Shows
Soft Skills SalonBuilding trust and rapport in a hybrid work environment with Renée WalkomIn this episode of the Soft Skills Salon podcast, host Diana Kawarsky and guest Renée Walkom, COO at Foxquilt, discuss the evolution of soft skills in the post-COVID workplace. They explore the challenges of building rapport in hybrid environments, the role of technology in communication, and the importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership. The conversation also covers cultural variations in self-expression at work and the significance of aligning personal values with one's role for fulfillment. Additionally, they delve into the practice of feedback, advocating for frequent, reciprocal, and constructive exchanges to promote personal and professional growth.2024-06-0539 min
Impact Learning Visionaries PodcastImpact Learning Visionaries Podcast Se3 Ep8 Diana KawarskyDiana Kawarsky is a senior training and development professional with over two decades of experience consulting with Fortune 500 companies, Universities & Colleges across the world. In this episode she takes us on an excursion into the semantics and debate around the term' soft skills' whilst highlighting the relevance and complexity of these skills in the modern workplace. We also explore some of the wicked challenges faced by L&D professionals in addressing individuals' diverse soft skills needs and just how much of a role artificial intelligence will have in this domain now and in the future. 2024-03-2856 min
Soft Skills SalonMastering self-confidence techniques for overcoming doubt with Michael TeapeIn this podcast episode of the Soft Skills Salon, host Diana Kawarsky talks with Michael Teape, the co-founder and lead trainer of Teape Training International. Diana and Michael dive deep into the world of self-confidence, discussing the essential strategies for overcoming doubt and enhancing personal and professional growth. Through a comprehensive exploration of soft skills, effective communication, and leadership dynamics, they offer listeners actionable insights and techniques to build their confidence. Highlighting the importance of curiosity, humility, and purpose, the episode serves as a guide to navigating challenges and unlocking the potential within. Perfect for those looking to improve t...2024-03-2037 min
Soft Skills SalonThe secret sauce for surviving office drama with Keren CastelliIn this podcast episode of the Soft Skills Salon, host Diana Kawarsky has a conversation with change management expert Keren Castelli about the critical role of soft skills in the workplace, especially during the pandemic-induced shift to remote work. They discuss the misperceptions of soft skills as less valuable than hard skills and advocate for terms like "emotional quotient" to represent their importance better. Keren shares her strategies for promoting empathy and understanding during change, such as welcoming resistance and using affirmations to resolve conflicts. The episode emphasizes the significance of empathy, listening, and open communication in change management...2024-01-2535 min
Soft Skills SalonStrategies for fostering teamwork and boosting confidence with Shoko MasudaIn this episode of the Soft Skills Salon podcast, Diana Kawarsky speaks with Shoko Matsuda, an executive coach and leadership trainer, as they delve into the essence of self-assurance, influenced by Eleanor Roosevelt's insights, and explores Shoko's experiences with English as a second language. Diana and Shoko also examine the dynamics of teamwork across cultures, emphasizing the importance of clear objectives in forming cohesive teams. As they navigate the challenges of a post-pandemic workplace, the discussion highlights key aspects of psychological safety, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of leadership in today's complex world, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking...2024-01-1136 min
The Change LeadSoft Skills for Leadership and Change with Diana Kawarsky | The Change Lead PodcastTechnical skills may get you the job, but soft skills can make or break you as a leader.
We can even go as far as saying soft skill are really the hard skills. This is particularly true when leading and navigating change.
So, here’s a question. How can we apply soft skills to become successful at leadership and change?
