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Your technical skills aren't enough anymore
In a world obsessed with upskilling, prompt engineering, and racing to keep up with automation, we’ve accidentally started neglecting our most valuable asset: our humanity.
I truly believe the more AI becomes prevalent, the more critical in person interaction and communication skills will be at a premium because there’s a potential to lose the ability to truly connect with people when we outsource routine tasks that build good habits.
I recently went to a networking event in Nashville and I got to flex some of these muscles and it was a breath of fresh air for me to interact with people who wanted to connect.
I’m a self proclaimed ambivert and I’m very intentional about energy management and also being authentic self and I’m easily drained when I’m around the wrong people and I NEED to recharge by myself.
If you’re an ambivert or introvert leaning, paying attention to when you have the most energy is so crucial to being effective!
For this week’s episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, I sat down with Cristina Costa a powerhouse career coach, leadership facilitator, and public speaking mastery coach.
We unpack a truth that every professional needs to hear right now: the tech isn't what's going to set you apart. It’s your voice.
If you’ve been feeling a bit jaded by the current tech and economic landscape, this episode is the exact reality check you need.
What’s Inside the Episode:
The Rebrand of "Soft Skills": Cristina completely rejects the term "soft skills." Instead, she introduces Power Skills like empathy, communication, navigating pressure, and building authentic rapport.
These are the exact skills landing Gen Z job seekers offers over candidates with superior technical coding abilities.
AI is a "Calculator for Words": We don't think twice about trusting a calculator for math, but who is fact-checking and monitoring the ethics of generative AI?
Cristina breaks down the hidden biases in automated systems and why human accountability matters now more than ever.
The Double Glass Ceiling: Cristina shares a pivotal story from early in her career where she chose radical truth over audience comfort on a Women in Tech panel, proving that authenticity is a magnet for impact.
Navigating Identity Outside the Box: From being a "gringa" in Guatemala to the only Latina in a Japanese suburb, Cristina and Paul dive deep into the complexities of identity, the "third culture kid" experience, and why people get uncomfortable when they can't fit you into a neat category.
"AI can't influence. AI doesn't have executive presence. AI can't make you feel seen, heard, valued, or respected. These are power skills because they are the skills you need to succeed not only in the workplace, but to succeed in life." — Cristina Costa
The Ultimate Takeaway
Your voice is your most powerful tool. Every right won throughout history came from people refusing to stay quiet or make others comfortable. Whether you are leading a team, advocating for a promotion, or trying to stay human in a digital world, you are the leader of yourself first. Don't let AI do your thinking, and don't let external noise drown out your intuition.
TL;DR In the latest IncrediPaul Leadership episode, career coach Cristina Costa and host Paul Faronbi drop a heavy truth bomb: AI can code, but it can’t connect. * Forget "Soft Skills": Rebrand them as Power Skills (empathy, executive presence, and public speaking). These are the ultimate competitive advantages that AI cannot replicate.
STREAM THIS WEEK'S EPISODE
Dive into a conversation that sparks truth, resilience, and the unstoppable force of authentic leadership. Cristina Costa shares her journey from immigrant, student, and coach to empowering others through the art of communication, especially in a world dominated by AI and societal upheaval. This episode isn’t just about speaking — it’s about owning your power, breaking barriers, and making your voice matter.
DISCUSSION TOPICS
Cristina Costa’s background as a bilingual, immigrant woman breaking into the tech and leadership space
How effective communication is a key power skill—more valuable than tech skills
The significance of 'Power Skills', not soft skills—capable of transforming careers and lives
How vulnerability and authenticity fuel impactful leadership and influence
The rise of Speak31, a public speaking mastery program for all levels and backgroundsWhy AI is a calculator for words, but not a substitute for human connection
The societal cost of losing communication skills and the importance of emotional intelligenceNavigating identity, race, and immigration in professional settings
The need for accountability and integrity in tech and leadership
How to embrace discomfort as a growth tool and stand up for what’s right
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CHECK OUT RECENT EPISODES OF INCREDIPAUL LEADERSHIP
Reminder new episodes come out every Monday at 6am Central Time. Check it out by going to incredipaul.org/podcast or stream on the following platforms: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon and More.
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