
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Season 5 kicks off with a conversation Victoria couldn't wait to have: an HSP expert on the show. Dr. Amelia Kelley — therapist, author, TED speaker, and host of the Wired and Worthy podcast — joins Victoria to unpack what it really means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP), where the trait comes from, and how she's built a career that works with her nervous system instead of against it.
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Amelia and Victoria trace Amelia's path from an empathetic, "too emotional" childhood to a therapy career that began in at-risk boot camps and a methadone clinic — and how a job loss finally pushed her to open her own practice. Along the way, they get into the difference between empaths and HSPs, the concept of "2E" (twice exceptionality), and why the workplace checkups Amelia offers companies might be one of the most overlooked levers for retention.
Key Takeaways
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome to Season 5 + catching up with Victoria and Heather
02:09 — Introducing Dr. Amelia Kelley
04:32 — Amelia joins the conversation
04:58 — Where Amelia's empathy and drive to help began
07:05 — "Empaths are made, HSPs are born"
10:15 — The misconception that sensitivity is always "soft"
12:02 — What "2E" (twice exceptional) means
13:41 — Why working for herself changed everything for Amelia
16:13 — Inside a workplace sensitivity checkup
19:25 — Handling pushback from leaders and business owners
21:11 — Wrap-up + fun fact follow-up (yes, it's a Sasquatch)
Guest Bio
Dr. Amelia Kelley is a therapist, author of several books, TED speaker, trainer, and host of the Wired and Worthy podcast. She also works as a workplace sensitivity analyst, offering companies "sensitivity checkups" to improve inclusivity, communication, and retention. She is an adjunct professor at Yorkville University in Toronto and teaches corporate training sessions, including for Pepsi.
Connect with Amelia Kelley:
Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com
Wired and Worthy podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0P7wxzgwoupiaohxRamiA3
This show is a Twisted Spur Media production, produced by Heather McPherson. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Part 2 of this conversation continues next episode.
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
What if sensitivity isn't a weakness at all — but a personality trait that deserves a place alongside the Big Five?
In this episode, host Victoria Theriault explores the fascinating case for making sensitivity the sixth major personality trait. Drawing on the work of Dr. Elaine Aron, Dr. Lacey Parker, and other researchers, she unpacks what it really means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and why sensitivity may have been misunderstood for far too long.
Summer is here, so you know what this means… DISC as musical instruments 🎵
High D - Drums; boom, right to the point!
High I – Tambourine; give it a shake, it’s time to party 😊
High S – Harp; soothing, harmonious
High C – Violin; practice and precision
Which instrument sounds most like you?
The conversation shifts into something deeper:
What if being highly sensitive isn't about being emotional — but about processing the world differently?
In this episode, you’ll hear:
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by noise, deeply affected by other people's emotions, moved profoundly by music or art, or wondered why you seem to process experiences more intensely than others, this episode may help you see those traits through a completely different lens.
Because sensitivity isn't about being fragile.
It may be one of the most misunderstood strengths we have.
➽ Check out previous episodes for a more detailed background:
The Highly Sensitive Person Part 1
Thriving As A Highly Sensitive Person
The Big Five
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Why Sensitivity Matters
00:20 - Meet the Host and Producer
00:41 - Mood Check In
01:53 - Big Five to Big Six: Sensitivity
02:35 - DISC As… Instruments
02:58 - What High Sensitivity Means
04:03 - Type One Super Sensor
07:05 - Type Two Super Feeler
10:02 - Type Three Aesthete
13:41 - Temperament vs Personality
16:47 - Four Reasons to Add It
18:55 - HSP Stigma
20:00 - Should It Be The Big Six
20:41 - Summer Hiatus But Season 5 Will Be Back in The Fall
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
What do cheetahs, meerkats, elephants, and ravens have to do with personality?
In this episode, Victoria explores the Big Five Personality Theory — one of the most widely recognized personality frameworks in psychology — and how these traits shape the way we think, work, connect, and respond to the world around us. Through honest conversation, personal reflections, and a few surprising assessment results, Victoria and producer Heather unpack where they land across the five major personality dimensions.
Spring is finally here, so you know what this means… DISC as animals 🐾
High D – Cheetah: Fast-moving, driven, powerful
High I – Meerkat: Social, expressive, energetic
High S – Elephant: Loyal, supportive, relationship-focused
High C – Raven: Intelligent, observant, methodical
Which one sounds most like you?
The conversation shifts into something deeper:
Why are we wired the way we are — and how much of it is personality versus experience?
