How can I push my post editing to look like this?

I would like to think I have some really good work in my portfolio, but have you ever seen a Photographers work and ask yourself, “How does he do that?” “How does his pictures look like -that-?” You gain enough confidence to ask the photographer and he doesn’t tell you. You look for anyone else that may have similar work and you just can’t find it.

 

 

Below is what I am talking about. (Brandon Cole’s photo)

 

 

He uses a Beauty Dish which may be what I need to use but even if I did use it, I wouldn’t know the post editing technique at all. Skin softening, yes, but how do you keep the highlight on the face to shine as smooth is something I won’t understand and need a class for. And how to enrich the colors of the outfit, background, and sky as much to produce such a colorful photo?