Experts mull soft skills for career advancement

Clear, confident and value-driven communication strengthens leadership credibility, improves workplace relationships, boosts sales performance and opens doors to new professional opportunities, experts have said.

They all spoke at the Money Making Mouth Conference 2026 in Lagos.

The conference brought together professionals, entrepreneurs and speakers to examine how effective communication can drive career advancement, business growth and personal influence.

Firing the first salvo, renowned communication strategist and public speaking authority, Joyce Daniels, popularly known as the Queen of Talk, delivered the keynote sessions, with the theme, “The Money Making Mouth Philosophy” and “Mission 2026.”

Daniels stressed that speaking well is no longer optional in today’s competitive workplace and business environment.

With over 18 years of professional experience, Daniels has built a strong reputation as an award-winning Master of Ceremonies, public speaker, presentation skills coach and author of two bestselling books. Widely regarded as Africa’s foremost advocate for monetising communication skills, she is popularly referred to as the “Money Making Mouth.”

According to her, professionals who can articulate their ideas effectively are better positioned for promotions, partnerships and increased earnings.

She further challenged participants to deliberately invest in their voices as tools for visibility, relevance and wealth creation, noting that communication, when properly harnessed, becomes a sustainable economic asset.

Another major highlight of the conference was “The Hidden Wealth Panel”, presented by Carib Health Group, which focused on wellness, medical awareness, and healthy living.

The speakers emphasised the connection between personal wellbeing and professional productivity, noting that long-term financial success and influence are difficult to sustain without physical and mental health stability.

Participants also engaged in a practical session titled “The Money Magnet Conversation”, led by Dr. Pamela Udoka and Adeola Kingsley-James, popularly known as ‘I Am That I Am’. They explored the power of mindset, mental wellbeing, overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, stressing that control over one’s mind directly influences what one will attract in 2026.

The program continued with “Negotiate Like a Boss”, facilitated by finance expert – Chukuka Chukuma, where attendees learned strategies for negotiating professional value, fees, and contracts with confidence and clarity, particularly in business and corporate settings.

The event enjoyed the support of several corporate organisations, including MTN, Africa Re, Carib Health Group, Konga 103.7FM, Myrtle Asset Management, 9PSB, Item7go, Cutstruct, JD&A,  and Made for Impact, reflecting growing corporate interest in communication, leadership and influence.

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The conference concluded with an anniversary celebration marking the first anniversary of The Money Making Mouth Tribe, as well as Joyce Daniels’ birthday, alongside group photographs and networking, reinforcing her mission to eliminate the culture of speaking for free or undervaluing communication skills.