Your Listening SUPERPOWER podcast will help become a more impactful communicator by listening effectively and in surprising ways. Join your host and listening catalyst Raquel Ark to be inspired by listening researchers and professionals as we share tips and stories on how to work smarter and feel better by growing our listening superpower together. Your listening SUPERPOWER podcast is much more than listening. It's practical knowledge and inspiration that you can use right away. If you're the kind of person who wants to have a positive impact, have less communication challenges, get things done and make our world a better place, listen and follow the listening SUPERPOWER podcast. Build your toolbox for your everyday interactions. Learning how to listen more effectively will help others listen to you better. Improve work productivity and time management. Less misunderstandings. Break bad communication habits. Communicate effectively. Have more voice. Engage your team and influence stakeholders. Facilitate difficult conversations better. Enhance relationships. Discover needs and interests. Feel more belonging. Build trust and connection. Take meaningful action. Increase your success and wellbeing.
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
10/24/25 • 43:33
Dr. Jade Singleton is a strategic consultant, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to culture transformation and the well-being of Black women professionals. She is the founder of Johnson Squared Consulting and IKONI Collective, creator of the Sarah Jane Academy™, and producer of the documentary Ninety-Two: The Rest Rebellion No One Saw Coming. With experience as a senior consultant at NASA and advisor to major organizations like Amazon and Uber, she brings deep expertise in strategic DEI work, workplace wellness, and the radical practice of rest as resistance. On this episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast, Jade and host Raquel Ark explore the transformative power of listening. Jade emphasizes what it means to "listen to believe." She shares how vulnerability can dissolve barriers in the business context, how common ground can shift conflicts into collaboration, and how organizations carry a "corporate soul" that shapes behavior and culture. Jade also highlights listening to self care and the emerging rest rebellion among Black women and the healing power of community care and storytelling. This episode is a powerful reflection on empathy, resilience, and creating spaces where truth and connection can thrive. Enjoy listening to this episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast and let us know your thoughts. Subscribe and share the listening SUPERPOWER podcast so that we can reach more people to be part of the listening movement. On taking action: "Listening to believe means coming in with the understanding that the person talking to you is telling the truth about their experience." — Jade Singleton SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:01:37 – Active vs Passive Listening: Jade explains that active listening requires full engagement, focusing on understanding and responding thoughtfully, unlike passive listening, which is more about merely hearing words without deeper connection. 00:04:06 – Listening to Believe: The key to authentic empathy is suspending judgment and truly believing others' experiences as their truth, creating a grounded foundation for communication. 00:09:37 – Building Community through Vulnerability: Jade shares how vulnerability exercises create shared experiences that dissolve barriers and foster genuine connection in factions with opposing views. 00:12:14 – Common Ground in Conflict Resolution: Conflict can be transformed when teams find tangible shared goals or narratives, helping to shift perspectives from opposition to collaboration. 00:16:06 – Corporate Soul and Shared Identity: Organizations hold narratives that influence individual behavior; understanding this soul or identity helps navigate conflicts and build stronger teams. 00:19:23 – Rest Rebellion Among Black Women: An emerging quiet movement where Black women consent to prioritize rest, healing, and self-care as resistance against systemic exhaustion. 00:22:38 – Community Healing and Self-Focus: Emphasizes the importance of co-regulation and community care as collective coping mechanisms during sociopolitical and personal stress. 00:27:21 – Leaving for Mental Well-Being: Stories of women choosing to leave toxic environments or geographic locations to preserve identity and mental health. 00:30:16 – Encouragement Through Community Voice: How sharing stories within communities fosters empowerment, encouragement, and collective strength. Key Takeaways: On the power of listening: "Listening is not just about hearing words; it's about understanding the truth behind them." — Jade Singleton On community building: "When we listen deeply, we create spaces for healing and connection." — Jade Singleton On self-care: "It's okay to prioritize your well-being; it's essential for personal and collective growth." — Jade Singleton Notes/Mentions: Documentary: "92: The Rest Rebellion No One Saw Coming" focusing on the experiences of Black women reclaiming their time and energy. Connect with Jade Singleton: Website: www.ikoni.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jade-singleton-8b2830110 Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Substack listening ALCHEMY newsletter Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
9/25/25 • 36:43
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
8/31/25 • 58:28
Ingrid Nordli, Associate Professor in Linguistics at the UiT, the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø. Ingrid has been putting a lot of time into understanding how we develop listening skills. She talks about how young children in kindergarten can be trained to become great listeners using the listening circle. Besides dedicating time to focus on children's listening development, she teaches university students language development, and academic writing. She was on the board of the International Listening Association and continues to be an active member. In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked power of listening with Ingrid, a phonetics expert from Norway. Through her experiences in education and research, Ingrid reveals how listening is a fundamental yet underappreciated aspect of communication. Ingrid shares insights from her work with children and the importance of teaching listening skills from a young age, emphasizing that effective listening can transform interactions and relationships. Join us as we explore the nuances of listening, the impact of listening circles, and the journey of writing a book aimed at enhancing listening skills in early childhood education. On the kindergarten transformation: "When you teach the children about this listening circle procedure, they get more relaxed, more attentive to each other. They straighten their back and they feel heard, they feel seen, and get much more friendly with each other."– Ingrid Nordli SUPERPOWER Notes: 02:00 – Nuanced listening knowledge: The phonetics revelation—how studying speech transcription exposed that listening has "so little room and no room of itself" in phonetics education, despite transcription accuracy depending entirely on listening abilities 04:42 – Definition of listening process: International Listening Association's framework—"Listening is the process of receiving, constructing meaning from and responding to spoken and or nonverbal messages"—discovered through deep research after realizing listening was the "necessary glue" in kindergarten language and music projects 07:57 – Listening circles for children: Simple but powerful tool that helps kids ages 3-6 become more relaxed, attentive, and respectful—they "straighten their back and feel heard, seen, and get much more friendly with each other" because everyone gets the chance to talk and are respected while speaking 14:33 – Listening in the Kindergarten: The book written with Christian Skog—a practical and theoretical guide combining listening with typical developmental activities, featuring eight different kindergarten activities 18:58 – Engaging in children's listening development: The importance of being humble and engaging with children's listening development because "we can learn so much about our own listening"—children naturally develop language rules but don't develop conscious listening awareness without guidance 19:50 – Importance of listening skills: The fundamental gap—"we are not good listeners just because we need to be. 25:11 – Children's book on listening: Collaboration with Ebele Chukwujama in Nigeria creating books for ages 4-6 about a child learning listening through conversations with mom, plus "Listening in Circles" for ages 6-9, all translated into Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo 27:14 – The importance of listening skills: Final thoughts on self-reflection Key Takeaways: On children as teachers: "We can learn so much about our own listening"– Ingrid Nordli On the fundamental gap in child development: "When children are listening, but not taught how to listen, they miss out."– Ingrid Nordli On the difference between natural and conscious learning: "Children naturally develop language rules but don't develop conscious listening awareness without guidance."– Ingrid Nordli On the kindergarten transformation: "When you teach the children about this listening circle procedure, they get more relaxed, more attentive to each other. They straighten their back and they feel heard, they feel seen, and get much more friendly with each other."– Ingrid Nordli Notes/Mentions: "Listening in the Kindergarten" by Ingrid and Christian Skog: A resource for educators focusing on listening skills. https://uit.no/ansatte/ingrid.c.nordli (Norwegian) https://en.uit.no/ansatte/person?p_document_id=153137&p_dimension_id=88155 (English) Listening in the Kindergarten (Norwegian title: Lytting i Barnehagen) - a book by Ingrid CNordli and Christian Skog A professional book written as a children's book for children between four and six, authored by Ingrid C. Nordli and Ebele Chukwujama Listening in Circles - a planned book for children between six and nine, authored by Ingrid C. Nordli and Ebele Chukwujama Past Episode Referenced: Ebele Chukwujama interview - https://listeningalchemy.com/allgemein/the-listening-school-impacting-relationships-and-society-one-listening-ear-at-a-time-with-ebele-chukwujama/ Resources Mentioned: Listening Circles Documentation: https://munin.uit.no/bitstream/handle/10037/33278/article.pdf?sequence=4 "Lytting i barnehagen" (Listening in the kindergarten) from the publishers website; Fagbokforlaget: https://fagbokforlaget.no/produkt/9788245050981-lytting-i-barnehagen Connect with Ingrid Nordli: Website: https://en.uit.no/ansatte/person?p_document_id=153137 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-c-nordli-a1702523?originalSubdomain=no Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Substack listening ALCHEMY newsletter Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
