DISCovering You

Victoria Theriault
  • 5.0 (4)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to DISCovering You, where personality meets possibility. I'm your host, Victoria Theriault. On this show, we dive deep into what makes people tick and how understanding that, transforms the way we lead, work and connect.

  1. High Potential

    JAN 6

    High Potential

    Are great leaders born—or developed? In this episode, we explore the concept of High Potential and what truly drives leadership effectiveness beyond skills, titles, or experience. Using research-backed insights from the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), this conversation breaks down how personality traits influence leadership capacity—and how those traits can be developed over time. You’ll learn the difference between behavioral models (like DISC) and personality traits, how leadership potential is defined, and why most people have far more growth capacity than they realize. We dive into the first three of six High Potential traits and examine how they show up in leaders, individuals, and teams: Conscientiousness – the strongest predictor of leadership success, tied to discipline, organization, and goal focusAdjustment – emotional resilience under stress and pressureCuriosity – openness to learning, innovation, and new ways of thinking You’ll also hear sample assessment questions, real-world reflections, and a discussion on why too much of a good trait can become a challenge. This episode sets the foundation for understanding leadership as something that can be intentionally shaped—not something you either have or don’t.  Next episode: We’ll continue with the remaining three High Potential traits and explore deeper leadership insights. In This Episode: What “high potential” really means in leadershipPersonality traits vs. behavioural stylesThe six traits used to assess leadership potentialWhy conscientiousness matters more than talent aloneHow stress resilience impacts performanceThe role curiosity plays in growth and adaptabilityWhy balance—not extremes—creates strong leaders and teams If you’re interested in learning more about the High Potential Trait Indicator for leadership development, hiring, or coaching, reach out to learn more. Let's Connect discoverwhatworks@gmail.com https://pod.link/1614071253 https://discoverwhatworks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks #HighPotential #LeadershipDevelopment #Personality #DISC #TeamDynamics #ProfessionalGrowth Mentioned in this episode: Fast Facts How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

    21 min
  2. Best of 2025

    2025-12-09

    Best of 2025

    As we close out 2025, we’re taking a warm, festive look back at the conversations, insights, and unforgettable moments that shaped this year on DISCovering You: Where Personality Meets Possibility. From deep dives into charisma and creativity to surprising reflections on emojis and empathy, this episode rounds up the clips that made us pause, laugh, reflect and grow. Did we include your favourite episode or moment from 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what resonated most with you this year. Timestamps 00:00 — Opening + DISC as Holiday Drinks 01:00 — How are you feeling? Check in 02:00 — Heather’s favourite moments and lessons from 2025 02:30 — Clip 1: How nonverbal cues shape first impressions 04:45 — Managing “resting bored face” in real-life and Zoom meetings 07:00 — Clip 2: Empathy, discipline, and how others interpret our intent 09:15 — Heather reflects on responsibility vs. emotional perception 10:00 — Clip 3: Dr. Zorana Pringle on psychological safety and creativity 12:30 — How differing perspectives help Heather & Victoria grow 14:45 — Clip 4: The great emoji debate (and what it reveals) 17:45 — Clip 5: Emotional intelligence + Sandy Pentland’s MIT research 22:30 — Final reflections + holiday wishes for 2026 Resources Mentioned Vanessa Van Edwards – Research on charisma, warmth, competence, and nonverbal cuesDr. Zorana Pringle – Conversation on creativity and psychological safetySandy Pentland, MIT – Research on team communication patterns and high performanceDr. Vanessa Druskat – Discussion on emotional intelligence and paralanguage Thank you for an inspiring year of discovery, connection, and meaningful conversations. Wishing you a warm, restful holiday season—and we can’t wait to bring you more insights, guests, and laughter in 2026. If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect! discoverwhatworks@gmail.com https://pod.link/1614071253 https://discoverwhatworks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks Mentioned in this episode: How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works Fast Facts