To discuss this with me is Diana Kawarsky. Diana is President of The Soft Skills Group. She is a senior training & development professional with over 20 years of experience in delivery, design & consulting with Fortune 500 companies, Universities & Colleges in Canada, US...2023-11-2641 min
Soft Skills SalonThe most effective ways to support and empower your team with Dr. Chaz AustinIn this episode of the Soft Skills Salon podcast, host Diana Kawarsky converses with Dr. Charles Michael Austin, also known as Dr. Chaz. They discuss leadership, the importance of understanding different cultures, and providing constructive feedback in the workplace. Dr. Chaz emphasizes the need for leaders to create a safe space for their teams, genuinely listen to their ideas, and implement them when possible. He also shares his philosophy on leadership and management, stressing the importance of focusing on results and problem-solving efficiency. The conversation also covers the concept of situational leadership and the value of consistent and constructive...2023-11-2338 min
Soft Skills SalonThe most effective strategies for building confidence in your career with Billy AndersonIn this Soft Skills Salon podcast episode, host Diana Kawarsky talks with speaker, leadership coach, and author Billy Anderson founder of The Courage Crusade. Diana and Billy discuss the significance of self-confidence and self-belief in personal growth and the role of emotions in this process. Billy shares his insights on the importance of pushing beyond one's comfort zone. He also delves into the value of personal values in resolving conflicts and addresses the unique challenges of remote work. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on Billy's personal symbol of emotional openness and authenticity.Today's Selected Questions2023-11-0940 min
Soft Skills SalonExploring the power of soft skills and toys with Ilana Ben-AriIn this podcast episode, Diana Kawarsky speaks with Ilana Ben-Ari, a toy designer turned social entrepreneur. They discuss the controversial nature of soft skills and the undervaluation of these skills compared to hard skills. Ilana shares her experiences with her learning and development toy company, Twenty One Toys, and the challenges of convincing adults that toys can be valuable tools for learning. They also explore the importance of confidence in entrepreneurship and the role of tension and friction in creativity and design. The conversation touches on vulnerability, self-awareness, and the significance of intuition and emotional awareness in personal growth...2023-10-1744 min
Soft Skills SalonWhy Annual Performance Reviews and Engagement Surveys Fall Short in Building Confidence with Dan PontefractIn this podcast episode, host Diana Kawarsky has an insightful conversation with renowned leadership strategist and author Dan Pontefract. They explore the meaning of confidence and its relationship with feedback and recognition. They highlight the limitations of annual performance reviews and employee engagement surveys, proposing a more effective approach to having frequent and meaningful conversations about performance and engagement. Dan emphasizes the value of empathy in building confidence and suggests using data and surveys to evaluate empathy levels within organizations. They also delve into the significance of trust and empathy in the workplace, especially in the context of the...2023-09-1939 min
Soft Skills SalonThe secret sauce to winning friends and influencing people in the workplace with Alan MiddletonIn this episode, host Diana Kawarsky speaks with Alan Middleton, an independent author, speaker, and consultant with Sage Management Advice. The conversation centres around soft skills in the workplace. Alan shares his insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the need for soft skills and the importance of listening to frontline employees. The conversation also covers the significance of complexity theory in planning and decision-making, building trust with customers and employees in the banking industry, successful leadership, developing mobility systems, and recognizing and understanding cultural differences in the workplace. The episode highlights the importance of soft skills and...2023-09-1245 min
Soft Skills SalonUnleashing the power of conversations: transforming teams and organizations with Douglas SquirrelIn this episode, host Diana Kawarsky interviews Douglas Squirrel, an executive coach and consulting Chief Technology Officer. Diana and Squirrel discuss the importance of aligning technical teams with business goals and using a common language for effective communication and productivity. They also delve into change management, resiliency, confidence-building, empathy, and difficult conversations. Squirrel shares techniques for promoting understanding and open-mindedness, including coherence-busting and genuine questioning. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for improving soft skills in the workplace.Today's Selected QuestionsWhat does success leading others look like to you?How do you...2023-07-1141 min
Soft Skills SalonChallenging traditional notions of soft skills and leadership with Stephen ShedletzkyIn this Soft Skills Salon podcast episode, Diana Kawarsky speaks with leadership speaker and coach Stephen "Shed" Shedletzky about soft skills and leadership. Shed emphasizes the importance of teaching and helping others to succeed in leadership roles, promoting from within, and building solid relationships through empathy. The conversation also touches on the difference between leadership and management, the importance of safe and effective use of self in building trust with others, and the need for deliberate courage to step into discomfort. Shed and Diana conclude that recognizing patterns and being open to feedback can lead to growth and success...2023-06-1244 min