8/1/25 • 34:13
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
7/10/25 • 55:08
We often believe that great leadership comes from being an exceptional speaker, someone who can command a room and deliver compelling presentations. But what if the real superpower lies in the opposite skill? In this episode of the Listening Superpower podcast, join me in conversation with Jonno White, an Australian leadership coach, podcast host, and author with over four years of podcasting experience and 236 episodes under his belt. Jonno shares his fascinating journey from believing speaking was his greatest strength to discovering that listening is the ultimate leadership tool. Jonno shares his perspective on today's leadership challenges, from retaining younger talent to adapting leadership styles for different generations, and why understanding individual strengths might be more powerful than traditional role-based management. Whether you're a seasoned leader looking to enhance your people skills or someone just beginning to explore the power of listening, this episode will challenge your assumptions about what makes great communication. "The number one skill that comes up again and again is the power of listening. I had to unlearn what I learned when I was eight, because speaking was nowhere near as powerful as great listening." -- Jonno White SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:15 -- From Fear to Overconfidence: Jonno recounts his grade three experience giving a speech about ants, where faking confidence led to success and shaped his belief that speaking was his superpower. 05:30 -- The Coaching Revelation: Jonno shares how he discovered that clients weren't transformed by his advice, but by having space to think through their own thoughts and reach their own conclusions. 10:45 -- The Sherlock Holmes Approach: Jonno's technique of being a detective while listening, paying attention to body language, sighs of relief, and moments of weight in conversations. 12:30 -- Understanding vs. Being Understood: The crucial distinction between listening to understand someone and ensuring they know you understand them—and why paraphrasing is so powerful. 15:20 -- The 15-Second Rule: Jonno's disciplined approach to coaching, counting to 15 seconds before responding and how this technique transforms conversations. 18:45 -- The Valentine's Day Disaster: A humorous story about trying out scripted listening techniques on a romantic date and the importance of genuine connection over mechanical methods. 24:15 -- Modern Leadership Challenges: Jonno identifies three key issues leaders face today: adapting to new revenue generation needs, wellbeing challenges, and retaining staff across generations. 28:00 -- Generational Workplace Dynamics: A breakdown of how different generations respond to workplace demands and why leaders need to understand varying motivations. 31:45 -- Learning from Gen Z Boundaries: How younger generations' approach to boundaries might actually be healthier and what leaders can learn from this perspective. 34:30 -- From Arranger to Individualization: The shift from seeing what needs to be done and finding people to do it, versus seeing people and finding what they could do. Key Takeaways "People don't feel heard when the person across from them understands them. They feel heard the moment that they understand that the person across from them understands them." -- Jonno White "I spend most of my time counting in my head because I try to pause for 15 seconds... letting the silence do the heavy lifting." -- Jonno White "How can we get alongside them and say, I'm here. I'm present. What's going on? You're more important than the deadline." -- Jonno White "After all these years, I just keep getting reminded more and more that there really is no more important skill for a leader than to listen well." -- Jonno White Connect with Jonno White: Podcast: Leadership Conversations with Jonno White Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-conversations-with-jonno-white-podcast/id1593825558 Book: "Step Up or Step Out" https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Difficult-Conflict/dp/B097X7B5LD https://www.consultclarity.org/ Email: Jonno@consultclarity.org Connect with Raquel Ark: https://listeningalchemy.com/ Mobile: + 491732340722 listeningsuperpower@gmail.com contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn: Raquel Ark
6/23/25 • 38:59
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/
4/23/25 • 52:10
In this episode of the Listening Superpower Podcast, we're joined by Nanna Holst to delve into how the media landscape's evolution, driven by new platforms, shifting consumption, and AI advancements, is swamping audiences with more information, but not necessarily more insight. We discuss how traditional media must transform, using active listening and engagement to stay pertinent as a bridge between the public and those in authority, as outlined in her insightful report. (Link below) Nanna Holst is an experienced journalist, editor and project manager with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Skilled in Making People Reach Their Potential, Co-creation, Public Outreach, News Writing, Breaking News, Video Journalism, Journalism, Editing and Television. She is into teaching and coaching of young journalists, a strong program and project management professional based on constructive, solution based journalism and a strong sense of public service and democratic values. She is a graduate from the Danish National School of Journalism and Aarhus Business School. Also a Fellow from Constructive Institute at Aarhus University, developer of The Better Listening Method and helping news organizations listen better to their audiences. Also she is a keynote speaker. In this episode, Nanna explores the power of collective intelligence listening. She shares stories and examples of a new initiative called Better Listening for Journalists which engages the community into their journalistic process. By actively listening to and asking for thought-provoking questions, this approach not only strengthens relationships but also promotes better collaboration and a more harmonious society. "If we want to stay relevant in a world where everybody can be their own media, we have to know what is expected of us and what we can help them with to make everybody wiser and everybody happier and have this unity." - Nanna Holst SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:33 - That moment she noticed the power of listening: I was forced to train my listening skills at a very early age because I'm the little sister in a very talkative family. I had to listen very carefully to know where I can dive into the conversation and get heard. 04:12 - How has her view of listening changed through the years 05:18 - A journalistic way of listening versus listening to understand 06:11 - Establishing a concept program called Better Listening: We want to listen more actively and systematically 08:04 - Finding out the 'why of listening' for 'Better listening' 09:02 - What the whole 'Ask Us' method encapsulates 12:04 - The idea of collective intelligence in listening: It starts with the questions, but when we publish an answer, people chip in with their knowledge. 13:07 - Questions that fosters better communication, cooperation, and understanding 17:26 - Transparency involved in the answers written: If we can't get a perfect answer, we say, this is as far as we get, but does anybody out there know anything? 18:40 - 4 points that helps Better Listening listen better: Listen first, showing everyday humility, trust in the population, listen up 22:25 - Why listen. Not just for the checklist, but to really understand: You have to find out why you are listening, what do you want to get out of it, and what are your resources. 25:07 - What leaders should know about sustained listening in their organizations 28:11 - The inspiration behind the articles written: We could see that our engagement grew when we found a way to put a question formula and a ballot in each and every article. 30:08 - What has changed in her now doing Better Listening: I have known a little about a lot. 32:35 - Distinguishing between hearing and listening 33:29 - The dream she has for her legacy media in the next five years 35:36 - How she makes listening sustainable for her: I like to have markers everywhere that reminds me of this huge 'Why'. Key Takeaways: "...You can listen in a thousand ways. It's like a car that has movable parts. You can just adjust them in many different ways." - Nanna Holst "Listen first, show everyday humility, trust in the population, and listen up." - Nanna Holst "...the missing link between wanting to listen and actually listening is some sort of method that keeps us on track, and make us work smart and not do the things that do not work."- Nanna Holst "Listening is a skill. It's something that can be trained and we can learn it. "- Nanna Holst "Listen first. Keep focus on the audience. Trust in the population. Constantly learn and improve. These are the keys to better listening." - Nanna Holst Notes/Mentions: Better Listening Report: https://constructiveinstitute.org/app/uploads/2023/07/Nanna-Holst.pdf KQED Media: https://www.kqed.org Connect with Nanna Holst: Website: Website: https://www.nannaholst.dk/english-version/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanna-holst Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
