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
Yadi Caro on The Geek Within Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:56
Yadi Caro talks to Jeremy Wood on the Geek Within Podcast. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, and Barnes and Noble. For previous episodes…
Skills Coaching: How to be a Better Writer without AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:21
Aritificial Intelligence can help us write, but we need to write to develop our intelligence. Learn more in this episode. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon…
Skills Coaching: How to Improve Public Speaking with Your Team [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:46
We all have to speak in public regardless of our role. Listen to this episode to learn how to practice with your team. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, A…
Skills Coaching: How to Assess if Your Team Listens Well [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:06
In this episode, learn how to do a listening audit to help you and your team improve your listening skills. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Wal…
How to be Yourself at Work and Succeed with Dana Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:56
In this epsiode, learn how to know yourself and overcome challenges with leadership identity expert and coach Dana Williams (https://www.danawilliamsco.com/). Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work…
Soft Skills for Tech Professionals (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:53
In this episode, Yadi interviews leadership coach and auhtor DR. AZ Habtewold to discuss top skills for tech professionals. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amaz…
Soft Skills for Tech Professionals (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:01
In this interview for The A to Z Podcast with Dr. Az Habtewold, Yadi Caro shares the top skills tech professionals need now. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Ama…
Skills Coaching: How to Meet People at Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:27
Netwroking is not just for job searching. At work, we need to build realtionships to get stuff done. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, a…
Skills Coaching: How to Care About Others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:20
Building empathy is a necessary skill. In this episode learn some tools to develop it. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Also available in Amazon, Audible, Walmart, and Barnes and…
Skills Coaching: How to Know Your (and Your Team's) Strenghts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:15
To create a great team, you must first start with assessing yourself. In this episode learn how to do this for yourself and your team members. Get a copy of the book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work With Humans. Als…