The Strengths Whisperer (34 Strong)
Explore every episode of The Strengths Whisperer
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| 15 May 2024 | Achiever: A Coaching Conversation with Dr. Shauna T. Sobers | 00:23:24 | |
With a vibrant career blending athletics, academia, and ardent advocacy for leadership development, Dr. Shauna T. Sobers is an achiever. In this episode, she reveals how this trait has shaped her approach to leadership and personal development, specifically highlighting the nuances of the “whisper of discontent” that many achievers experience. She discusses the synergy between her passion for Latin partner dance and leadership, illuminating how both arenas require a fine balance of leading and following. Join host Brandon Miller in uncovering the depths of Achiever, resilience, and impactful leadership with Dr. Sobers.
Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 10 Jul 2024 | Maximizer: A Coaching Conversation with Charlotte Blair | 00:31:09 | |
Our guest, Charlotte Blair, a renowned strengths coach and author based in Victoria, Australia, delves deep into the maximizer strength, a core theme of her career development book, "Career: How to Play to Your Strengths and Find Freedom and Purpose in Your Work." She discusses with host Brandon Miller the importance of redefining success, striving for excellence, and efficiently tracking progress with teams and individuals. Get valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of being a maximizer, including the perfectionist tendencies and the balancing act of giving constructive feedback. Brandon and Charlotte emphasize the significance of partnering with complementary strengths, particularly in leadership and team management roles. This enlightening conversation focuses on the pursuit of personal and professional excellence, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in strengths coaching, team dynamics, and maximizing potential. Additional Resources: Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn | |||
| 18 Dec 2024 | Responsibility: A Coaching Conversation with Lisa Schmith | 00:31:12 | |
What’s it like to live with Responsibility as a top strength? In this episode, Lisa Schmith joins Brandon to explore the power of accountability, the challenges of saying no, and how to balance big commitments with self-care. 🎙 Tune in for practical insights and a fresh take on harnessing Responsibility to get things done without burning out!
Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 21 Jun 2023 | How a Vacation Led to a Vision for Company Culture with Marcia Barnes | 00:31:24 | |
In this episode of The Strength’s Whisperer, Brandon and Darren interview Marcia Barnes, CEO of Valve & Meter, and discusses the importance of building a healthy work environment. Marcia shares her experience of creating a company culture that values collaboration and support, and emphasizes the importance of finding and utilizing individuals' top strengths. The episode also touches upon the significance of connectedness as a strength, translating to a workplace where colleagues work together and help each other. Additional Resources
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| 16 Oct 2024 | Executing: A Coaching Conversation with Melanie Shaffer | 00:38:52 | |
In this episode, Brandon sits down with Melanie Shaffer, Founder & President of Talent Suite LLC, for a conversation that will hit home for any leader who’s ever wondered, “How do I get my team to actually do what I need them to do?” (Hint: It’s not just about checking off to-do lists.) Melanie shares her deep expertise on the Executing Domain—those strengths that keep teams humming, projects moving, and leaders almost out of panic mode. Weather you’re leading a team or planning to hire one, this episode is a go-to playbook for aligning expectations and driving results. Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways:
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| 05 Jul 2023 | Sacrificing Short-Term Gains for Lasting Impact with Chris Allaire | 00:24:03 | |
In this episode of the Strengths Whisperer, Chris Allaire joins the shares insights on the importance of long-term success in a people-first organization. Chris, who has been leading Averity for nine years, understands the significance of staying focused on core ethics and communication, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits and sales. He discusses the three areas that intersect in a successful organization: leadership, management, and mentorship, with leadership being the most influential. Listen in to better understand the concept of maximizing strengths and recognizing areas of improvement for personal and professional growth. Additional Resources
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| 14 Aug 2024 | Harmony: A Coaching Conversation with Richard Sterry | 00:23:05 | |
In this episode renowned strengths coach and founder of Releasing Strengths Richard Sterry joins host Brandon Miller to dive deep into the Harmony strength theme. Richard shares his personal journey of embracing and leveraging Harmony, offering practical insights on how to navigate conflict, find common ground, and create a sense of balance within teams. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning behind silence and asking the right questions to foster respectful discussions. Additional Resources: Richard Sterry on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 21 Dec 2022 | Mowing the Grass Builds Relationships with Matt Stevens | 00:38:42 | |
Matt Stevens, a Navy captain and former Navy Seal, is the CEO of the Honor Foundation, a nonprofit laser-focused on helping men and women in the special operations community transition out of uniform into their next chapters in life. Under Matt’s leadership, the Honor Foundation has doubled its number of campuses, and they’re continuing to expand. As they do so, Matt has chosen to take a strength-based approach to everything from internal operations to how they support each service member who walks in the door. Listen in to learn how strengths can help people tell their stories, scale culture, and establish “commander’s intent.” Additional Resources:
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| 26 Apr 2023 | Learning to Level Up Your God-Given Talents with Frank Kelly III | 00:30:52 | |
Frank Kelly III, CEO of Kelly Benefits, didn’t plan to take over the family business, but that is where his path took him. His strong faith now shapes the foundation of his leadership methods and guides his success. Frank devotes his time to helping others thrive by maximizing their strengths and fostering a values-driven culture. In this episode, Frank shares his story of honing his belief system and drawing from experience in team sports to drive growth in his organization. Listen in to hear how to stay committed to core values, lead by example, and remain devoted to the power of belief. Additional Resources:
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| 18 Jan 2023 | Lead with Who You Are with Dr. Paul Porter | 00:16:11 | |
