EILEEN MCDARGH'S
Resiliency Report
Published monthly and when the mood strikes.
Update from Eileen
I wrote that I would declare the better part of July “dark”. You know, time off for good behavior. Yes, I would speak in Malaysia and close off the month with the National Speakers Association I wrote this:
In between these two events, I will seek out what is juicy and unusual. I will say yes to what supports this nation’s democracy, which I love. And love is the theme at a time when hatred, division, and cruelty are all too common.
Alas, the exhaustion from traveling to Malaysia and the surprise of returning home with Covid caught me off guard. Sigh. I did experience a love for democracy in Malaysia, where the conference openly addressed diversity, equity, and inclusion. The parallel conference explored global sustainability, which reflects a love for our fragile planet: Earth.
So, I will rewind and start again. Using the word August as my guide, I’ll work on Awareness, Understanding, Goodness, the Unusual, Serendipity, and lastly TIME to reflect and breathe.
Care to join me?
Awareness: Time To Wake Up!
On one day in March, the Trump administration fired half of the Department of Education. One thousand three hundred employees, many with decades of experience and advanced degrees, came into work on a Tuesday morning, were told to leave early, and were fired by email that night.
Except that wasn’t the end of the story.
What Happened to July?
August 2025
In an AI World, SOFT SKILLS are Critical
Chat GPT, Claude, Gemini, and others swirl around our lives like bees seeking honey and feeling displaced and confused. Me too.
We can all learn how to use these technologies. BUT all the algorithms, equations, and fancy technology will not get us far if we have not developed the most critical skill: SOFT skills.
Soft skills are non-technical skills that include teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and character. Think about this: have you ever worked with someone who was technically brilliant but a real jerk? Or how about being with another person who interrupts conversations, uses I as the primary pronoun, and makes fun of others.
Get the idea?
The challenge with soft skills is that it’s not “one-and-done”. Don’t think you can read the book and magic—you are a soft skills expert. Not going to happen. This is why many of us are in the coaching field, helping clients discover more productive and personal ways to enhance relationships, understand others, tap into creativity, and achieve personal success.
Throughout the following few issues, I’ll offer insights on how to develop these soft skills. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up for The Resiliency Report, and I will send you a digital copy of “Talk Ain’t Cheap: It’s Priceless!” And once August is over, I’m available for 1:1 or team coaching. Don’t spend a fortune on AI if you haven’t mastered soft skills. Your brain might be filled, but your heart will be empty.
Wisdom from Winnie the Pooh!
“A hug is always the right size.”
“Rivers know there’s no hurry. We’ll get there some day.”
“You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
— Winnie the Pooh
Must Read Book
"The Life Impossible" by Matt Haig
"The Life Impossible" follows retired math teacher Grace Winters.
Lacking in motivation, Grace has become bored of life.
The book weaves together elements of magical realism, emotional reflection, and scenic adventure. At its heart is Grace Winters, a 72-year-old former math teacher grappling with profound sorrow and lingering guilt after the loss of her husband and son. Her story unfolds as an unexpected journey—both outward across the world and inward toward healing.
After an estranged friend passes, she unexpectedly inherits a fixer-upper in Ibiza and a small spark of interest pushes her to take action. I won’t tell you more because there is a “presence” in this book, connected with the ocean and life! Perfect summer read.
Speechless!: Shared by 28 of the World's TOP PROFESSIONAL SPEAKERS
Twenty-eight professional speakers, including myself, got together to write a new book as a fundraiser for the NSA Foundation.
Step into the untold world of professional speaking with this riveting anthology of 28 true stories from top-tier experts who have reached the pinnacle of the industry—CSPs and CPAEs recognized for their excellence on stage.
From standing ovations to moments that nearly went off the rails, these storytellers pull back the curtain to reveal the wild, raw, and unforgettable experiences that come with life in the spotlight.
About Eileen
If you are looking for a unique keynote speaker in resiliency, a facilitator for executive retreats, a speech coach or an emcee/moderator, then you want to work with Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE. Eileen has spoken for audiences as large as 15,000 and facilitated groups as small as 18! She is the author of seven books and other products that you can find in her online store. The British Research firm of Global Gurus ranked her #4 among the top 30 communication gurus worldwide. Why not hire Eileen for your next event?
Ranked 3rd in Communications
This is the 7th year in a row that I have been ranked in the top 5 in communication. Global Gurus surveys some 26,000 business professionals to determine rankings plus professionals also vote.
Dear Friends,
It’s that time of year again to vote for Global Gurus in various categories. I’ve been in the top 5 of Communication Gurus for many years. Global Gurus is a British research firm that goes out to some 20,000 people to determine standing.
Click below to nominate me as inspirational. It might ask you to log in using either Linked in or Google. You are asked to log in to assure people can only vote once. You’ll then see my face pop up along with other nominees. Select and then near the bottom, you can rank me as “inspirational ”or not.
Please let me know if this works. You are all the best.
Many thanks. I am most grateful for YOU!!!!!
