactions. 44:00 – The Future of Listening in Leadership. A discussion on the evolving role of listening in effective leadership and team dynamics. Key Takeaways: "Sometimes it's not about what you can do for the other person or how good you are at listening. It's actually the offer you make to people in crisis which is your presence and just being there." - James Cook "...sometimes we see it in business meetings that we're almost going in there with an agenda... waiting to have our turn, to have our say." - James Cook "...space will allow the listening to happen, the listening will happen without me doing anything."- James Cook Recommended podcast episode: Oscar Trimboli Full Interview: Getting Personal and Down to Business with Listening: https://listeningalchemy.com/listen-in/oscar-trimboli-full-interview-getting-personal-and-down-to-business-with-listening/ Oscar Trimboli on Listening in Organizations and to Customers: https://listeningalchemy.com/listen-in/oscar-trimboli-on-listening-in-organizations-and-to-customers/ Resources and People Mentioned: Samaritans - A charity organization in the UK that provides a listening service for people in crisis or feeling suicidal. Oscar Trimboli - Author and speaker known for his model of the five levels of listening. Nancy Klein - Creator of the "Time to Think" methodology, which focuses on creating thinking environments for effective listening and conversation. Connect with James Cook Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cook-a62633/ Connect with Raquel Ark www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn

We all appreciate the dedication of healthcare providers. Yet, with only 10-minute appointments and research historically centered on men, the quality of care is impacted. Every day, countless women leave doctor's offices feeling unheard, dismissed, or worse—misdiagnosed. Their symptoms are downplayed, their concerns minimized—especially with conditions like menopause and endometriosis, which often take years to diagnose. This doesn't just affect women; it impacts their families and the men who support them. But what if there were a better way? In this episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast, join me in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sally Doust, a UK family physician with 12 years of experience. She reveals how the simple act of truly listening has transformed her patients' lives. Through real patient stories and practical insights, discover how empathetic communication and more research can bridge the critical gaps in women's healthcare and lead to better outcomes In this episode, she highlights the importance of addressing often-overlooked health issues like menopause and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). By listening to her patients, Sally not only provides them with the right information and treatment options but also empowers them to reclaim their health and well-being. Learn how you can apply these insights to foster better communication and understanding in your own life or practice. Whether you're a healthcare provider seeking to enhance your practice, a woman navigating your own health journey, or an advocate for change – this conversation will open your mind to consider and pioneer actionable strategies to make a difference. Connect with Dr. Sally Doust on LinkedIn to join a growing community of professionals and patients working together to revolutionize women's healthcare. Don't just witness the change – be part of it. "Using the power of science to hold women in higher regard than they have been given so far and to champion their stories." – Sally Doust SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:01:15 – The Journey of a Doctor: Sally shares her experience as a general practitioner in the UK, highlighting the challenges of working within the NHS and the emotional toll of decision fatigue. 00:03:15 – The Impact of Listening: Sally discusses how listening to women's stories in her practice revealed significant gaps in their healthcare experiences, particularly around menopause and other women's health issues. 00:04:45 – The Importance of HRT: Sally emphasizes the life-changing effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women suffering from menopause symptoms and the misinformation surrounding it. 00:07:28 – Addressing Shame and Silence: The conversation explores how societal stigma and lack of open dialogue contribute to feelings of shame among women regarding their health issues. 00:10:02 – Healing Through Listening: Sally reflects on the cathartic experience for patients when they feel heard and validated during consultations, transforming their shame into relief and hope. 00:13:06 – Facilitating Communication: Sally shares techniques for helping patients articulate their health concerns, emphasizing the importance of asking guiding questions. 00:15:15 – The Role of Social Media: Discussion on how social media has empowered women to share their health experiences, creating a collective voice that challenges the silence around women's health issues. 00:17:06 – Gender Equality in Healthcare: Sally highlights the broader implications of addressing women's health, noting that improving women's participation in the workforce benefits society as a whole. 00:21:19 – Empowering Patients with Knowledge: Sally underscores the significance of educating patients about their health conditions, which can be more impactful than medication alone. 00:24:06 – Pioneering Change: Sally recounts a moment with a patient suffering from PMDD, illustrating the importance of recognizing and discussing under-researched conditions in women's health. 00:31:00 – The Concept of Bikini Medicine: Sally explains how women's healthcare has historically focused too narrowly on reproductive health, neglecting other critical aspects of women's health. 00:34:09 – Personal and Professional Goals: Sally expresses her desire to integrate data science into her work to better understand and advocate for women's health issues on a larger scale. Key Takeaways "Listening is the most healing thing I can do in clinic." – Sally Doust "Women often feel dismissed and unheard in healthcare settings." – Sally Doust "Empowering patients with knowledge is a powerful therapeutic tool." – Sally Doust "Collective voices can challenge the silence around women's health issues." – Sally Doust Connect with Dr. Sally Doust Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-doust-7b0419aa/?originalSubdomain=uk Connect with Raquel Ark: https://listeningalchemy.com/ Mobile: + 491732340722 listeningsuperpower@gmail.com contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn: Raquel Ark

