Why Listening Changes Everything: A Conversation with The Listener, Colin Smith

Blind Spots with Gail McDonald by Gail McDonald

Episode notes

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Blind Spots, host Gail McDonald sits down with Colin Smith, known as The Listener, to explore what it truly means to listen — not just with our ears, but with our whole being.

Colin, a specialist in listening skills and psychological safety, shares his insights on why hearing and listening are not the same thing, how being fully present can transform relationships, and why learning to “be with” someone is the key to connection in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Through personal stories, simple practices, and reflections from his work with leaders, teams, and individuals, Colin invites us to slow down, put aside distractions, and rediscover the power of attention. Together, they explore:

  • The difference between heari ... 
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Keywords
emotional intelligenceListening skillsColin Smith The ListenerDeep listeningPsychological safetyleadership communicationPresence and connectionEmpathy and compassionHeart-based leadership