In this episode, you’ll hear:
If you’ve ever wondered why some people crave structure while others chase novelty, or why certain interactions drain you while others energize you, this episode offers a fascinating look into the patterns behind personality.
Because understanding yourself isn’t about putting yourself in a box.
It’s about recognizing the traits that shape how you move through the world.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Arguing Is Not Fun
00:24 - Show Welcome Mood Meter
01:36 - DISC Animals Segment
02:30 - Big Five Overview - OCEAN
04:10 - Openness Sample Questions
06:55 - Openness Scores Explained
07:59 - Conscientiousness Time And Punctuality
12:15 - Extraversion Introvert Nuance
14:29 - Agreeableness Vs Antagonism
19:12 - Neuroticism Emotional Stability
22:16 - Evolutionary Why Traits Exist
23:27 - Wrap Up And Next Episode Tease
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
What does emotional intelligence actually look like in real life — not just as a concept, but in how we show up every day?
In this episode, Victoria dives into the Emotionality Factor of emotional intelligence and why it plays such a critical role in how we connect, communicate, and build relationships. With thoughtful reflection and real-life examples, she and Heather explore how well we truly understand emotions — both our own and other people’s.
World Book Day just passed, so you know what this means… DISC as books 📚
High D – The Secret of Secrets: Thrilling, fast paced, lots of action
High I – Heated Rivalry: : Romantic, sweet, exciting
High S – Theo of Golden: Unfolds slowly, listening & helping others are major themes
High C – The Correspondent: Told entirely through letters and emails. Strong focus on the written word.
Which one feels most like you?
The conversation shifts into something deeper:
How well do you read a room… and express what’s really going on inside you?
In this episode, you’ll hear:
If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “That didn’t go how I expected,” or struggled to put your feelings into words, this episode will help you build the awareness and tools to navigate those moments more effectively.
Because emotional intelligence isn’t just about understanding feelings.
It’s about using them to create better outcomes — in work, leadership, and life.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Power of the Pause
00:59 - Show Intro and Mood Meter
02:27 - DISC Books for World Book Day
03:42 - Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in the AI Era
04:31 - Emotionality Factor Overview
05:17 - Empathy Quick Refresher
06:03 - Emotion Perception Quiz
09:14 - Perception Pitfalls and Tips
11:36 - Emotion Expression Skills
14:46 - Relationships and Trust
18:44 - Power of the Pause Revisited
20:03 - Wrap Up and Credits
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
What does it actually mean to be kind to yourself… especially when things aren’t going well?
In this episode, Victoria explores the concept of Self Compassion — and why so many of us struggle to extend it inward, even though we offer it so freely to others. With honesty, reflection, and a few surprising insights, listen as Victoria unpacks how we respond to stress, failure, and the pressure we put on ourselves.
It’s Aries season, so you know what this means… DISC as Zodiac Signs (a little fun…)
High D – direct, driven and achievement oriented so the corresponding zodiac signs are: Aries, Gemini and Capricorn
High I – friendly, emotional and persuasive and the signs are: Cancer, Libra, and Pisces
High S – tenacious, kind and supportive so we have: Taurus, Leo and Sagittarius
High C – analytical, perfectionistic and detail oriented which matches up to: Virgo, Scorpio and Aquarius
Which one feels most like you?
The conversation shifts into something deeper:
How do you treat yourself when things go wrong?
You’ll hear:
If you tend to overthink, push yourself too hard, or feel like you “should be doing better,” this episode will help you shift the way you relate to yourself — without lowering your standards.
Because self-compassion isn’t about letting yourself off the hook.
It’s about giving yourself what you need to keep going.
Previous DISCovering You Episode Mentioned: Mindset
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Why This Topic Now
00:32 - Show Intro and Mood Meter
01:51 - DISC Meets Astrology
04:49 - What Self Compassion Means
06:09 - Self Compassion Quiz Walkthrough
10:53 - Scores and Subscales
13:24 - Tender vs Fierce Self Compassion
15:41 - Benefits and Research Findings
17:31 - Myths That Block Self Compassion
19:53 - How to Practice and Resources
20:19 - Gender Roles and Open Questions
22:06 - Final Takeaway and Outro
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
What do sharks, owls, teddy bears, turtles, and foxes have to do with conflict?
In this episode, Victoria dives into the fascinating world of conflict management styles using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI). With honesty, humour, and a little vulnerability, they uncover how each of them instinctively responds when tension rises.
The Academy Awards are coming up, so you know what this means… DISC as OSCARS nominated films!
High D – One Battle After Another: High stake conflict, intense energy
High I – F1: Fun, thrilling
High S – Hamnet: Familial relationships, emotional depth
High C – The Secret Agent: Layered details, deductive reasoning
Which one do you think will win?
