Fast Five with Isabel Urrego

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received, personally or professionally?
My dad used to say, “If you listen, then think, then write, you’ll learn thrice”! I come from a family of teachers. Funny enough, my father was the only one without a degree but the one teaching us invaluable lessons. He was resourceful and wise beyond his years.

What do you think are the most needed skills and capabilities at the moment?
Believe it or not, in a world with a workforce this technological and “connected”, soft skills are the ones highly sought after in recruitment. Active listening, empathy, resilience, common sense (which is not that common!). These are vital for negotiation, persuasion, public speaking, dispute resolution. As a teacher of many years, we need to encourage our children to develop self-reflection and social awareness, rather than pressuring them for academic success or pursuing money making careers. But that’s just me! 😊

What do you do to unwind after a long day?
Painting by numbers!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I would love to be able to read minds. As an experienced teacher, sometimes we get very close to it!😊 It would really be useful to communicate fast and truthfully. And invisibility!

Bonus round - a quick game of Either/Or:

• • Beach or Mountain Escape? Beach bum.
  • Music or Podcasts? Music is the fuel to my soul.
  • Cats or Dogs? Puppies!
  • Summer or Winter? Summer baby!
  • Reading the book or Seeing the movie? Reading the book and then watching the movie to see if they got it right.