Dr. Paul Porter has always been positive, loved solving puzzles, and listened to his gut. It wasn’t until he learned about his CliftonStrengths that he was able to start using those God-given talents with intention and better results. In this episode, Paul shares his strengths journey and how he went from a school superintendent to the Director of Learning and Development at 34 Strong. In his current role, Paul’s able to help organizations take a long-term approach to leveraging strengths and learn about their people in the process. Listen in to hear why leaders must continuously work on themselves and how to balance it with the need to focus on your people. Additional Resources:
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| 06 Dec 2023 | Re-Release Finding Your God-Given Gifts with Amber Fields | 00:29:48 | |
“Gifts are meant to be given away, but you can’t give them away intentionally if you don’t know what they are.” Amber Fields is the Chief Culture Officer of trueU and an expert communicator. She’s passionate about using her strengths to unleash her potential and empower leaders to create strong, healthy workplace cultures. In this episode, Amber shares her story about what it took for her to embrace her strengths and how that led to her being dubbed ‘The Culture Queen.’ For far too long, she tried to mute her gifts because she had been conditioned to think they were weaknesses. Listen in to learn how to appreciate and cultivate other peoples’ talents to serve the greater good of your organization. Additional Resources:
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| 18 Sep 2024 | Deliberative: A Coaching Conversation with Chad Ahern | 00:29:42 | |
What if the secret to smarter decision-making lies in slowing down? Brandon interviews Chad Ahern, Gallup-certified strengths coach and co-host of The Thoughtful Talents Show, about the intricacies of the Deliberative strength. They explore how this "measure twice, cut once" strength is essential for thoughtful decision-making, risk management, and long-term strategy in both personal and professional settings. Get real life analogies and practical tips for coaching individuals with high Deliberative - highlighting how this often misunderstood strength can be a team's most thoughtful and vigilant contributor. Additional Resources: Chad Ahern on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 26 Jun 2024 | Belief: A Coaching Conversation with Kelly Merbler | 00:23:26 | |
Kelly is the driving force behind kellymerblerco.com and the creator of Coffee with Kelly, an engaging global community that has garnered over 14,000 participants from 73 countries. Kelly shares with host Brandon Miller how CliftonStrengths helped her navigate a period of professional stagnation by identifying her core value: Belief. Kelly explains how the pandemic birthed the Coffee with Kelly initiative, leading her to connect with a diverse global audience. By hosting virtual coffee meetings, she supports and inspires others through discussions on strengths, leadership, and life. Brandon and Kelly explore the power of belief, highlighting how Kelly's conviction and strong core values have helped her to align her career with her passions. Listen to learn about the process of defining core values, the significance of conviction, and the impact of meaningful work. Additional Resources Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 20 Sep 2023 | Championing Working Parents in Society and the Workplace with Megan Nail | 00:36:57 | |
Megan Nail, Vice President of the Total Rewards Practice at NFP is passionate about compensation and its role in creating a positive employee experience and a competitive advantage. She joins Darren Virassammy on the latest episode of the Strengths Whisperer to share her personal experience as a working parent and the importance of supporting working parents in the workplace. They dive into the topic of flexible work structures and also explore the current labor shortage. Stay tuned for these fascinating insights and learn how to make a difference in the lives of working parents. Additional Resources: | |||
| 06 Nov 2024 | Discipline: A Coaching Conversation with Kristen O’Shea | 00:25:38 | |
n this episode, Brandon chats with Kansas State Senator and founder of O'Shea Strengths Coaching, Kristen O'Shea, to unpack the surprising superpower of Discipline. Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Key Takeaways:
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| 06 Mar 2024 | Introducing Coach to Coach with Brandon Miller | 00:02:05 | |
In this season of the Strengths Whisperer, host Brandon Miller is diving deep into the world of Clifton strengths themes with the help of 34 global strengths experts. This season is called "Coach to Coach," where Each episode will focus on one of the 34 strengths, exploring how they fit into four domains: executing, strategic thinking, influencing, and relationship building. You can expect to learn, grow, and be inspired as you gain valuable insights and expertise from these experts. Additional Resources Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 02 Aug 2023 | Building Pathways and Creating Opportunities with Curtis Germany | 00:36:16 | |
Curtis Germany is the Director of Human Resources for Clark County, Nevada. His passion for people and community development has driven remarkable transformation over the past several years. In this episode, Curtis shares how embracing and harnessing strengths can pave the way to overcome challenges, foster meaningful connections, and create a vibrant and diverse community. Listen in to learn key elements that contribute to making a lasting impact in the lives of those you touch. Additional Resources
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| 25 Sep 2024 | Analytical: A Coaching Conversation with Elmo Alforque | 00:25:26 | |
Elmo Alforque, a certified Strengths Coach, joins the Brandon to discuss the Analytical strength. Elmo reveals how this strength can drive data-driven decision-making, research, and strategic thinking. There is a balance between using logic and understanding people. Get practical advice for how to develop leadership while leveraging analytical abilities. Tune in to discover the benefits and potential pitfalls of this powerful strength and how it plays out in real-life leadership and team dynamics. Additional Resources: Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn | |||
| 03 Jul 2024 | Futuristic: A Coaching Conversation with Analia Mendez | 00:22:16 | |
Today host Brandon Miller welcomes Analia Mendez, CEO and founder of Signature Careers, a consultancy dedicated to aiding mid-career transitioners. With over 23 years of experience in higher education, Analia dives deep into how her number one CliftonStrengths theme, Futuristic, has fueled her career journey and entrepreneurial success. Analia recounts her time at UC San Diego, where her ability to visualize and plan ahead played a critical role in developing new programs, including the now-esteemed Health Beat initiative. She explains how her futuristic strength not only allowed her to innovate and create impactful educational programs but also how she embraces technology, like Zoom, forecasting trends well ahead of the curve. Get expert advice on how to leverage your own futuristic strengths to drive career success and satisfaction. Learn about the core needs and contributions of the futuristic strength, and discover how to harness visionary thinking to navigate career transitions effectively. A must listen episode for anyone in the midst of a career shift or usure about how to optimize strengths. Additional Resources: Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn | |||
