The Thoughtful Talents Show

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.