The Thoughtful Talents Show

By Thoughtful Talents

The Thoughtful Talents Show is what happens when two Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches who both have Deliberative and Responsibility talents get together.

Coaches Jen Werner and Chad Ahern s

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FAQs about The Thoughtful Talents Show:

How many episodes does The Thoughtful Talents Show have?

The podcast currently has 62 episodes available.

The Thoughtful Talents Show episodes:

September 09, 2025Strengths Applied: Finding Success Partners w/ Michael Stafford and Jen Pasquale
Who makes you better? Who are your powerful success partners?

This week, we’re joined by returning guest Michael Stafford and first-time guest Jen Pasquale for a conversation about how intentional, strengths-based partnerships can help each of us grow & improve performance, especially for new managers and leaders.

We explore how knowing ourselves and others creates space for psychological safety, clear communication, enhanced collaboration, and sustainable success. We share personal stories, practical tips for finding support when you’re feeling stuck, and strategies for building high-performing teams. We share how Strength-based relationships can transform the way we work. This episode offers insight and inspiration to help you find - and become - a great success partner!

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Intro & Welcome Guests
02:14 The Why & The Stats
05:10 Personal Experiences with Success Partners
14:41 The Role of Talents in Finding Success Partners
29:20 Tips for Finding Success Partners When Feeling Stuck
40:48 Challenges & Coaching for New Managers
54:06 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

OUR GUESTS:
Jen Pasquale @ Lead with Curiosity
LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Restorative | Relator | Strategic | Intellection | Analytical

Michael Stafford @ The Chapter Coach
LinkedIn | Website
Michael’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Maximizer | Input | Individualization | Relator | Harmony

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 1min
August 26, 2025Strengths Applied: Learning Styles & Professional Development w/ Cindy Butts
Have you attended a conference that left you little time to process what you "learned"? Or engaged with an online learning series that left you bored?

It's probably because those professional development opportunities didn't align with your talents.

In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome back Cindy Butts to help us explore the connections between learning styles, strengths, and professional development. Cindy bring her combined experience as an HR leader and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach to help us understand the intersection of individual learning styles, strengths alignment, and setting specific performance goals.

We emphasize creating safe environments for learning, advocating for personalized development strategies, and the importance of ongoing conversations to maximize effectiveness. This episode also provides practical advice for new managers on guiding their own and their team's professional growth.

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Introduction to Learning Styles
01:54 The Why & The Stats
06:29 Personal Experiences with Learning Styles
09:14 Connecting Strengths to Learning and Performance
16:55 Seeing Strengths in Learning Styles
24:03 Strengths hold the Clues to Learning
36:29 Safe Learning Environments for those Who Struggle
43:56 Strengths to Support Learning & Development - Day 1
49:30 Guidance for New Managers
01:08:30 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

GUEST COACH:
Cindy Scibetta-Butts @ Grow With Strengths
LinkedIn | Website
Cindy’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Achiever | Input | Strategic | Activator | WOO

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 13min
August 12, 2025Strengths Applied: Overcoming Challenges
In this episode of Strengths Applied, we talk about the challenges we face; both the ones we choose, like changing jobs or starting a family, and the ones that catch us off guard, like health issues or job loss. We share personal stories and reflect on how our talents have shown up in those moments, sometimes helping us move forward, and sometimes making things harder when we’re not using them with intention.

We also talk about the weight of the challenges we carry, and how we don’t have to carry that weight alone. This episode includes practical advice for those feeling unseen, and for new managers learning to lead through challenges. We offer ways to use your strengths with purpose, ask for support, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Challenges
01:00 The ‘Why’ & The ‘Stats’
04:48 Personal Experiences with Challenges
12:30 Talents That Help and Hinder
25:36 Coaching the Unseen and Unheard
36:20 Advice for New Managers
45:20 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
49min
July 29, 2025Strengths Applied: Workplace Onboarding w/ Damian Zikakis & Louann McCurdy
In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome guest coaches Damian Zikakis and Louann McCurdy back to the show to dive into "workplace onboarding." We begin by sharing our personal experiences and how our own talents shaped those moments. We also dive into the lessons learned when onboarding is done with intention and is human-centered...and when it's done in ways that leaves people feeling lost or undervalued. We all agree that using a tool like the CliftonStrengths assessment to identify a person's talents can transform the way new employees are welcomed into their roles.

