UpSkill Talks

UpSkill — Black Futures Month (A Special Episode)

February 07, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.6 MB

As we move forward into Black Futures Month, we wanted to take a moment to share a special poem with you. In this episode, Michel shares her original piece, "The Time Is Now". This piece was crafted for the inaugural Black Futures Month ceremony at George Brown College, and we are thrilled to share it with you now. Thank you for listening, sharing and, of course, your continued support of UpSkill Talks and the UpSkill Community. Thanks for listening , subscribing and sharing! At UpSki...

#14: UpSkill — Effective Goal Setting, Your SMARTEST Goals

January 31, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MB

While you have probably heard many times that you should set "SMART" goals, the real power comes when you set the SMARTEST goals! In this episode, Michel continues the conversation on goal setting by introducing us to not only SMART goals, but also FAST goals. As leaders and individuals, goals aligned with our purpose, are the most powerful and effective goals. But how do ensure that we hit these goals? After aligning with our purpose, it is important to choose the top three goals. Thes...

Effective Goal Setting - Your SMARTEST Goals

January 31, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.29 MB

While you have probably heard many times that you should set "SMART" goals, the real power comes when you set the SMARTEST goals! In this episode, Michel continues the conversation on goal setting by introducing us to not only SMART goals, but also FAST goals. As leaders and individuals, goals aligned with our purpose, are the most powerful and effective goals. But how do ensure that we hit these goals? After aligning with our purpose, it is important to choose the top three goals. Thes...

#14: Effective Goal Setting - Your SMARTEST Goals

January 31, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MB

While you have probably heard many times that you should set "SMART" goals, the real power comes when you set the SMARTEST goals! In this episode, Michel continues the conversation on goal setting by introducing us to not only SMART goals, but also FAST goals. As leaders and individuals, goals aligned with our purpose, are the most powerful and effective goals. But how do ensure that we hit these goals? After aligning with our purpose, it is important to choose the top three goals. Thes...

#13: UpSkill — Effective Goal Setting, Aligning Your Goals With Your Purpose

January 24, 2022 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.57 MB

There are two important, yet frequently overlooked steps that you should take before setting goals: The first step is self-reflection which we covered in the previous episode of Upskill Talks. The second step is defining your purpose. In this episode, Michel shows the importance of aligning your goals with your purpose, and through the story of Carol, an aspiring filmmaker, what can happen when these goals are not in alignment. Goals aligned with your purpose (defined by you and decided ...

Effective Goal Setting - Aligning your goals with your purpose.

January 24, 2022 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.55 MB

There are two important, yet frequently overlooked steps that you should take before setting goals: The first step is self-reflection which we covered in the previous episode of Upskill Talks. The second step is defining your purpose. In this episode, Michel shows the importance of aligning your goals with your purpose, and through the story of Carol, an aspiring filmmaker, what can happen when these goals are not in alignment. Goals aligned with your purpose (defined by you and decided ...

#13: Effective Goal Setting - Aligning your goals with your purpose.

January 24, 2022 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.57 MB

There are two important, yet frequently overlooked steps that you should take before setting goals: The first step is self-reflection which we covered in the previous episode of Upskill Talks. The second step is defining your purpose. In this episode, Michel shows the importance of aligning your goals with your purpose, and through the story of Carol, an aspiring filmmaker, what can happen when these goals are not in alignment. Goals aligned with your purpose (defined by you and decided ...

Effective Goal Setting - Reflecting on past goals

January 17, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

For many of us, the beginning of the calendar year is the when we put most of our focus on setting goals. However, this crucially important activity gets lost in holidays, wrap-up meetings and family time. Unfortunately, leaving little time to properly set goals that are the most effective for your personal and professional journey. In this episode, Michel asks us to take the first, very important step in goal-setting: Reflection on previous goals. During this reflection, we must take ti...

#12: UpSkill — Effective Goal Setting, Reflecting on Past Goals

January 17, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

For many of us, the beginning of the calendar year is the time when we put most of our focus on setting goals. However, this crucially important activity gets lost in holidays, wrap-up meetings and family time. Unfortunately, leaving little time to properly set goals that are the most effective for your personal and professional journey. In this episode, Michel asks us to take the first, very important step in goal-setting: Reflection on previous goals. During this reflection, we must ta...

#12: Effective Goal Setting - Reflecting on past goals

January 17, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

For many of us, the beginning of the calendar year is the when we put most of our focus on setting goals. However, this crucially important activity gets lost in holidays, wrap-up meetings and family time. Unfortunately, leaving little time to properly set goals that are the most effective for your personal and professional journey. In this episode, Michel asks us to take the first, very important step in goal-setting: Reflection on previous goals. During this reflection, we must take ti...