3/31/25 • 40:20
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
3/13/25 • 65:42
Have you ever felt unheard in a conversation? Or wondered why society seems more divided than ever? Historian and podcast host Ramona Houston joins us to reveal how radical listening can bridge cultural divides, resolve conflicts, and reshape history. Ramona Houston is a U.S. historian specializing in African American and Mexican American history. As we celebrate Black History Month, Ramona shares her insights on the power of listening and its impact on understanding history and resolving conflicts. In this episode, she highlights the significance of radical listening—truly hearing what others say and what remains unspoken. Ramona discusses how listening can transform relationships, whether personal or professional, and how it plays a crucial role in addressing societal challenges. Through her experiences, Ramona emphasizes the importance of recognizing often-overlooked contributions to history, particularly from women and marginalized communities. By listening to diverse voices, we can reshape our understanding of history and foster a more inclusive narrative. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a leader seeking to improve communication, or someone passionate about social change, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the art of listening and its potential to create positive change. "In the U.S., we have Black History Month, Women's History Month, AAPI Heritage Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month—times dedicated to recognizing how different groups have contributed to American history. This is important because if you read American history books, you'll see how many groups have been marginalized. As historians, we work toward a future where these histories are included in all books and in all ways—not just separated out. History changes when we start adding different groups of people."- Ramona Houston SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:01 – The Importance of Inclusive History. Ramona Houston explains how recognizing diverse contributions in American history helps reshape historical narratives. 02:30 – How Listening Shapes Leadership and Communication. Host Raquel Ark introduces the episode, emphasizing how deep listening transforms conversations and leadership effectiveness. 05:00 – Radical Listening: Hearing What's Unspoken. Ramona shares how her husband, jazz musician Terreon Gully taught her the value of listening beyond words. 12:00 – The Impact of Social Media on Polarization. Analyzing how digital platforms reinforce ideological silos and disrupt constructive dialogue. 15:30 – Historical Silence: What's Left Out of the Story?. Why historical omissions contribute to social inequality and how embracing all perspectives can shift narratives. 21:00 – Representation in History: Who Gets Remembered? Ramona discusses the need for historical inclusion beyond white, male-centric narratives. 24:30 – Hidden Figures: The Legacy of Ralph Bunche & Kofi Annan Exploring the underrepresented global impact of Black leaders in diplomacy and human rights. 28:00 – The Ripple Effect of Untold Stories How uncovering marginalized histories can reshape our present and future. 31:00 – Books as Intellectual Property: Expanding Knowledge Horizons Ramona emphasizes the power of reading to challenge biases and broaden perspectives. 34:30 – The "Cuba" Book Example: Understanding Global Influence Raquel shares how reading historical accounts of Cuba changed her understanding of American and Puerto Rican history. 38:00 – How to Create a Culture of Listening Practical strategies for fostering an environment where different perspectives can be voiced safely. 44:00 – Radical Listening as a Leadership Tool.Why leaders must develop deep listening skills to drive meaningful, sustainable change. Key Takeaways "Listening is a powerful tool for resolving conflict and understanding one another." – Ramona Houston "Radical listening is about hearing both what people say—and what they don't say." - Ramona Houston "Conflict arises when we're too focused on speaking instead of truly listening."- Ramona Houston "Social media has connected us, but it has also divided us—because we only listen to those who think like us."- Ramona Houston "You can't resolve conflict if you're not willing to listen first."- Ramona Houston "If you're truly listening, you're changing."- Ramona Houston Resources and People Mentioned Carter G. Woodson - Founder of Black History Month. Ralph Bunch - Influential in creating the United Nations and a significant figure in human rights. Kofi Annan - First person of African descent to lead the United Nations and initiated the Global Compact. Dr. Juan Andrade - Founder of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. Recommended Listening Superpower Podcast Episodes Empowering Voices for Social Impact and Connecting Communities with Ramona Houston Starting from Zero: The Impact of Listening to What is Not Being Said with Grammy Winning Musician Terreon Gully Definition of Listening Based on Science with Dr. Avi Kluger Connect with Ramona Houston Website: https://ramonahouston.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramonahouston/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.RamonaHouston#
2/27/25 • 43:00
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
2/17/25 • 39:20
What if too much collaboration can hinder productivity? Our guest, author Joe McCormack, a communication expert who helps professionals navigate information overload, shares practical tips on how to balance collaboration with the essential quiet time needed for deep thinking. Joe McCormack is a communication expert who helps professionals navigate information overload. As an entrepreneur, he founded Sheffield Company and The BRIEF Lab, specializing in concise communication and leadership development. He's the author of "Brief," "Noise," and "Quiet Works," which address the challenges of focus and distraction. His work includes a podcast, "Just Saying," and the development of "Quiet Workplaces," dedicated spaces for focused work. Previously, he was a senior executive at Ketchum. Joe McCormack holds a BA in English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago. In this episode, Joe discusses the release of his new book, Quiet Works, which is part of a trilogy focused on achieving clarity and intentionality at work. Building on his previous works, Brief and Noise, Joe emphasizes the importance of making it easier for others to listen to us. He shares insights on how individuals can take responsibility for their communication and listening practices. The conversation highlights the value of quiet time before engaging in discussions, underscoring its role in preparation and centeredness. "Quiet is not a technique. It's an appointment." - Joe McCormack SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:02:17 – The Challenge of Embracing Quiet: Joe discusses his initial resistance to quiet and the insights he gained while writing Noise, highlighting the internal noise that often distracts us. 00:06:48 – The Power of Scheduling Quiet: Joe explains how scheduling quiet time can lead to better preparation and improved performance in professional settings. 00:12:07 – Defining Quiet: Joe offers a practical definition of quiet in a professional context, emphasizing the need for dedicated time alone to think and reflect. 00:14:35 – The Importance of Preparation: The conversation highlights how preparation through quiet can enhance listening skills and overall communication effectiveness. 00:28:08 – Collaboration vs. personal time: Discussion on the balance between collaboration and the need for personal quiet time to think and reflect. 00:34:11 – Avoiding quiet and self-reflection: Exploration of why people often avoid quiet moments and the fear of confronting their own thoughts. 00:36:19 – The power of pausing decisions: Emphasizing the value of taking a moment to pause before making decisions to ensure they are well thought out. 00:41:29 – QCO: A Practical Tool for Meetings: Joe introduces the QCO (Question, Comment, Observation) technique to encourage thoughtful participation in meetings. 00:48:58 – The value of quiet moments: Discussing how quiet moments can enhance clarity and improve overall work performance. 00:54:25 – Quiet workplace: Ideas on designing workspaces that promote quiet and reduce distractions for improved employee well-being and productivity. Key Takeaways "Quiet is not a technique. It's an appointment."- Joe McCormack "Anything that's worth doing in life is worth doing poorly."- Joe McCormack "Quiet allows me to slow down for a minute... it literally changed me as a person."- Joe McCormack "The quality of a person's listening being present in the moment makes a person.It changes everything."- Joe McCormack "You need more time alone, not seven hours a day, but you need 10 minutes."- Joe McCormack Resources Mentioned: Podcast Episode:Elite Communications Skills as a Competitive Advantage, Think Clearly and Communicate Concisely with Joe McCormack Connect with Joe McCormack: https://josephmccormack.com/ https://josephmccormack.com/my-books/ https://josephmccormack.com/my-podcasts/ Connect with Raquel Ark: https://listeningalchemy.com/ Mobile: + 491732340722 listeningsuperpower@gmail.com contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn: Raquel Ark