Soft Skills SalonThe power of emotional batteries and positive curiosity with Steve “Mr. Pineapple” MathieuIn this Soft Skills Salon podcast episode, Diana Kawarsky speaks with guest Steve "Mr. Pineapple" Mathieu about his philosophy on living a positive and authentic life. They discuss the importance of emotional batteries, positive curiosity, and self-awareness in communication. Mr. Pineapple emphasizes the significance of daily self-reflection and recharging to maintain positive energy and emotional balance. He also suggests that success is about leaving a positive legacy and making others feel their best. Finally, Mr. Pineapple's philosophy emphasizes the importance of being present and appreciating each day as it comes.Today's Selected QuestionsHow do you...2023-06-0540 min
Soft Skills SalonThe power of asking questions in leadership and team building with David ChapmanIn this episode of the Soft Skills Salon podcast, host Diana Kawarsky sits down with David Chapman, a seasoned trainer and executive coach, to explore the fascinating world of purpose-driven teams. Through their engaging conversation, Diana and David delve into the roles of entrepreneurs, leaders, and managers, highlighting the importance of purpose in inspiring and securing results. They discuss David's visionary framework, the vision triangle, which offers a fresh perspective on creating a sense of purpose and aligning teams towards a common goal. The episode emphasizes the power of asking meaningful questions, embracing vulnerability, and developing the confidence to...2023-05-2935 min
Soft Skills SalonThe evolution of authenticity: A key trait for today's leaders with Garima GuptaIn this episode, we are joined by Garima Gupta, the founder and CEO of Artha Learning - an award-winning, e-learning design firm providing custom and off-the shelf learning solutions. Diana and Garima begin by discussing how confidence really has two distinct forms namely an external perception that we present to the world, and a second, deeper form of confidence rooted in our values, self-worth, and sense of belonging. They conclude their conversation with the idea that an evolution of authenticity in leadership requires a willingness to be vulnerable and genuine with one's team, while also maintaining a level of...2023-04-1734 min
Soft Skills SalonThe importance of empathy, leadership and assertiveness in policing with Lorelle LuciukIn this episode, we are joined by Lorelle Luciuk, a platoon staff sergeant with over 27 years of experience in Ontario's policing community. Diana and Lorelle discuss how the policing community has undergone a shift in culture towards empathy as a form of communication. The traditional military-based approach has given way to a more empathetic approach that allows officers to build better relationships with the people they serve. This shift towards empathy is not only important in communication but also in mental health promotion, as it fosters genuine caring and better self-awareness. They continue their discussion by examining how clear...2023-03-2035 min
Soft Skills SalonUnlocking the power of empathy through storytelling with Marsha ShandurIn this episode, we are joined by Marsha Shandur, a storytelling, communication and sales coach and trainer who founded Yes Yes Marsha, a company that has helped thousands of executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals gain storytelling skills for ethical influence. Diana and Marsha begin by emphasizing the significance of empathy in effective storytelling. Through well-crafted narratives, people can connect with and gain insights into experiences they may not have personally encountered. They conclude their discussion by stressing the importance of empathy and curiosity in communicating with someone who may have inaccurate information rather than solely focusing on proving oneself to...2023-02-2436 min
Soft Skills SalonConfidence and accountability with Audley BellIn this episode, we are joined by Audley Bell, a retired Chief Audit Executive, most recently with World Vision, a humanitarian aid organization helping children, families, and their communities overcome poverty and injustice. Diana and Audley begin by discussing the importance of taking an inventory of oneself to determine strengths and areas needing improvement as a way of improving their soft skills. They continue their talk on conflict management and the need to avoid the "blame game" by setting the expectation up front that mistakes are going to be made, which fosters a non-judgmental and open environment. They conclude th...2023-02-1734 min
Soft Skills SalonFinding clarity through listening with Cian DonnellyIn this episode, we are joined by Cian Donnelly, who, among many things, is the founder of Diamond Dog Coaching, a company that provides training, development, and coaching for artists. Diana and Cian begin their discussion by exploring the importance of empathy in conversations where just listening can offer people a safe space to analyze and make difficult decisions. They continue their talk by examining how the conversation is the relationship. They conclude their discussion by exploring how the concept of self-talk is linked to self-awareness and emphasize the importance of understanding the weight of our words and how...2023-02-1044 min
Soft Skills SalonSelf-awareness, leadership and teamwork with Una WrightIn this episode, we are joined by Una Wright, the founder and executive director of YouthSpeak, an organization promoting mental health and well-being to increase the resiliency of youth facing challenges. Diana and Una begin their discussion by examining how self-awareness and accountability are the first steps toward empathy. They continue their conversation by suggesting that successfully leading others is looking for someone's strengths in unexpected areas and providing them with opportunities and places to demonstrate those strengths. They also discuss that teamwork can prosper when a culture of mentorship is organically allowed to happen. They conclude their discussion...2022-12-2137 min