#11: UpSkill — The Definition of a Skill, What is UpSkilling? (4 of 4)

January 10, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.29 MB

In this final part of our 4-part series discussing and defining the world of skills, we dive into what it means to "Upskill". Breaking down the word "Upskill" - "Up" is to move to a higher level with our "Skills" In this episode, Michel breaks down the incredible importance for all of us, as leaders, to continuously upskill. According to the World Economic Forum, The nature of work and careers is changing fast. In the future, the right skills will be prized over academic qualifications a...

#11: UpSkill — The Definition of a Skill, What is UpSkilling? (4 of 4)

January 10, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.29 MB

In this final part of our 4-part series discussing and defining the world of skills, we dive into what it means to "Upskill". Breaking down the word "Upskill" - "Up" is to move to a higher level with our "Skills" In this episode, Michel breaks down the incredible importance for all of us, as leaders, to continuously upskill. According to the World Economic Forum, The nature of work and careers is changing fast. In the future, the right skills will be prized over academic qualifications a...

#11: The Definition of a Skill (#4 of 4) - What is UpSkilling?

January 10, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.29 MB

In this final part of our 4-part series discussing and defining the world of skills, we dive into what it means to "Upskill". Breaking down the word "Upskill" - "Up" is to move to a higher level with our "Skills" In this episode, Michel breaks down the incredible importance for all of us, as leaders, to continuously upskill. According to the World Economic Forum, The nature of work and careers is changing fast. In the future, the right skills will be prized over academic qualifications a...

The Definition of a Skill (#4 of 4) - What is UpSkilling?

January 10, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.27 MB

In this final part of our 4-part series discussing and defining the world of skills, we dive into what it means to "Upskill". Breaking down the word "Upskill" - "Up" is to move to a higher level with our "Skills" In this episode, Michel breaks down the incredible importance for all of us, as leaders, to continuously upskill. According to the World Economic Forum, The nature of work and careers is changing fast. In the future, the right skills will be prized over academic qualifications a...

#10: UpSkill — The Definition of a Skill, Intrapersonal & Interpersonal Skills (3 of 4)

January 03, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MB

Continuing our conversation and learning around skills and skill development, we now dive into the two broad categories of Soft Skills: Intrapersonal Skills and Interpersonal Skills In this episode, Michel clearly defines these two sets of soft skills and highlights the benefits of developing both. Starting with intrapersonal skills, these are the personal skills that help us to get to know and manage ourselves better. Working on your intrapersonal skills allows you to establish prioriti...

The Definition of A Skill (#3 of 4) - Intrapersonal & Interpersonal Skills

January 03, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 6.98 MB

Continuing our conversation and learning around skills and skill development, we now dive into the two broad categories of Soft Skills: Intrapersonal Skills and Interpersonal Skills In this episode, Michel clearly defines these two sets of soft skills and highlights the benefits of developing both. Starting with intrapersonal skills, these are the personal skills that help us to get to know and manage ourselves better. Working on your intrapersonal skills allows you to establish prioriti...

#10: The Definition of A Skill (#3 of 4) - Intrapersonal & Interpersonal Skills

January 03, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MB

Continuing our conversation and learning around skills and skill development, we now dive into the two broad categories of Soft Skills: Intrapersonal Skills and Interpersonal Skills In this episode, Michel clearly defines these two sets of soft skills and highlights the benefits of developing both. Starting with intrapersonal skills, these are the personal skills that help us to get to know and manage ourselves better. Working on your intrapersonal skills allows you to establish prioriti...

#10: UpSkill — The Definition of a Skill, Intrapersonal & Interpersonal Skills (3 of 4)

January 03, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MB

Continuing our conversation and learning around skills and skill development, we now dive into the two broad categories of Soft Skills: Intrapersonal Skills and Interpersonal Skills In this episode, Michel clearly defines these two sets of soft skills and highlights the benefits of developing both. Starting with intrapersonal skills, these are the personal skills that help us to get to know and manage ourselves better. Working on your intrapersonal skills allows you to establish prioriti...

The Definition of a Skill (#2 of 4) Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

December 27, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.34 MB

Around the conversation of defining skills, the two areas we hear most about are... Hard Skills and Soft Skills In this episode, Michel breaks these two areas down to help gain clarity on what they are, and how we use both of them. Hard skills, also referred to as "technical", "functional" or "academic", often refer to WHAT you do. These skills are defined by your program of study and are not transferable to a new profession. Soft skills, however, go by many names: People skills, emot...

