About
Welcome to The Soft Skills Academy.
Our purpose is simple: We help people master the skills they need to transform their businesses, lives, and careers.
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Bill Hurston
Among other things, I am a "recovering CPA" and ordained minister, making me one of a handful of people licensed to marry you, bury you, and file your final tax return.
The truth is many others are far better at both; thankfully, as I enter the fifth decade of my career, I have found a new calling: the Soft Skills Academy. It is – by far - the most fulfilling "work" I have ever done.
My wife Sandy and I are natives of Saint Louis, Missouri. We have two boys: Ryan, a performance coach for the Colorado Rockies organization who lives in Phoenix during the off-season, and Andrew, who is beginning to discover his path.
My young lab, Jack, is my new running partner and constant companion. He keeps my inner child alive and active and reminds me daily of life's simple pleasures.
"The true meaning of life is to plant trees under
whose shade you do not intend to sit."
- Nelson Henderson
More people than I can count, much less remember, have helped me grow and develop from childhood until today. It is only fitting that I honor them by doing the same for others.
NICE TO MEET YOU
Why I Do This
100 years ago, Harvey Firestone said, “ The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.”
I help today’s – and tomorrow’s – leaders answer that calling.
I created the Soft Skills Academy to help people recognize and learn how to capitalize on soft skills such as Emotional Intelligence, self-confidence, personal accountability, and resiliency.
The result? Higher engagement, stronger cultures, and more innovation.
But that’s not all. In addition to becoming stronger leaders and employees, they use the insights they have gained to become better partners, parents, and friends.
Everyone wins when that happens.
"Bill is a proven performer with high personal integrity. He is totally trustworthy. His word is his bond."
Colonel Mike Rogers
United States Army
"Bill helped us during a challenging time in our business. He's a natural at coaching. He was seriously born to do this!"
Patricia Isringhaus
Isringhaus Printing
"I will continue to refer my clients to Bill without hesitation; he is a man of high standards and great character."
Marie Perdue
United Missouri Bank
IT'S FAIR TO ASK ME ABOUT
My Strengths
Since our motto is "Play to Your Strengths," here are mine:
- I am excellent at "connecting the dots" and solving problems.
- Adversity has taught me to turn obstacles into opportunities.
- I am intensely curious.
- I have a good sense of humor.
- I do not fear failure.
- I focus on what I can control and let go of what I cannot.
- I devote time daily to improving my physical, mental, and spiritual health, which has made all the above possible.
