The Art of Listening Is the Art of Leadership
At CapreLife, our greatest achievements haven’t come from just planning beautiful events they’ve come from mastering something much more subtle and powerful: the art of listening.
In my journey as a leader and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that listening is more than a soft skill it’s a leadership strategy. When we talk about the Art of Leadership, we often focus on vision, strategy, or decision-making. But the real foundation of effective leadership is listening. Not just hearing words, but being fully present, mentally and emotionally, in every conversation.
There is an art in the way we listen. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to understand before responding. As Craig Impelman shares in his Success Magazine article, “The Importance of Listening in Leadership”,
“A key element in the art of listening is not to be thinking about what you’re going to say while the other person is talking. Quieting your thoughts and really hearing the other person with an open mind sometimes requires a conscious effort.”
That conscious effort to be fully present is something we practice daily at CapreLife Events. We’re in the business of designing deeply personal and transformative experiences, and those experiences don’t come from assumptions they come from understanding. And understanding only comes from listening.
We often say that great events start with a great conversation. But what we really mean is: great events start with great listening. Whether we’re working with clients, team members, or partners, we lead by creating space for others to be heard. That’s when trust is built. That’s when creativity flows. And that’s when true collaboration happens.
Listening is not passive. It’s one of the most active roles a leader can take. As I often say:
“Being able to listen effectively means you’re willing to be active with your mind. It can be comfortable just hearing someone, but genuinely listening is an art it requires focus, emotional intelligence, and empathy.”
At CapreLife, this approach is what sets us apart. We don’t deliver cookie-cutter experiences. We co-create them with our clients—because we’ve taken the time to hear their vision, their values, and their dreams.
Impelman also notes that listening is only half the equation. True leadership also means having the confidence to speak up after you’ve listened. When your words are grounded in understanding, they carry more weight, more clarity, and more impact.
Studies show that we retain only 20–25% of what we hear. That’s a startling reminder of how often we think we’re listening, but we’re really just waiting to respond. As leaders, we must do better. We must train ourselves to listen with intention and lead with empathy.
At CapreLife, our leadership culture is built on listening. It’s why our clients feel seen. It’s why our team thrives. And it’s why we’re able to create experiences that are as unique and unforgettable as the people behind them.
Leadership isn’t just about leading the conversation. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can do is pause, and truly listen. That’s the heart of what we do. It’s why our clients trust us. And it’s how we continue to grow, not just as a company, but as people.
Lisa Capre
CEO, CapreLife Events
