Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all of the challenges that show up at work and at home? And then you feel stuck. This episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast will give you a way to get clear and unstuck, and listening plays a key role.
Reuven Shelef is the Founder and CEO of OUT OF THE BOX Consulting and creator of the Untangling Complex Challenges® methodology. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, technology, business transformation, and human dynamics, he helps Fortune 500 companies, startups, and executives solve complex problems by combining sharp logic with deep understanding of human behavior. His method was developed from his own life experiences, blending business, engineering, management consulting, and personal growth.
As a Certified Salesforce Consulting Partner with 30+ years of Management Consulting experience, Reuven’s precise approach and authentic leadership have made him a trusted advisor who drives meaningful change.
In this episode, Reuven clarifies what a complex challenge is and how to map out what seems overwhelming to a clear picture that can lead to clearly defining next steps. He shares his journey from engineering to personal development, highlighting the importance of listening to oneself and others. He explains how focusing on root causes instead of symptoms leads to better solutions and explores how relationships fuel personal and professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights on empathy, self-awareness, and navigating life’s complexities.
On listening: “Part of my listening is to listen to their listening. Are they actually listening? And what are they listening to?” - Reuven Shelef
SUPERPOWER Notes:
01:03 - The Power of Listening: Reuven recalls learning to listen consciously during his Air Force tests.
05:35 - Complex vs. Simple Challenges: He explains complex challenges involve feeling stuck without clear solutions.
10:30 - Listening to Their Listening: Reuven highlights reading others’ non-verbal cues to improve communication.
12:57 - Personal Growth Journey: He shares transitioning from a technical mindset to exploring identity and purpose.
19:07 - Applying Business Tools Personally: Reuven used professional methods like mapping to navigate personal crises.
20:32 - Untangling Complex Challenges: He outlines his approach to identifying root causes over symptoms.
25:10 - Cross-Pollinating Problem-Solving: Reuven combines engineering logic with emotional perspectives.
29:21- Unique Consulting Role: He blends technical and personal insights for a distinct coaching style.
34:40 - Discovering Self and Connection: Understanding oneself is key to meaningful relationships.
36:06 - Relationships and Growth: Reuven notes interpersonal dynamics drive many personal growth challenges.
40:08 - Free Short Calls: Listeners can book free calls with Reuven to discuss and untangle challenges.
Key Takeaways:
on the power of listening: “Listening to silence... it's fascinating to be alone and listen to silence.” - Reuven Shelef
on listening and self-awareness: “Sometimes I’ll stop and I say, 'I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening.' It took me some time and training to get over the “looking bad” issue.” - Reuven Shelef
on relationships: “There is very little that can be accomplished alone. There are times to be alone. That's also part of being comfortable in your own skin.” - Reuven Shelef
Connect with Reuven Shelef:
Website: www.reuvenshelef.com
Book a call: MeetReuven.com
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuvenshelef/
Connect with Raquel Ark:
www.listeningalchemy.com
Mobile: + 491732340722
contact@listeningalchemy.com
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Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com
