Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Tara Gronhovd and Pamela Nelson

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136

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May 2026

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About the show

At the Grounding and Growing Leadership team, we believe that everyone is a leader and leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Certified Leadership Coach, Counselor and Spiritual Director as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journey's.

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May 25, 2026Episode 13634 min

SHIFT 2026 Recap with Pamela Nelson and Stephanie Theisen

Welcome back, friends! In this special episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by Pamela and Stephanie to recap and reflect on the energy, momentum, and meaningful moments from SHIFT 2026. Together, they share behind-the-scenes insights from organizing the event, the power of in-person connection, and the standout lessons that emerged from this year’s momentum-focused theme. The conversation highlights key takeaways from speakers like Jon Acuff, the importance of trust-building behaviors within teams, and the personal growth that came from stepping into new roles and challenges throughout the event. From mindset shifts to leadership insights, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to create and sustain momentum in work, leadership, and life. Registration for our next Grounded Leadership cohort is now open! Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader cohort is now open! Registration for our new Managers Essentials Course is now open! At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys. CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com. Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you! Resources: ALIGN Trust Resource - OILS GROW Leadership Capacity Assessment Manager Essentials Course Procrastination Proof - Jon Acuff Jon Acuff's New Anthem Challenge

May 12, 2026Episode 13538 min

Why Your Core Values Aren't Working

Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by co-host Stephanie Theisen, to dive into what it really takes to make Core Values more than just words on a wall. They explore how many organizations underutilize their values after creation, and why clarity, alignment, and even tension between values can actually strengthen culture. They also unpack practical ways to bring values to life, from leadership alignment and hiring to performance conversations and team connection, especially in today’s hybrid work environments. Join us for this important discussion! Registration for our next Grounded Leadership cohort is now open! Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader cohort is now pen! At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys. CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com. Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you! Resources: ALIGN Core Values Kit Clarity Drives Performance Managers Shape Culture More Than Statements Values Without Behavior Expectations Are Useless

April 27, 2026Episode 13436 min

Leadership Pathways

Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by co-host and ALIGN’s Chief Strategy Officer, Stephanie Theisen, to unpack the risks of over-relying on AI at work and the importance of maintaining real human connection. They also dive into a common leadership pitfall: promoting high performers too quickly without proper development, and why not all top talent is ready to lead. They share practical insights on building clear leadership pathways, having honest career conversations, and investing in employee growth, even when tenure is short. The takeaway: intentional development and role clarity are key to retaining talent and building strong, future-ready leaders. You won’t want to miss this insightful discussion! Registration for our next Grounded Leadership cohort is now open! Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader cohort is now pen! SHIFT Leadership Event is returning for 2026! Interested in becoming a sponsor for SHIFT, learning more about the SHIFT event, or learning more about our special guest speaker, Jon Acuff? Click HERE. At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys. CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com. Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you! Resources: Career Growth & Retention (SHRM) Internal Mobility & Losing Talent (Aptitude Research, 2023) Coaching & High-Potential Retention (DDI, 2024) Coaching as a Critical Leadership Skill (DDI, 2024) Leadership Effectiveness Gap (Harvard Business Publishing, 2024) Succession Planning Needs to Be Ongoing (Center for Creative Leadership) Workforce Development Challenge (SHRM State of Workplace) Skills Employers Actually Want (NACE Job Outlook 2024) Career Development as a Retention Driver (Work Institute, 2024) Retention Pressure is Increasing (CIPD, 2024) Gen Z / Early Talent Expectations (Deloitte, 2024)

March 23, 2026Episode 13337 min

Unpacking the Unbossing Trend

Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by co-host and ALIGN’s Chief Strategy Officer, Stephanie Theisen, to explore the growing “unbossing” trend: the decision to step away from leadership roles even as organizations need strong leaders more than ever. Together, they discuss how burnout, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of purpose are reshaping the way people think about leadership today. The conversation also highlights what organizations can do to build sustainable leadership pipelines, including creating accessible development opportunities, supporting emotional maturity, and modeling healthy boundaries. Tara and Stephanie share why rethinking how we develop and support leaders may be key to making leadership roles worth stepping into again. Registration for our next Grounded Leadership cohort is now open!  Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader cohort is now pen! SHIFT Leadership Event is returning for 2026! Interested in becoming a sponsor for SHIFT, learning more about the SHIFT event, or learning more about our special guest speaker, Jon Acuff? Click HERE. At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.     CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com.     Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!     Resources:  Gallup GROW™ Leadership Capacity Assessment The leadership pipeline for women is flashing a warning | LinkedIn  Over 40% of stressed-out leaders consider leaving leadership roles: DDI study Global Leadership Forecast 2025 ‘Conscious unbossing’: How is Gen Z opting out of climbing the corporate ladder Reluctance to lead: Conceptualization and contextualization A systematic review of managerial burnout and personal crisis Poor Leadership, Heavy Workloads Top Contributors for Workplace Burnout, New SHRM Research Finds Why Gen Z is Saying No to Management

February 23, 2026Episode 13238 min

Strengths-Based Leadership in an Era of Change Fatigue

Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by co-host Pamela Nelson to unpack a reality many leaders and teams are feeling: change fatigue. Together, they explore why constant change leaves people emotionally and mentally drained, and how it often shows up as disengagement, resistance, and even over-control. Tara and Pamela share practical, strengths-based strategies to help restore resilience, including clarifying roles, creating stabilizing rhythms, building connection and trust, and rehearsing more helpful “soundtracks” so teams can stay grounded in the midst of ongoing change. This episode is thoughtful, approachable, and grounding; an encouraging reset for leaders navigating a rapidly changing world. Registration for our next Grounded Leadership cohort is now open!  Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader cohort is now pen! SHIFT Leadership Event is returning for 2026! Interested in becoming a sponsor for SHIFT, learning more about the SHIFT event, or learning more about our special guest speaker, Jon Acuff? Click HERE. At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.     CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com.     Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!     Resources:  Gallup GROW™ Leadership Capacity Assessment Soundtracks by Jon Acuff

