Measuring Soft Skills that Make a Difference in the Workplace

Measuring Soft Skills that Make a Difference in the Workplace

Author: Yadira Caro September 8, 2026 Duration: 37:39
 
Replay of You Can Measure Anything podcast episode.
 
In schools and workplaces across the US, there is a growing recognition of the need for "soft skills." While the name for these critical skills often changes, what they represent does not - key elements for a successful career. Join Dr. Alioto and her guest, Yadi Caro, and they discuss the framework from Yadi Caro's new book, "Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans."

Listen to this episode to hear:

  • the 5Cs of hardcore soft skills,
  • how teams and schools can measure and improve them, and
  • why context is important.

If your district or team is looking to improve people/power/human/hardcore soft skills, this conversation is for you!

For more about the NY Inspires Portrait of a Graduate, visit .

About Yadi Caro Yadi Caro is the founder of Hardcore Soft Skills, a company focused on educating teams and individuals on critical skills to prepare for the future of work. She is a Harvard-educated Organizational Psychology practitioner who has been working with teams of developers and engineers for over 15 years within US military organizations, launching high performing teams and helping organizations to break silos, improve collaboration and innovate. She is the author of Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans, host of the Hardcore Soft Skills podcast (listeners in 60+ countries), keynote speaker and team coach. Yadi holds a Master's in Communications (Florida International University), and a Bachelors in Philosophy (University of Puerto Rico). Her certifications include Organizational Behavior (Harvard), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Agile Coach, Lean Six Sigma, and Business Analytics (MIT). She is also a trained ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Coach.

Visit the Hardcore Soft Skills website at https://www.hardcoresoftskills.com/

Connect with Yadi Caro on LinkedIn at .https://www.linkedin.com/in/yadiraycaro/


The Hardcore Soft Skills Podcast moves beyond the technical jargon to focus on the human elements that truly drive a career forward. Host Yadira Caro, often going by Yadi, operates from a core belief: that soft skills are what make technical expertise actually function in the real world. This isn't about vague theories; each episode takes a practical, granular look at a single competency-whether it's navigating difficult conversations, building authentic influence, or managing creative energy. The discussions are grounded in the intersections of business, career development, and technology, recognizing that these skills are non-negotiable in fast-paced, modern workplaces. You'll hear actionable strategies and reflective insights designed for immediate application. The tone is direct and engaging, stripping away the fluff to examine why certain interpersonal or intrapersonal techniques succeed where others fail. By consistently breaking down one skill at a time, this podcast builds a comprehensive toolkit for listeners aiming to advance their professional impact. It’s for anyone who knows their craft but wants to master the art of collaboration, leadership, and resilience. Tune in for conversations that treat the so-called "soft" skills with the serious, hardcore attention they deserve.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Hardcore Soft Skills Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Upskilling for the Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
Podcast originally played here. Upskilling is one of the most talked about topics in today's workplace, but many professionals still struggle to know where to start and what skills actually matter for the future. With te…
The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Success Starts With People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:49
Replay of the interview for the Manage This podcast. In this episode, author Yadi Caro joins us to explore why soft skills are essential for leading successful projects and high-performing teams. Drawing on more than 15…
Hardcore Soft Skills in Your Career [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:51
In this episode Yadi Caro speaks with Orlando Haynes on his podcast Career Talks where we go in depth on the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans, on what skills are the critical ones you need for you c…
Leadership, Communication, and the Power of Hardcore Soft Skills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:01
Replay from interview for Oscar Mike Radio with Travis Partington. To watch the interview go to https://youtu.be/HD5ivXYACdQ?si=rZhKLFf5DLFuCWKi From the original episode: "In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I sat down…
Best Service Advisor Makes the Worst Manager [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:30
Replay of Yadi Caro's interview at the Fixed Ops Mastermind podcast. To see video go to https://youtu.be/rvuk1LdyP2o?si=k6FcYvBEemzZUlO5 "The best service advisor usually makes the worst service manager at first. Nobody…
How to Build a Good Work Culture: Nicole Greer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:17
How do we create a great culture in our workplace? What does culture mean? We wlaways talk about it yet it seems its something that comes ditacted by corporate and if our culture sucks, well, there is not much we can do.…
Yadi Caro in Working on Purpose Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
Replay of conversation with Yadi Caro and Dr. Alise Cortez for the Working on Purpose podcast. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, and Bar…