| 01 Mar 2023 | Finding Your God-Given Gifts with Amber Fields | 00:29:48 | |
“Gifts are meant to be given away, but you can’t give them away intentionally if you don’t know what they are.” Amber Fields is the Chief Culture Officer of trueU and an expert communicator. She’s passionate about using her strengths to unleash her potential and empower leaders to create strong, healthy workplace cultures. In this episode, Amber shares her story about what it took for her to embrace her strengths and how that led to her being dubbed ‘The Culture Queen.’ For far too long, she tried to mute her gifts because she had been conditioned to think they were weaknesses. Listen in to learn how to appreciate and cultivate other peoples’ talents to serve the greater good of your organization. Additional Resources:
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| 17 Jul 2024 | Ideation: A Coaching Conversation with Jo Self | 00:26:11 | |
Today host Brandon Miller explores the CliftonStrengths theme of Ideation with guest, Jo Self, Certified Strengths Coach, Strategic Partner for Independent Coaches, Author, and Communication Strategist. Ideation plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and innovation. Jo highlights how ideation is much more than brainstorming, showcasing its potential for making disparate connections and transforming abstract ideas into practical solutions. With practical advice on nurturing ideation in both personal and professional settings, Jo emphasizes the need for recognition, sharing her own experiences of turning seeds of ideas into comprehensive programs for clients. This episode offers practical advice on nurturing ideation in both personal and professional settings - a must-listen for coaches and leaders who want to tap into team creativity. Additional Resources: Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn | |||
| 29 Nov 2023 | Re-Release: Discovering Your Own Power with Ophelia Byers | 00:38:32 | |
The first time Ophelia Byers was encouraged to move into a leadership role, she pushed back because she didn’t want the responsibility. Thankfully, someone saw her potential and didn’t take no for an answer. Today, Ophelia is the Chief Nursing Officer of Overlook Medical Center and the Associate Chief Nurse Executive of Atlantic Health. Ophelia has built up her own "tackle box" of knowledge, tools, and experiences along her leadership journey. Taking what she’s learned, she can identify issues and lead teams to find solutions. In this episode, Ophelia discusses what she calls the art and science of leadership. Her top strengths of Strategic, Connectedness, and Restorative feed directly into that belief, allowing her to handle the dichotomies of leadership. Listen to learn how to encourage leaders to take in knowledge from all levels of an organization, learn to see around corners, and create opportunities for others to succeed. Additional Resources:
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| 19 Jun 2024 | Individualization: A Coaching Conversation with Lisa Cummings | 00:23:38 | |
In this episode of “The Strengths Whisperer: Coach to Coach,” host Brandon Miller is joined by Lisa Cummings, founder of Lead Through Strengths, to dive deep into the CliftonStrengths theme of Individualization. Lisa brings rich insights from her journey of focusing on people’s strengths and uniqueness. Throughout the discussion, Lisa and Brandon unravel the nuances of individualization, highlighting its role in fostering personal connections and customizing interactions to suit each individual’s unique traits. Explore the power of individualization in this enriching episode, perfect for strengths coaches, team leaders, and anyone looking to harness their unique strengths for personal and professional growth. Additional Resources Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 07 Dec 2022 | Painting a Picture with Your ‘Why’ in Mind with Chad Peterman | 00:38:35 | |
Chad Peterman, President of Peterman Brothers, is a visionary leader with a focus on execution and a passion for learning. Under his leadership, the company has experienced significant growth and has been recognized as a top employer. In this episode, Chad shares how he takes his big ideas and turns them into reality. You’ll hear how he leans into future-forward thinking while simultaneously supporting the integrators on his team. Listen in to learn how to build highly effective teams by equally acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses. Additional Resources:
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| 21 Aug 2024 | Focus: A Coaching Conversation with Dahlia Sutrisno | 00:29:02 | |
In this episode, Brandon Miller and Dahlia Sutrisno discuss the CliftonStrengths theme of Focus. Dahlia shares how she defines and develops her Focus strength, which allows her to concentrate on goals and be present in the moment. She strategically developed her focus through activities like martial arts and rifling. Explore the challenges of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. Whether you're a high-focus individual or just looking to understand this strength better, Dahlia’s insights are both profound and practical, offering actionable advice on how to cultivate and harness focus in daily life and work environments. Additional Resources: Connect with Dahlia Sutrisno on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 15 Mar 2023 | Committing to Growth Over Comfort with Norma Tirado | 00:34:02 | |
“I’m not committed to your comfort. I’m committed to your growth.” Norma Tirado, Vice President of Culture and People Experience at Centura Health, is a seasoned veteran in leadership. She found confidence in her career when she took control of situations and made decisions while demonstrating vulnerability. Now, she is a connoisseur of culture, helping to create a framework for healthy culture based on her three B’s: belonging, believing, and becoming. In this episode, you’ll hear Norma’s journey as a leader and how she’s been able to humanize goals and motivate her team to be the best version of themselves. Listen in to learn how to focus on each team member’s strengths and how to challenge yourself to be more vulnerable while still growing and developing. Additional Resources:
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| 24 May 2023 | Channeling and Appreciating the Power Within with Dr. Sabrina Starling | 00:33:35 | |
Dr. Sabrina Starling joins the conversation to delve into the transformative power of understanding and embracing our strengths. She shares valuable insights on the importance of self-awareness, prioritization, and fostering a supportive environment. In this episode, you will learn practical strategies to simplify your approach, delegate effectively, and achieve extraordinary results together. Tune in and unlock your potential to make a lasting difference in your life and the lives of others.
