Welcome to another episode of the Tech Explorations podcast! Today, we are honored to have Ahmed Burse, a distinguished veteran with over 30 years of leadership experience in the military and federal government sectors. Ahmed has dedicated his career to fostering communication skills and leadership development within the STEM community. His unique perspective emphasizes the importance of soft skills in complementing technical proficiency, a topic that is often overlooked in STEM circles.

Ahmed begins by sharing his journey, starting from his time in the military where he first recognized the critical role of effective communication and leadership. He explains that successful leaders, regardless of their level, must communicate in a way that is understood by everyone, from the most junior to the most senior personnel. This skill is not just about conveying information but also about motivating and inspiring others to achieve their goals. Ahmed highlights that these soft skills, which include emotional intelligence and the ability to read a room, are essential for any leader.

Transitioning from the military to the federal government, Ahmed worked with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Here, he encountered highly skilled engineers who excelled technically but struggled with leadership roles due to a lack of communication skills. Ahmed's role often involved mediating conflicts and helping these technical experts develop the necessary soft skills to lead effectively. He observed that many engineers viewed problems in black and white terms, which is effective for technical tasks but not for managing people. This realization led him to focus on helping STEM professionals develop their communication and leadership abilities.

Ahmed's journey into the STEM community continued as he became an information technology teacher at a local college. In addition to teaching technical skills, he also taught career development, including presentation skills, goal setting, and interviewing techniques. This experience further solidified his understanding of the gap in soft skills among STEM professionals. He noticed that many students, especially non-traditional ones, excelled technically but lacked the skills needed to advance their careers.

In the podcast, Ahmed discusses his current work, which involves coaching individuals to improve their communication and leadership skills. He emphasizes that leadership is about influencing others and that effective communication is a continuous process. Ahmed believes that anyone can develop these skills, regardless of their background. He shares practical advice on how to improve communication, such as active listening, observing non-verbal cues, and seeking to understand others before being understood.

Ahmed also touches on the importance of finding one's authentic voice and the role of organizations like Toastmasters in developing both communication and leadership skills. He encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, volunteer for new roles, and continuously seek opportunities for growth.

Throughout the interview, Ahmed's passion for helping others shines through. He believes that by improving communication and leadership skills, STEM professionals can not only advance their careers but also positively impact their organizations and communities. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to develop these essential skills.

Tune in to this enlightening episode to learn more about Ahmed Burz's journey and gain practical tips on enhancing your communication and leadership abilities in the STEM field.