The conversation shifts into something deeper: How do you actually handle disagreement? Do you power through it? Smooth it over? Walk away? Or try to meet in the middle?
You’ll hear:
If conflict drains you, confuses you, or sometimes defines you, this episode will help you recognize your default patterns — and empower you to respond more intentionally next time.
Because understanding your style doesn’t box you in. It gives you leverage.
Episode Timestamps:
00:26 - Welcome and introduction to Discovering You podcast
00:45 - Mood check-in: Yellow (exhilarated) vs Blue (tired)
02:11 - Introduction to conflict management styles and Oscar-nominated films as DISC types
02:57 - Overview of Dr. Ralph Kilman's TKI assessment model
03:37 - Sample assessment questions walkthrough
05:31 - Revealing personal conflict style results
09:09 - Deep dive into the five conflict styles begins
12:00 - Competing style (Shark) - High assertiveness, low cooperation
13:54 - Collaborating style (Owl) - High assertiveness, high cooperation
15:25 - Accommodating style (Teddy Bear) - Low assertiveness, high cooperation
16:57 - Avoiding style (Turtle) - Low assertiveness, low cooperation
20:01 - Compromising style (Fox) - Moderate assertiveness and cooperation
21:29 - Discussion on win-win vs zero-sum mindsets in conflict
22:00 - Key takeaways: Using awareness to choose appropriate conflict styles
22:44 - Closing and credits
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
In this episode Victoria continues the exploration of leadership through the lens of the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), building on the foundation laid in Part One.
The conversation focuses on three critical leadership traits: Risk Approach, Ambiguity Acceptance, and Competitiveness — how they show up in individuals, teams, and organizations, and what happens when these strengths are overplayed. Through real-world examples, candid self-reflection, and DISC personality parallels, Victoria and Heather unpack how leaders navigate uncertainty, make decisions, manage conflict, and balance ambition with collaboration.
The episode also introduces the concept of leadership derailers — the ways our greatest strengths can turn into liabilities when taken too far. By walking through common derailment patterns like perfectionism, aloofness, excessive caution, and passive resistance, listeners are invited into a practical and compassionate discussion about self-awareness and growth.
This episode reinforces that leadership isn’t about perfection or titles — it’s about learning how to adapt, evolve, and lead effectively in everyday moments, both professionally and personally.
Episode Timestamps00:00 – Facilitating opposing viewpoints: why more than one thing can be true
00:00:32 – Welcome to Discovering You: Where Personality Meets Possibility
00:01:00 – Mood check-in and DISC color conversation
00:02:15 – Personal context and emotional awareness in leadership
00:03:00 – DISC explained through a football analogy
00:03:30 – Recap of HPTI and leadership traits from Part One
00:04:00 – Trait #4: Risk Approach explained
00:04:30 – High vs. low risk approach and DISC connections
00:05:00 – Why risk approach matters in leadership
00:05:30 – When high risk becomes a liability
00:06:00 – How risk approach shows up in teams and groups
00:07:00 – Personal reflections on risk tolerance and decision-making
00:08:30 – Trait #5: Ambiguity Acceptance defined
00:09:00 – Organizational culture and ambiguity tolerance
00:09:30 – Leadership performance under uncertainty
00:10:00 – The dangers of excessive ambiguity acceptance
00:10:45 – Real-world facilitation examples and collaboration
00:12:00 – Overplaying strengths and adaptability in business
00:13:30 – Trait #6: Competitiveness explained
00:14:15 – Healthy vs. unhealthy competitiveness in leadership
00:15:00 – Individual and team dynamics around competition
00:16:00 – Competing with others vs. competing with yourself
00:18:45 – When competitiveness influences participation and motivation
00:19:00 – Leadership derailment: when strengths become risks
00:19:30 – Overview of the 10 common leadership derailers
00:21:00 – Self-reflection: identifying personal derailment patterns
00:22:30 – Perfectionism, excessive caution, and leadership awareness
00:23:00 – Growth, coaching, and leadership beyond titles
00:24:00 – Closing thoughts and how to learn more
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
Are great leaders born—or developed?
In this episode, we explore the concept of High Potential and what truly drives leadership effectiveness beyond skills, titles, or experience. Using research-backed insights from the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), this conversation breaks down how personality traits influence leadership capacity—and how those traits can be developed over time.
You’ll learn the difference between behavioral models (like DISC) and personality traits, how leadership potential is defined, and why most people have far more growth capacity than they realize.