Curious about the art of asking questions? Mike discusses the importance of crafting the right questions and how they can lead to deeper connections. Dr. Michael W. Purdy (PhD Ohio University) is co–editor with Deborah Borisoff (NYU) of Listening in Everyday Life: A Personal and Professional Approach (2nd ed). He has authored articles for the International Journal of Listening, (including two articles in 2015). His publications include: Listening and Qualitative Research, in Listening and Human Communication in the 21st Century; Listening and the Non–Technologized Self in Cultura De Guatemala This last year he also posted an article (Listening Ecology: Tuning into the Environment, Saving the Planet) for the Global Listening Centre (http://www.globallisteningcentre.org). and Listening Nudges: Empowerment (Not Power) draft on academia.edu. In this episode of the Listening Superpower podcast, Mike shares his extensive journey in the world of listening, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of its power. He reflects on his early experiences, including training at a phone health care call center, which introduced him to the fundamentals of listening. Mike also discusses his doctoral work on philosopher Merleau-Ponty, emphasizing the importance of receptivity and the role of the speaker in the listening process. Additionally, he shares insights from teaching an introductory interpersonal communication class and highlights the influence of early listening scholars at Ohio University. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores the nuances of listening and its impact on communication. Enjoy listening in. "People do want to come together. They want to connect. They want to build relationships. They want to be seen. They want to be valued." - Michael W. Purdy SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:02:10 - Foundations of Community: The Transformative Power of Listening Listening emerges as a critical catalyst in community building, revealing how genuine attention can create meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging. 00:05:32 - Navigating Listening Dynamics: Understanding the Subtle Art of Connection delves deep into the intricate landscape of listening, exploring how conscious awareness of our communication patterns can fundamentally transform interpersonal interactions. 00:17:12 - Conscious Listening: Decoding a Three-Dimensional Communication Skill. Mike unpacks "conscious listening" as a sophisticated skill comprising observation, strategic conversation management, and the ability to seamlessly flow within dialogue, challenging traditional notions of passive hearing. 00:20:22 - The Alchemy of Questions: Unlocking Deeper Conversations Practical strategies are shared for elevating communication, with a focus on crafting open-ended questions that act as keys to unlocking more profound, meaningful exchanges. 00:28:12 - Empathy in Action: Beyond Sympathy to Genuine Understanding The discussion explores the nuanced difference between sympathy and empathy, highlighting how truly listening can create more authentic and supportive connections. Key Takeaways. "If we don't listen, we don't know how to respond." - Michael W. Purdy "Democracy dies if people won't or can't or don't know how to listen." - Michael W. Purdy "Conscious listening is the process of working at being a listener."- Michael W. Purdy "It takes a long time. People think (listening) is a very complicated thing."- Michael W. Purdy "Relax and listen."- Michael W. Purdy Poeple and Resources mentioned Yaval Harari Brene Brown Dick Halley Heidegger Merleau-Ponty ILA (International Listening Association) Connect with Michael W. Purdy https://www.globallisteningcentre.org/member/michael-w-purdy/ https://www.globallisteningcentre.org/

Are you tired of being just another leader? Want to inspire your team, drive innovation, and build lasting relationships? The secret lies in a skill you may have overlooked: listening. Effective leadership often hinges on a surprising skill that can go unnoticed: listening. Raquel Ark shares that listening isn't just a soft skill; it's a powerful skill that can shape how you lead and influence. Imagine leading a team that's motivated, engaged, and full of ideas. Effective listening fosters trust, respect, and a positive work culture. It's can play an important role in increasing productivity and wellbeing for you and your team. What if you could make better decisions, prevent explosive conflicts or manage tensions with more ease. Listening helps you connect with your team's needs, concerns, and aspirations, as well as your own. It's not just a skill; it's a superpower. Join Raquel as she explores the different types of power that listening can bring to leadership and everyday interactions, providing practical strategies to grow your listening superpower. "Listening is not just a soft skill. It's a power skill. It's a transformative force that shapes the way leaders like you, like me, connect, inspire, and lead." - Raquel Ark Listening SUPERPOWER NOTES 00:10: Emphasizing the importance of listening as a transformative leadership skill. 