Author: Raquel Ark

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… Continue reading The Art of Listening and The Power of Humor: A Conversation Connecting Life Experiences with Cartoonist Dave Coverly

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… Continue reading Don’t Interrupt Listening! The power of listening presence to transform conversations with James Cook

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.Ph.D is a U.S. historian specializing in African American and Mexican American history. As we… Continue reading Black History Month: Listening to History to Illuminate the Present with Dr. Ramona Houston

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… Continue reading Moving Beyond Bikini Medicine: Bridging Health Care Gaps with Listening and Science to Transform Women’s Health

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… Continue reading Code Switching in Listening: Adapting to Different Cultural Contexts with Elizabeth Parks

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… Continue reading Understanding the Power of Listening to Develop Your Prestige Influence as a Transformative Force

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… Continue reading The Magic of Empathy and Non-Judgement in Creating Safe Spaces with Sebastian Kremser

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,… Continue reading Navigating Digital Change by Leaning Into Tech and Expanding a Human Touch with Agathe Daae-Qvale

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… Continue reading The Fisherman’s Path to Leadership: Lessons in Listening and Resilience with Oleg Konovalov

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… Continue reading The Dark Triad: Recognizing, Understanding, and Navigating Co-workers with High Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy with Jon Gruda

  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… Continue reading Listening for Candor:  Building Trust to Bridge Power Divides with Peter Yaholkovsky

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… Continue reading Better Listening: From Surface Conversations to Empathic Meaningful Dialogues with Stan Slovin 

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… Continue reading Listening to the Pulse in Leadership: Nourishing Realistic Expectations and Intentionally Catalyzing Employee and Team Growth with Clint Calleja

Navigating leadership authentically and self-care is not 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,… Continue reading Navigating Reflective Leadership With Authentic Presence: Embracing Your True Self and Trusting the Process with Benjamin Achenbach

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… Continue reading Listening Through Chaos: Building Trust and Resolving Conflict Impacted By Our Subconscious Patterns with Thais Gibson

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… Continue reading Soul Biographies Film Maker Nic Askew on Seeing The Human Soul by Experiencing Nothingness So that Something Can Emerge

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… Continue reading Listening to Discover Your Authentic Self in Surprising and Fun Ways  by Dr. Katja Brunkhorst

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… Continue reading Organizational Listening II: Expanding the Concept, Theory, and Practice with Jim Macnamara

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… Continue reading Another Change Fiasco? Activate 3% of Influencers and Harness the Power of Listening for Success with Jeppe Vilstrup Hansgaard

Undoubtedly, AI has made significant contributions in 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 human workforce in many companies, resulting in a decline in human interaction skills.  This raises the question of whether life is becoming too… Continue reading AI Opportunities and Challenges alongside the Power of Listening and Human Connection with Niels Van Quaquebeke

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… Continue reading Becoming More Relevant with the Better Listening Method: The Power of Active and Systemic Listening in Media Organizations with Nanna Holst

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… Continue reading The Impact of Listening in Crisis and Politics with Matt Krayton

Listening is a powerful skill that can transform our interactions and relationships. It opens up doors to deeper understanding, connection, and empathy and ultimately cultivates something equally valuable, and that is humility. Michal Lehmann is a post-doctoral researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, focused on exploring the intricacies of humility from a dyadic perspective. Her research… Continue reading The Powerful Impact Of Humility And Good Listening Working Together Hand in Hand for Bottom Line Results with Michal Lehmann

Let’s go back the memory lane and look back at how this podcast started. The podcast started as “Listen In” but evolved into the Listening Superpower podcast to explore the impact and importance of listening. Over the course of the podcast’s three-year run, Raquel has engaged in conversations with experts and individuals from various fields,… Continue reading Listening SuperPOWER Podcast, The Journey: Raquel Sharing Her Thoughts and Podcast Journey

How can listening help organizations have impact on critical global issues, while understanding and acting upon local needs? This tension is the space our next guest leans into in order to understand the real needs and potential. Jeff Hoffman is a Proven Public Affairs executive for The Walt Disney Company, the world’s most storied and… Continue reading The Transformative Power of Offering a Listening Ear with Jeff Hoffman

  Storytelling has captivated humanity since the beginning of time. It has the unique ability to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and convey powerful messages. But storytelling is not just about entertaining and fascinating us; it is also about listening. By truly engaging with a story, we can gain deeper insights into ourselves… Continue reading A Journey Into The Power of Storytelling with Mary Alice Arthur

Discover the beauty of acceptance and the power of listening. Puneet Singh Singhal, founder of ssstart.org, joins Raquel Ark on the Listening Superpower podcast to discuss the power of listening and the importance of acceptance for people who stutter.  Puneet shares his personal journey with stuttering and how it led him to create ssstart.org –… Continue reading Accept, Embrace and Empower A New ‘SSStart’:Embracing Stuttering through Listening with Puneet Singh Singhal

As humans, we have an immense potential within us waiting to be unlocked. However, often we find ourselves stuck in a fixed way of being, limiting our growth and potential. It’s time to break free from this mindset and embrace curiosity as a way of life. Mark Vandeneijnde’s keen sense of insight and market understanding… Continue reading Unlocking Human Potential in Organizations with Mark Vandeneijnde

