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
How to Become a Visible Introvert with Dr. Cindy Young [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:18
How do we become visible and assume leadership roles? In this coversation with Dr. Cindy Young, author of the book Invisible Introvert, learn tools and tips to increase impact as an intovert. Get a copy of the book Hardc…
Skills Coaching: How to Be Mentored [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:06
Finding a mentor can be intimidating. In this episode, learn the steps to ask someone to become a mentor for you. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audibl…
Skills Coaching: How to Build Emotional Intelligence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:33
Building our EQ takes time and effort. In this episode, learn the first steps to build it. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, and Barnes…
Skills Coaching: Good Conflict and Bad Conflict [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:15
In this episode, learn why conflict is not always bad and how to distinguish good and bad conflict. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, an…
Skills Coaching: How to Adapt to Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:36
Adpatability is a critical skill we need today. In this episode, learn how to develop this skill. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, and…
Skills Coaching: How to Have Good Meetings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:57
Meetings can be painful. In this episode, learn tecniques to have better meetings. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, and Barnes and Nobl…
Skills Coaching: How to Prioritize with Your Team [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:22
If you find yourself constantly putting out fires (figuratively speaking), listen to this episode for a quick technique on how to prioritize. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also…
Skills Coaching: Improve Curiosity in Your Team [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:16
Curiosity is a key to innovation. Learn in this episode how to hel your team build curiosity. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, and Barn…
Skills Coaching: How to Find (and Solve) Problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:21
AI can help us solve problems more efficiently, yet as humans we need to be able to find the right problems to solve. In this episode, learn a technique to do so. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to W…
Skills Coaching: How to Motivate Your Team [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:51
Motivating a team is a great challenge. In this episode, learn key actions to help you build intrinsic motivation. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audib…