Additional Resources
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| 07 Jun 2023 | Using Strengths as a GPS in Leadership with Alejandro Bodipo-Memba | 00:43:59 | |
Alejandro Bodipo-Memba joins The Strengths Whisperer to dive into how strengths change and evolve over time. This conversation gives an inside look into personal stories and how strengths influence a leader’s approach. Join this chat to discuss the Clifton Strengths assessment and how it reveals how individuals show up to their strengths, rather than defining who they are. After all, strengths are an indicator of what's currently popping up and should be used as a GPS for leadership instead of a destination. Additional Resources
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| 17 Apr 2024 | Arranger: A Coaching Conversation with Aashi Arora | 00:24:51 | |
Aashi Arora conquers imposter syndrome and boosts self-confidence with her strengths. With over a decade of experience, Aashi focuses on the Arranger strength, where Aashi reveals her innate talent for planning, orchestrating, and navigating change, essential skills that enable her to lead and coach with agility and foresight. Together, she and host Brandon Miller delve into real-life examples where Aashi's Arranger prowess prevails in high-pressure scenarios, reaffirming the critical role this strength plays in both individual growth and team dynamics. Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 01 May 2024 | Self-Assurance: A Coaching Conversation with Scott Mackes | 00:19:58 | |
In this episode, host Brandon Miller and Scott Mackes dive deep into the world of self-assurance—a rare gem strength that ignites entrepreneurial fire. As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and an entrepreneurial force behind initiatives like StrengthsMugs, The Academy Fund, and 10X Vets, Scott unpacks his journey from military service to thriving business leadership, illustrating a path paved with resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. He and Brandon explore the nuances of self-assurance, dissecting both the peak performance and potential pitfalls of this strength while emphasizing the theme's natural fit for startup environments where uncertainty reigns. Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn
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| 16 Aug 2023 | How Extreme Ownership Fuels Growth and Achievement with Sarah Maloney | 00:37:12 | |
How can extreme ownership contribute to a culture of collaboration and respect within a team or organization? Sarah Moloney, Head of Operations at REI Game Changers joins The Strengths Whisperer and takes a deep dive into the topic of extreme ownership and the power of strengths in creating successful collaborations. Together, they explore how executing strengths, combined with Sarah's ability to envision the future, have contributed to her success. They also discuss the habits and techniques required to foster a culture of collaboration, including using "and" instead of "but" and inviting open-mindedness through the phrase "I wonder.” Additional Resources
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| 19 Jul 2023 | Balancing Competition and Teamwork with Charlie Saffro | 00:39:09 | |
Charlie Saffro joins the conversation to share the journey of starting her business as a solopreneur and the importance of balancing competition and teamwork within organizations. She shares her experience working in a male-dominated industry and how she overcame stereotypes by prioritizing empathy and compassion. The pandemic has further emphasized the importance of evaluating individuals beyond their title and focusing on soft skills. This episode dives into the challenges of building a strong company culture and the impact of hiring the right people who align with the company's values. Additional Resources
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| 09 Oct 2024 | Strategic Thinking: A Coaching Conversation with Ken Barr Jr. | 00:38:01 | |
This week Brandon delves into the fascinating world of the Strategic Thinking domain with guest Ken Barr Jr., Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways:
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| 15 Feb 2023 | Discovering Your Own Power with Ophelia Byers | 00:38:32 | |
The first time Ophelia Byers was encouraged to move into a leadership role, she pushed back because she didn’t want the responsibility. Thankfully, someone saw her potential and didn’t take no for an answer. Today, Ophelia is the Chief Nursing Officer of Overlook Medical Center and the Associate Chief Nurse Executive of Atlantic Health. Along her leadership journey, Ophelia has built up her own "tackle box" of knowledge, tools, and experiences. Taking what she’s learned, she’s able to identify issues and lead teams to find solutions. In this episode, Ophelia discusses what she calls the art and science of leadership. Her top strengths of Strategic, Connectedness, and Restorative feed directly into that belief, allowing her to handle the dichotomies of leadership. Listen to learn how to encourage leaders to take in knowledge from all levels of an organization, learn to see around corners, and create opportunities for others to succeed. Additional Resources:
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| 08 May 2024 | Positivity: A Coaching Conversation with Micah Lorenc | 00:20:09 | |
