In this energizing and heartfelt episode, Sarah and Bill sit down with internal Gallup-certified coach Alyssa Thelen, whose strengths-packed combo of Woo, Communication, and Positivity lights up every room—especially this podcast. Alyssa shares her journey from the cornfields of Nebraska to coaching leaders at fast-growing startups, how her talents fuel her both personally and professionally, and how she’s navigated an incredibly tough season with grace, humor, and vulnerability. 

Whether you’re an internal coach, a strengths lover, or someone going through unexpected change, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with strengths, asking for help, and staying true to who you are, especially when the storms hit. Walk away with a fresh perspective on navigating change using your strengths, insight into the unique experience of being an internal coach, encouragement to lean into who you are and ask for what you need, and a reminder that positivity is powerful—even when it’s hard-earned

To contact Alyssaa:
https://gusto.com/

Takeaways

• Your strengths are your most powerful tools—especially during seasons of change.
• Positivity doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine; it means finding light even in the hard.
• If you’re an internal coach, seek out other “closet enthusiasts” to build momentum and connection.
• When in doubt, lean into what’s in your toolbelt, not what looks shiny in someone else’s.
• You don’t have to do it all—ask for help and let others shine through their strengths.
• Woo + Communication + Positivity is a high-voltage combo for influence and morale.
• Change tests your adaptability, but it also opens space to grow, lead, and stretch.
• Even activators need to slow down and regroup when life throws curveballs.
• When you step into hard moments, you give others permission to do the same.
• There’s power in recognizing your limits and calling in others with strengths you lack.
• Relational connection fuels high-performing teams—people follow people, not just titles.
• High Woo doesn’t mean you can do all the things—boundaries are a growth edge, too.
• Leading with belief and significance creates deep commitment to mission and people.
• Internal coaches have a unique vantage point to drive culture and influence from within.
• Strengths aren’t just about productivity—they’re about getting through life with purpose and resilience.

Sound Bites

• Positivity needs positivity to blossom.
• I’ve been grasping for every ounce of positivity I can get these last few weeks.
• Don’t reach for tools in the shed you don’t know how to use—grab what’s in your toolbelt.
• People want to help you. Asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s actually a gift to them.
• Woo, Communication, Activator, I say yes, and then adaptability shows up and changes the plan.
• Find your internal network—there are always other people who geek out on strengths, too.
• Focus on your strengths, not the storm.

Alyssa’s Top 10 CliftonStrengths
1. Woo
2. Communication
3. Activator
4. Competition
5. Adaptability
6. Belief
7. Command
8. Significance
9. Harmony
10. Positivity

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths 

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths 

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger 

Official Strengths On Fire Website:  https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/