1/8/25 • 59:57
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/
12/7/24 • 33:59
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Liz, a respected voice in the realm of listening and cultural dynamics. Liz brings a unique perspective on how listening varies across different cultures and the importance of adapting our listening styles to foster deeper connections. Dr. Elizabeth S. Parks is an instructor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. An affiliate faculty with the Colorado School of Public Health. Dr. Parks' work is at the intersection of social science and the humanities and explores how we can improve listening across diversity and difference. Today, she has over 50 peer reviewed publications and two acclaimed books, including the recently published book that we'll talk about in the podcast, Listening the Key Concepts, which explores 177 different ways to listen. Her books bring deep insight into ethics and the power of listening. Liz shares her journey of growing up in a bicultural home, where she learned early on that listening is not a one-size-fits-all approach. She discusses the contrasting ways she showed respect and honor to her family members from different cultural backgrounds, highlighting the significance of adapting her listening style. "The way that we show up as listeners is really the first act of communication, not the second."– Elizabeth S. Parks SUPERPOWER Notes: 05:08 – Liz reflects on her childhood experiences in a bicultural home and how they shaped her understanding of listening. 07:57 – The conversation shifts to Liz's adult experiences and the challenges of adapting her listening style when interacting with her partner's family. 10:22 – Liz emphasizes the importance of checking in with others to align expectations and ensure effective communication. 11:20 – The concept of code-switching is introduced, explaining how individuals navigate different cultural contexts through their listening behaviors. 20:05 – Liz discusses the importance of listening to oneself and maintaining authenticity while adapting to various cultural environments. 18:04 – The conversation delves into the research behind listening, with Liz sharing her motivations for studying the topic and the ethical implications of listening. 23:11 – Liz outlines three critical questions regarding listening: When do we listen? What kind of listening do we engage in? When do we stop listening? 34:07 – The discussion highlights the various types of listening, including horizontal and vertical listening, and their relevance in organizational contexts. 45:28 – Liz shares her insights on dialogic listening and the importance of creating meaning together in conversations. Key Takeaways "The way that I listen really, really matters for the ways that those relationships played out." – Elizabeth S. Parks "Listening is work in these different cultures, but listening to ourselves and being really true to ourselves is also extremely important." – Elizabeth S. Parks "In order to be the kind of listeners we want to be, we need to be a bit more strategic about our own energy flows." – Elizabeth S. Parks Connect with ELizabeth Parks https://www.elizabethsparks.org/ Latest book: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101234333-14076226?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.routledge.com%2FListening-The-Key-Concepts%2FParks-Faw-Lane%2Fp%2Fbook%2F9781032531847 Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
10/21/24 • 62:22
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/
9/30/24 • 12:52
How can the power of empathy create deeper connections with others? And what are work hacks that create a safe space in teams? Sebastian Kremser is the host of Empathie Schenker, a podcast where he listens to guests with empathy and no judgment. Sebastian is a process facilitator who helps clients navigate dynamic and complex environments, addressing both current and future challenges. Known for his empathetic and needs-oriented approach, he creates space for individual and organizational needs while fostering awareness of personal responsibility and potential through structured process guidance. After 12 years in the military, Sebastian transitioned in 2013 to become a consultant and coach, focusing on supporting organizations ranging from hierarchical public institutions to agile, collaborative structures. He is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a licensed mediator with the German Mediation Association. His work has taken him to China and Kenya, and he is also an authorized process consultant for the "unternehmensWert: Mensch" program of the German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. In this episode, Sebastian shares his journey with empathy and listening, highlighting the power of self-empathy and creating space for others to shine. We dive deep into the importance of non-judgmental listening and how it can transform team dynamics and relationships. Sebastian's insights on self-awareness, shared leadership, and the magic of letting your light shine are truly inspiring. His perspective on creating a safe space for authentic communication and appreciation is a game-changer for building strong connections within teams and organizations. If you're looking to enhance your listening skills, gain a new perspective on empathy, or simply enjoy a thoughtful conversation, this episode is a must-listen. "...there's a difference between listening and being a listener." - Sebastian Kremser SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:19 - From complexity to clarity: Sebastian discusses the journey from complexity to clarity in communication and the importance of listening to create understanding and connection. 08:43 - The power of nonviolent communication: Sebastian shares insights on the power of nonviolent communication in resolving conflicts and fostering understanding in teams and organizations. 11:33 - The alchemy of listening: Sebastian delves into the transformative power of listening, creating a space for empathy, understanding, and trust to flourish in interactions. 20:47 - The conversation highlights the impact of a lack of motivation in teams and the importance of addressing underlying issues to foster engagement and productivity. 23:31 - Flip-flopping topics in meetings: Sebastian discusses the strategy of addressing various topics in team meetings to ensure all voices are heard and to maintain focus and productivity. 40301 - The discussion centers on the transformative power of opening up and sharing vulnerabilities, leading to deeper connections, trust, and personal growth within teams and organizations. 42:43 - Embracing Each Other's Light: Sebastian shares insights on embracing and celebrating each other's unique strengths and qualities, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can shine and contribute authentically. 46:42 - Just be you in the moment: The conversation concludes with a reminder to embrace authenticity and self-expression, encouraging individuals to be true to themselves and explore their unique contributions in every moment. Key Takeaways: "If we listen to each other, we help the other person to get more clarity." - Sebastian Kremser "Being non-judgmental in listening is like opening a gate to deeper connections. It's the alchemy of empathy." - Sebastian Kremser People Mentioned: Vera F. Birkenbihl - Famous German communication scientist and trainer Connect with Sebastian Kremser: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-kremser Podcast: Empathie Schenker on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empathieschenker/id1598578900 https://in-teams.de/ueber-mich/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
9/18/24 • 45:57
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
7/4/24 • 54:17
Do you find yourself struggling to navigate through the storms of life, both personally and professionally? It's easy to get lost amidst the distractions and challenges, leaving us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. But there is a way to find clarity amidst the chaos: by listening to the voice of our own intuition and harnessing our inner strength to overcome any obstacle. Dubbed "the da Vinci of Visionary Leadership" by many leading authorities of our time, Oleg Konovalov is the author of *The Fisherman's Path to Leadership*, *The Vision Code*, *LEADEROLOGY*, *CORPORATE SUPERPOWER*, *ORGANISATIONAL ANATOMY*, and *HIDDEN RUSSIA*. Oleg sees every organization as unique and strongly believes that most leadership problems can be solved by shifting patterned paradigms and applying tailor-made solutions. He is on the Thinkers50 Radar, was shortlisted for the Leadership Award at Thinkers50 2021, is among the Global Gurus Top 30 in Leadership, and is the #1 Global Leading Coach (Marshall Goldsmith Thinkers50). In this episode, we explore the importance of creating value in business and how energy management often trumps time management. Oleg shares deep insights from his listening experiences and discusses the difference between inspiration and motivation. We also touch on 'cognitive distance' listening within parent-child dynamics, the concept of 'becoming the storm' to face challenges, and the distinction between wisdom and smartness. Join us as we journey through Oleg's wisdom, drawn from his book *The Fisherman's Path to Leadership*, and learn to celebrate moments of understanding and empowerment. "You must listen to yourself first, not to your worries, but listen to your desires. Listen to what you can do. Listen to what you could reveal within your strengths, your superpower. Then you become stronger than this storm that you are facing now." - Oleg Konovalov SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:44 - That moment he first noticed the power of listening: When you're trying to understand who you are, you are listening to yourself. 