In today’s hyper-competitive job market, technical skills may get your resume noticed—but soft skills determine who gets hired, promoted, and trusted with leadership.

Multiple studies consistently show that up to 85 percent of long-term career success is driven by soft skills, while only 15 percent comes from technical or hard skills. In fact, research also reveals a sobering reality: 46 percent of first hires are terminated within their first 18 months, and 89 percent of those terminations are due to poor attitude, communication, and interpersonal skills, not technical incompetence.

In an era where automation, AI, and rapid change are redefining roles, the ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, manage emotions, and influence others has become a non-negotiable advantage—especially for tech professionals who want to stand out, move into leadership, and sustain long-term impact.

In this conversation, I engaged with Yadi, an organizational psychology practitioner and the host of The Hardcore Soft Skills Podcast, to unpack why soft skills are no longer “nice to have,” but mission-critical for anyone building a serious career in tech and beyond.

About the Guest

Yadi is an organizational psychology practitioner, workplace strategist, and the host of The Hardcore Soft Skills Podcast, where she challenges the myth that soft skills are secondary or optional. She is also the author of Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans. 

Through research-driven insights and real-world conversations, she helps professionals—especially in technical fields—understand how human behavior, mindset, and communication shape performance, leadership, and career longevity.

Her work bridges psychology and practice, translating complex human dynamics into actionable strategies for individuals and organizations seeking sustainable success.