In this episode, Micah Lorenc explains how positivity equips individuals with the resilience to overcome challenges. Alongside host Brandon Miller, Micah dives into the significance of positivity as a formidable strength in the Coach to Coach series on The Strengths Whisperer’s Podcast. This powerful narrative also touches on Micah’s journey of balancing familial responsibilities with professional dreams, emphasizing the strategic role of environmental influences in fostering an optimistic mindset. Additional Resources Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 06 Sep 2023 | Shifting the Focus from Numbers to Humanity with Jose Bodipo Memba | 00:34:54 | |
Jose Bodipo-Memba is an experienced leader who values the importance of context in his work. Throughout his career, he has recognized the significance of understanding the drivers and goals within a team or organization in order to effectively lead and connect with others. In this episode, Darren Virassammy and Jose dive deep into the concept of "Balconies and basements of Strength," exploring how strengths can either enhance or hinder our performance. They discuss the need for a well-rounded team that understands and compliments each other's strengths, as well as the significance of effective communication and championing ideas. They also discuss the dangers of solely focusing on numbers and metrics, neglecting the context and humanity of our team members. Join them for an insightful conversation as they explore the power of personal growth. Additional Resources:
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| 04 Jan 2023 | The Journey from Selfish Leader to Servant Leader with Mark Whitacre | 00:37:05 | |
“The greatest use of strengths is always coupled with a mission to do good.” - Dr. Donald Clifton, Founder of CliftonStrengths Mark Whitacre is a model of purpose-driven leadership, embodying what it means to be a servant leader. But that wasn’t always the case. When he was younger, he was a selfish leader, and it led him down a dark path. At the age of 32, Mark found himself caught up in the largest price-fixing scheme in the U.S. and eventually served eight and a half years in prison. In this episode, we discuss how the same strengths that helped Mark succeed when he only cared about material things are now helping him excel at living for significance. Listen in for more on what it looks like to use your strengths for good. Additional Resources:
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| 11 Dec 2024 | Relator: A Coaching Conversation with Sara Regan | 00:34:01 | |
What makes Relators the masters of meaningful connections? 💬 Sara Regan from Strengths Now joins Brandon to dive into the magic of this trust-driven strength. Discover how Relators build authentic bonds, navigate tough conversations, and create spaces where people feel truly seen. Whether you're a Relator or just work with one, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real-world tips you can use right away. Hit play and join the conversation! 🎧
Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 24 Apr 2024 | Empathy: A Coaching Conversation with Susan Giacobazzi | 00:28:16 | |
Susan Giacobazzi found passion and purpose by aligning her job with her top strengths. As the founder of Love Your 5 and an expert in empathy and coaching, Susan shares her transformative journey from career dissatisfaction to finding her niche in strengths-based development. Together, host Brandon Miller and Susan delve into the complexities and practical applications of empathy as a strength, highlighting its power to intuitively connect with others and its influence on leadership and team dynamics. Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 26 Oct 2022 | The Power of Strengths-Based Leadership with Darren Virassammy and Brandon Miller | 00:37:58 | |
Are you tapping into your unique talents and strengths to achieve excellence in your life and career? Our hosts, Darren Virassammy and Brandon Miller, want to help organizations do that across their teams by learning their strengths and weaknesses. In this episode, Darren and Brandon interview each other about their journey with the CliftonStrengths assessment. As you listen, you’ll learn the origin story of the StrengthsFinder assessment, how it helps people understand how they work, and the ways a strengths-based approach can be used to make employee engagement skyrocket. | |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | Activator: A Coaching Conversation with Dr. Joanna Wiesinger | 00:26:01 | |
Dr. Joanna Wiesinger, co-author of "Turning Talents into Strengths" and acclaimed TEDx speaker, explores the dynamic impact of the activator strength in this episode of Coach to Coach, hosted by Brandon Miller. Together, they dissect how the Activator's strength turns ideas into action and drives team productivity. Dr. Wiesinger shares her journey from PhD chemist to entrepreneur, emphasizing the role of activator in her career pivot. The discussion covers the evolution of raw talent into a refined strength and offers practical tips for leveraging this strength in leadership and team settings. Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 27 Nov 2024 | Input: A Coaching Conversation with Christine Minh-Minh Garner | 00:26:40 | |
Brandon Miller dives deep into the strength of Input with the dynamic Christine Minh-Minh Gardner, a pro in the nuclear industry and proud “collector of everything”—ideas, knowledge, and even friendships! From her meticulous collection of knowledge and resources to her deep curiosity and passion for connecting dots between people’s stories, Christine shares insights that will resonate with anyone aiming to harness their strengths for impactful leadership. Tune in to explore the complexities of the input strength, its real-life applications, and how it empowers Christine in her unique path—from being a crawdad fishing queen to embracing AI as an extension of her knowledge hoarding!
