Tash Chapman: The Real Skills That Matter More Than School Results

What if the most valuable skills young people need for life aren’t the ones measured by exams but the ones developed through experience, self-awareness, and learning to work with others? In this episode of More Than a Score, we’re joined by Tash Chapman, whose journey from school into people-focused work in HR and leadership (and now her work with Nissi Wellness) offers a powerful perspective on what really helps people thrive over time. Tash shares her experience of navigating school expectations, exploring different pathways, and eventually building a career centred on understanding people: how they think, make decisions, manage pressure, and grow. Through her work in HR and leading teams of people, she’s seen firsthand that confidence, communication, adaptability, and emotional awareness often matter far more than a perfect academic record. This conversation is especially valuable for parents supporting young people who may be questioning their direction, feeling unsure about what comes next, or worrying about “getting it wrong” — and for students who need reassurance that learning through lived experience is not a weakness, but a strength. (After all, success isn’t just about outcomes on a piece of paper...or digital PDF!). It’s really about becoming self-aware, capable, and confident enough to navigate change, wherever the path leads. In this episode, we explore: • Tash’s experience of school and navigating expectations • How exploring different pathways builds clarity over time • What working in HR reveals about real-world success • The skills employers and teams value most — beyond results • Why self-awareness, communication, and adaptability matter • How parents can support young people without over-directing • Reframing uncertainty as part of growth, not failure This episode is for: • Parents of high school students navigating pressure and transition • Young people unsure about their next steps • Anyone questioning whether there’s “one right way” to succeed You can learn more about Tash’s work and follow her pathway at Nissi Wellness on Instagram: @nissi_wellness