We dive into the first three of six High Potential traits and examine how they show up in leaders, individuals, and teams:
You’ll also hear sample assessment questions, real-world reflections, and a discussion on why too much of a good trait can become a challenge.
This episode sets the foundation for understanding leadership as something that can be intentionally shaped—not something you either have or don’t.
Next episode: We’ll continue with the remaining three High Potential traits and explore deeper leadership insights.
In This Episode:
If you’re interested in learning more about the High Potential Trait Indicator for leadership development, hiring, or coaching, reach out to learn more.
Let's Connect
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
#HighPotential #LeadershipDevelopment #Personality #DISC #TeamDynamics #ProfessionalGrowth
As we close out 2025, we’re taking a warm, festive look back at the conversations, insights, and unforgettable moments that shaped this year on DISCovering You: Where Personality Meets Possibility. From deep dives into charisma and creativity to surprising reflections on emojis and empathy, this episode rounds up the clips that made us pause, laugh, reflect and grow.
Did we include your favourite episode or moment from 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what resonated most with you this year.
Timestamps
00:00 — Opening + DISC as Holiday Drinks
01:00 — How are you feeling? Check in
02:00 — Heather’s favourite moments and lessons from 2025
02:30 — Clip 1: How nonverbal cues shape first impressions
04:45 — Managing “resting bored face” in real-life and Zoom meetings
07:00 — Clip 2: Empathy, discipline, and how others interpret our intent
09:15 — Heather reflects on responsibility vs. emotional perception
10:00 — Clip 3: Dr. Zorana Pringle on psychological safety and creativity
12:30 — How differing perspectives help Heather & Victoria grow
14:45 — Clip 4: The great emoji debate (and what it reveals)
17:45 — Clip 5: Emotional intelligence + Sandy Pentland’s MIT research
22:30 — Final reflections + holiday wishes for 2026
Resources Mentioned
Thank you for an inspiring year of discovery, connection, and meaningful conversations. Wishing you a warm, restful holiday season—and we can’t wait to bring you more insights, guests, and laughter in 2026.
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!
https://pod.link/1614071253
https://discoverwhatworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC
https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks
In this episode, Victoria explores attachment theory and DISC. From childhood caregiver bonds to professional relationships, Victoria unpacks how our early emotional experiences influence how we lead, connect, and collaborate.
Listen in to learn the four main attachment styles - Anxious/Preoccupied, Avoidant/Dismissive, Fearful/Disorganized, and Secure - as well as the workplace applications, emotional regulation strategies, and “superpowers” for each.
Victoria and Heather also share their own quiz results, laugh about their high-C tendencies, and reveal how self-awareness and emotional intelligence can help shift attachment patterns toward security.
Victoria often says DISC is a great tool to have in your toolkit. So, what would DISC look like as tools you might find in a toolbox?
High D - Hammer; maximum output, one hit could get the job done
High I - Flashlight; bright, illuminating the way
High S - Wrench; slowly, steadily does what’s needed
High C - Level; ensures accuracy and precision
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Are you laughing?
01:00 Today’s Mood Meter
02:00 – DISC as tools in a toolbox
03:00 – What is Attachment Theory? 04:00 – How early experiences shape adult relationships
06:00 – The Four Attachment Styles explained and how to take the quiz at attachmentproject.com
08:00 – Style 1: Anxious/Preoccupied
13:00 – Style 2: Avoidant/Dismissive
17:00 – Style 3: Fearful Avoidant/Disorganized
19:00 – Style 4: Secure
21:00 – Leadership through attachment
22:00 – Can your attachment style change?
23:00 – “It’s a sketch, not a portrait.” Using DISC and attachment insights to grow self-awareness
24:00 – Closing thoughts and where to learn more about attachment styles
Notable Quotes
“I think it’s important to clarify that attachment is a spectrum, and so you may not fit one completely.”
“Our greatest challenges often reveal great strengths. Our attachment styles can also be our superpowers.”
“It’s a sketch, not a portrait… we have all four DISC factors in us somewhere.”
Resources Mentioned
Key Takeaways:
Attachment theory shapes how we connect, communicate, and lead based on early caregiver bonds.
It’s a spectrum — your style may shift across personal and professional relationships.
Each style has both triggers and strengths:
● Anxious: Seeks reassurance; strong collaborator.
● Avoidant: Values independence; focused achiever.
● Fearful: Cautious but highly responsive.
● Secure: Balanced, trusting, and empathetic.
Self-awareness and emotional regulation help shift from reaction to response.
Attachment styles can evolve through secure relationships, therapy, or emotional intelligence work.
If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring, and onboarding, let's connect!
🎧 Podcast | 🌐 Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
From the publisher's feed