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
New Book: How to Work with Humans! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:55
As we wrap up this season, we share the news about the launch of the ucpomign book Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans, coming in January. The book introduces the 5Cs framework to launch a team or join a ne…
How to Step Up To Lead with David Berke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:09
Can leadership be learned? Is it for everyone? How can be become better leaders? These are some of the questions we answer in this episode with real life Top Gun instructor, and leadership instructor David Berke. He also…
How to Prepare for a Crisis with Edward Segal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:57
Layoffs, scandals, use of AI gone wrong… These days there seems to be significant crisis looming and we need to prepare. As my guest says, its not a matter of if a crisis happens but a matter of when. In today's episode…
How to Build Your Inner Armor with Andrew Wittman, PhD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:21
This episode features Andrew D. Wittman, PhD, a United States Marine Corps infantry combat veteran, former police officer, and federal agent. As a private military contractor for the U.S. State Department, he trained for…
Replay: Diversity Awareness with Karen Catlin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:39
This episode originally aired on December 2020. In this episode we talked about Diversity and specifically Diversity Awareness. While Diversity may be seem as part of an initiative a company takes on to ensure people of…
How to Build a Joyful Workplace with Rich Sheridan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:27
How do we create a joyful workplace? In this episode, Rich Sheridan, co-founder of Menlo Innovations, and author of Chief Joy Officer and Joy Inc, shares how we built a culture of joy in his tech company. For courses and…
Skills Coaching Replay: Origins and Why Should You Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:44
In this episode we begin a series focused on providing actionable advice you can use to cultivate essential skills. In this episode we review: - Why do we use the term "soft" skills? - What are the most effective way way…
How to Be Unruly with Lauren Weiner Wittenberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:29
In this episode, learn about how to become unruly with Lauren Wittenberg Weiner is the author of Unruly: Deconstruct the Rules, Defy the Norms, and Define Your Success. Lauren found success in the field of military contr…
Replay: How to Manage and Understand Body Language with Mark Bowden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:22
This episode was originally aired in 2022. Today we talk about Body Language with an expert who has been voted as a number one body language expert. Mark Bowden (https://truthplane.com/home/people/mark-bowden/ ) is a bes…