01:28: The different types of power that listening can bring to leadership. 4:20: Discussion on the common undervaluation of listening in the business world compared to speaking, highlighting the impact of listening on effective leadership. 07:04: Presentation of research findings indicating a shift towards prestige-based leadership, which emphasizes listening and collaboration over autocratic dominance. 11:08: Conclusion on the significance of listening as a power skill that can transform organizations and drive sustained success, encouraging leaders to embrace listening in their practices. Key Takeaways: "The true power of effective leadership lies in listening, which is often an overlooked skill or capacity that we have, or that's important to develop."- Raquel Ark "When listening is brought into teams, those leaders are able to affect their teams in ways where they have more success and they feel better." - Raquel Ark "Listening is not just a tool. It's actually really cool. It's this high value currency that can transform organizations and really drive this sustained success."- Raquel Ark "The leaders who listen are the ones who are going to lead us into the future."- Raquel Ark Resources Mentioned: Kluger, Avraham & Itzchakov, Guy. (2022). The Power of Listening at Work. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior. 9. 10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012420-091013 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prestige https://action.deloitte.com/insight/2358/prestige-leadership-is-no-magic-trick-its-a-key-to-effective-teams Recommended Episodes about Leadership in tech Navigating Digital Change by Leaning Into Tech and Expanding a Human Touch with Agathe Daae-Qvale Listening to the Pulse in Leadership: Nourishing Realistic Expectations and Intentionally Catalyzing Employee and Team Growth with Clint Calleja #Listening to Create #Customer and #Business Value with Teresa Torres Dynamic Reteaming: Mastering Team Change for Excellence Using Your Listening Muscle with Heidi Helfand Connect with Raquel Ark: https://listeningalchemy.com/ Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn: Raquel Ark https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-ark-b2067613/

Many organizations struggle to balance technical project demands with the human elements essential for successful change. This gap often leads to inefficiencies, low morale, and failed initiatives, despite thorough planning and structured processes. Ignoring the emotional aspects of teams prevents companies from unlocking their workforce's full potential. Integrating both technical and human sides of work, with a focus on consistent communication and emotional awareness, is crucial. Enabling this holistic approach helps organizations achieve dynamic processes that meet goals and foster a joyful, productive work environment. Agathe Daae-Qvale is an Integral Master Coach™ working in leadership development that focuses on both the human and tech sides of digital transformation. She works as a special advisor in the Norwegian public health care sector on new software technologies and their successful applications. In 2017, she founded TinkerBlue AS and later co-founded DoubleYou AS in an effort to unleash underused tech potential and skill sets among internationals in Norway. Agathe is proficient in industrial IT and process modeling and improvement, IT governance, IT strategy, IT operations, and product management. Her experience includes working with management consulting companies like EY, KPMG, and Sopra Steria. She has worked as a consulting director in the exhilarating growth phase of the industrial IT unicorn Cognite, which primarily focuses on industrial data and digitized product management. She has also served as Chief Development Officer for Cenium, responsible for product development and global distribution during the shift from local based to cloud based platform technology. ​In this episode Agathe shares insightful discussions on balancing the technical and human aspects of business, especially during times of change. She talks about her experiences and practical strategies for integrating emotional awareness into structured, technical environments. You'll also learn about the importance of consistent communication, the role of personal growth in effective change management, and how to motivate teams by recognizing and expanding their perceptions of possibilities. "For change to happen, raise the awareness of possibilities --- that space of possibilities is crucial." - Agathe Daae-Qvale SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:21 - What she realized the time she first noticed the power of listening: It was not only about the words but very much about the sentiment and the capacity of both of us to open up for in that very moment 04:08 - What it means to be in a shared space: That moment when you are in a conversation; you're just completely paying attention to what's going on there 08:00 - The distinction between merely getting the work done and creating a meaningful, emotionally resonant shared space 17:10 - The crucial integration of human change management with technical change 21:21 - How creating a shared understanding and clear purpose within the organization is crucial for the successful adoption and implementation of new technologies and changes 25:16 - Here's how to achieve a shared understanding: The organization needs to be well aligned both vertically and horizontally. 29:07 - Achieve vertical and horizontal alignment in an organization: Important to give everyone a shared direction and the why as to what they're doing. 