Using the Superpower of Listening

07/28/23 • 40 min

On this episode of SuperStar Communicator titled host Susan Heaton-Wright and co-host Nick Simon engage in a live discussion with guest Raquel Ark. The episode dives deep into the importance of listening in leadership and creative problem-solving.

The episode highlights the episodic nature of listening, with moments of focused attention being crucial. Listeners are encouraged to pay attention to when they listen at their best and recreate those conditions to foster effective listening. Self-listening and feedback are also discussed as methods to improve listening skills.

Key points from the podcast:

00:03:00] Listening is a powerful and energizing superpower.

[00:04:26] Effective listening: being present, fully engaged.

[00:12:32] Listening is harder than people think. It's important for leaders to listen to their teams. Good listening promotes complex thinking and understanding. Asking questions and showing genuine interest is key.

[00:17:13] Listening and showing interest is crucial.

[00:19:31] Powerful listening: ask questions and follow.

[00:22:39] Leaders need clarity, discipline, and structure in listening. They should create conditions for effective listening.

[00:28:39] Allow yourself to fail and start over.

[00:34:20] Powerful women write book on embracing equity.

[00:38:41] Thank you Nick and Raquel, much appreciated.

Download the transcription here.

Raquel Ark, MA, CPC, is a podcast host, speaker, mentor, coach and trainer. She has over 25 years of experience in multinational corporations and academia, currently spending most of her time in tech. She is the Founder of listening ALCHEMY, a communication training and coaching organisation including foundational, evidence-based listening and communication programs. She is the podcast host of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast focused mainly on listening in teams and organisations for more effective communication. She has spoken on the TedX stage. Raquel is currently the President of the International Listening Association. She is a Puerto Rican-American living in Germany.

You can contact her here:

Email: [email protected] Website: https://listeningalchemy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-ark-b2067613/?originalSubdomain=de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Listening-Alchemy/100027214076836/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listening_alchemy/ listening SUPERPOWER podcast: https://listeningalchemy.com/podcast/

SuperStar Communicator

Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee

SuperStar Communicator

Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence.

We deliver:

· masterclasses,

· facilitate workshops,

· deliver speeches –

· face to face and virtually

· coach individuals.

Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email [email protected] look at our website http://superstarcommunicator.com or why not book a call

We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting here

Thank you for listening!

Key points from the podcast:

00:03:00] Listening is a powerful and energizing superpower.

[00:04:26] Effective listening: being present, fully engaged.

[00:17:13] Listening and showing interest is crucial.

[00:19:31] Powerful listening: ask questions and follow.

[00:22:39] Leaders need clarity, discipline, and structure in listening. They should create conditions for effective listening.

[00:28:39] Allow yourself to fail and start over.

[00:34:20] Powerful women write book on embracing equity.

[00:38:41] Thank you Nick and Raquel, much appreciated.

Download the transcription here.

You can contact her here:

SuperStar Communicator

Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee

SuperStar Communicator

Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence.

We deliver:

· masterclasses,

· facilitate workshops,

· deliver speeches –

· face to face and virtually

· coach individuals.

We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting here

Thank you for listening!

Previous Episode

Understanding the X Men The Neurodiverse Talent, in the world with Diva Diaz

On this episode of the SuperStar Communicator podcast, we dive into the world of neurodiversity and communication with guest Diva Dias. Diva believes that those who are neurodiverse have a unique superpower when it comes to communication due to their curiosity and open-mindedness. This perspective also allows them to look at situations in multiple ways, leading to creative solutions that others may not consider.

Diva also discusses the role of AI in emotional intelligence and why we should embrace diverse forms of communication versus relying on technology as the norm. Additionally, the importance of creating a culture where neurodiverse employees feel free to express themselves and share their thoughts is emphasized, along with tips on how to combat self-judgment and get out of overwhelm.

Diva Dias is a global speaker and facilitator of Access Consciousness classes and seminars, who shares her perspective on curiosity as a driving force behind innovative solutions in the marketplace and how understanding our differences can lead to a more empowered society.

Key points of the interview:

[00:04:41] "The Unique Mental Imagery of Individuals with Autism"

[00:09:49] "Autism and neurodiversity as a superpower"

[00:12:46] "How Asking Questions Can Empower Neurodiverse Employees"

[00:18:42] "Combat Self-Doubt and Boost Creativity: Expert Advice"

[00:23:23] "Embrace Neurodiversity through Perspective Changes and Curiosity"

[00:29:23] "How Asking Questions Can Help You See Differently"

Download the transcription here

You can find out about Diva Diaz and her work here

Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee

SuperStar Communicator

Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence.

We deliver masterclasses, facilitate workshops, deliver speeches - face to face and virtually as well as coach individuals. If you would like more details of our work email [email protected] look at our website http://superstarcommunicator.com or why not book a call

We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting here

Thank you for listening!

Next Episode

Trust, Connection, and Building Strong Teams: Insights from Scrum Master Angela Johnson

On this episode of SuperStar Communicator podcast, host Susan Heaton-Wright interviews Angela Johnson, a certified Scrum trainer and author. They discuss the importance of trust and communication in building strong teams, particularly in the context of implementing Scrum and Agile methods. Angela shares her experience teaching virtual classes during the pandemic, detailing how her organization had to quickly adapt and pivot to virtual teaching to stay afloat. She highlights the challenges of teaching virtually to a global audience, recognizing the need to be more aware of cultural and linguistic differences.

Key points from the interview:

[00:00:26] interviewing Angela Johnson on Scrum.

[00:06:42] Diverse opinions, respectful disagreement lead to strength.

[00:10:26] Certifications are important but not sufficient.

[00:11:32] Scrum Alliance adapts classes to virtual format.

[00:17:47] Adapted classes virtually changed world of work.

[00:19:16] Breaking silos, sharing knowledge, and promoting transparency.

[00:24:04] Building trust through vulnerability and shared experiences.

[00:26:33] Teams need agreements for effective collaboration. Some teams have them, but they may need revision. Guardrails can be set for behavior and decision-making. An expired agreement can lead to toxic behaviors.

[00:29:43] Book about failures turned into valuable learning.

[00:32:20] Engaging interview sparks thoughtful reflections and gratitude.

Angela Johnson is a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) and the author of “The Scrum Master Files: secrets every coach should know”. As a professional people geek, Angela helps others successfully implement Scrum and Agile to achieve their goals and objectives. You can contact Angela at https://scrumfiles.com where you can also purchase her book.

SuperStar Communicator

Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee

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SuperStar Communicator

Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence.

We deliver:

· masterclasses,

· facilitate workshops,

· deliver speeches –

· face to face and virtually

· coach individuals.

We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting here

Thank you for listening!