The Audit PodcastMost Popular Episodes Part 3 - Ep 93: Guest host Ann Butera on how empathy can create better audits w/ Diana KawarskyThis episode is a re-release of Ep: 98. This week Diana Kawarsky, President of The Soft Skills Group Inc, joins the show with special guest host Ann Butera, author and founder of The Whole Person Project. On this episode, they discuss importance of soft skills, how scripting can be beneficial, and how to find and use your voice. Check out Ann’s books Say What!? Communicate with Tact and Impact and Mastering the Five Tiers of Audit Competency. Be sure to keep up with Ann and Diana on LinkedIn. And be sure to follow u...2022-12-2033 min
Soft Skills SalonBeing assertive and confident with Kelly ShannonIn this episode, we are joined by Kelly Shannon, an executive coach and development strategist for female leaders. Kelly is the founder of Women Lead Daily, a platform developed to inspire and engage women on their path to leadership. Diana and Kelly begin their discussion by examining the synergy between performance evaluation and professional development to successfully lead others. They continue their conversation by discussing the benefits of promoting yourself and your expertise confidentially without waiting to be asked for an update. They conclude the discussion by offering advice that we don’t need to have the perfect answer to...2022-12-1440 min
Soft Skills SalonFeedback and employee empowerment with Dr. Konstantin TskhayIn this episode, we are joined by Dr. Konstantin Tskhay, the Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness at Top Hat, an online teaching platform headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Diana and Konstantin begin their discussion by defining feedback, questioning when and where feedback is appropriate, and how to foster feedback in organizations. They continue their conversation by examining ways to manage interpersonal conflicts by focusing on the future rather than concentrating on the past. They conclude their discussion with the takeaway that a successful leader empowers their team, unlocking each individual’s leadership potential, often resulting in better outcomes for the or...2022-11-2347 min
Soft Skills SalonSoft skills and students with Albina MamonkinaIn this episode, we are joined by Albina Mamonkina, an inquisitive and hardworking student currently completing the JD/MBA program at Osgoode Hall Law School and Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, Canada. Diana and Albina begin their discussion by reflecting on the student experience during the Covid-pandemic lockdown and its impact on the social aspect of school life. They continue their discussion examining ways to pre-empt team conflicts on school projects that we can all use on our team projects. They conclude their discussion by offering students advice on building their professional presence as they...2022-11-0243 min
Soft Skills SalonSoft skills and the holistic approach with Dr. Jenny BrockisIn this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenny Brockis, an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, medical practitioner, and board-certified lifestyle-medicine physician located in Perth, Australia. Diana and Jenny begin their discussion by defining what soft skills are, what they actually mean, and how they are essential for our post-Covid era. They continue their discussion by exploring what empathy is and its importance in healthcare. They conclude their discussion by reflecting on their experiences teaching soft skills, not as a way to fix someone but rather to guide people on their personal and professional journeys.Today's Selected Questions2022-10-2651 min
Soft Skills SalonLeadership and the timing of feedback with Chris GrahamIn this episode, we are joined by Chris Graham, the founder and principal of TellPeople, a communication and presentation skills training firm in Toronto, Canada. Diana and Chris begin by examining different aspects of successful leadership. They continue their discussion by looking at the best ways to engage with someone who may have incorrect facts by asking questions about their feelings and motivations. They conclude their discussion on feedback by first asking if feedback is always desired, which guides the timing and specificity in providing that feedback.Today's Selected QuestionsWhat does success leading others look...2022-10-1934 min
Soft Skills SalonConfidence and leadership with Dr. Murat KristalIn this episode, we are joined by Dr. Murat Kristal, an Associate Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems at the Schulich School of Business at York University. Diana and Murat begin by exploring the ways confidence can be defined. They continue their discussion by examining the importance of one’s vantage point, whether entry-level employee or CEO, on its impact on empathy. They conclude their discussion by looking at how leaders may empower, offer freedom, and build trust with their teams using a “whole person” approach.Today's Selected QuestionsHow do you define confidence?How does s...2022-09-2231 min
Soft Skills SalonEmpathy and interpersonal conflicts with Dr. Haesun MoonIn this episode, we are joined by Dr. Haesun Moon, the Executive Director at the Canadian Centre for Brief Coaching, an organization that facilitates positive change through dialogue for individuals and organizations. Diana and Haesun begin by exploring the various ways that empathy has been used successfully and unsuccessfully in the workplace. They conclude their discussion by recommending different models that have been effectively used to solve interpersonal conflicts.Today's Selected QuestionsWhere have you seen or experienced empathy in your career?What is your favourite way to solve interpersonal conflicts or problems on your team?2022-09-0739 min