32:54 - What does effective change management require: In addition to communication, skill sets and competence in the company among coworkers and staff is super important. 37:56 - Making that lasting change and effect happen: Value, moral and a sense of entrepreneurship are also needed to make that lasting effect happen. 42:54 - Helpful tools for navigating change effectively: It's about listening to, first, myself and then start listening to others around me. 45:33 - Moving past the resistance in others: Have the respect for self and others and have them to focus on an outcome. 52:40 - Agathe's inspiring words: Keep opening up that space to keep expanding that shared space. Key Takeaways: "When we make change happen in technology, you can never go beyond what people actually perceive and what the masses perceive." - Agathe Daae-Qvale "I do think that the human side of change is not only a success factor, but it's a floor on which technical change stands most of the time." - Agathe Daae-Qvale "I do believe that the leadership is where to start [to get to that shared understanding] and then create an infrastructure and a team that can have the capacity and ability to make that happen, to follow up, to follow through with it." - Agathe Daae-Qvale "I realize that we all catch what we can according to our own skill sets, but if you want an organization to change the way they work or to change the products and services, it's super important to start with that education of people." - Agathe Daae-Qvale "The self is very often considered individual. If we are in a team, that sense of self, we can share that in a group. Then it becomes so much more powerful." - Agathe Daae-Qvale Notes/Mentions: Terri O'Fallon: https://www.terriofallon.com Robert Kegan:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kegan Connect with Agathe Daae-Qvale: Website: https://www.digitizedproductmanagement.com/about Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com

In the workplace, we encounter various personalities, some more challenging than others. Traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy among colleagues or leaders can significantly impact workplace dynamics, leading to conflicts, manipulation, and toxicity within teams. Recognizing and understanding these traits can help you navigate such environments more effectively. Meet our guest, Jon Gruda, a Professor in Organizational Behavior who specializes in anxiety, leadership, and personality research. He discusses how to identify characteristics of the Dark Triad and shares strategies on how to manage interactions with these individuals. Jon Gruda is a lifelong learner with impressive credentials. He holds a PhD in Management from emlyon business school, a Doctorate in Psychology from Goethe University, and an MSc in Affective Neuroscience from Maastricht University, alongside several business and management degrees. Throughout his academic career, Jon has consulted organizational leaders and CEOs, and has taught over 10,000 students and early career executives across Europe. Jon's mission is to advance the understanding of human behavior in organizations, helping individuals and teams achieve their potential and well-being. He has published over 20 papers in peer-reviewed journals and frequently contributes to various media outlets, sharing his expertise with a wider audience. In this episode, we delve into the concept of the Dark Triad. Jon provides valuable insights into recognizing and navigating challenging personality traits such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy in the workplace. By shedding light on these traits and their potential impact on organizational dynamics, Jon offers strategies to identify such behaviors and build support networks within your workplace. He also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and proactive approaches to managing interactions with individuals exhibiting these traits, helping you thrive in complex work environments "Don't become the person that you don't want to be." - Jon Gruda SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:32 - That moment he noticed the power of listening: Talking to students and not just teaching, but having conversations. 01:42 - How listening impacts not just the mind but one's whole being 04:52 - One significant moment where a student shared a personal experience which became a driving force to do his work. 11:58 - Understanding the 'Dark Triad': Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy 21:50 - How to recognize narcissistic traits in the workplace and get them to listen: Structure team meetings to have a lot more prep time upfront 33:55 - Spotting manipulation and deceit and what you should do: Approach them with clear, logical arguments and past evidence 47:00 - Recognizing a psychopath and how to effectively deal with them 56:25 - Crucial points of concern for organization with individuals having 'dark traits' 59:00 - Helpful strategies you can employ across all these 'dark traits' 01:05:50 - The idea that everyone exhibits 'dark traits' and understanding that some score higher on these traits than others. 01:09:50 - What characterizes a machiavellian 01:12 :30 - How to get in touch with Jon Key Takeaways: "The only way to listen is to create an environment where people are actually willing to share." - Jon Gruda "If you want them to go with the decision that you want to make, that you know is the best decision for the team, then you need to highlight how this decision that you want the leader to take is mutually beneficial." - Jon Gruda "Choosing the right moment when to approach them [psychopath leader]. Look for moments when the leader is particularly receptive to your input, directly following a public success." - Jon Gruda "I don't necessarily agree with the phrasing, but it does resonate well when you're dealing with psychopaths: Be Machiavellian."- Jon Gruda "Listen to yourself. " - Jon Gruda "Pretty good advice that I've learned from clients and from executives that I had to deal with: build a support network." - Jon Gruda "Knowing why people do what they do in any given situation is really, really powerful because it makes you a better person." - Jon Gruda Notes/Mentions: Dark Triad by Jon Gruda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IFRqJon-bEhynUMhSBowdC78HA_gNHpw-7nKRKTwJ1g/edit Connect with Jon Gruda: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongruda/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com

