Dr. Bob Husband: The Simple Skills That Create Real Influence

Summary

In this episode of That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin reconnects with Dr. Bob Husband, one of the most influential communication professors in University of Illinois history and a legendary mentor whose classes shaped generations of students to become leaders in their fields long before the title “influencer” became a buzzword.

As an actor, Ryan was trained to listen - really listen- using repetition and presence to stay grounded in the moment. During this conversation, he has a realization: Dr. Husband’s communication class was actually his first acting class, teaching the same active listening skills actors rely on to create real connection on set, skills that translate directly to leadership, relationships, and influence in everyday life.

This isn’t about performing or talking louder. It’s about learning how listening, asking better questions, and reflecting what you hear builds trust, credibility, and impact. Drawing from decades in education and executive consulting, Dr. Husband breaks down how humility paired with fierce resolve creates transformational leaders - and why the most influential people in any room are often the best listeners.

Keywords

communication, leadership, listening, mentorship, self-improvement, storytelling, education, humility, questions, transformational leadership, University of Illinois, influencer, actor, Captain Awesome, Chuck

Takeaways

• The most important word in any language is a person's name.
• Effective communication starts with listening.
• Asking questions is a powerful tool in conversations.
• Humility and fierce resolve are essential traits in leadership.
• Transformational leaders combine humility with strong resolve.
• Education and mentorship play a crucial role in personal growth.
• The art of storytelling enhances communication.
• Building connections through names can break the ice.
• Self-improvement begins with the willingness to ask questions.
• Community and collaboration are vital for success.

Chapters Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Dr. Bob Husband's Background and Career The Importance of Names in Communication Bob's Journey into Communication and Education The Role of Listening in Effective Communication The Need for Better Listening Skills in Leadership The Art of Listening and Engagement Control in Conversations: The Power of Questions Leadership Through Inquiry: The Role of Questions The Importance of Connection in Conversations Listening as an Acting Skill: The Power of Non-Verbal Communication Transformational Leadership: Humility and Resolve Adapting to Change: A Leadership Challenge The Role of Authenticity in Leadership Embracing Authenticity: A Personal Journey The Essence of Humility and Resolve Transformative Life Episodes The Power of Questions in Leadership Ubuntu: The Collective Experience

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