Soft Skills SalonThe importance of empathy with Nikki ColeIn this episode, we are joined by Nikki Cole, a writer, producer, and director with Moving Visions Productions. Diana and Nikki begin by discussing how the pandemic has required us to become more flexible in our work and personal lives. They continue their discussion by exploring how empathy plays an important role in all our collaborations and interactions. Lastly, they talk about how successful leaders can drive substantial results by the thoughtfulness of a small gesture.Today's Selected QuestionsHow do you compare 'pre-Covid' soft skills to 'moving beyond Covid' soft skills at work?Where have...2022-08-1743 min
Soft Skills SalonThe key to conversation with Sandra LeeIn this episode, we are joined by Sandra Lee, a managing partner for Training & Learning Solutions, a company that offers a range of learning and development solutions to support the wider business strategies of their professional clients. Diana and Sandra begin by exploring the key to conversations and how each conversation allows us to grow. They continue their discussion by emphasizing the importance of “who I am” stories that can help develop one’s self-awareness and the relationship between their intention and impact when communicating. Lastly, they talk about how successful leaders spend the time and energy to establish themse...2022-07-2837 min
Soft Skills SalonThinking about confidence with Robert ConlonIn this episode, we are joined by Robert Conlon, the Global Head of Leadership for Alpha Development, a company founded and run by banking professionals with the aim of creating effective training solutions for success in the financial markets. Diana and Rob begin by discussing why soft skills is still the best term to use to describe these types of skills. They then continue the discussion by doing a deep dive into examining how confidence can result when one stops self-monitoring themselves and manages their self-talk.Today's Selected QuestionsDo you use the term soft skills...2022-07-1341 min
Soft Skills SalonSoft skills are harder than hard skills with Lianne PicotIn this episode, we are joined by Lianne Picot, the CEO & Co-Founder of the Leadership Makerspace®, a free online learning community that helps current and aspiring women leaders build their confidence, competencies, and courage as leaders. Diana and Lianne begin by evaluating the term soft skills and whether another term is more appropriate or even necessary. They continue the discussion by examining how some individuals can flex their non-soft skills to their own detriment. Lastly, they talk about how leadership can be successful when based on trust and how that trust is an ongoing interpersonal set of behaviours and c...2022-06-2936 min
Soft Skills SalonSoft skills and the curious mindset with Dr. Bill CodaIn this episode, we are joined by Dr. Bill Coda, the founder of Corporate OD Associates, a company offering a full range of training, organizational development, and consulting services. Diana and Bill begin by discussing how the current hybrid and virtual work environments have shifted the reliance on specific soft skills. They continue the discussion by considering how one’s brand or image can be impacted by their speaking and writing skills, especially among junior employees. Lastly, they offer guidance on how one can demonstrate confidence and instill that confidence in others.Today's Selected QuestionsHow do...2022-06-1637 min
Soft Skills SalonSoft skills, sports and academia with Brad MahonIn this episode, we are joined by Dr. Brad Mahon, the Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at Mount Royal University. Diana and Brad begin by questioning the use of the word soft in soft skills and whether another word to describe these skills is even necessary. They also discuss how people leaders can use the relationship between empathy and authority to make their conversations as impactful and comprehensive as they can be. Lastly, they talk about the significance of every person’s role on a team and how each of these roles is an interconnected and interdependent pa...2022-06-0144 min
Soft Skills SalonHow the conversation journey can lead to a growth mindset with Sabrina ColosimoIn this episode, we are joined by Sabrina Colosimo, a multi-disciplinary creative entrepreneur and founder of Sunday Creative. Diana and Sabrina discuss the importance of the conversation journey and how the bouncing around of ideas can lead to a growth mindset. They also explore ways to engage with people who have a different idea of the facts to get to a mutual understanding. Lastly, they talk about how confidence can sometimes be difficult to define and only better understood as we become more self-aware.Today's Selected QuestionsWhat is your understanding of the phrase “Conversation is the...2022-05-1835 min
Soft Skills SalonConversation skill and currency value with Ann ButeraIn this episode, we are joined by Ann Butera, the president of The Whole Person Project, Inc., an organizational development consulting firm. Diana and Ann do a deep dive into the relationship between a person’s conversation skill level and the associated value of their communication currency. They also have a great discussion about what Ann refers to as “covidity,” where the current covid era challenges each of our soft skills. Lastly, they talk about confidence and the technique of “fake it till you feel it.”Today's Selected QuestionsWhat is your understanding of the phrase “Conversation...2022-05-0533 min
Soft Skills SalonExploring how leadership and happiness are intertwined with Alexander KjerulfIn this episode, we are joined by Alexander Kjerulf, the founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Woohoo Inc. and one of the world’s leading experts on happiness at work. Diana and Alex explore how leadership and happiness are intertwined and how asking “Is this person’s life better?” can serve as a beacon to each leader’s choices in communication with their team members. They also consider the importance of deliberate and thoughtful communication and the role of addressing disconnections to both pre-empt and manage interpersonal conflicts.Today's Selected QuestionsWhat does success leading others look like...2022-05-0423 min