04:25 - How valuable is feedback: It's not about what they will get, it's about what they will hear; how they will listen. 09:02 - A simple approach in life and business that always works for Oleg: Business is about creating value, not solving problems. 11:14 - Deep insights from Oleg's listening experiences 15:48 - Why it is all about energy management and not time management 19:31 - Differentiating inspiration from motivation and getting people to listen to you 23:06 - Understanding 'cognitive distance' listening and tying it to a parent-child relationship 29:59 - What it means to be 'becoming the storm' and not just facing the storm: You are stronger than the challenges that you are facing. 34:37 - What differentiates being wise from being smart: Smartness is definitely not a superpower; wisdom is. 35:38 - Valuable nuggets from his book: The Fisherman's Path to Leadership 37:48 - Important questions to ask yourself and the cost of not listening well to yourself 43:10 - Celebrating significant moments of understanding and empowerment in life, regardless of specific dates or occasions. 45:23 - How we see each other's role means how we listen to each other 48:00 - Relevant question to ask of oneself: How to understand that you are really listening 50:20 - Deep thoughts on the idea of growth Key Takeaways: "If you are setting up a startup…the best way to find your best niche is to sit and listen to a market." - Oleg Konovalov "You're learning to listen when you understand you know nothing." - Oleg Konovalov "People that don't know where to go, they're not asking for feedback, they're already lost. But people who are clear where they want to be, they're asking for feedback and listening to it because it's very valuable for them." - Oleg Konovalov "It's not a matter of how many things I could do, it's about how good I could do one or two things and putting all my effort, all my energy into it." - Oleg Konovalov "If you are a source of energy, you're creating something tremendous, like a great vision, for business or personal life. And that vision inspires you in return and you inspire others." - Oleg Konovalov "If a leader is a pretender, people feel that and they don't listen to him or their message." - Oleg Konovalov "Don't listen to the threats; listen to your strengths." - Oleg Konovalov "You are looking into what you can do, but the majority of people, unfortunately, are thinking about storms as an excuse not to do something." - Oleg Konovalov "If I would love to be better as a personality, I must listen."- Oleg Konovalov "Noise attracts attention, quiet voices open hearts. But you must be prepared for that quiet voice to listen to it." - Oleg Konovalov Notes/Mentions: The Fisherman's Path to Leadership by Oleg Konovalov: https://www.olegkonovalov.com/author/ Connect with Oleg Konovalov: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-oleg-konovalov/ Website: http://olegkonovalov.com/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
6/13/24 • 49:15
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
5/29/24 • 70:58
It's easy to feel drowned out, overlooked, or even silenced amidst the clamor of opinions and power plays. But what if, amid this chaos, we dared to pause and embrace a far reaching act—the profound power of listening? Imagine a world where instead of engaging in heated debates, we develop genuine, attentive listening. Not merely hearing words, but understanding the deeper nuances of human interaction and connection, even when on the surface, it seems to be only about the money. My guest on your SUPERPOWER listening podcast, Peter Yaholkovsky, has an extensive background in the linguistic foundations of trust and communication, having studied and worked with Dr. Fernando Flores since the 1980's and being certified by the Strozzi Institute as a Master Somatic Coach. Over the past three decades, Peter has coached families and executive teams in building and restoring trust. Prior to his consulting career, Peter practiced Internal Medicine as a Board Certified Internist after graduating from Stanford University and UC Davis Medical School. His recently published book, Listening for Candor, illuminates a path for trust conversations by building a shared sense of what matters. Looking back, he sees the through-line is communication -- wrapping around trust as trust wraps around 'what really matters' -- which comes down to commitment and responsibility. He shares examples about how to deal with what matters to you, me, and us together. The question is: how do we build a 'we' with substance? In this episode, Peter shares how to pause and truly listen, recognizing what truly matters so that "we" can move forward and work together towards shared goals. . "Possibilities start taking shape, all built from what matters and what's important to pay attention to." - Peter Yaholkovsky SUPERPOWER Notes: 02:25 - That moment he noticed the power of listening: In the early eighties when I became engaged with what communication is and the various commitments we make in speaking. 11:38 - What he would tell his younger self now as a medical practitioner back then. 17:18 - How listening interplays with power: Always listen for what matters. 26:16 - Consciously designing conversations: It is helpful to understand the difference between a statement of facts and an interpretation. 28:32 - How to argue with opinions: Find a way to move together into the future. 33:57 - Getting your voice heard amidst power plays: Get everybody lined up with what matters. 37:57 - Big difference between operational versus personal relationship 44:09 - Peter's inspiration to write his book, Listening for Candor 52:21 - Where you can get a copy of 'Listening for Candor' Key Takeaways: "Listening is not like an algorithm. It is a discovery of information that then makes a decision going this way or that." - Peter Yaholkovsky "Listening is connecting with the world,…the aspirations, the possibilities, the constraints of the other, and moving together to orient them for going forward." - Peter Yaholkovsky "When listening, I'm looking at the interplay of relationships, concerns, engagement, commitment, and what's the underlying overlying big deal, hardly ever spoken -- trust." - Peter Yaholkovsky "If you're listening for what matters and what matters is I protect myself, or what matters is I'm right. That's not headed for building trust." - Peter Yaholkovsky "Listening is not just receiving information. Listening is an engagement with the intention of another." - Peter Yaholkovsky Notes/Mentions: Listening for Candor: Building Trust in Relationships that Matter by Peter Yaholkovsky: https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Candor-Building-Relationships-Matter-ebook/ Connect with Peter Yaholkovsky: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-yaholkovsky/ Website: https://www.peter-yaholkovsky.com/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
4/26/24 • 52:26
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
4/16/24 • 42:58
It's easy to overlook the power of listening to and reflecting on the pulse of the team, encouraging genuine connection and understanding. Before moving ahead towards our goals, why not take a moment to take a pulse of the collective team energy, ensuring alignment and fostering a more empathetic environment? As the Director of Engineering at Hotjar, Clint Calleja leads the engineering teams for the core features tribes, overseeing the development and delivery of web applications that help over 900,000 websites in 180+ countries understand and improve their user experience. With more than 16 years of experience, he has a proven track record of aligning, inspiring, and enabling others to succeed through communication, coaching, mentoring, and empowerment. He uses a people-first, servant leadership approach and a data-driven, outcome-oriented mindset to guide teams and the organization towards achieving their goals and vision. His mission is to leverage his expertise in web applications, software development, and engineering leadership to create value for Hotjar's customers, employees, and shareholders. In this episode, Clint shares how embracing vulnerability isn't a weakness; it's a strength that deepens bonds and accelerates progress. Working for a remote and fully distributed company, he explains the challenges of written communication and how he listens and aligns understanding. He also shares practical tools he uses to listen to the pulse of his teams that might surprise you. Enjoy this very insightful and practical episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast. "By slowing down, digesting communication, and leading with authenticity, we not only achieve lasting results but also cultivate a more humane and fulfilling experience for all involved."- Clint Calleja SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:38 - The moment he first noticed the power of listening: When someone was seeing me as a human being, being part of a team of people rather than just an employee. 02:47 - Important perspective on this idea of 'bringing your whole self to work' 05:02 - His approach to leading a team: I listen and I try to navigate between how many solutions I try to provide versus how much coaching and questioning and just nudging. 08:18 - Start the day with a simple pulse: We need to start with setting our self expectations. 14:07 - It's okay to be vulnerable: The best way I can do that is to be transparent. 14:59 - What his younger self needs to know early on as he looks back in hindsight 15:53 - A coaching approach he uses to manage multiple teams: I'm going to make myself available, I'll be able to listen, and I'll be able to work with the individual. 20:45 - Tools he uses that supports listening even with people working remotely: What I found really helpful is journaling. 