The Superpower of LISTENING

In this new series, RAVI VENKATESAN delves into reflective listening, active listening, deep listening, professional listening, and the art of interpreting non-verbal cues.

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He explores the inward journey of listening to one’s own thoughts and feelings, culminating in the profound practice of listening to one’s heart. He provides a holistic framework and practical tools to help you evolve your listening skills, transforming them into a superpower that enhances relationships, leadership efficacy, and personal growth.

What better way to start this series than to listen to an expert on listening? Ravi interviews MARK MILTON, social entrepreneur and founder of Education 4 Peace (www.e4p.org), who brings over three decades of professional listening experience, including as President of IFOTES (2001-2010), an international federation of more than 30 National Associations of Telephone Emergency Services working on mental and emotional health promotion and suicide prevention. The high stakes of suicide prevention require extensive training and developing an extraordinary level of listening skills.

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” —The Dalai Lama

The journey to becoming a social entrepreneur

Ravi: Mark, what is a social entrepreneur, and what made you become one?

Mark: I perceive a social entrepreneur as someone who’s putting energy and creativity into building something that has a social impact. An entrepreneur essentially builds something, and the social dimension is that it is for the common good, basically outside of self-interest. The intention is to serve.

Ravi: Nice! What took you down this path? Did you always have this aspiration or was there an event or turning point in your life?