The Thoughtful Talents Show

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Sep 2025

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About the show

The Thoughtful Talents Show is what happens when two Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches who both have Deliberative and Responsibility talents get together. Coaches Jen Werner and Chad Ahern share their unique & thoughtful perspectives about Gallup’s CliftonStrengths talent themes, leadership, followership, and teamwork. In our coaching work, we've each encountered clients who want to understand the nuances of how each talent theme can show up differently. This is our answer. We look forward to sharing our personal insights about living and working with our unique talents, how we’ve seen others use their talents, and how others can address leadership & teamwork principles. We hope the insights we share in each upcoming episode will help you, and others, live your talents, understand those around you, and be effective leaders and teammates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 9, 20251 hr 0 min

Strengths Applied: Finding Success Partners w/ Michael Stafford and Jen Pasquale

Who makes you better? Who are your powerful success partners? This week, we’re joined by returning guest Michael Stafford and first-time guest Jen Pasquale for a conversation about how intentional, strengths-based partnerships can help each of us grow & improve performance, especially for new managers and leaders. We explore how knowing ourselves and others creates space for psychological safety, clear communication, enhanced collaboration, and sustainable success. We share personal stories, practical tips for finding support when you’re feeling stuck, and strategies for building high-performing teams. We share how Strength-based relationships can transform the way we work. This episode offers insight and inspiration to help you find - and become - a great success partner! KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Intro & Welcome Guests 02:14 The Why & The Stats 05:10 Personal Experiences with Success Partners 14:41 The Role of Talents in Finding Success Partners 29:20 Tips for Finding Success Partners When Feeling Stuck 40:48 Challenges & Coaching for New Managers 54:06 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways OUR GUESTS: Jen Pasquale @ Lead with Curiosity LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Restorative | Relator | Strategic | Intellection | Analytical Michael Stafford @ The Chapter Coach LinkedIn | Website Michael’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Maximizer | Input | Individualization | Relator | Harmony YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 26, 20251 hr 12 min

Strengths Applied: Learning Styles & Professional Development w/ Cindy Butts

Have you attended a conference that left you little time to process what you "learned"? Or engaged with an online learning series that left you bored? It's probably because those professional development opportunities didn't align with your talents. In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome back Cindy Butts to help us explore the connections between learning styles, strengths, and professional development. Cindy bring her combined experience as an HR leader and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach to help us understand the intersection of individual learning styles, strengths alignment, and setting specific performance goals. We emphasize creating safe environments for learning, advocating for personalized development strategies, and the importance of ongoing conversations to maximize effectiveness. This episode also provides practical advice for new managers on guiding their own and their team's professional growth. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Introduction to Learning Styles 01:54 The Why & The Stats 06:29 Personal Experiences with Learning Styles 09:14 Connecting Strengths to Learning and Performance 16:55 Seeing Strengths in Learning Styles 24:03 Strengths hold the Clues to Learning 36:29 Safe Learning Environments for those Who Struggle 43:56 Strengths to Support Learning & Development - Day 1 49:30 Guidance for New Managers 01:08:30 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways GUEST COACH: Cindy Scibetta-Butts @ Grow With Strengths LinkedIn | Website Cindy’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Achiever | Input | Strategic | Activator | WOO YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 12, 202548 min

Strengths Applied: Overcoming Challenges

In this episode of Strengths Applied, we talk about the challenges we face; both the ones we choose, like changing jobs or starting a family, and the ones that catch us off guard, like health issues or job loss. We share personal stories and reflect on how our talents have shown up in those moments, sometimes helping us move forward, and sometimes making things harder when we’re not using them with intention. We also talk about the weight of the challenges we carry, and how we don’t have to carry that weight alone. This episode includes practical advice for those feeling unseen, and for new managers learning to lead through challenges. We offer ways to use your strengths with purpose, ask for support, and move forward with clarity and confidence. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Challenges 01:00 The ‘Why’ & The ‘Stats’ 04:48 Personal Experiences with Challenges 12:30 Talents That Help and Hinder 25:36 Coaching the Unseen and Unheard 36:20 Advice for New Managers 45:20 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 29, 20251 hr 0 min