Additional Resources: Connect with Christine on LinkedIn Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 22 May 2024 | Significance: A Coaching Conversation with TyAnn Osborn | 00:29:17 | |
TyAnn Osborn has carved a distinct niche in the realm of personal development, specializing in helping individuals recognize their unique strengths and achieve personal significance. In this episode of The Strengths Whisperer, TyAnn joins host Brandon Miller to delve deep into the significance strength, which is often less understood and more rarely seen as a top trait. During the podcast, they explore the impact of high significance on individuals' need for recognition and their sensitivity to feedback. TyAnn shares her struggles with finding meaning in busy work and the crucial role meaningful engagement plays in her professional satisfaction. Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 04 Sep 2024 | Relationship Building: A Coaching Conversation with Bill Dippel | 00:42:37 | |
Trust in the workplace is powerful and impactful. Host Brandon Miller sits down with Bill Dippel, a seasoned strengths coach with an innate talent for building meaningful relationships in the workplace. Dippel, who heads a team of four staff coaches, emphasizes the profound impact of trust, authenticity, and strategic relationship management on team effectiveness and individual performance. Get insights on gauging the mood of the room and adjusting strategies based on the level of relational "gooeyness." Tune in as Bill and Brandon unravel the complexities of relationship dynamics, the power of harmony in team settings, and the vital interplay of trust and performance. Additional Resources: Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn | |||
| 12 Apr 2023 | Driving People-Powered Think Tanks with Joseph Abhulimen Jr. | 00:28:02 | |
Joseph Abhulimen Jr., a people-first leader for the State of California, had an eye-opening experience when he realized his strengths gave him the resilience he needed along his professional journey. Through his wealth of government experience, Joseph learned the power of people while managing and leading teams. In this episode, Joseph shares the story of his “aha” moment and how he reformed his approach to leadership moving forward. Now he stays excited when thinking and talking about the future. Listen in to hear how to help bring out the best in others and truly value what comes naturally to you. Additional Resources:
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| 03 Apr 2024 | Communication: A Coaching Conversation with Jennifer Doyle Vancil | 00:22:13 | |
In this episode of The Strengths Whisperer, host Brandon Miller introduces us to the Coach to Coach series with Jennifer Doyle Vancil, a global strengths expert and founder of Communicating Strengths, LLC. Together, they talk through the impact of the Communication strength in both personal and professional settings. Jennifer shares her transformative journey of reframing her top five strengths from perceived weaknesses to empowering talents. Through her experiences, she illustrates the power of genuine communication, the art of storytelling, and the need for feedback and verbal processing. Additional Resources: | |||
| 13 Nov 2024 | Connectedness: A Coaching Conversation with Brea Roper | 00:29:25 | |
In this episode, Brea Roper, expert Strengths coach, joins Brandon to unpack the often misunderstood strength of Connectedness. If you’re a coach or leader, you’ll love Bria’s take on how Connectedness can unify teams, spark purpose, and amplify impact. Discover why this strength is much more than “woo-woo” intuition—it’s a driving force for creating meaning, fostering relationships, and building visionary cultures. This episode is a masterclass in connection, purpose, and helping others see the bigger picture. Tune in and get inspired to harness the power of Connectedness for yourself and your team! Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 21 Feb 2024 | Re-Release: Balancing Competition and Teamwork with Charlie Saffro | 00:39:09 | |
Charlie Saffro joins the conversation to share the journey of starting her business as a solopreneur and the importance of balancing competition and teamwork within organizations. She shares her experience working in a male-dominated industry and how she overcame stereotypes by prioritizing empathy and compassion. The pandemic has further emphasized the importance of evaluating individuals beyond their title and focusing on soft skills. This episode dives into the challenges of building a strong company culture and the impact of hiring the right people who align with the company's values.
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| 20 Nov 2024 | Context: A Coaching Conversation with Kasie Heiden | 00:28:07 | |
Get ready for a deep dive into Context—one of the rarest yet most powerful CliftonStrengths! In this episode, Brandon chats with Kasie Heiden, a master coach who shows how understanding the past can supercharge your future. Kasie shares how Context isn't just reminiscing—it's connecting dots to avoid repeating mistakes and drive your mission forward. Plus, hear about her unique coaching program, The Arena, crafted for CEOs and their teams to maximize growth. If you’re ready to unlock the wisdom of the past for bold, future moves, this one's for you! 🚀
Additional Resources: Connect with Kasie on LinkedIn Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 07 Aug 2024 | WOO: A Coaching Conversation with Sarah Collins | 00:27:25 | |
From career coaching to leadership development, Sarah Collins is the epitome of someone who leverages her natural strengths to impact those around her. As the founder of collinscareercoaching.com, Sarah embodies the CliftonStrengths theme of Winning Others Over (WOO). In this episode, hosted by Brandon Miller, Sarah delves into the nuances of WOO, sharing personal anecdotes about the significance of this strength in her life and career. Sarah offers insights into how WOO manifests in professional settings, emphasizing the importance of utilizing this strength for networking, relationship-building, and influencing others. Explore the challenges and misconceptions associated with WOO, as well as strategies to foster this strength within teams for optimal outcomes. Additional Resources: Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 10 Jan 2024 | Re-Release: Channeling and Appreciating the Power Within with Dr. Sabrina Starling | 00:33:35 | |
