“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.” – Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Mastering communication is one of the most important building blocks for reaching your full potential. We are fortunate to have many brilliant communicators in our community and we asked some of them to share their lessons and advice below.

Niké Vopalecká

When I learned that communication is really about connection. A lot of people think it’s just about transmitting information — but information doesn’t truly land until you’ve established at least a basic connection with the other person.

In Czech, my native language, the word for “communication” is used interchangeably with the word for “road” when talking about transportation. I love that metaphor: communication is the road that carries us from one mind to another. To truly connect, we first have to become excellent listeners. That’s been one of the biggest lessons from my undergraduate years — I’ve noticed how much people long to be heard, especially in our fast-paced, constantly distracted generation. Read More>>

Olivia Withers

For a long time, I believed that caring deeply about others was enough to develop closeness in relationships. But over time I struggled to create meaningful connections with my family and friends and often felt misunderstood by them. My need to feel seen, heard, and ultimately understood led me to pursue personal growth. I began drawing heavily on the work of authors like Brené Brown and Dr. Nicole LePera, who helped me see communication as a skill rooted in self-awareness.” In her book “Atlas of the Heart,” Brené Brown quotes philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein who stated, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” Read More>>

Ashley Eberbach

As a female filmmaker and production company owner I have to communicate with many different personalities in a creative field daily. A lot about communication is listening and choosing when it’s time to have the attention. I lead at my best when it is with kindness and authority. I maintain my strong vision while combining that with other people’s ideas. In the 20+ years of working with people with unique strengths and talents, I strive to get those aspects of each person to shine. Good communication is everything. When people feel like they are part of the team and conversation, the best projects are made. Read More>>

Marquita Greene

Being neurodivergent I believe that I already have a unique perspective on communicating, which has pushed me to adapt and refine my approach based on my audience. I believe in listening to hear others in oppose to response, gives me an opportunity to learn more about the person I am conversing with. This not only allows me to develop trust with others but to make sure the person I’m conversing with feels heard, understood and know they have a safe space to express themselves. It also gives me to take necessary steps for advocacy or provide resources for people which really has influenced the way I engage with people. Read More>>

Curtis L.

Communication is a funny thing. It is incumbent on both the giver and the receiver to participate in a dance together. To use a sports metaphor, like tennis, one person “lobs” while the other “volleys”. For me, effective communication comes naturally, but it took time for me to realize that simply being articulate and erudite isn’t enough. There are many facets of communication which include how a message is delivered. Sometimes delivery is more important than the content of what is being said. Read More>>