Strengths Applied: Workplace Onboarding w/ Damian Zikakis & Louann McCurdy

In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome guest coaches Damian Zikakis and Louann McCurdy back to the show to dive into "workplace onboarding." We begin by sharing our personal experiences and how our own talents shaped those moments. We also dive into the lessons learned when onboarding is done with intention and is human-centered...and when it's done in ways that leaves people feeling lost or undervalued. We all agree that using a tool like the CliftonStrengths assessment to identify a person's talents can transform the way new employees are welcomed into their roles. This episode offers practical ideas for using CliftonStrengths to make onboarding better for everyone, whether you’re a leader, coach, or a new hire. As Gallup-Certified Strengths Coaches, we’re passionate about helping people feel seen, supported, and set up for success from day one. We explore how to support those new employees who are struggling to be seen (like remote and hybrid employees), and how new managers can use their strengths to create meaningful onboarding experience for themselves and their teams, even when the company doesn’t have a formal process. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 03:02 Importance of Workplace Onboarding 05:56 Personal Onboarding Experiences 17:52 Leveraging Strengths in Onboarding 30:07 Intentionality in Onboarding for visibility 34:39 Building Confidence Through Strengths Assessment 41:12 Tools for New Managers 55:35 Final Thoughts YOUR GUESTS: Damian Zikakis @ DGZ Coaching LinkedIn | Website Damian’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Relator | Learner | Input | Connectedness | Communication Louann McCurdy @ PeerSpectives Consulting LinkedIn | Website Louann’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Strategic | Ideation | Connectedness | Learner | Maximizer YOUR HOSTS: Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 15, 20251 hr 0 min

Strengths Applied: Bouncing Back from Failure

In this episode of Strengths Applied, we take on the uncomfortable topic of failure. We explore what it means, how it feels, and how we can grow through it. We share stories from our own “squiggly” career paths, where things didn’t go as planned, and reflect on how our strengths helped us bounce back, and even forward. This episode is especially for anyone feeling stuck, unseen, or unheard in their role. It's also for new managers navigating their own setbacks or working to build psychologically safe environments for their teams. This conversation is meant to support your next step, filled with encouragement, insights, and tools to help you move forward with confidence or simply redefine what failure means to you. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Intro 01:06 Defining Failure: What It Means 05:21 Our Personal Experiences 20:06 Strengths & Bouncing Back 32:59 Struggling to Be Seen or Heard 35:16 Psychological Safety in the Workplace 43:53 Advice for New Managers 57:47 Final Thoughts and Encouragement YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 1, 202556 min

Strengths Applied: Embracing Change w/ Sally Magee

In this episode of “Strengths Applied”, we invite fellow coach, Sally Magee, The Sober Strengths Coach and founder of Magee Leadership Solutions, for a powerful conversation about embracing change, both personally and professionally. We explore the emotional and practical sides of change: why it’s hard, why it matters, and how your unique CliftonStrengths can help you better understand, navigate, and lead through it. Whether you're an individual contributor or a new manager, we share tools like the ADKAR model and Gallup’s Four Needs of Followers to help you support yourself and others in viewing change as an opportunity for growth. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Intro and Welcome 02:22 The Importance of Embracing Change 03:41 Statistics on Change Initiatives 05:45 Personal and Professional Change Experiences 15:20 Talents and Embracing Change 34:10 Addressing Individual Contributors' Concerns 45:11 Advice for New Managers 54:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement RESOURCES: Four Needs of Followers (Gallup) Power of a Narrative during Change (Gallup) OUR GUEST: Sally Magee @ Magee Coaching Solutions Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Sally’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Achiever | Responsibility | Input | Futuristic YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 17, 202539 min

Strengths Applied: Managing Up & Advocating for Your Team w/ Shaina Lane

In this episode of “Strengths Applied” we invite Shaina Lane to help us to unpack the art of managing up and advocating for your team. We dive into what it really means to lead from where you are, even without formal authority. CliftonStrengths can be a powerful tool to bridge communication gaps helping to build credibility and communicate effectively between team members and leadership. Listen in for practical advice, real-life stories, and encouragement whether you're a new manager or simply trying to make a bigger impact within your team. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Intro & Welcome 01:42 Celebrating Jen's Birthday 02:12 Statistics & Why 04:24 Our Personal Experience 11:08 The Role of Talents in Managing Up 21:30 Communication & Advocacy 28:26 The Role of New Managers 38:03 Final Thoughts & Encouragement RESOURCES: Get Shaina’s book, Leadership is Easy OUR GUEST: Follow Shaina Lane @ Premier Professional Coaching Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Shaina’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Relator | Learner | Arranger | Includer YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 3, 202553 min

