In today’s hyper-competitive job market, technical skills may get your resume noticed—but soft skills determine who gets hired, promoted, and trusted with leadership.

Multiple studies consistently show that up to 85 percent of long-term career success is driven by soft skills, while only 15 percent comes from technical or hard skills. In fact, research also reveals a sobering reality: 46 percent of first hires are terminated within their first 18 months, and 89 percent of those terminations are due to poor attitude, communication, and interpersonal skills, not technical incompetence.

In an era where automation, AI, and rapid change are redefining roles, the ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, manage emotions, and influence others has become a non-negotiable advantage—especially for tech professionals who want to stand out, move into leadership, and sustain long-term impact.

In this conversation, I engaged with Yadi, an organizational psychology practitioner and the host of The Hardcore Soft Skills Podcast, to unpack why soft skills are no longer “nice to have,” but mission-critical for anyone building a serious career in tech and beyond.

About the Guest

Yadi is an organizational psychology practitioner, workplace strategist, and the host of The Hardcore Soft Skills Podcast, where she challenges the myth that soft skills are secondary or optional. She is also the author of Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans.

Through research-driven insights and real-world conversations, she helps professionals—especially in technical fields—understand how human behavior, mindset, and communication shape performance, leadership, and career longevity.

Her work bridges psychology and practice, translating complex human dynamics into actionable strategies for individuals and organizations seeking sustainable success.

With special guest: Clare Overmann | CEO, AIEA | Former Senior Director, IIE | Global Education Leader

Clare Overmann has spent her career building bridges across borders—turning higher education into a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth.

From her early days in the private sector in The Netherlands to leading global partnerships at the Institute of International Education, Clare’s journey has been one of purpose and global impact. Today, as CEO of AIEA, she leads a global network of higher education leaders shaping the future of international learning, policy, and partnerships.

Behind the leadership title lies a powerful personal story—what inspired her to dedicate her life to education, how she navigated complex international partnerships, and why she believes universities are key to building more equitable, innovative, and prosperous societies.

This conversation isn’t just about academia—it’s about how education drives economies, transforms communities, and connects the world.

Discussion Highlights

1. From Industry to Impact

How Clare transitioned from the petrochemical sector in The Netherlands to global education—and the moments that shaped her purpose.

2. Partnerships that Power Progress

What it takes to build sustainable, mutually beneficial academic collaborations that fuel innovation and opportunity.

3. Higher Education as an Economic Engine

How universities contribute to workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and international development.

4. Education for Global Impact

How higher education cultivates ethical leaders who think beyond borders and act with integrity, empathy, and responsibility.

5. Leading Through Complexity

Her perspective on the future of international higher ed leadership—and the mindsets required to thrive in an uncertain world.

About the Guest

Clare Overmann is CEO of AIEA, the leading association for senior international officers and global education leaders. She previously served as Senior Director at the Institute of International Education (IIE), where she led the Center for International Partnerships, managing collaborations across 15+ countries.

With a B.A. from Georgetown University and an M.A. from NYU Steinhardt, Clare brings deep understanding of policy, partnership, and people to advance higher education as a force for global good. Her work bridges academia, diplomacy, and leadership—empowering universities to shape a more connected and equitable world.

#TheAtoZPodcast #ClareOvermann #AIEA #GlobalEducation #HigherEducation #BeyondBorders #EconomicDevelopment #SocialImpact #EducationForChange #InnovationThroughEducation

I recently joined Your Ethiopian Professionals Network (YEP) for a dynamic conversation on From Diaspora Dreams to U.S. Business Ownership.

Together, we explored topics that matter deeply for aspiring and existing Ethiopian entrepreneurs in the U.S., including:
💡 Why buying a business can sometimes be a smarter move than starting from scratch
💡 Diverse sources of financing to help scale your company
💡 Investor visa options for those looking to invest in the U.S.
💡 The most important leadership competency every entrepreneur needs to succeed

And — we uncovered one of the most neglected but extraordinary financing options that too many overlook.

🔥 It was a dynamic, eye-opening discussion, and I’d love to hear your takeaways.
👉 Check out the clip and share what stood out most to you.

#YEP #EthiopianEntrepreneurs #DiasporaLeadership #BusinessOwnership #InvestInAmerica #Entrepreneurship

We covered a wide range of powerful themes, from aviation and leadership to legacy, purpose, and impact.

Captain Abiy shared how growing up in a family of pilots — with his father among the pioneers of Ethiopian Airlines — inspired him and his brother to follow the same flight path.

He opened up about his decision to become a John C. Maxwell certified leadership coach, and drew fascinating parallels between a pilot in the cockpit and a leader in the workplace — both responsible for lives, safety, and direction.

We also explored how AvDyne AeroServices is serving major airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, while hiring and empowering Ethiopian aviation engineers across the U.S.

And beyond aviation, he revealed what fuels his passion for investing in fintech, building people, and raising the next generation of emerging leaders.

#TheAtoZPodcast #CaptainAbiyMakonnen #AvDyneAeroServices #AviationLeadership #JohnCMaxwellLeadership #AfricanExcellence #DiasporaInnovation #PurposeDrivenLeadership #FromCockpitToCSuite #LeadershipLegacy

With special guest: Dr. Girma Ababi | Founder & CEO of Liyana Healthcare plc, Liyana Digital Healthcare Solutions plc, and Liyana-Oxy Medical Gas Manufacturing | Healthcare Investor | Industry Pioneer

He didn’t just practice medicine – he built an ecosystem. Dr. Girma Ababi has been at the forefront of Ethiopia’s healthcare transformation, pioneering the country’s health insurance industry and expanding its health infrastructure. Through hospitals, digital healthcare, and medical gas manufacturing, he’s redefining access, equity, and quality in one of Africa’s fastest-growing markets.

This episode isn’t just about medicine. It’s about visionary leadership, coalition building, and scaling systems that change lives and entire nations.
Discussion Points
1. From Physician to System Builder
How Dr. Ababi’s transition from practicing medicine to building enterprises reveals the mindset leaders need to scale beyond themselves.

2. Insurance & Financing Models for Growth
The pioneering role of health insurance in Ethiopia – and what it takes to design systems that stabilize organizations while expanding access.

3. Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Why tele-health and digital platforms are more than technology upgrades – they’re strategic levers for scaling services and creating sustainable impact.

4. Coalition Building & Influence
How Dr. Ababi leverages associations, partnerships, and policy networks to amplify his impact – and what leaders everywhere can learn about borrowing influence, building alliances, and expanding their reach beyond their own resources.

5. Legacy, Sustainability & Exit Strategies
What leaders in healthcare – and beyond – can learn about building organizations that endure, attract investment, and leave lasting legacies for future generations.

About the Guest
Dr. Girma Ababi is the Founder & CEO of Liyana Healthcare plc, Liyana Digital Healthcare Solutions plc, and Liyana-Oxy Medical Gas Manufacturing. A physician, healthcare investor, and industry pioneer, he has been instrumental in expanding Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure and shaping the country’s health insurance industry.

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ababi has built hospitals, launched tele-health solutions, and led groundbreaking initiatives in medical gas manufacturing to support clinical operations nationwide. He has also served as Vice President of the National Private Health Facilities Association, led regional healthcare associations, and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare policy, access, and investment across Africa.

Watch it. Share it with your colleagues. This is a masterclass in healthcare leadership, innovation, and impact you don’t want to miss.

#TheAtoZPodcast #DrGirmaAbabi #LiyanaHealthcare #HealthcareInnovation #HealthInsurance #AfricanLeadership #TeleHealth #ScalingWithImpact #CoalitionBuilding #PurposeDrivenLeadership