Summary
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.
Ahmad Burse is a veteran in leadership roles across the military and federal government sectors. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, Ahmad has developed expertise in fostering communication skills and leadership development in the STEM community. What distinguishes Ahmad is his emphasis on the importance of soft skills in complementing technical proficiency, stressing that to truly make a mark, especially in STEM, individuals need to go beyond simply being good at their job and become leaders.
Ahmad Burse’s approach to developing leadership and communication skills is based on his extensive experience and the universal importance of these skills. He starts by identifying the areas that require improvement. He notes that it is essential to help individuals build confidence and develop their strengths, rather than focusing solely on their weaknesses. Ahmad believes that excellent communication skills are essential for successful leadership across various fields, including STEM.
Ahmad currently offers training and coaching services designed to help individuals navigate professional challenges. He helps people in the STEM context and beyond by offering advice to find someone who is doing what they want to do and walk in their shoes. His contact information is available on his website and LinkedIn.
Resources
Watch
- [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
Transcription
[spp-transcript]
This is Tech Explorations Podcast episode 19.
The Tech Explorations Podcast is a podcast produced by Tech Explorations, a leading provider of educational resources for Makers, STEM students, and teachers. Go to techexplorations.com to see a complete list of our books and courses covering the Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and electronics.