Roberta Ndlela on Why the Smartest Don’t Get Promoted

In this insightful episode of the Find Your Leadership Confidence Podcast, host Vicki Noethling engages in a captivating conversation with Roberta Ndlela, a seasoned professional hailing from the Zulu tribe in South Africa. Rooted in the philosophy of ‘Ubuntu,’ meaning humanity – ‘I am because you are,’ Roberta draws on her 15-year corporate career to emphasize the limitations of technical skills in career progression. The episode explores the theme of “Why the Smartest Don’t Get Promoted,” shedding light on the indispensability of soft skills for career success.

Throughout the interview, Roberta shares her journey and highlights the significance of communication skills in leadership. Drawing from her experience working in diverse project teams, she underscores the importance of collaboration and visionary skills in leading varied professionals effectively. The discussion delves into the impact of cultural diversity in the workplace, emphasizing that leaders can no longer rely on traditional approaches.

The episode features engaging questions and answers, including insights into Roberta’s journey, the crucial role of communication skills, advice on avoiding conflicts arising from miscommunication, and the major influencers in her life. The conversation concludes with a rapid-fire round, touching upon Roberta’s focus on helping females and her future plans.

SEO Keywords: Leadership confidence, Soft skills, Communication skills, Career success, Cultural diversity in the workplace, Smartest not getting promoted, Professional development, Diversity in leadership, Women in leadership, Corporate career insights.

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Website: https://speaking-and-communicating-podcast.transistor.fm

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-ndlela-93774121/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_GzEL5dlnfWw6MTdjYsE7Q

Roberta Ndlela hails from the Zulu tribe in South Africa, whose foundation is ‘Ubuntu’, which means HUMANITY - ‘I am because you are’.. Throughout her corporate career spanning over 15 years, she realized that technical skills can only take you so far. Many wonder why they are overlooked for promotions, though they are supposedly smarter. Soft skills are beyond necessary if you hope to maximize your career success. She worked in project teams that included civil and roads engineers, CAD technicians, transportation economists and planners, environmental consultants, and urban planners. No leader can effectively lead such varied teams without collaboration and visionary skills and barely anyone remembers the brilliant, silent engineer. A decade teaching English in South Korea was a huge eye-opener to cultural diversity in the workplace. Leaders no longer have the privilege to do business as usual. When you have great communication skills, your perceived leadership is higher. When your communication skills are lacking, your perceived leadership is lower.” Roberta launched the Speaking and Communicating Podcast to highlight the skills that professionals and entrepreneurs need to really thrive, showcase their brilliance, and get credit for it.