Dr. Sabrina Starling joins the conversation to delve into the transformative power of understanding and embracing our strengths. She shares valuable insights on the importance of self-awareness, prioritization, and fostering a supportive environment. In this episode, you will learn practical strategies to simplify your approach, delegate effectively, and achieve extraordinary results together. Tune in and unlock your potential to make a lasting difference in your life and the lives of others. Additional Resources: Tap the Potential Community on Mighty Networks Connect w/Sabrina on Instagram Connect w/Sabrina on Twitter | |||
| 13 Dec 2023 | Re-Release: Using Strengths to Find Your Flow with Estrella Parker | 00:35:47 | |
“One ounce of energy invested in your strengths will show more results than 10 ounces invested in an area of weakness.” Estrella Parker, Chief People Officer at Cupertino Electric Inc., is an expert at leveraging her top strengths to create vibrant work environments and unlock the unique potential of her team. In this episode, she shares why she chooses to double down on strengths and use resources to shore up weaknesses. Estrella says it’s a mistake to only focus on what you’re good at or only where you have gaps. Instead, we should be investing our energy in both. Listen in to learn how to use your strengths to find your flow faster and unlock the ability to grow exponentially. Additional Resources: | |||
| 24 Jan 2024 | Re-Release: Leaning Into Genius Over Grind with Sapidah Shefa | 00:39:10 | |
Every strength has pitfalls, but when you can recognize them, you can avoid them. Sapidah Shefa, VP of Operations at Road Runner Sports, says knowing both the balconies and basements (highs and lows) of her strengths is vital. Understanding them allows her to stick to work she excels at and pull herself out of situations when she dives too deep. In this episode, Sapidah shares her personal and professional journey with CliftonStrengths and how following this path has led her a point where she’s able to say, “I love my job.” Additional Resources: | |||
| 10 Apr 2024 | Developer: A Coaching Conversation with Jessica Cowan | 00:28:57 | |
As a developer, Jessica Cowan shares her journey of self-discovery and highlights the transformative power of incorporating strengths into organizational culture in this episode of the Coach to Coach series. Host Brandon Miller talks with Jessica about her perspectives, offering a profound understanding of how strengths can shape individuals, teams, and organizational culture, making this episode a valuable resource for leaders, coaches, and strength enthusiasts. Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn | |||
| 01 Feb 2023 | Using Strengths to Find Your Flow with Estrella Parker | 00:35:47 | |
“One ounce of energy invested in your strengths will show more results than 10 ounces invested in an area of weakness.” Estrella Parker, Chief People Officer at Cupertino Electric Inc., is an expert at leveraging her top strengths to create vibrant work environments and unlock the unique potential of her team. In this episode, she shares why she choses to double down on strengths and use resources to shore up weaknesses. Estrella says it’s a mistake to only focus on what you’re good at or only where you have gaps. Instead we should be investing our energy with both. Listen in to learn how to use your strengths to find your flow faster and unlock the ability to grow exponentially. Additional Resources:
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| 29 Mar 2023 | Identifying Your Drainers and Drivers with Tony Grebmeier | 00:32:35 | |
Tony Grebmeier, CEO of ShipOffers and Creator of the Be Fulfilled Brand, is a leader focused on people development and finding opportunities to share the knowledge he’s picked up over the years. In this episode, Tony discusses his professional journey and his mindset around leaning into collaboration so organizations can win collectively. Along the way, you’ll hear Tony break down the concept of drainers and drivers—a tool he leverages to understand and motivate himself and his team members. Listen in to learn what it means to elevate you success by first elevating your life. Additional Resources:
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| 28 Aug 2024 | Competition: A Coaching Conversation with Sarah Robinson | 00:32:57 | |
In this episode, host Brandon Miller dives deep into the CliftonStrength of Competition with guest Sarah Robinson, CEO of FRESH Concepts and one of the first seven Gallup-certified strengths coaches. Sarah shares her personal journey with the Competition strength, highlighting her challenges and victories. She offers insights into coaching competitive individuals, especially women, and how to channel competition toward personal and professional growth. Whether you're coaching, leading, or reflecting on your own strengths, this episode is packed with practical advice and wisdom for competitors at heart. Additional Resources: Connect with Sarah Robinson on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 04 Dec 2024 | Restorative: A Coaching Conversation with Jen Pasquale | 00:26:40 | |
In this episode, Jen Pasquale, founder of Lead with Curiosity, joins Brandon to dive into the "Restorative" strength—a gift for tackling tough problems and finding real solutions. Jen opens up about how she went from feeling frustrated by her problem-solving instinct to using it as a superpower in her work with nonprofits and pharma teams. Whether you’re a natural fixer or just curious about strengths, Jen’s story will have you seeing challenges (and solutions!) in a whole new light.
Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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| 23 Oct 2024 | Learner: A Coaching Conversation with Angeline Soon | 00:31:06 | |
What happens when learning becomes your superpower? In this episode, Brandon speaks with Angeline Soon, who left a 20-year corporate IT career to launch her own business, Amplify Soon. Explore how the Learner Strength can help anyone navigate major life changes, embrace the unknown, and turn failure into fuel for growth. Angeline shares her personal journey and the key lessons that helped her trust her ability to learn through every challenge. Additional Resources: Connect with Angeline Soon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways:
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| 11 Sep 2024 | Influencing: A Coaching Conversation with Brent O’Bannon | 00:40:42 | |
Curious about how leaders with influencing strengths motivate their teams? This conversation with Brent O'Bannon will show you how to refine your leadership influence! Brent, Master Certified Coach and CEO of Strengths Champion Solutions, talks about the Influencing domain of CliftonStrengths framework. With captivating analogies, such as dog sledding to explain the power of leadership domains, this conversation offers a unique and actionable perspective for coaches and leaders alike**. Additional Resources: Connect with Brent O’Bannon on LinkedIn | |||
| 24 Jul 2024 | Command: A Coaching Conversation with Dawn Petchell Luepke | 00:27:08 | |
In this episode, seasoned strengths coach Dawn Petchell Luepke talks about the nuances of Command from the Clifton Strengths. Dawn, a Nashville-based expert in strengths-based leadership and team development, shares her unique observations on the misunderstood strength of Command. Host Brandon Miller guides the conversation, shedding light on how Command brings clarity and direction in team settings, and how it can be both compelling and intimidating. Dawn recounts her transformative journey from struggling with feedback about her "intimidating" presence to embracing and harnessing her command strength effectively. Learn how to leverage the Command strength, emphasize clear communication, re-think leadership roles, and understand constructive feedback. For anyone looking to understand the rare and potent Command strength, this episode is essential listening Additional Resources: | |||
| 12 Jun 2024 | Strategic: A Coaching Conversation with Kathy Kersten | 00:22:58 | |
Dive deep into strategic thinking with guest Kathy Kersten. Kathy, known for her deep expertise in CliftonStrengths and team maximization, shares her journey from working at a tech startup to becoming an independent strengths coach. This episode explores the nuances of possessing strategic strength, emphasizing the importance of possibility thinking and the ability to navigate complex challenges with creative solutions. Tune in to hear Brandon and Kathy's engaging conversation that delves into the depths of strategic thinking, the needs and contributions of those with this strength, and real-life applications that can lead to personal and professional growth. Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn
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| 09 Nov 2022 | Leaning Into Genius Over Grind with Sapidah Shefa | 00:39:10 | |
Every strength has pitfalls, but when you can recognize them, you can avoid them. Sapidah Shefa, VP of Operations at Road Runner Sports, says knowing both the balconies and basements (highs and lows) of her strengths is vital. Understanding them allows her to stick to work she excels at and pull herself out of situations when she dives too deep. In this episode, Sapidah shares her personal and professional journey with CliftonStrengths and how following this path has led her a point where she’s able to say, “I love my job.” Additional Resources:
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| 10 May 2023 | Authentic Feedback and the Road to Realizing Our Potential with Shane Metcalf | 00:40:13 | |
Shane Metcalf, Co-founder of 15Five, joins The Strengths Whisperer to share his journey of starting the company and building it into a successful platform that helps organizations build highly engaged and high performing teams. He discusses his personal growth and how playing to his strengths as a leader contributed to the success of the company. Together, we talk about the importance of healthy conflict in teams and how leveraging diverse strengths can create healthy conflict. Additional Resources:
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| 07 Feb 2024 | Re-Release: Painting a Picture with Your ‘Why’ in Mind with Chad Peterman | 00:38:35 | |
Chad Peterman, President of Peterman Brothers, is a visionary leader with a focus on execution and a passion for learning. Under his leadership, the company has experienced significant growth and has been recognized as a top employer. In this episode, Chad shares how he takes his big ideas and turns them into reality. You’ll hear how he leans into future forward thinking while simultaneously supporting the integrators on his team. Listen in to learn how to build highly effective teams by equally acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses. Additional Resources: | |||
| 07 Oct 2022 | Introducing The Strengths Whisperer | 00:02:15 | |
We spend so much of our lives thinking about what's wrong with us instead of recognizing what we do best. If we can play to those strengths, think of how powerful we could be. Think of how powerful businesses and organizations could be. The most common denominator of the most successful leaders is self-awareness. On this show, hosts Darren Virassammy and Brandon Miller help leaders uncover and their superpowers by using the CliftonStrengths Assessment. Along the way you’ll learn how a strengths-based approach can transform businesses into engaged workplaces. This is The Strengths Whisperer, a show empowering leaders to create, build, and sustain great places to work. | |||
| 23 Nov 2022 | Moving People Forward with Nikki Gregory | 00:32:10 | |
Nikki Gregory, Chief Meaningful Work Officer at PeopleForward Network, is on a people-first mission, and she’s using her unique strengths profile to achieve it. In this episode, she shares her passion for building a community of engaged, people-centered workplaces and offers her insights on how others can do the same by leveraging their skills. For Nikki, it starts with creating opportunities for people to find meaning in what they do so that it’s an energizing experience rather than a draining one. Listen in to learn how Nikki’s influencer strengths keep her and her team inspired. Along the way, you’ll also hear the dangers to avoid when it comes to rare strengths. Additional Resources:
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| 02 Oct 2024 | Adaptability: A Coaching Conversation with Katie Swearingen | 00:26:11 | |
Ever felt like you're swimming through life only to hit an unexpected wall? Katie Swearingen knows the feeling—and she’s mastered the art of adapting on the fly. In this episode, Brandon chats with Katie, Organizational Development Advisor at CARTI, about the power of adaptability and how it’s shaped her career (and even a triathlon mishap). This isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about thriving in uncertainty. If you’ve ever wondered how to pivot gracefully, keep your team engaged, and still hit your goals, this episode is for you. Buckle up—because life’s plan B might just be your best move yet. Additional Resources: Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
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