Most people think they’re good listeners. But what if that belief is exactly what’s holding them back?

In this episode Christine Miles, a CEO and founder of EQuipt, shares how a childhood shaped by unseen pain led her to develop a rare ability: listening to understand what others miss. From navigating family trauma to overcoming career setbacks and rebuilding after a life-altering injury, she reveals how this overlooked skill became the foundation of her success.

Through real-world stories and practical frameworks like the Listening Path, she breaks down why communication fails, how leaders miss critical insights, and what it actually takes to build meaningful human connection in business and life.

Key Takeaways

• Why most people misunderstand listening and how it impacts success

• The difference between listening to respond vs listening to understand

• How empathy-driven leadership uncovers real problems and solutions

• The Listening Path framework and its practical application

• Why better listening leads to stronger relationships, trust, and results

Notable Quotes

• “Most people focus more on talking than understanding.”

• “There’s no listening education, yet it’s the most fundamental skill.”

• “We live in a world of misunderstanding.”

• “Listening is a soft skill with hard outcomes.”

• “When you give the gift of understanding, everything changes.”