Beyond the code: Why soft skills are the next frontier in tech 

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In an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and technical certifications, it’s not a coding language or cybersecurity tool that tech experts say will define your career—it’s how well you can connect, communicate and convey ideas.  

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That’s the message from Evgeniy Kharam, a cybersecurity expert and author who has turned his once-crippling fear of public speaking into a mission to champion soft skills in the tech industry. 

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From panic to passion 

Kharam’s story is one many immigrants will recognize: moving from Ukraine to Israel, then Canada, and confronting not just cultural shifts but the challenge of being heard—literally. “When I started, I was blushing, sweating, afraid to speak,” he recalls. But during a U.S. presentation on network architecture, something changed. “They said, ‘I didn’t understand everything you said—but I believed every word because of how passionate you were.’” 

It was a turning point. “People don’t always remember what you say—but they remember how you make them feel,” he now teaches. And it’s a lesson he believes tech professionals must urgently learn. 

Decoding the human side of tech 

From engineers to executives, Kharam argues that understanding the audience is more important than mastering jargon. “Are they technical? Are they business? Are they executive?” he asks. “Each speaks a different language.” 

To bridge those gaps, he leans on metaphors. A firewall becomes a locked window. Asset management? Like checking all the windows before leaving for vacation. “If you make it relatable,” he says, “you make it memorable.” 

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Executives don’t want to hear about packet inspection—they want to hear about downtime, performance and ROI. “If you don’t frame the problem in business language, you’ve already lost them,” he warns. 

Soft skills in the age of AI 

With generative AI mimicking human speech and chatbots taking over front-line communication, it may seem like soft skills are becoming less relevant. Kharam strongly disagrees. “AI doesn’t recognize context. It can’t hear a shift in your voice when you step in a puddle. It can’t read the room,” he says. “Machines don’t care—but humans do. And that’s why soft skills will only become more important.” 

Advice for the next generation of technologists 

Kharam’s advice for those entering the tech space is clear: start practicing soft skills today—and not just in the boardroom.  

“When you’re at the grocery store, try to make the cashier smile,” he says. “That’s communication. That’s empathy. That’s soft skills.” 

He encourages recording yourself in meetings or mock interviews, analyzing your speech for filler words and clarity.  

“Fluency matters. And when you’re under stress, your brain burns ‘CPU’—you lose capacity to explain clearly.” 

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In an increasingly remote world, where Zoom and Teams are the norm, he urges professionals to connect quickly and deeply. “We’ve lost the intimacy of face-to-face. That means we have to work even harder to show we care.” 

What’s next: a book for immigrant voices 

Kharam’s first book on soft skills covered broad ground, but his next project is laser-focused: soft skills for immigrants in tech.  

“I know the struggle,” he says. “You’re brilliant—but you can’t get your ideas across. I want to change that.” 

He’s also coaching startup founders on how to connect faster and more authentically. “If someone cares about you, they’ll care about your product,” he explains. “Make every minute count.” 

The bottom line 

In tech, hard skills may get your foot in the door—but soft skills determine how far you’ll go. As Kharam’s journey shows, the ability to explain, connect and inspire isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. 

Evgeniy Kharam is a senior cybersecurity executive and author of Architecting Success: The Art of Soft Skills in Technical Sales. Connect to Sell More. You can find out more about the book and Evgeniy at: www.softskillstech.ca

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