Workplace relationships often feel like navigating a human zoo. Each individual, like each animal, has unique traits, behaviours and needs that must be understood and respected for the entire system to function smoothly.
A zookeeper recognizes the distinct habits of each species to create a safe, productive environment. Similarly, leaders and team members must adapt their communication and collaboration styles to accommodate diverse personalities.
This one-day workshop is a training ground for navigating your own professional zoo. It helps you recognize and respond effectively to the wide range of personality types. A skilled zookeeper learns how to approach a cautious gazelle differently than a curious monkey or a territorial lion. Similarly, you’ll gain tools to identify what motivates each individual and how to communicate in ways that suit their natural tendencies.
Don’t miss the chance to sharpen your relationship skills and bring greater harmony into the team. By the end, you’ll be equipped to manage and thrive amongst many different personalities, including the high energy extroverts, quiet thinkers, detail focused planners, big picture dreamers and others.
With 25 years of experience as a leader, trainer, coach, and mentor in financial services, Ravi Agarwal brings deep insight into the art of handling tough people in the workplace. Having led teams from small groups to large departments of up to 350 at leading international banks across Singapore, Zurich, and London, Ravi is well-versed in navigating the “Human Zoo” of personalities that shape organizational life.
Highly regarded for his ability to build team competencies and unlock individual potential, Ravi’s approach is rooted in authentic and empathetic engagement. He believes the most powerful learning happens when people connect with their own humanity—even when dealing with the most challenging personalities. Whether in one-on-one settings or group workshops, he creates a safe yet dynamic space for participants to explore strategies that transform conflict into collaboration.
Originally focused on technology and finance, Ravi now specializes in training the character-centered skills essential for high performance, including emotional intelligence, psychological safety, authentic leadership, critical thinking, decision making, and mentoring. His workshops, such as Train the Human Zoo – Handling Tough People, are immersive and practical: participants don’t just learn theories, they practice real-world techniques for managing difficult colleagues, bosses, and clients.
A British-born polymath, Ravi studied Mathematics, French, and English Literature at Trinity College, Cambridge—an alma mater he proudly shares with Sir Isaac Newton and former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. His diverse background and passion for lifelong learning enrich his delivery, making him a compelling and relatable trainer.
Described as energetic, articulate, and fun, Ravi also delivers impactful learning at large-scale events, including PMI’s flagship conference at Marina Bay Sands, and has been featured in media outlets such as The Straits Times.