Strengths Applied: Equity w/ Dr. Susan Madsen

In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome fellow Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and Leadership Scholar, Dr. Susan Madsen, to discuss the topic of Equity. We begin with unpacking the difference between equity and equality at work—and why that difference really matters. We share powerful stories and insights about the barriers to equity in the workplace. The conversation touches on everything from our personal experiences, the roles our talents play, privilege, male allyship, to your role as a leader. Whether you're a new leader struggling with creating equity or just curious about designing more inclusive spaces, this episode offers practical ideas and thoughtful takeaways to help you lead with equity in mind. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Introduction to Equity 01:10 Welcome Our Guest Coach 02:26 Defining Equity and Equality 04:38 The Importance of Workplace Equity 10:11 Personal Experiences with Equity 19:38 Challenges in Male-Dominated Fields 23:14 Inclusion and Belonging 26:16 Broader Equity Issues 32:45 Applying Strengths to Promote Equity 45:47 Advocating for Equity in Leadership RESOURCES: If you are interested in the knowing more about A Bolder Way Forward for Utah OUR GUEST: Dr. Susan R. Madsen @ Utah State University Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership and Director of Utah Women & Leadership Project Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Dr. Madsen's Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Achiever | Strategic | Activator | Learner | Responsibility. YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 202553 min

Strengths Applied: Resolving Conflict w/ Florence Hardy and Jessica Cowan

In this episode we welcome fellow coaches, Florence Hardy and Jessica Cowan, to talk about resolving conflict. Listen as each of us shares our individual preferences around conflict and how our strengths either help us resolve it, or sometimes get in the way. Avoiding conflict can mean staying silent when something needs to be said, so we stress the importance of perspective and using our voice, offering practical advice for one-on-one conversations. We also reflect on the manager’s role, not to fix the conflict, but to create space for resolution by setting clear goals, using their own talents to encourage open dialogue, and ensuring every voice is heard. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Introduction to Conflict 01:09 Welcome Our Guests 02:31 “The Why” & “The Stat” 04:40 Personal Perspectives about Conflict 12:30 Themes and Conflict Resolution 30:21 Emotions as Data Points 31:31 Encouraging Voices in Conflict 42:32 Advice for New Managers RESOURCES: The Myers Briggs research on workplace conflict Gallup Resource for Managers OUR GUESTS: Florence Hardy @ The Talents Lab LinkedIn | Website Florence’s CliftonStrengths Top 5: Input | Positivity | Connectedness | Includer | Ideation Jessica Cowan @ Cowan Consulting LinkedIn | Website Jessica’s CliftonStrengths Top 5: Developer | Responsibility | Individualization | Connectedness | Relator YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 20251 hr 14 min

Strengths Applied: Career Transitions w/ Sarah Collins and Bill Dippel

In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome fellow strengths coaches Bill Dipple and Sarah Collins from “The Strengths on Fire Podcast” to discuss career transitions. We highlight the importance of self-awareness and leveraging personal strengths to find the right role. Each of us shares how recognizing our talents has guided our career changes and the steps we took to pivot successfully. We also discuss the importance of being true to yourself and transparent about your identity and needs. Understanding these aspects not only aids in your personal career transitions but also enhances your leadership abilities. We emphasize that leveraging your unique talents as a new manager can create an environment that fosters growth and collaboration. 00:00 Introduction to Career Transitions 00:56 Meet the Hosts and Guests 03:27 “The Why” & “The Stats” 04:58 Personal Career Transition Stories 22:44 Keying Into Your Talents 25:07 Leveraging Strengths for Career Success 44:16 Helping the Unseen and Unheard in Organizations 01:00:11 Advice for New Managers 01:14:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement RESOURCES: Strengths On Fire podcast OUR GUESTS: Sarah Collins @ Collins Collective LinkedIn | Website Sarah’s CliftonStrengths Top 5: Positivity | Woo | Communication | Harmony | Activator Bill Dippel @ Bill Dippel Strengths Coaching LinkedIn | Instagram Bill’s CliftonStrengths Top 5: Individualization | Developer | Activator | Woo | Restorative YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Jen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | Website Chad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themes . The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.