    24 min
  3. Attachment Styles

    2025-11-11

    Attachment Styles

    In this episode, Victoria explores attachment theory and DISC. From childhood caregiver bonds to professional relationships, Victoria unpacks how our early emotional experiences influence how we lead, connect, and collaborate. Listen in to learn the four main attachment styles - Anxious/Preoccupied, Avoidant/Dismissive, Fearful/Disorganized, and Secure - as well as the workplace applications, emotional regulation strategies, and “superpowers” for each.  Victoria and Heather also share their own quiz results, laugh about their high-C tendencies, and reveal how self-awareness and emotional intelligence can help shift attachment patterns toward security. Victoria often says DISC is a great tool to have in your toolkit. So, what would DISC look like as tools you might find in a toolbox? High D - Hammer; maximum output, one hit could get the job done High I  - Flashlight; bright, illuminating the way High S - Wrench; slowly, steadily does what’s needed High C - Level; ensures accuracy and precision Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Are you laughing? 01:00 Today’s Mood Meter 02:00 – DISC as tools in a toolbox 03:00 – What is Attachment Theory? 04:00 – How early experiences shape adult relationships 06:00 – The Four Attachment Styles explained and how to take the quiz at attachmentproject.com 08:00 – Style 1: Anxious/Preoccupied 13:00 – Style 2: Avoidant/Dismissive 17:00 – Style 3: Fearful Avoidant/Disorganized 19:00 – Style 4: Secure 21:00 – Leadership through attachment 22:00 – Can your attachment style change? 23:00 – “It’s a sketch, not a portrait.” Using DISC and attachment insights to grow self-awareness 24:00 – Closing thoughts and where to learn more about attachment styles Notable Quotes  “I think it’s important to clarify that attachment is a spectrum, and so you may not fit one completely.”  “Our greatest challenges often reveal great strengths. Our attachment styles can also be our superpowers.” “It’s a sketch, not a portrait… we have all four DISC factors in us somewhere.” Resources Mentioned Take the free attachment style quiz and explore detailed resources: https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/Mark Brackett’s How We Feel app and the Mood Meter framework: https://marcbrackett.com/how-we-feel-app-3/ Key Takeaways: Attachment theory shapes how we connect, communicate, and lead based on early caregiver bonds. It’s a spectrum — your style may shift across personal and professional relationships. Each style has both triggers and strengths: ●     Anxious: Seeks reassurance; strong collaborator. ●     Avoidant: Values independence; focused achiever. ●     Fearful: Cautious but highly responsive. ●     Secure: Balanced, trusting, and empathetic. Self-awareness and emotional regulation help shift from reaction to response. Attachment styles can evolve through secure relationships, therapy, or emotional intelligence work. If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring, and onboarding, let's connect! 📧...

    26 min
  4. Cultivating Teams that Thrive with Dr. Vanessa Druskat

    2025-10-14

    Cultivating Teams that Thrive with Dr. Vanessa Druskat

    In this insightful continuation, host Victoria and guest Dr. Vanessa Druskat dive deeper into the dynamics of emotionally intelligent teams. They explore how constructive debate — what Vanessa calls “creative abrasion” — drives innovation, why belonging is essential for psychological safety, and how leaders can create norms that encourage open disagreement and authentic communication. From the use of playful tools to stories of global teams transforming their culture, Vanessa shares research-backed strategies for balancing candor and connection. The episode closes with reflections on introversion, leadership, and the power of research to build teams where everyone feels included and valued. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Mood Check Victoria and Heather discuss “colors of the day” and explore the word challenge as a positive motivator. 02:00 – DISC as Seasonings A creative analogy connects DISC personality types with spices — from cayenne to turmeric — and a lighthearted discussion on pumpkin spice and cilantro follows. 05:30 – Introducing Dr. Vanessa Druskat (Part 2) Victoria recaps feedback from Part 1 and reintroduces Dr. Druskat, setting up a conversation about constructive conflict and team culture. 06:00 – The Value of Debate in Teams Vanessa explains how debate forces clarity, enhances thinking, and fuels innovation — what she calls creative abrasion. 08:00 – Belonging and Psychological Safety Discussion about how fear of not belonging can silence voices, and why leaders must build inclusion for honest dialogue. 09:00 – “Whine Cards” and Norm-Support Tools Vanessa introduces team tools to help members express disagreement safely. 11:00 – Creating Team Norms The power of agreed-upon frameworks and shared signals (“little shaker / big shaker”) to prevent tension and ensure everyone feels heard. 12:00 – The “Hat Issue” Story A hospital leader’s creative method for surfacing unspoken issues — using a light-up construction hat to symbolize open disagreement. 13:00 – Applying EI Models to Teams of All Sizes Vanessa discusses how her model works with teams from 6 to 23 members, emphasizing leadership buy-in and subteam alignment. 15:00 – Handling Skepticism and Resistance How to get reluctant teams onboard — from engaging the leader early to showing data and starting with meaningful “why now?” discussions. 16:30 – The Object Exercise A team-building activity where members bring an object representing their ideal team; examples include a Swiss Army knife and personal trophies. 18:00 – Introversion and Observation Vanessa shares how being an introvert sharpened her observation skills and influenced her research, challenging assumptions about introverted leaders. 19:30 – Researcher vs. Practitioner Vanessa reflects on her dual identity as a researcher and implementer, and her mission to help teams achieve inclusion and excellence. 22:00 – Personal Experience with Teams She recounts her most memorable experience with a Johnson & Johnson research team — a high-functioning, collaborative group that modeled her findings in action. 23:30 – Lessons from Great Teams Vanessa ties her observations back to her book, emphasizing the importance of shared purpose, norms, and inclusion in remote and in-person settings. 24:00 – Closing Reflections Victoria expresses gratitude and highlights the book as a comprehensive blueprint for leaders seeking to build...