This episode offers practical ideas for using CliftonStrengths to make onboarding better for everyone, whether you’re a leader, coach, or a new hire. As Gallup-Certified Strengths Coaches, we’re passionate about helping people feel seen, supported, and set up for success from day one. We explore how to support those new employees who are struggling to be seen (like remote and hybrid employees), and how new managers can use their strengths to create meaningful onboarding experience for themselves and their teams, even when the company doesn’t have a formal process.

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Introduction & Welcome
03:02 Importance of Workplace Onboarding
05:56 Personal Onboarding Experiences
17:52 Leveraging Strengths in Onboarding
30:07 Intentionality in Onboarding for visibility
34:39 Building Confidence Through Strengths Assessment
41:12 Tools for New Managers
55:35 Final Thoughts

YOUR GUESTS:
Damian Zikakis @ DGZ Coaching
LinkedIn | Website
Damian’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Relator | Learner | Input | Connectedness | Communication

Louann McCurdy @ PeerSpectives Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Louann’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Strategic | Ideation | Connectedness | Learner | Maximizer

YOUR HOSTS:
Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 1min
July 15, 2025Strengths Applied: Bouncing Back from Failure
In this episode of Strengths Applied, we take on the uncomfortable topic of failure. We explore what it means, how it feels, and how we can grow through it. We share stories from our own “squiggly” career paths, where things didn’t go as planned, and reflect on how our strengths helped us bounce back, and even forward.

This episode is especially for anyone feeling stuck, unseen, or unheard in their role. It's also for new managers navigating their own setbacks or working to build psychologically safe environments for their teams. This conversation is meant to support your next step, filled with encouragement, insights, and tools to help you move forward with confidence or simply redefine what failure means to you.

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Intro
01:06 Defining Failure: What It Means
05:21 Our Personal Experiences
20:06 Strengths & Bouncing Back
32:59 Struggling to Be Seen or Heard
35:16 Psychological Safety in the Workplace
43:53 Advice for New Managers
57:47 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 1min
July 01, 2025Strengths Applied: Embracing Change w/ Sally Magee
In this episode of “Strengths Applied”, we invite fellow coach, Sally Magee, The Sober Strengths Coach and founder of Magee Leadership Solutions, for a powerful conversation about embracing change, both personally and professionally.

We explore the emotional and practical sides of change: why it’s hard, why it matters, and how your unique CliftonStrengths can help you better understand, navigate, and lead through it. Whether you're an individual contributor or a new manager, we share tools like the ADKAR model and Gallup’s Four Needs of Followers to help you support yourself and others in viewing change as an opportunity for growth.

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Intro and Welcome
02:22 The Importance of Embracing Change
03:41 Statistics on Change Initiatives
05:45 Personal and Professional Change Experiences
15:20 Talents and Embracing Change
34:10 Addressing Individual Contributors' Concerns
45:11 Advice for New Managers
54:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

RESOURCES:
Four Needs of Followers (Gallup)
Power of a Narrative during Change (Gallup)

OUR GUEST:
Sally Magee @ Magee Coaching Solutions
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Sally’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Achiever | Responsibility | Input | Futuristic

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
57min
June 17, 2025Strengths Applied: Managing Up & Advocating for Your Team w/ Shaina Lane
In this episode of “Strengths Applied” we invite Shaina Lane to help us to unpack the art of managing up and advocating for your team. We dive into what it really means to lead from where you are, even without formal authority. CliftonStrengths can be a powerful tool to bridge communication gaps helping to build credibility and communicate effectively between team members and leadership. Listen in for practical advice, real-life stories, and encouragement whether you're a new manager or simply trying to make a bigger impact within your team.

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Intro & Welcome
01:42 Celebrating Jen's Birthday
02:12 Statistics & Why
04:24 Our Personal Experience
11:08 The Role of Talents in Managing Up
21:30 Communication & Advocacy
28:26 The Role of New Managers
38:03 Final Thoughts & Encouragement

RESOURCES:
Get Shaina’s book, Leadership is Easy

OUR GUEST:
Follow Shaina Lane @ Premier Professional Coaching
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
Shaina’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Relator | Learner | Arranger | Includer

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
40min
June 03, 2025Strengths Applied: Equity w/ Dr. Susan Madsen
In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome fellow Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and Leadership Scholar, Dr. Susan Madsen, to discuss the topic of Equity. We begin with unpacking the difference between equity and equality at work—and why that difference really matters. We share powerful stories and insights about the barriers to equity in the workplace. The conversation touches on everything from our personal experiences, the roles our talents play, privilege, male allyship, to your role as a leader. Whether you're a new leader struggling with creating equity or just curious about designing more inclusive spaces, this episode offers practical ideas and thoughtful takeaways to help you lead with equity in mind.