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we know everything. What if we took a step back and listened more? Not only to other people, but also to ourselves and to the situation? By opening ourselves up to different perspectives and experiences, we start on a journey of exploration and discovery, even in… Continue reading Channel Inner Calm Through The Power Of Presence and Listening With Jo Boniszewski

How can you increase your mental and physical resilience so that you can choose your responses to the day-to-day pressures as well as navigate life’s changes? While physical health is crucial, it’s equally important to prioritize mental well-being. On this episode of the Listening Superpower Podcast, we welcome Leah Scott, a Wim Hof Method instructor,… Continue reading Enhancing Resilience by Listening to Your Mind and Body through Breathwork and Cold Exposure with Leah Scott

We often don’t give space and energy to  listen to what is not being said and instead focus on what we hear, our expectations and what we have “practiced” without paying attention to others or the space in between. This can cause a lot of misunderstandings and performance is often lowered. What if you could… Continue reading Starting from Zero: The Impact of Listening to What is Not Being Said with Grammy Winning Musician Terreon Gully

What does it mean to truly listen in a way that has enormous impact, also in the business world?  When we commit to truly listening to someone, we open doors for quality connections that can lead to transformation and relationship satisfaction. It’s through listening that we can build bridges of understanding, empathy, and trust that… Continue reading Definition of Listening Based on Science with Dr. Avi Kluger

Have you ever thought about how listening develops in children and how this connects with listening in leadership development? You might be surprised by what you discover from our guest today.  Marva Shand-McIntosh  founded the I Love to Listen Day in 2005, and it’s still going strong. This day is celebrated every year on May… Continue reading ‘Today I Will Listen’, Listening as the foundation of all communication skills with Marva Shand-McIntosh 

When it comes to Diversity and Inclusion, one hidden bias continues to hold businesses back: linguistic bias. This hidden bias affects much more than just non-offensive language, influencing the way we judge people from the moment they open their mouths. Where do these biases come from? How do they hinder hiring and promotion decisions? How… Continue reading Breaking the Language Barrier and Fostering Inclusion: How Linguistic Bias Impacts Business and Diversity with Heather Hansen

What are the triggers that make you boiling mad? Do you notice what happens to you and the voices in your head when you feel like someone doesn’t understand you or does something “against” you? Do you want people to see and appreciate you for who you really are?   And how do we authentically become… Continue reading Conversations about Getting Real: Unlock Authentic Leadership through Listening and Curiosity

As Raquel traveled back to Germany from visiting her family, she brought along stories that spoke volumes of her purpose in life – practicing and being surprised by our listening superpower. Reflecting on a routine she had while traveling as a younger person, she took time to look at the window from a cloud perspective… Continue reading More Practical Ways to Get People to Listen to You: The Practice of High-Quality Listening

On the shortest day of the year, known as the Winter Solstice, Raquel takes a moment to reflect on 2022. What brought you light this year? As the days start to get longer and extend, what would you like to extend further from 2022 into 2023?  And as we take the opportunity to reflect on… Continue reading Reflecting on 2022: Tips on How to Help People Listen to YOU Better for Facilitating More Intentional Listening in 2023

Have you noticed how your co-workers or team seem to have difficulty listening well to each other, having different understandings of what is important? Do you want to know how you can help a group listen to what is actually emerging in discussions? Visualize it. In today’s episode, our guest talks about how listening is… Continue reading Crafting Connection in Groups Through Visual Facilitation, Visual Harvesting, and Active Listening with Vanessa Jane Smith

Have you ever thought you would not be an effective leader just because you are a naturally quiet person? Or are you only recruiting leaders who are outspoken and seem confident? We have long been stuck in a narrow and outdated view of what good leadership looks, sounds, and feels like. Often we assume there’s… Continue reading Quietly Powerful: Unlocking the Leadership Superpower of Quiet Leaders with Megumi Miki

Achieving optimal results for ourselves and the organization requires engaging in authentic conversations. This involves listening that is not driven by fear, but by maximizing curiosity. And listening by curiosity motivates change, especially when it comes to receiving and processing feedback. Best-selling author, executive coach, and keynote speaker Dr. Craig Dowden  is bridging the gap… Continue reading Leading Successfully by Maximizing Curiosity and Self-leadership by Craig Dowden

In a noisy world with so many distractions pulling us in different directions, it is easy to get lost and not make sense of what people are trying to communicate. This is true for both the person listening and the one being listened to. Listening with purposeful intention and saying the most important things first… Continue reading Elite Communications Skills as a Competitive Advantage, Think Clearly and Communicate Concisely with Joe McCormack

How can we listen well when we have limited time and high demands? This is an important question across all types of organizations.  And especially in the medical environment, have a potential life and death answer. The ability of health providers to listen is key to enhancing the patient experience and giving quality health care.  … Continue reading The Importance of #Listening in the Patient #Healthcare

How can you get more value through team collaboration and understanding what your customer really needs? Teresa Torres is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and coach who helps teams gain valuable insights from their customer interviews, run effective product experiments, and drive product outcomes that create value for their customers and their businesses. She teaches… Continue reading #Listening to Create #Customer and #Business Value with Teresa Torres

Everyone has had life and work experiences that we are afraid to share with others.  Yet keeping it inside can influence how we feel and impact our behaviors at work and at home. And we may not always fully understand our experiences and our behaviors. This episode is an amazing example of how listening can… Continue reading #Listening to Stories for #Healing and #Transformation with Liliane Pari Umuhoza