27:46 - How he organizes the observations he gathers from listening: It has to be quick; it's a simple checklist for tasks and a checklist for observations. 33:11 - Perspective on how to approach feedback: It is a mindset change. 35:51 - Examples of how he executes his feedback process 39:01 - Advice to young generation leaders: I like to personally focus more on growth rather than promotions. 45:54 - The challenge to listening to written communication: You don't have much visibility on the emotion 47:48 - Explaining the concept of JOMO [Joy of Missing Out] 49:30 - The wisdom you find in asking question when in doubt 52:28 - Clint's significant message: "...that investment overtime accrues to much quicker decision-making, much more empowered people growing into leads..." Key Takeaways: "Before we decide what we are trying to achieve today, before we understand how much time we have on the way, let's start with a simple pulse: green, yellow, or red." - Clint Calleja "I keep reminding myself from time to time that it's okay to be vulnerable, especially with people you're working for." - Clint Calleja "I feel I need to know much less than I expected myself to in order to help people grow." - Clint Calleja "I apply the feedback on strengths that I observe, so it becomes more of an opportunity rather than a thing you're doing wrong." - Clint Calleja "There's power through connecting with people." - Clint Calleja Notes/Mentions: Obsidian: https://obsidian.md Connect with Clint Calleja: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callejaclint/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
3/28/24 • 49:21
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
3/19/24 • 47:10
Conflicts can cause major stress on your relationships and your wellbeing. And often it's hard to put your finger on what just happened or why the same thing keeps happening. What if in that moment of chaos, when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, listening could be your answer to breaking unhealthy communication patterns. In this episode of your listening SUPERPOWER podcast, we do a deep dive into how listening to our subconscious patterns and limiting beliefs can impact how we communicate at work and at home. My guest Thais Gibson, the creator of the Gibson Integrated Attachment Theory™, gives us insight on how our subconscious patterns impact how we make meaning about ourselves and how this impacts how we communicate. Her innovative framework unites traditional attachment theory, developmental psychology insights, and the potent subconscious reprogramming techniques. She shares stories about how subconscious patterns can be managed for healthier relationships, and she gives us practical tips on expressing our needs, setting boundaries and on fostering connection. Thais has nearly a decade of experience running a successful private practice. She also has a diverse experience in modalities such as CBT, NLP, somatic experiencing internal family systems and shadow work. And this has influenced the Personal Development School, which is her educational platform that integrates an innovative coaching training program, which is based on the integrated attachment theory framework. Enjoy this episode of your listening SUPERPOWER podcast where Thais shares frameworks that can help you notice how listening is impacted by your subconscious patterns and what can do about it, also in the business world. Let's listen in. A Gift from You from Thais and Raquel: Sign up for 40% off of the regular Personal Development School All Access Pass. Enroll through this link listening SUPERPOWER notes: 03:18 - The power of listening in childhood and its impact on adulthood 04:38 - Coping with chaos through Listening 07:39 - Impact of childhood experiences. importance of being present and listening in relationships 09:13 - Healing through listening. The impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships 12:41 - Resolving conflict through understanding, strategies for validating feelings and resolving conflicts 15:11 - Uncovering underlying wounds. The stages of relationships and navigating through them, both at home and at work. 16:13 - Childhood roots of adult patterns 20:08 - Impact of past experiences on present reactions 21:40 - Overcoming fear of giving feedback 24:56 - Shifting subconscious behaviors 25:28 - Reflections on business growth. Applying techniques to help team members with core wounds in the workplace 29:15 - Building trust and relationships 40:29 - Empowering others through positive reinforcement, Thais recommended resources for personal development and daily content on YouTube Key Takeaways: "...the power of listening is something that not only calms people but helps…become a mirror into people as well." - Thais Gibson "(In conflict)...often we talk about superficial things. But if we get more present and we investigate a little bit further, it's really these underlying wounds that we're feeling." - Thais Gibson "Hard things are there to actually level us up to the next stage of who we're about to become." - Thais Gibson Connect with Thais Gibson Website: https://university.personaldevelopmentschool.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thaisgibson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonaldevelopmentschool/ Book: Learning Love: Build the Best Relationships of Your Life Using Integrated Attachment Theory https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Relationship-Integrated-Attachment/dp/B0CFGFV5CH?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=learning-love&utm_id=learning-love Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thais-gibson-4543ba190/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com IG Listening_Alchemy
2/27/24 • 42:09
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
2/5/24 • 59:13
It's easy to lose touch with our true selves in a world that constantly bombards us with external noise and expectations. We often find ourselves seeking validation and approval from others, forgetting that the most important voice to listen to is our own. Revealing our identities and embracing our unique qualities can be a transformative experience. It's about recognizing that we don't need to add anything or strive to be something we're not. We already are 100% enough, just as we are. So why do we hesitate? Why do we hold back from presenting our authentic selves to the world? Perhaps it's the fear of judgment or the belief that we're still lacking in some way. But the truth is, we don't need anything else. We have everything we need within us to shine brightly. Dr. Katja Brunkhorst is a Human Disco Ball, with the following facets of serious serial expertise: Writer | Coach | Yoga Teacher | Punk Rock Philosopher | Personal Branding Strategist | Founder of Bright Idea, the agency for authentic communication & creative consulting. Her zone of genius is short-form poetic profitable prose for women entrepreneurs who want to move the world with moving words. In this episode, Katja helps us explore the power of self-listening and the journey towards self-acceptance. Embark on a path of self-discovery, where you'll learn to trust yourself, honor your truth, and live authentically. "Trust yourself; listen to yourself from the beginning, because, otherwise, you'll just spend your whole professional career trying to get rid of unnecessary layers." - Katja Brunkhorst SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:44 - That moment she discovers the power of listening: In my family, I very much remember not being listened to; the realization that people need to listen to each other for the world to thrive. 02:13 - How her experience of not being listened to made her hide her true self 05:39 - The empowering spirit that comes when you feel listened to even when you are silent 06:16 - How two people can connect deeply, not necessarily verbally: Making music with other people, through the sounds, I think you can communicate and hear each other on a deeper level. 08:18 - Attributing to the sound side of yoga in finding her new identity: To sing a mantra together, combining it with a certain intention, and sometimes as simple as just a certain hand movement. 11:37 - Experiencing the fear of not being listened to 14:02 - Discussing the case of a "not listening mom": The trick is to try and let go of that good girl, people-pleasing, perfectionist side. 16:41 - How to start listening: Listen to yourself. 21:12 - Writing techniques to get you into the natural flow of doing it 23:35 - Another writing technique she recommends: Recollection in Tranquility 30:35 - A mantra you can use cutting through the fear of not being promoted or not being seen and appreciated for your good deeds 34:07 - One significant melodious message Katja shares: Follow the joy. Key Takeaways: "The voice is the most personal part of us; there resides your personality." - Katja Brunkhorst "To be really able to listen, you have to have someone who is very safe and secure in themselves." - Katja Brunkhorst "Listen to yourself. In order to write well, and write copy or books or any sort of text that connects, you need to first connect with you again." - Katja Brunkhorst "My claim has always been revealing identities. I don't want you to add anything that you think you're still missing or think you're still not good enough." - Katja Brunkhorst "This is a message from a Yoga philosophy, "You are exactly as you are; already 100% enough." - Katja Brunkhorst "You can just be you and literally present that to the world. You don't need anything else. This is going to make your life much, much easier and your success to come along much, much, much faster. Other than spending the rest of your life unlearning and stripping off and revealing." - Katja Brunkhorst Notes/Mentions: Confessions of an English Opium-Eater: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confessions_of_an_English_Opium-Eater Connect with Katja Brunkhorst: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bright_idea_kat/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bright-idea-katja-brunkhorst/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wortdompteurin/?ref=hl Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