#9: UpSkill — The Definition of a Skill, Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills (2 of 4)

December 27, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.36 MB

Around the conversation of defining skills, the two areas we hear most about are... Hard Skills and Soft Skills In this episode, Michel breaks these two areas down to help gain clarity on what they are, and how we use both of them. Hard skills, also referred to as "technical", "functional" or "academic", often refer to WHAT you do. These skills are defined by your program of study and are not transferable to a new profession. Soft skills, however, go by many names: People skills, emot...

#9: UpSkill — The Definition of a Skill, Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills (2 of 4)

December 27, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.36 MB

Around the conversation of defining skills, the two areas we hear most about are... Hard Skills and Soft Skills In this episode, Michel breaks these two areas down to help gain clarity on what they are, and how we use both of them. Hard skills, also referred to as "technical", "functional" or "academic", often refer to WHAT you do. These skills are defined by your program of study and are not transferable to a new profession. Soft skills, however, go by many names: People skills, emot...

#9: The Definition of a Skill (#2 of 4) Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

December 27, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.36 MB

Around the conversation of defining skills, the two areas we hear most about are... Hard Skills and Soft Skills In this episode, Michel breaks these two areas down to help gain clarity on what they are, and how we use both of them. Hard skills, also referred to as "technical", "functional" or "academic", often refer to WHAT you do. These skills are defined by your program of study and are not transferable to a new profession. Soft skills, however, go by many names: People skills, emot...

#8: UpSkill — The Definition of a Skill (1 of 4)

December 20, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.4 MB

There is so much talk around skills. Hard skills, soft skills, personal and interpersonal skills, and yes...Upskill. Thus, it is very important to clearly define exactly what a skill "is" and what a skill "is not" In this episode, the first of four new episodes to clearly define and level set skill-learning, Michel provides clarity and shares how to develop skills - a crucial and important process. According to LinkedIn, there are over 50,000 professional skills. Since a leader cannot be...

#8: The Definition of a Skill (Part One of Four)

December 20, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.4 MB

There is so much talk around skills. Hard skills, soft skills, personal and interpersonal skills, and yes...Upskill. Thus, it is very important to clearly define exactly what a skill "is" and what a skill "is not" In this episode, the first of four new episodes to clearly define and level set skill-learning, Michel provides clarity and shares how to develop skills - a crucial and important process. According to LinkedIn, there are over 50,000 professional skills. Since a leader cannot be...

The Definition of a Skill (Part One of Four)

December 20, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MB

There is so much talk around skills. Hard skills, soft skills, personal and interpersonal skills, and yes...Upskill. Thus, it is very important to clearly define exactly what a skill "is" and what a skill "is not" In this episode, the first of four new episodes to clearly define and level set skill-learning, Michel provides clarity and shares how to develop skills - a crucial and important process. According to LinkedIn, there are over 50,000 professional skills. Since a leader cannot be...

How You See Yourself - The Importance of Self Assessment

December 13, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.53 MB

What is worse: To be a great leader and assess yourself poorly? Or, to be a mediocre leader and assess yourself as “great”? As leaders, we must have the skill to see and assess ourselves clearly and accurately, so that we may lead most effectively. In today’s episode, Michel shares the story of an experiment where leaders were asked to assess themselves as leaders. While the results varied, the end result was very few assessed themselves accurately. Just like looking through a cloudy l...

#7: How You See Yourself - The Importance of Self Assessment

December 13, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.55 MB

What is worse: To be a great leader and assess yourself poorly? Or, to be a mediocre leader and assess yourself as “great”? As leaders, we must have the skill to see and assess ourselves clearly and accurately, so that we may lead most effectively. In today’s episode, Michel shares the story of an experiment where leaders were asked to assess themselves as leaders. While the results varied, the end result was very few assessed themselves accurately. Just like looking through a cloudy l...

#7: UpSkill — How You See Yourself, The Importance of Self Assessment

December 13, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.55 MB

What is worse: To be a great leader and assess yourself poorly? Or, to be a mediocre leader and assess yourself as “great”? As leaders, we must have the skill to see and assess ourselves clearly and accurately, so that we may lead most effectively. In today’s episode, Michel shares the story of an experiment where leaders were asked to assess themselves as leaders. While the results varied, the end result was very few assessed themselves accurately. Just like looking through a cloudy l...

