Building the Skills for the Future: Communication and Active Listening with TP’s Lisa Dolan

The Purpose Lab Student Ambassador programme continues to empower students with practical, workplace-ready skills. In our latest session, we were joined once again by Lisa Dolan, Regional VP of Employee Experience at TP, who led an engaging workshop on effective communication and active listening — two essential abilities that underpin every successful career. 

From the start, Lisa reminded students that communication isn’t just about talking — it’s about connecting. The ability to express ideas clearly, listen attentively, and adapt to different audiences can transform not just how we learn, but how we lead. 

Lisa shared an exciting update: TP’s new mentoring programme for students will officially launch in January 2026. This initiative is designed to give Student Ambassadors ongoing support through one-to-one guidance from TP professionals, helping them build confidence, develop future-ready skills, and create valuable networks. 

The heart of the session focused on the four principles of effective communication — each one relevant to both university and workplace life: 

• Be clear and concise: Avoid jargon, simplify your language, and get straight to the point. 

• Know your audience: Tailor tone and detail for who you’re speaking to. 

• Purpose first: Start with the why before diving into detail. 

• Check understanding: Always confirm next steps and comprehension. 

Lisa encouraged students to see clarity as a professional superpower: “Less is more — it keeps people focused and avoids confusion.” 

Alongside speaking effectively, Lisa explored active listening — a skill often underestimated but crucial for collaboration and leadership. She introduced four techniques: 

• Paraphrasing to confirm understanding. 

• Using non-verbal cues like eye contact and nodding to show engagement. 

• Asking open questions to deepen conversations. 

• Avoiding interruption, giving others space to finish and reflect. 

For many of the Student Ambassadors, the biggest takeaway was that communication is a two-way street. By practising active listening and empathy, they can build stronger relationships — whether with classmates, mentors, or future colleagues. 

Next month, the Purpose Lab series will continue with a session on stakeholder engagement and relationship-building — exploring how strong communication translates into influence and collaboration. 

As Lisa put it: “When you master communication, you don’t just share ideas — you build trust, create opportunities, and inspire others to follow.”