Success Is An Iceberg

In this episode of Success Is an Iceberg, host Janel Donohue explores Patrick Lencioni's "Six Types of Working Genius" model. Using the acronym WIDGET, she breaks down six work styles—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—explaining how each person has two natural "geniuses," two "competencies," and two "frustrations." Janel shares her own geniuses (Galvanizing and Discernment) and highlights how understanding this model can boost team dynamics, productivity, and personal fulfillment. As a certified facilitator, she encourages listeners to discover their own working genius and apply these insights in their professional lives.

Timestamps

Introduction to the Six Types of Working Genius (00:01:16) The host introduces the concept of the "Six Types of Working Genius," a model created by Patrick Lencioni.

Why Working Genius is a Valuable Tool (00:04:32) The host explains how this model differs from others and how it improves joy, productivity, morale, and team effectiveness.

The WIDGET Acronym Explained (00:07:43) Each of the six types of working genius—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—is defined and explained.

Geniuses, Competencies, and Frustrations (00:12:23) The host explains that everyone has two geniuses, two competencies, and two frustrations among the six types of work.

The Host's Personal Working Genius Profile (00:14:26) Janel Donohue shares her own geniuses (Galvanizing, Discernment), competencies (Enablement, Tenacity), and frustrations (Wonder, Invention) as an example.

How to Apply the Working Genius Model (00:22:28) The host encourages listeners to reflect on their own geniuses and frustrations and how they interact with their team members.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

'When I started this model, I was not maximizing my joy and fulfillment, but I didn't know why.'

'You can be really good at one of your working frustrations, and that's dangerous because everybody thinks because you're good at it, you love to do it.'

'When I did this assessment, it was such an "aha" moment for me because my frustrations are in wonder and in invention.'

'When I see the light bulbs go off, it is so rewarding. When I see teams working together, when I get the response where people say, "This has changed the way our team works," I love it.'

'What I want you to walk away with today is you are a genius, and I hope that I can be a part of you figuring out what your geniuses are.'

RESOURCES:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/

LinkedIn is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue/

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

"Your greatest strengths aren't just what you're good at—they're the work that gives you energy and fulfillment."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In the debut episode of Success as an Iceberg, host Janel Donohue introduces her podcast's core theme: true success lies beneath the surface, built on hard work, failures, and perseverance rarely seen by others. She shares a powerful kindergarten memory of overcoming bullying, which taught her a lifelong mantra—you can't control what happens, but you can control your response. Janel reflects on her own leadership journey, including self-doubt in her consulting work, and encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability. The episode sets the tone for honest conversations with leaders about the hidden struggles behind their achievements.

Timestamps

Welcome to "Success as an Iceberg" (00:00:03) The host introduces the podcast's core concept: success is more than what's visible on the surface.

The Human Tendency to Compare (00:00:55) The speaker discusses why we naturally compare ourselves to others, focusing on external achievements while ignoring our internal feelings.

The Iceberg Analogy of Success (00:02:32) Success is like an iceberg; what's seen above the water is small compared to the hard work hidden beneath.

A Personal Moment of Doubt (00:03:43) The host shares a recent story of feeling defeated after a difficult client conversation, questioning her own new career path.

The Passion for Leadership (00:04:56) Despite challenges, the speaker's passion for leadership concepts and helping other leaders improve lives drives her forward.

A First Lesson in Leadership (00:07:08) The host recounts a childhood story of being bullied in kindergarten for her appearance due to a birth defect.

A Mother's Leadership Mantra (00:09:22) Her mother's advice to "accept it, change it, or move on" becomes a foundational leadership lesson.

Confronting the Bully (00:11:19) Following her mother's advice, she confronts the bully with kindness, changing the dynamic and ending the teasing.

Speaking at Leadership Fredericksburg (00:13:43) The host shares her experience being invited to speak at a leadership program and feeling insecure among more experienced speakers.

Sharing the Iceberg Concept (00:16:58) She explains how she used the iceberg visual in her presentations to teach about the unseen work behind success.

The Goal of the Podcast (00:20:33) The host outlines her hope to create a community where guests and listeners can share their "under the waterline" stories.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

"Leadership isn't a title or a degree; it's ownership of who you are and how you show up."

"It's learning to stand in the room and say, 'I belong here,' even when doubt is sitting quietly behind your confidence."

"When we fail, those are the times—if we get back up—that we make the biggest difference."

"I did learn a life mantra that I use every day now: you don't have control over what happens to you, but you do have control over how you respond."

"If we can all be a little vulnerable and share about those things that we persevered through, maybe other leaders would be a little braver."

RESOURCES:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

"Success isn't built by what people see—it's shaped by everything you overcame beneath the surface."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this teaser episode, leadership facilitator, speaker, and storyteller Janel Donohue introduces her new podcast, Success Is an Iceberg, premiering May 22nd. Janel shares the powerful idea behind the show: what people see as "success" is only the tip of the iceberg. Beneath every achievement are the failures, doubts, difficult conversations, and defining moments that truly shape a leader. Through honest conversations and real stories, this podcast invites listeners to explore the unseen side of success and discover what it really takes to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Timestamps

The Illusion of Success (00:00:00)

We often see success as effortless, overlooking the hidden struggles and challenges that lie beneath the surface of achievement.

Introducing the "Success is an Iceberg" Concept (00:00:15)

Success is like an iceberg; the visible part is small compared to the unseen failures, insecurities, and hard decisions below.

Podcast Launch Announcement (00:00:34)

Janel Donohue announces her new podcast, "Successes in Iceberg," launching on May 22nd to explore leadership and personal growth.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

'I'm Janel Donohue, leadership facilitator, speaker, and storyteller.'

'On May 22nd, I'm launching the Successes in Iceberg podcast.'

RESOURCES:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

"Success isn't built by what people see—it's shaped by everything you overcame beneath the surface."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.