Before I Lead, I Listen: Engineering Influence & Trust in Technical Teams
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MAIN STAGE
Knowledge Level - NDT Level I/NDT Level II
Knowledge Level - NDT Level III
Knowledge Level - Student
Presentation Topic Level - Advanced
Presentation Topic Level - Intermediate
Presentation Topic Level - Novice
Target Audience - General Interest
Target Audience - Level III Managers
Target Audience - Research/Academics
Target Audience - Small Business Managers
Target Audience- NDT Engineers
Target Audience- Technicians/Inspectors
| Wednesday, October 8, 2025 |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Speaker
Julie Riga
Stay on Course LLC
Before I Lead, I Listen: Engineering Influence & Trust in Technical Teams
Presentation Description
In technical environments where precision, data, and standards are paramount, one leadership skill often remains underdeveloped—listening. Before I Lead, I Listen redefines listening as a strategic tool for engineering influence and building trust within NDT and other high-stakes technical teams.
This session explores how ineffective communication stalls progress, undermines safety, and damages team cohesion. Through real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, participants will discover the 12 most common listening roadblocks in technical settings and learn how to overcome them using the 4 Levels of Listening. This practical framework helps leaders clarify decisions, prevent misunderstandings, and lead with greater impact.
Attendees will engage in peer-based challenge cycles or collaborative deep dives, applying what they’ve learned to real-time leadership and communication challenges. They will leave equipped with a personalized Listening Action Plan and the tools to immediately enhance trust, engagement, and team performance.
Ideal for:
Team leads, project managers, senior engineers, and technical professionals looking to strengthen leadership impact through communication.
This session explores how ineffective communication stalls progress, undermines safety, and damages team cohesion. Through real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, participants will discover the 12 most common listening roadblocks in technical settings and learn how to overcome them using the 4 Levels of Listening. This practical framework helps leaders clarify decisions, prevent misunderstandings, and lead with greater impact.
Attendees will engage in peer-based challenge cycles or collaborative deep dives, applying what they’ve learned to real-time leadership and communication challenges. They will leave equipped with a personalized Listening Action Plan and the tools to immediately enhance trust, engagement, and team performance.
Ideal for:
Team leads, project managers, senior engineers, and technical professionals looking to strengthen leadership impact through communication.
Short Course Description
Biography
Julie Riga is a transformational speaker, author, and founder of Before I Lead, a coaching program that equips entrepreneurs with the clarity, confidence, and strategy to grow sustainable businesses. With over 20 years of leadership and marketing experience, she inspires action through her signature sessions—Before I Speak, Before I Sell, and Before I Calendar. Julie’s TEDx talk, “Discover Your Purpose and Stay on Course,” captivated over 65,000 Novartis employees. Known for her engaging style, sharp insights, and storytelling power, she now coaches others to harness their voice and lead with impact.
