In this episode, Heather sits down with her friend and coach Stephanie Leigh Gutierrez to unpack the Working Genius framework—six distinct “gifts” that show up in every project and every team: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. Together they explore:

• why some kinds of work leave you energized (and others leave you depleted),
• how the same genius can be celebrated in one culture and dismissed in another
• why timing matters (and how jumping in too early can crush momentum)
• how Heather’s “Evangelizing Innovator” dynamic plays out with her husband’s “Careful Implementer"
• and practical ways to apply this to marriage, teams, leadership, and parenting—without putting anyone in a box.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this so hard for me when it seems easy for someone else?”—this conversation will put language to your lived experience and help you pursue the work you’re wired for.

In this episode

• What the Working Genius framework is—and why it’s so usable in real life.  
• The 6 geniuses and the “airplane” metaphor for how projects move from start → finish.
• The difference between Geniuses / Competencies / Frustrations (and why skill ≠ joy).  
• Why order matters (and how discernment too early can shut down invention).
• How to build a team map and identify what your organization is missing.  
• Why some geniuses feel “flashy” and others are quietly essential.
• Parenting applications: noticing, naming, and celebrating gifts without labeling kids.
• A simple filter for deciding what deserves your yes (and what needs a no).

Resources mentioned

• Working Genius assessment + resources: Working Genius  
• Book: The 6 Types of Working Genius  
• Connect with Stephanie: Drawing From the Well Life Coaching  and stephanielgutierrez.com  
• Stephanie’s nonprofit: Footrock  

Catch more of the story @thanks.for.doing.that.podcast!