#6: As Leaders, Remember, You Are Not Alone (Part Three of Three)

December 06, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.66 MB

As leaders, we are tasked with "showing up" with confidence to our stakeholders, employees and colleagues as well as in our personal lives. But how do we know what confidence should look like for everyone? In one word, community. In this final episode of the three-part series on confidence, Michel and Peter Walfall discuss the importance of having a community to help guide us to our most authentic selves as leaders. In a community, fresh ideas around confidence are safely presented to ...

#6: UpSkill — As Leaders, Remember, You Are Not Alone (3 of 3)

December 06, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.66 MB

As leaders, we are tasked with "showing up" with confidence to our stakeholders, employees and colleagues as well as in our personal lives. But how do we know what confidence should look like for everyone? In one word, community. In this final episode of the three-part series on confidence, Michel and Peter Walfall discuss the importance of having a community to help guide us to our most authentic selves as leaders. In a community, fresh ideas around confidence are safely presented to ...

As Leaders, Remember, You Are Not Alone (Part Three of Three)

December 06, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.65 MB

As leaders, we are tasked with "showing up" with confidence to our stakeholders, employees and colleagues as well as in our personal lives. But how do we know what confidence should look like for everyone? In one word, community. In this final episode of the three-part series on confidence, Michel and Peter Walfall discuss the importance of having a community to help guide us to our most authentic selves as leaders. In a community, fresh ideas around confidence are safely presented to ...

What Is The Role of Confidence For Leaders? (Part Two of Three)

November 29, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MB

Asking this question, what is the role of confidence for leaders, sometimes is a little "fuzzy" to answer. In today's episode, Michel and Peter Walfall continue with part two of their conversation on confidence for leaders. Looking at the role confidence plays for leaders, very often we reach for the "off the shelf" strategies to lead with confidence. However, as Michel and Peter discuss in this episode, the role of confidence for leaders often requires looking deeper within ourselves. ...

#5: UpSkill — What is the Role of Confidence for Leaders? (2 of 3)

November 29, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MB

Asking this question, what is the role of confidence for leaders, sometimes is a little "fuzzy" to answer. In today's episode, Michel and Peter Walfall continue with part two of their conversation on confidence for leaders. Looking at the role confidence plays for leaders, very often we reach for the "off the shelf" strategies to lead with confidence. However, as Michel and Peter discuss in this episode, the role of confidence for leaders often requires looking deeper within ourselves. ...

#5: What Is The Role of Confidence For Leaders? (Part Two of Three)

November 29, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MB

Asking this question, what is the role of confidence for leaders, sometimes is a little "fuzzy" to answer. In today's episode, Michel and Peter Walfall continue with part two of their conversation on confidence for leaders. Looking at the role confidence plays for leaders, very often we reach for the "off the shelf" strategies to lead with confidence. However, as Michel and Peter discuss in this episode, the role of confidence for leaders often requires looking deeper within ourselves. ...

#4: UpSkill — Vulnerability, a Strength for Leaders in this New World (1 of 3)

November 22, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.81 MB

As leaders, we are always searching for the most effective tools to lead with confidence in an ever-changing world. Today on Upskill Talks, Michel sits down with Peter Walfall, fellow UpSkiller in the UpSkill Community for a 3-part conversation on leading with confidence in this new world. Peter and Michel begin this series by looking at how many of the strategies that once "rang true" for leaders to show up confidently have fallen apart. This dismantling has shaken the foundation of con...

Vulnerability - A Strength For Leaders In This New World (Part One of Three)

November 22, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.8 MB

As leaders, we are always searching for the most effective tools to lead with confidence in an ever-changing world. Today on Upskill Talks, Michel sits down with Peter Walfall, fellow UpSkiller in the UpSkill Community for a 3-part conversation on leading with confidence in this new world. Peter and Michel begin this series by looking at how many of the strategies that once "rang true" for leaders to show up confidently have fallen apart. This dismantling has shaken the foundation of con...

#4: Vulnerability - A Strength For Leaders In This New World (Part One of Three)

November 22, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.81 MB

As leaders, we are always searching for the most effective tools to lead with confidence in an ever-changing world. Today on Upskill Talks, Michel sits down with Peter Walfall, fellow UpSkiller in the UpSkill Community for a 3-part conversation on leading with confidence in this new world. Peter and Michel begin this series by looking at how many of the strategies that once "rang true" for leaders to show up confidently have fallen apart. This dismantling has shaken the foundation of con...

#3: The Importance of Community. For Leaders

November 15, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

As we have all seen, the pandemic and the social issues of the past 18 months have rewritten the rulebook for leaders. Now, more than ever, we need one another. In this episode of Upskill Talks, Michel shares the story of Lucy, who was called out by her employees and felt her confidence shaken. To use her words, she simply felt, "dumb". But with these realizations come growth and renewed confidence, and this confidence is not only in our actions, but how we guide our employees to gain th...