1/5/24 • 36:51
Are you ready to take your organization to the next level? When you decide to shift your time and resources towards systems, tools and processes for organizational listening to effectively listen to stakeholders, you will have impressive benefits that may surprise you. Be the pioneer. Jim Macnamara, a pioneer in listening research and Distinguished Professor of Public Communication in the School of Communication at the University of Technology Sydney, returned to your listening SUPERPOWER Podcast to share incredible insights from his latest book, "Organizational Listening II: Expanding the Concept, Theory, and Practice," published by Peter Lang. Jim Macnamara is internationally recognized as a leader in evaluation of public communication and for his pioneering studies into organizational listening. He is the author of 16 books and almost 100 book chapters and journal articles and a sought-after keynote speaker. In this episode, Jim discusses the surprising lack of listening from governments and organizations, particularly towards employees and marginalized communities. He highlights the importance of listening at scale, as well as to the silent voices. Jim also explores the importance of organizational listening in driving better engagement, trust, and innovation. He shares examples of companies that have successfully implemented listening practices, such as employee-designed products and customer councils. Contrary to the misconception that listening requires more time and resources, Jim explains that organizations can achieve better results by reducing excessive information output and talking and instead focusing on effective listening. He emphasizes the benefits of listening, including improved employee retention, productivity, and reputation. Throughout the episode, Jim emphasizes the communicative act of listening and the consequences of not listening. He encourages leaders to prioritize listening and engage in true consultation with employees and stakeholders. To learn more about organizational listening, you can check out Jim Macnamara's new book, "Organizational Listening: Expanding the Concept, Theory, and Practice," published by Peter Lang. "Listening is not just a passive waiting time, it is a communicative act. And not listening is a communicative act as well." - Jim Macnamara SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:03:04 - Jim Macnamara discusses his research and the surprising lack of listening during the COVID-19 pandemic and the disappointment in the lack of change in organizations and governments. 00:06:33 - The importance of listening in organizations and the need for leaders to understand the needs and perspectives of their employees and customers. 00:08:42 - Introduction to Jim Macnamara 's new book, "Organizational Listening 2: Expanding the Concept, Theory, and Practice," which includes new research and contributions from other academics in the field. 00:13:57 - The challenge of listening to a large number of stakeholders and the need for outreach and engagement with diverse groups. 00:18:14 - Examples of organizations that have successfully implemented listening practices, such as innovation competitions and customer councils. 00:20:38 - The misconception that listening is a burden or cost for organizations, and the need to shift the focus to the benefits and opportunities it brings. 00:29:09 - Addressing the time and resource concerns of implementing listening practices by reducing ineffective communication and substituting it with listening efforts. 00:32:22 - The sliding scale of listening and communication, with the understanding that there are times when transmitting information is necessary, but overall, communication should involve listening and exchange. 00:35:25 - The communicative act of not listening and the importance of listening in building relationships and trust. 00:35:48 - The concept of organizational listening and the need for systems, tools, and processes to effectively listen to stakeholders. 00:38:44 - Connect with Jim Macnamara and where to find his book, "Organizational Listening 2: Expanding the Concept, Theory, and Practice." Resources mentioned: Book: "Organizational Listening 2: Expanding the Concept, Theory and Practice" by Jim Macnamara International Academic Publisher: Peter Lang Publishers Jim's first Listening Superpower Interview: Impacting the #BottomLine through #Scaling #OrganizationalListening with Jim Macnamara Key Takeaways: "Stop doing some of the things you're doing that are ineffective and replace them with efforts at listening. Listening is communication." - Jim Macnamara "Organizational listening is not a burden or a cost, it is a major opportunity for better engagement, trust-building, and financial success." - Jim Macnamara "Communication is about imparting and sharing information, it's about community and exchange. Listening is the key to true communication." - Jim Macnamara "To truly listen, organizations must go beyond selective listening and engage in outreach, actively seeking diverse perspectives and voices." - Jim Macnamara Connect with Jim Macnamara Linkedin Twitter Email: jim.macnamara@uts.edu.au Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
12/20/23 • 40:12
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to adapt and thrive. One key aspect that cannot be overlooked is the power and influence of peer-to-peer networks. These networks, consisting of smaller tribes within an organization, have the potential to shape the course of change and drive transformative outcomes. Trust and communication are foundational elements. According to our guest, Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard, you need to find the 3% of employees that influence 90% of potential success. And you will be surprised at who has the most influence in your organization. But how can we tap into this hidden force and engage the influencers within these tribes to become true changemakers? Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard helps bold leaders succeed with change through change analytics and organizational network analysis. At Innovisor, their aim is to move their portfolio of services towards prescriptive analytics with the ultimate objective to eliminate change failure. In this episode, Jeppe discusses breaking through hierarchical barriers of communication and listening by understanding peer-to-peer networks. Activating and engaging the 3% provides a successful path for implementing change. ""If we really want to succeed with a change, I have this saying: 'Done by the people, or done with the people beats done to the people.'"." - Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard SUPERPOWER Notes: 00:24 - What Jeppe discovered as he noticed the power of listening: Introverts had more influence than others which is counterintuitive. 02:15 - Understanding the influence of introverts: Insights from a recent study 04:45 - Who is having influence: People that are good listeners, it's the introverts that have the influence. 05:57 - What changed in him after discovering this truth about listening: I don't think you can succeed with change in any way unless you engage the informal networks in an organization. 07:14 - Finding the right 3% to influence 90% of employees and engaging them: That's where understanding the peer to peer network is key. 13:49 - Making sense of the concept of co-creation in the change-making process 15:04 - Explaining peer-to-peer listening as a feedback channel and 'iceberg of ignorance' model 17:19 - One key trick to do when not using people's feedback: When people have given you feedback, and if you're not going to use it, tell them why you're not using it. 18:03 - How leaders can listen better when they work remote: Walk, Call, and Email. 19:41 - Why he's not in favor of active listening 21:22 - Jeppe shares his listening style and how to know you are asking stretching questions or putting people in boxes 24:07 - The value of pauses when talking: Use those breaks to your advantage; it will make you look competent and trustworthy. 25:25 - How to listen and ask questions without being self-serving: Making sure you use open-ended questions that invite people to reflect. 27:14 - Most surprising influential person when working with a client on organizational change. 30:05 - How they activated this influential person to co-create organizational change. 35:07 - Jeppe describes his book, 'Another Change Fiasco!' 36:07 - Discussion about this quote 'done by the people, or done with the people beats done to the people' 38:25 - The support technology provides in data collection to enable change to happen 40:16 - Designing your change program according to what blocks their success 42:04 - Why you should always ask and not presume you know everything Key Takeaways: "Listen three times. You need to listen, listen and listen. Because that's the way you build trust." - Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard "Being in motion is a good idea. So walking is good because when you walk, you can actually suddenly stay silent or you can watch a bird, and that's okay. Whereas if you sit in a meeting with a table in between, one is a leader, the other one an employee, then you have already created a barrier. You want to get rid of the barriers."- Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard "The top level of an organization only knows 4% of the problems their people face. The middlemen, they know about 9%. But the people at the frontline, the ones out there in the organization, they know 100%." - Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard "The best clients have realized…connecting to those people at the frontline and listening to them… (helps) build or design something that actually makes sense and works." - Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard "One of the things that I do as a leader is that I always speak last. So if we have meetings, I stay quiet." - Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard Notes/Mentions: Another Change Fiasco! Now What by Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard: https://www.innovisor.com/resources/ Abraham Lincoln:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/trust-barometer Connect with Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard: Website: https://www.innovisor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeppehansgaard/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