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Introduction to Equity
01:10 Welcome Our Guest Coach
02:26 Defining Equity and Equality
04:38 The Importance of Workplace Equity
10:11 Personal Experiences with Equity
19:38 Challenges in Male-Dominated Fields
23:14 Inclusion and Belonging
26:16 Broader Equity Issues
32:45 Applying Strengths to Promote Equity
45:47 Advocating for Equity in Leadership

RESOURCES:
If you are interested in the knowing more about A Bolder Way Forward for Utah

OUR GUEST:
Dr. Susan R. Madsen @ Utah State University
Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership
and
Director of Utah Women & Leadership Project
Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Dr. Madsen's Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Achiever | Strategic | Activator | Learner | Responsibility.

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
54min
May 20, 2025Strengths Applied: Resolving Conflict w/ Florence Hardy and Jessica Cowan
In this episode we welcome fellow coaches, Florence Hardy and Jessica Cowan, to talk about resolving conflict. Listen as each of us shares our individual preferences around conflict and how our strengths either help us resolve it, or sometimes get in the way. Avoiding conflict can mean staying silent when something needs to be said, so we stress the importance of perspective and using our voice, offering practical advice for one-on-one conversations. We also reflect on the manager’s role, not to fix the conflict, but to create space for resolution by setting clear goals, using their own talents to encourage open dialogue, and ensuring every voice is heard.

KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Introduction to Conflict
01:09 Welcome Our Guests
02:31 “The Why” & “The Stat”
04:40 Personal Perspectives about Conflict
12:30 Themes and Conflict Resolution
30:21 Emotions as Data Points
31:31 Encouraging Voices in Conflict
42:32 Advice for New Managers

RESOURCES:
The Myers Briggs research on workplace conflict
Gallup Resource for Managers

OUR GUESTS:
Florence Hardy @ The Talents Lab
LinkedIn | Website
Florence’s CliftonStrengths Top 5: Input | Positivity | Connectedness | Includer | Ideation

Jessica Cowan @ Cowan Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Jessica’s CliftonStrengths Top 5: Developer | Responsibility | Individualization | Connectedness | Relator

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
54min
May 06, 2025Strengths Applied: Career Transitions w/ Sarah Collins and Bill Dippel
In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome fellow strengths coaches Bill Dipple and Sarah Collins from “The Strengths on Fire Podcast” to discuss career transitions. We highlight the importance of self-awareness and leveraging personal strengths to find the right role. Each of us shares how recognizing our talents has guided our career changes and the steps we took to pivot successfully. We also discuss the importance of being true to yourself and transparent about your identity and needs. Understanding these aspects not only aids in your personal career transitions but also enhances your leadership abilities. We emphasize that leveraging your unique talents as a new manager can create an environment that fosters growth and collaboration.

00:00 Introduction to Career Transitions
00:56 Meet the Hosts and Guests
03:27 “The Why” & “The Stats”
04:58 Personal Career Transition Stories
22:44 Keying Into Your Talents
25:07 Leveraging Strengths for Career Success
44:16 Helping the Unseen and Unheard in Organizations
01:00:11 Advice for New Managers
01:14:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

RESOURCES:
Strengths On Fire podcast

OUR GUESTS:
Sarah Collins @ Collins Collective
LinkedIn | Website
Sarah’s CliftonStrengths Top 5: Positivity | Woo | Communication | Harmony | Activator

Bill Dippel @ Bill Dippel Strengths Coaching
LinkedIn | Instagram
Bill’s CliftonStrengths Top 5: Individualization | Developer | Activator | Woo | Restorative

YOUR HOSTS:
Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator

Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting
LinkedIn | Website
Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical

To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes.

The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 15min

FAQs about The Thoughtful Talents Show:

How many episodes does The Thoughtful Talents Show have?

The podcast currently has 62 episodes available.