January 26, 2026Episode 13134 min

AI for Humans Leading Humans

Welcome back, friends! After a short break, the Grounding and Growing Podcast is officially relaunching with a conversation that couldn’t be more timely. Tara is joined by Dr. Ashley Lang; ALIGN leadership coach, Grounded Leadership facilitator, Assistant Professor of Practice at UNI, and trusted friend. Ashley was even kind enough to be our very first guest back. In this episode, they explore how AI is showing up in workplaces and universities, what it can do well for leaders, and where its limits still matter. From drafting communication and organizing thoughts to practicing tough conversations, Tara and Ashley share practical, low-risk ways leaders can use AI, while emphasizing the importance of ethics, critical thinking, and human discernment. This episode is thoughtful, approachable, and grounding; an easy re-entry into conversations about leadership, technology, and staying human in a rapidly changing world. Registration for our next Grounded Leadership cohort is now open!  Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader cohort is now pen! SHIFT Leadership Event is returning for 2026! Interested in becoming a sponsor for SHIFT, learning more about the SHIFT event, or learning more about our special guest speaker, Jon Acuff? Click HERE. At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.     CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com.     Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!     Resources:  Gallup ALIGN Q1 Workshop - Leveraging AI for Leadership GROW™ Leadership Capacity Assessment Gallup Training on AI Use in Coaching The Law Firm Owner Podcast - The Future of Law: AI, Innovation, and What It Means for Your Firm with Ernie Svenson

August 18, 2025Episode 13020 min

Strengths at Play with Tara Gronhovd

Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re wrapping up our Strengths at Play series with a special episode featuring the other half of the podcast, Tara! You hear Tara’s voice every week as she shares leadership insights and Strengths wisdom, but this time, we’re turning the spotlight on her. In this episode, Tara dives into what fun and play look like in her life and how her Strengths, especially Ideation, help her embrace and prioritize play. She shares how she defines play, why it comes naturally to her, and how she intentionally makes space for it in her daily life. Tara also reflects on the important role that freedom and autonomy play in her sense of fun and fulfillment. Tune in to hear this refreshing and insightful conversation, and don’t miss this chance to get to know Tara a little better! ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.*** At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.     CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com.     Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!     Resources:  Gallup Align Circle Community Growth Focused Leader Program Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves joy. - for KING + COUNTRY Good Lord - Lecrae & Andy Mineo

August 11, 202523 min

Strengths at Play with Ty Lewis

Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re continuing our Strengths at Play series with one of ALIGN’s newest coaches, Ty Lewis! Ty has joined us on the pod before to share his insights on Strengths and finances, but today he’s here to talk all about play. In this episode, Ty opens up about the strengths he leans on when having fun and what embracing play looks like in this current season of his life. Join Tara, Pamela, and Ty as they explore how his Strength of WOO helps him bring energy, joy, and connection into every space he enters. Ty is fully embracing a season of celebration, taking on new opportunities, stepping into his role as an ALIGN Leadership Coach, and most importantly, getting married to his best friend. Ty also reflects on how fun isn't just a bonus, it’s a core value that shapes how he shows up in his relationships, his work, and his life. Tune in to hear how strengths can fuel fun, and how you can bring more play into your own leadership journey. ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.*** At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.     CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com.     Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!     Resources:  Gallup Align Circle Community Growth Focused Leader Program

August 4, 202521 min

Strengths at Play with Dr. Ashley Lang

Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re continuing our Strengths at Play Series with ALIGN’s very own, Dr. Ashley Lang! You may recognize Ashley from her past appearances on the podcast, where she’s shared her insights and research on generational differences. Today, she’s joining us for a more personal conversation about how she defines fun—and what incorporating play looks like in both her work and home life. Join Pamela, Tara, and Ashley as they explore how certain strengths can sometimes get in the way of having fun, and how a simple mindset shift can change that. Ashley opens up about how she’s had to give herself permission to have fun, challenging an old, broken soundtrack that told her play was unproductive or frivolous. She shares how trying new things, embracing the unknown, and seeking out challenges is her version of fun, and how that perspective has shaped her interests over time. Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing conversation that might just inspire you to rethink your own relationship with fun. ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.*** At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.     CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com.     Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!     Resources:  Gallup Align Circle Community Growth Focused Leader Program

July 28, 2025Episode 12720 min

Strengths at Play Series: Olivia LaRose

Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re continuing our Strengths at Play Series with ALIGN’s very own, Olivia LaRose! You’ve heard Olivia on the podcast before sharing her insights on Strengths at work but this time, it’s all about her. In this Olivia-centric episode, she shares her personal definition of fun and how she intentionally brings play and joy into both her workday and everyday life. Tara, Pamela, and Olivia explore the Strengths Olivia taps into when she’s having fun, the role laughter and levity play in her relationships, and how she uses reframing (and her gift of Ideation) to make even the most mundane tasks—like grocery shopping—more enjoyable. Join us for a lighthearted, inspiring conversation about living and leading with authenticity, playfulness, and purpose. ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.*** At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.     CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com.     Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!     Resources:  Gallup Align Circle Community Growth Focused Leader Program Growing Your Influence Workshop