#3: UpSkill — The Importance of Community for Leaders

November 15, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

As we have all seen, the pandemic and the social issues of the past 18 months have rewritten the rulebook for leaders. Now, more than ever, we need one another. In this episode of Upskill Talks, Michel shares the story of Lucy, who was called out by her employees and felt her confidence shaken. To use her words, she simply felt, "dumb". But with these realizations come growth and renewed confidence, and this confidence is not only in our actions, but how we guide our employees to gain th...

The Importance of Community. For Leaders

November 15, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

As we have all seen, the pandemic and the social issues of the past 18 months have rewritten the rulebook for leaders. Now, more than ever, we need one another. In this episode of Upskill Talks, Michel shares the story of Lucy, who was called out by her employees and felt her confidence shaken. To use her words, she simply felt, "dumb". But with these realizations come growth and renewed confidence, and this confidence is not only in our actions, but how we guide our employees to gain th...

#2: 3 Kinds of Empathy You Can Add To Your Toolkit

November 15, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 9.92 MB

As leaders, many individuals are counting on you. Yes, your employees and colleagues, but equally as important, your partner and family. In this episode, Michel shares the story of Sam and explores how some of us take our "mask" off at home while others put our "mask" on when we get home. And it was the pandemic that blended these "separate" lives as we had to learn to become whole. Empathy, for leaders, is such a necessary part of our toolkit. It allows us to get to know our employees b...

3 Kinds of Empathy You Can Add To Your Toolkit

November 15, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 9.9 MB

As leaders, many individuals are counting on you. Yes, your employees and colleagues, but equally as important, your partner and family. In this episode, Michel shares the story of Sam and explores how some of us take our "mask" off at home while others put our "mask" on when we get home. And it was the pandemic that blended these "separate" lives as we had to learn to become whole. Empathy, for leaders, is such a necessary part of our toolkit. It allows us to get to know our employees b...

#2: UpSkill — Kinds of Empathy You Can Add To Your Toolkit

November 15, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 9.92 MB

As leaders, many individuals are counting on you. Yes, your employees and colleagues, but equally as important, your partner and family. In this episode, Michel shares the story of Sam and explores how some of us take our "mask" off at home while others put our "mask" on when we get home. And it was the pandemic that blended these "separate" lives as we had to learn to become whole. Empathy, for leaders, is such a necessary part of our toolkit. It allows us to get to know our employees b...

Actually... "S" Comes Before "R"

November 15, 2021 07:00 - 12 minutes - 8.58 MB

In this inaugural episode of Upskill Talks, host Michel Shah shares the most transformative experience of her career that forever changed her professional trajectory. Yes, as leaders, we are measured by our Results. But when we focus solely on the metrics and the measurements that determine success, we lose sight of the personal Stories that shape the human experience of our employees and team members. As shared in this first episode of Upskill Talks, when we begin with the Stories (before...

#1: UpSkill — Actually... "S" Comes Before "R"

November 15, 2021 07:00 - 12 minutes - 8.6 MB

In this inaugural episode of Upskill Talks, host Michel Shah shares the most transformative experience of her career that forever changed her professional trajectory. Yes, as leaders, we are measured by our Results. But when we focus solely on the metrics and the measurements that determine success, we lose sight of the personal Stories that shape the human experience of our employees and team members. As shared in this first episode of Upskill Talks, when we begin with the Stories (before...

#1: Actually... "S" Comes Before "R"

November 15, 2021 07:00 - 12 minutes - 8.6 MB

In this inaugural episode of Upskill Talks, host Michel Shah shares the most transformative experience of her career that forever changed her professional trajectory. Yes, as leaders, we are measured by our Results. But when we focus solely on the metrics and the measurements that determine success, we lose sight of the personal Stories that shape the human experience of our employees and team members. As shared in this first episode of Upskill Talks, when we begin with the Stories (before...

Upskill Talks Trailer

November 02, 2021 21:00 - 3 minutes - 2.26 MB

UpSkill Talks is a podcast for leaders. Leaders who are forward thinking and want to be on the cutting edge, actively seeking innovative and creative ways to interact and lead others. Leaders who want the most up to date people skills in their toolkit. And it is especially only for leaders who are willing to explore ideas and perspectives outside of your comfort zone and take the risks to go wherever our conversations take us. I am your host, Michel Shah, I invite you to join me star...

Episodes