12/6/23 • 43:06
Undoubtedly, AI has made significant contributions to various aspects of human life by automating countless tasks and eliminating the need for extensive manual labor. However, a notable challenge arises as AI replaces the human workforce in many companies, resulting in a decline in human interaction skills. This raises the question of whether life is becoming too monotonous. In this AI-dominated world, where can listening find its place when challenges are minimized? Niels Van Quaquebeke is an organizational psychologist based in Hamburg, Germany. He is recognized as one of the Top100 German-speaking business scholars under 40 (Handelsblatt). He is the recipient of multiple awards for his teaching and is frequently featured in public media. In this episode, Niels explores how we can coexist with AI. Despite its incredible potential to transform various aspects of life, it is crucial to recognize the power of human communication and the ability to overcome challenges through human-to-human interaction and listening. "The [ AI response] makes for a very enjoyable interaction where you don't feel stupid, you don't feel misunderstood. You feel somebody else is taking the time and somebody else actually communicates in a way with you that you understand. And you also feel seen." - Niels Van Quaquebeke SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:02 - What Niels focus is now: I'm very interested now on how our relationships are formed, not only with each other through technology, but also with us AND technology. 02:02 - The Eliza Program and its Implications in human-AI interaction 03:32 - Paying attention to the Now, New, and Next of our relationship with technology 11:40 - How has AI helped people in communication and listening: "AI just has that patience to do it. And listening does require patience and AI has potentially all that processing power to listen to every nuance." 14:31 - The opportunities AI has afforded humans 20:02 - How AI has removed the social layer that hinders many of us to achieve certain things 28:51 - How to not live a boring life despite AI's advancement: Celebrate the human life that we have with each other and start building communities. Be more deliberate with how we interact with each other. Key Takeaways: "Listening is not just hearing, but also trying to understand." - Niels Van Quaquebeke "When trying to understand, we're also not islands. We are connected to other sense-making systems that help us." - Niels Van Quaquebeke "AI just has that patience to do it. And listening does require patience and AI has potentially all that processing power to listen to every nuance."- Niels Van Quaquebeke "AI has the response resources at its disposal. It's not necessarily biased in one way, but it really has a whole bouquet of responses, how it can interact with you." - Niels Van Quaquebeke "The [ AI response] makes for a very enjoyable interaction where you don't feel stupid, you don't feel misunderstood. You feel somebody else is taking the time and somebody else actually communicates in a way with you that you understand. And you also feel seen." - Niels Van Quaquebeke "There's a lot of human potential in interacting with AI in the future that is yet to come."- Niels Van Quaquebeke "I find it so interesting that we spend hours and hours pondering how to best prompt an AI; if we would spend the same hours and hours to think about how we could best have a conversation with another person just imagine the potential we could unleash between two people." - Niels Van Quaquebeke "We spend hours pondering how to best prompt an AI; if we would spend the same hours to think about how we could best have a conversation with another person just imagine the potential we could unleash between two people." - Niels Van Quaquebeke Notes/Mentions: Eliza Program: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ELIZA Khan Academy: https://blog.khanacademy.org/learner-khanmigo/ Niel's Interview: Leaders and Asking Questions: The Surprising Discovery of What Is Needed to Find Solutions and Build Relationships with Niels Van Quaquebeke Connect with Niels Van Quaquebeke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quaquebeke X: https://twitter.com/NielsQuaquebeke Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
11/23/23 • 32:41
Politics is often described as a tough world to be in, filled with heated debates and difficult conversations. Navigating through these challenging situations can be a daunting task. However, there is a key element that plays a vital role in this process - that is listening. Our guest on the listening SUPERPOWER podcast, Matt Krayton is the Founder of Publitics, a public affairs, political, PR and strategy consultancy. He provides counsel to campaigns, candidates, elected officials, executives, founders, organizations and brands. Most recently, Matt worked with Biden for President on special projects including having helped create the viral "We Just Did" hat and collateral for endorsements including NBA star Ben Simmons. His work on the campaign was recognized with a Campaigns and Elections Magazine Stanley F. Reed Award. He is currently an adjunct professor in Centenary University's Business Department, teaching in their first-of-its-kind social media program. Prior to founding Publitics, Matt worked at Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind Poll and later taught a freshman seminar for political science students and in the Law in the Liberal Arts program as an adjunct instructor. In this episode, Matt sheds light on the importance of listening and digging down deep to break barriers to truly understand what lies beneath the surface. In so doing, one becomes a credible messenger of the message that can help foster effective dialogue and make a meaningful impact. He also shares lessons learned from running his own business, highlighting how active listening enables valuable feedback that contributes to the team's growth and business development. "The strength of any message is built on the ability to understand your audience. " - Matt Krayton Listening SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:22 - Recalling that moment when he realized the power of listening 05:46 - How Matt's choice to listen helped in a heated discussion: It allowed this person to process what they were feeling and see the bigger picture and view me as a credible partner in helping with a communication issue. 09:47 - A client-focused approach that Matt has adopted: The first thing that we do as opposed to offering our take on it is we ask, "What do you think is the problem?" And we listen. 11:52 - Expounding on 'deep canvassing' in listening and its impact on hot topics and potential voters. Also, how this tool could support stakeholder communication. 17:43 - Listening from his point of view: It's both taking things to a new level, and also building a strong enough foundation to stand on while you're having difficult conversations. 18:44 - Scenarios where listening helps make a strong foundation for more opportunities to happen 24:27 - What makes him drawn to challenging work: The most challenging situations are oftentimes the most interesting situations to me. 27:55 - Lessons learned from running his own company that relates to the value of listening 35:40 - What does communication and the work process look like within Matt's team and how does this impact the business culture? 40:33 - Listening as digging down deep: It is understanding that the first thing you hear from someone isn't always the thing that's at the core of what you're trying to get to. Key Takeaways: "If you think that someone fundamentally cannot understand you, then you're going to have a hard time taking advice from that person because it feels so out of the realm of your experience. That credibility is so important when you're trying to deliver a message." - Matt Krayton "[Listening] It's really just like building that foundation and making sure that's very strong so that you can jump off of it."- Matt Krayton "I've tried to be very transparent about the challenges that I've faced growing as a manager, growing a business. I think that has helped opened the door to feedback solicited and unsolicited from the team."- Matt Krayton "It's not about being right. It's about getting to the right answer."- Matt Krayton "You have to have that humility to know that you're not always going to have the right answer, but you have to be committed to getting to the right answer."- Matt Krayton "Just beneath the surface of whatever presentation, emotionally or from a communications perspective, there's a lot of nuance in how people feel about particular issues. Digging into that is extraordinarily important in being able to break down the barriers that stand between you and whatever endpoint you're looking to get to."- Matt Krayton "If you can be a credible messenger and develop that credibility through listening and empathy, then I think you're going to be in a much better position."- Matt Krayton Connect with Matt Krayton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkrayton Website: https://www.publitics.com/ Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
10/21/23 • 46:43
