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Stephen O'Keefe at TEDx

Developing effective listening skills to boost inclusion, productivity, and engagement

Have you noticed.....

Poor listening

Gets in the way of creating a culture of inclusion, productivity, and engagement.
 

And guess what happens when your organization listens better? 

 

Amazing things!

Increased profits.  Attracting and retaining top talent. A happier workplace.  Understanding markets better.  Biases get smashed into smithereens.
 

So.... how do you improve listening?

PS.  Listening isn't the only thing that matters.  But it's pretty darn important.
 

headshot of Stephen O'Keefe cupping his ear

That's where Stephen gets involved

As seen in:

CBC logo, featuring a stylized red circle in the center, with multiple curved lines that create the impression of a radiating broadcast signal
PBS logo consisting of a side view of a face overlapping two other faces
National Film board logo which is a silhouette of a person with raised arms clasped hands overhead

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

"This was the perfect kick off to our conference. Stephen provided everything we want to give our members attending our conference - a thought provoking story, practical advice, and an opportunity to learn from other members of our community."

—  Tom Barnes, CEO, MIABC

Stephen O'Keefe's headshot

Hi! I am Stephen.

There’s one thing you need to know about me.  I was born with a profound hearing loss, and the doctors told my parents I’d never speak.  And here I am talking to you about how to listen better.  The irony is delicious.  Kind of like a blind person giving you decorating tips?

 

You’d be surprised at what you’d learn.  I’m also surprised at how little people know about listening. 

 

Listening is my superpower.  

 

I’ve used to run a national manufacturing business which supplied Fortune 500 companies.  To practice law.   To perform stand up comedy on national television.   

 

Listening is a fundamental skill for inclusion, better relationships, and increased productivity.  And I’m all about inclusion and making sure others are included.  Because I’ve seen the other side of inclusion, given my hearing loss.  Where I’ve been left out of many discussions.  Treated as an outsider.   

 

Today, I’m here to work with you to develop outstanding listening skills.  My methods which are based on leading-edge research, tested and proven over years of professional and personal experience, provide you with pragmatic and strategic solutions.   

PS. if you want a much more personal bio, just click on this 

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Selected Media

TEDx Talk

Stephen O'Keefe flexing his arms on a TEDx stage

NFB Documentary

Which option will drive the best results for your organization?

Presentations - Keynotes and Seminars

Inspire, entertain, and inform your people with Stephen's unique presentations.

Coaching and Consulting

Stephen will work with you regarding leadership, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility issues you may have.

link to options

An organization which values effective listening skills has the following:

Higher profits

An environment which attracts and retains top talent

Happier and more engaged employees

​

A better understanding of your markets and customers

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