Uploaded August 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of the Tech Explorations Podcast, Peter discusses the importance of communication and leadership skills in STEM fields with Ahmad J. Burse.
During his conversation with Peter, Ahmad shares how his military experience shaped his understanding of these skills and his approach to developing them. He also covers practical exercises for technical professionals who struggle with communication, how introverts can learn communication skills, and the significance of leadership in STEM. Peter and Ahmad also explore the essence of leadership and the opportunities available for developing leadership in a STEM environment. Finally, Ahmad Burse offers advice to our listeners.
Read more:
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• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:02 When did Ahmad Burse discover the importance of communication and leadership skills in STEM?
• 05:20 How did Ahmad Burse's military background influence his understanding of communication and leadership? When did he join the STEM community and recognize the lack of these skills?
• 09:04 What is Ahmad Burse's approach to developing communication and leadership skills in STEM and beyond? How does he distinguish between these skills and how does he help someone who struggles with eye contact?
• 13:26 External events may trigger the realization that one needs to improve their skills. Can both communication and leadership skills in STEM be developed simultaneously?
• 16:10 How can introverts learn communication skills and what environments can be helpful in developing these skills?
• 19:17 Practical communication skill-building exercises for technical professionals in STEM with poor communication skills
• 22:23 How encouraging introverted engineers to open up, receive and analyse information, and offer results can help them effectively communicate with others in social environments
• 27:06 In a post-COVID-19 world where remote work is prevalent, are there important differences that require a unique approach between offline and online communication?
• 31:40 The importance of being thoughtful and truthful online
• 34:32 Communication can take various forms depending on the context, ranging from concise to detailed. What are the core attributes of good communication?
• 37:07 The key responsibilities of the initiator of communication
• 39:21 Why is leadership important in STEM, and why do students learning technical skills need to develop leadership skills as well?
• 42:17 What is the essence of leadership, particularly in relation to decision-making and the ability to implement decisions? Is this what constitutes a leader's superpower?
• 44:35 How can Ahmad Burse help STEM club students (ages 14-15) develop leadership and decision-making skills while working on Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects, to become future leaders like Steve Jobs?
• 48:46 Opportunities for developing leadership in the STEM Environment through complex projects and competitions, and the value of failure in learning
• 51:59 Ahmad’s advice for listeners and contact information
In this episode of the Tech Explorations Podcast, Peter discusses the importance of communication and leadership skills in STEM fields with Ahmad J. Burse.
During his conversation with Peter, Ahmad shares how his military experience shaped his understanding of these skills and his approach to developing them. He also covers practical exercises for technical professionals who struggle with communication, how introverts can learn communication skills, and the significance of leadership in STEM. Peter and Ahmad also explore the essence of leadership and the opportunities available for developing leadership in a STEM environment. Finally, Ahmad Burse offers advice to our listeners.
Read more:
========================================================
• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:02 When did Ahmad Burse discover the importance of communication and leadership skills in STEM?
• 05:20 How did Ahmad Burse's military background influence his understanding of communication and leadership? When did he join the STEM community and recognize the lack of these skills?
• 09:04 What is Ahmad Burse's approach to developing communication and leadership skills in STEM and beyond? How does he distinguish between these skills and how does he help someone who struggles with eye contact?
• 13:26 External events may trigger the realization that one needs to improve their skills. Can both communication and leadership skills in STEM be developed simultaneously?
• 16:10 How can introverts learn communication skills and what environments can be helpful in developing these skills?
• 19:17 Practical communication skill-building exercises for technical professionals in STEM with poor communication skills
• 22:23 How encouraging introverted engineers to open up, receive and analyse information, and offer results can help them effectively communicate with others in social environments
• 27:06 In a post-COVID-19 world where remote work is prevalent, are there important differences that require a unique approach between offline and online communication?
• 31:40 The importance of being thoughtful and truthful online
• 34:32 Communication can take various forms depending on the context, ranging from concise to detailed. What are the core attributes of good communication?
• 37:07 The key responsibilities of the initiator of communication
• 39:21 Why is leadership important in STEM, and why do students learning technical skills need to develop leadership skills as well?
• 42:17 What is the essence of leadership, particularly in relation to decision-making and the ability to implement decisions? Is this what constitutes a leader's superpower?
• 44:35 How can Ahmad Burse help STEM club students (ages 14-15) develop leadership and decision-making skills while working on Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects, to become future leaders like Steve Jobs?
• 48:46 Opportunities for developing leadership in the STEM Environment through complex projects and competitions, and the value of failure in learning
• 51:59 Ahmad’s advice for listeners and contact information
