S7 Ep16: How to Get People to Really Listen – At Home, at Work, and Everywhere in Between

On this week’s Mums on Cloud Nine podcast, we’re tackling a challenge that shows up in almost every area of life: getting people to truly listen. Whether it’s your kids tuning you out, your partner missing the point, or colleagues distracted by a never-ending to-do list, the frustration is universal.

Joining Heather for this conversation is Ruth Kudzi, CEO and founder of Optimus Coach Academy, who has spent years teaching coaching skills to leaders, managers, and aspiring coaches. Ruth shares why listening is at the heart of strong relationships, why we sometimes fail to hear each other, and how we can create an environment where people want to engage.

They explore the subtle cues that make us feel valued, the role of trust and safety in communication, and how distractions, both external and internal, derail conversations before they have even begun. Ruth also explains how coaching skills, even at a basic level, can improve listening, build stronger connections, and encourage more productive exchanges.

The discussion moves from the personal to the professional, with examples of how to approach tricky moments at home, including with children who have boundless energy or short attention spans, and strategies for workplace conversations where timing, tone, and empathy make all the difference.

Ruth also offers insight into the training options at Optimus Coach Academy, from short online courses for everyday communication to accredited diplomas for leaders and professional coaches. Whatever your role, she believes coaching skills can help you become more present, more curious, and ultimately more effective in every conversation you have.

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Episode Highlights

• Why people sometimes fail to listen and how trust, safety, and feeling valued influence communication.

• The role of distractions, both external and internal, in breaking focus during conversations.

• How coaching skills can help improve listening, presence, and curiosity in everyday interactions.

• Practical tips for getting children to engage, including choosing the right time and environment for conversations.

• Approaches for ensuring colleagues listen in the workplace include timing discussions and understanding communication preferences.

• The different training options offered by Optimus Coach Academy include short skills-based courses to accredited coaching diplomas.