How often do you catch yourself merely waiting for your turn to respond, not really noticing or even caring about what the other person is trying to communicate. This reactive mode of communication often stifles genuine expression, preventing us from fully emptying our thoughts and emotions. Consequently, a lack of authentic listening extends to various facets of our lives, from family dynamics to professional environments, hindering meaningful connections and triggering misunderstandings. Author of Better Listening, Stan Slovin has worked over 30 years in the securities industry with individuals, families, and business owners as a financial professional with major national brokerage firms. Stan earned his bachelor of science degree in finance at the Champaign- Urbana campus of the University of Illinois. He also holds a Juris doctorate from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Stan is actively involved in charitable organizations focusing on mental health and children with disabilities. He loves traveling and plays in a rock and roll band. Stan, his wife, and their two adult children are from the Chicago area. In this episode, Stan talks about how empathy and genuine engagement can create safe spaces for authentic expression, both in personal relationships and professional environments. And he shares stories on how this paves the way for more meaningful conversations and discussions. "When others see that you are listening, not only will they appreciate it but you'll appreciate that they appreciate it and you'll be happier." - Stan Slovin Listening SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:30 - That moment he noticed the power of listening: I've recognized this my whole life with my parents, at school and in the area of sales and advisory. 01:56 - Stan's aha moment about listening: We are actually listening to respond versus listening to understand. 04:15 - What is so important about leadership: Great leaders are the best listeners. 06:15 - A different approach to listening brought about by change 09:08 - The need to shift from transactional to empathetic listening 14:00 - What helps to improve productivity and retention at work: Leaders have to enable their employees to give feedback. 17:21 - The premise behind the title of his book, 'Better Listening' 20:54 - Life experiences showing how important empathy is in listening 23:57 - What 'emptying of bucket' as a result of empathy all boils down to: Allowing a person to go deeper instead of a surface response. 26:28 - The 'golden ticket question' you can use at work: What is most important to you with regard to a relationship with working with X? 30:24 - What Stan wants to see in a podcast interview and what relationship he wants to have with the host: What's important to me are open-ended questions. 33:12 - A deeper message he wants to share in his book: I want relationships to be better in terms of respect, of being considerate of others. 36:51 - The importance of fostering better relationships through better listening. 40:14 - Stan's most encouraging parting words: We're all good listeners; but we could all be better listeners. Key Takeaways: "To be a good leader you have to be a good listener." - Stan Slovin "Why does a relationship leave? It was that they believed that you were not listening to them. you didn't have their best interest because you weren't hearing what they were saying. You were just always talking." - Stan Slovin "People are crying to be heard.They want others to listen to them." - Stan Slovin "Leaders don't have to change everything; they just have to tweak a little bit." - Stan Slovin "Everyone could be a better listener because what's missing in the conversation is that we're not allowing that empathy piece to really play a key role." - Stan Slovin "Empathy is key in listening." - Stan Slovin "They don't have to agree with the person that's talking, but they should at least pause and listen to hear. So that there is mutual respect and consideration so that the relationship. Even though it may not come to an agreement, they could still remain being invited to the thanksgiving dinner." - Stan Slovin Notes/ Mentions: Better Listening by Stan Slovin: https://www.betterlisteningbook.com Connect with Stan Slovin: Website: https://www.betterlisteningbook.com Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com

