The magic of deep listening
The Moment That Changed Everything
This summer, my family and I had the privilege of attending the Montreal International Jazz Festival. We absolutely love this festival. The city offers an incredible diversity of concerts—many of them free and held in beautiful, relaxing outdoor spaces. It’s an opportunity for countless musicians to make themselves known and perform in front of thousands of engaged listeners. The talent on those stages always blows me away.
But this time, something deeper stayed with me—something beyond the music.
I wasn’t just hearing the musicians play.
I was listening—truly, actively, deeply.
I was present.
Immersed in the moment.
As I listened, I noticed the magic in the subtleties. Not just the lead singer or the soloist, but every musician—the drummer adding texture, the bassist creating depth, the pianist weaving in emotion. Together, they created something far greater than any one part.
And in that moment, I realized:
I was not a bystander. I wasn’t just hearing—I was listening with my whole self.
My listening was part of the performance. My presence mattered. By being truly present, I became part of the energy. Part of the exchange. Part of the magic.
I was connected to each of them—the musicians on stage—and they, in turn, were empowered to give their best.
To be seen. To feel heard.
The Link Between Listening and Leadership
This experience reminded me of what lies at the heart of powerful coaching—and leadership.
As Nancy Kline beautifully wrote in her book Time to Think:
“The quality of your attention determines the quality of other people’s thinking.”
When we truly listen—not just with our ears, but with our full presence—tuning into emotion, energy, and unspoken cues—we create space for others to feel safe, seen, and valued.
Listening becomes a gift.
When People Feel Seen and Heard, Magic Happens
Just like a jazz ensemble, something transformational happens when people are deeply heard:
New insights emerge.
Confidence grows.
Collaboration flows.
The magic unfolds.
What I’ve Learned About Listening
I didn’t truly understand the power of deep listening until I learned about it during my coaching training. Now, I deeply appreciate the difference between hearing and actively listening.
This shift allows me to slow down.
To pause.
To truly be in the moment—without racing ahead to what’s next.
And when I’m grounded in that kind of presence… That’s where the magic happens.
So the next time you’re having a conversation—whether coaching, leading, parenting, or simply connecting—ask yourself:
Am I just hearing… or am I truly listening?
Thank you for reading—and for being part of this shared space.
Keep shining,
Laura