Navigating leadership authentically and self-care is not as easy, especially when it seems like everything around you is "crashing down". Yet, what if this is an opportunity to find your purpose? Discover the power of listening in purpose-lead leadership through this thought-provoking podcast episode. Dive into a reflective conversation about the importance of being present, self-care, purpose, and trusting the process. Explore the journey of a working dad, leadership principles, and the impact of listening on personal and professional growth. In this episode,you will enjoy listening to how Benjamin 'Benny' Achenbach has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. He shares a story about how he learned to listen to his inner voice amidst a family crisis that wiped his slate clean. Benny is a sports enthusiast, a proud father of three, and the vice President of People & Culture at Just Spices GmbH . Benny shares his experience around heart led leadership and decision making. Not only do we talk about fostering inclusive workplace cultures, our conversation transcends business by exploring resilience, self-awareness, and the pursuit of happiness. Enjoy listening in. "All leaders should be empathetic, and at the same time, capable of at least trying to actively listen" - Benjamin 'Benny' Achenbach SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:22 - Raquel and Benny's post-Wim Hof Expedition chance encounter. Reflecting on a serendipitous meeting that sparked a unique friendship and a transformative journey towards active listening mastery 03:09 - Uncover the power of reflection and connection in anchoring transformative experiences through active listening and shared reflections 06:14 - Explore the transformative power of active listening in personal growth and communication, leading to deeper connections and understanding in relationships. 10:28 - The backpack method for reflection, delve into the art of active listening and the power of silencing distractions to truly engage and connect with others. 11:57 - Intention setting and reflecting on daily actions, uncover the hidden truths behind common social interactions and the power of active listening in fostering genuine connections. 17:05 - Benny's journey to Vice President of People and Culture 20:09 - Overcoming family business challenges 29:04 - The role of reflection and falling forward in business 34:26 - Trusting the process and maintaining positivity 40:29 - Integrating listening into business practices, thoughts on being present, reflecting, and self-care 53:22 - How to connect with the Benjamin Achenbach Key Takeaways "Try to be there for yourself because when you are there for yourself, you can also be caring for others."- Benjamin Achenbach "Reflect about what you're doing every day, every second, every minute, every hour, the entire day, until your entire life is done."- Benjamin Achenbach "Have a clear North Star for yourself and your team. It's about believing in the vision for the next five to ten years. For us at Just Spices, it's about going international and making cooking easier for our customers. This should be at the forefront of your mind. "- Benjamin Achenbach on Listening "The more you are in the present moment and appreciate and be grateful for this journey in life, the more magical it can be." - Benjamin Achenbach Connect with Benjamin Achenbach: Linkedin: Benjamin Achenbach Just Spices Website: https://www.justspices.de/ WorkingDad Podcast :https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/working-dad-podcast/id1479570002 Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Instagram: @listening_alchemy Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com

Imagine sitting in a chair looking into a camera and being seen in a new way that feels like complete belonging. And even though it's new, it's like it has always been there. It's always been you. Our guest filmmaker Nic Askew, shares a simple, yet profound way to experience listening, and his method may surprise you. He is the creator of Soul biographies, which includes the search for the Soul of America. His unique interview method is a profound way to witness the human soul. This is an experience where you feel interconnected, belonging and have conscious insight. Nic shares his stories about how he uses film and works with individuals and groups. Nic describes his work…"so that we might see ourselves reflected in each other so that we might see beyond all differences, so that we might come to remember that we belong to each other without condition, and act accordingly." Enjoy listening to this unique episode where we dive into nothingness so that something can emerge. "The business of a witness, we might call it a listener as well, is really not to get in the way. And it starts with nothing, no- thing, no act on your part. And then let the experience just happen." - Nic Askew SUPERPOWER Notes: 02:39 - That moment he discovered the power of listening: Everything starts out of silence 11:10 - Expounding on the misconception about the nature of connectedness 16:06 - Giving yourself permission to simply be and embracing nothingness and just letting the experience happen 21:01: Getting to notice the experience of the absence of one's action: It sets a course of change which you can't unset. 28:53 - What it is like experiencing someone without doing anything 37:47 - How deep listening happens from a clear space 41:25 - Personal experiences of having something emerge out of doing nothing 46:15 - The simplicity of being present and the potential for profound change that arises from this state. 55:26 - Connect with Nic Askew Key Takeaways: "The experience of this person, the experience of anyone you care to sit with or be with is best finding you, not you it." - Nic Askew "Connectedness just exists. It's there to be experienced. And the way to experience it is nothing in the way." - Nic Askew "Most people, I think, are driven by this deep sense of wanting to belong, wanting to be a part of it. And it drives us to pretty much live our lives doing certain things But the irony is that in the realm of the interior world, there is no working towards. Only "Just IS". You are just a part of it. We are connected. You belong. There was never any condition." - Nic Askew Notes/Mentions: Albert Einstein: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein Ramana Maharshi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramana_Maharshi Connect with Nic Askew: Website: https://soulbiographies.com/about/ https://nicaskew.com/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com