    26 min
  5. The Emotionally Intelligent Team with Dr. Vanessa Druskat

    2025-09-16

    The Emotionally Intelligent Team with Dr. Vanessa Druskat

    In this episode of Discovering You, Victoria sits down with Dr. Vanessa Druskat—award-winning researcher, professor, and co-creator of the Team Emotional Intelligence model. Known as the “Jane Goodall of Teams,” Vanessa brings decades of research and real-world experience to help leaders build collaborative, high-performing groups. From her childhood in Kenya to her groundbreaking studies on team culture, Vanessa shares how belonging, caring, and psychological safety transform team performance. You’ll hear powerful stories—from NASA’s culture shifts to Pete Carroll’s love-based coaching—that reveal why team norms matter more than individual grit. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back: Season 4 kicks off with summer reflections, DISC as university programs, and a new puppy named Mac. 03:30 – Meet Dr. Vanessa Druskat: Introduction to her groundbreaking research on team emotional intelligence. 06:00 – Childhood in Kenya: How early experiences with culture and code-switching shaped her research lens. 09:00 – The foundation of belonging: Why being known is essential to team success. 11:00 – Caring & respect: Pete Carroll’s “secret sauce” of love in coaching and why it isn’t soft. 15:00 – Lessons from NASA: What went wrong in the Challenger and Columbia disasters, and how team culture—not individuals—was the villain. 20:00 – Communication beyond words: MIT research on nonverbal signals and what predicts high-performing teams. 23:30 – Creative abrasion: Why constructive debate sparks clarity, innovation, and better decisions. 27:00 – Practical tools: “Wine cards,” shakers, and light-up hats to help every voice be heard. 31:30 – Team size & dynamics: How the EI model works with teams as small as 6 and as large as 23. 33:00 – Overcoming skepticism: How to win over reluctant leaders and teams. 36:00 – Introversion as a strength: Why being an observer made Vanessa the “Jane Goodall of Teams.” 39:00 – Researcher vs. implementer: Bridging the gap between theory and practice. 42:00 – Personal team experiences: Memorable lessons from research collaborations and real-world teams. 43:30 – Closing thoughts: A blueprint for building emotionally intelligent, high-performing teams. Notable Quotes “It’s really impossible to belong if you don’t feel known.” – Dr. Vanessa Druskat“Love isn’t soft—it’s critical for high performance.” – Dr. Vanessa Druskat“The villain is group culture.” – Dr. Vanessa Druskat Resources & References Dr. Vanessa Druskat’s book: The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups That Outperform the RestMark Brackett – Permission to Feel and the Mood Meter frameworkAngela Duckworth – GritSandy Pentland’s MIT research on team communication If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect! discoverwhatworks@gmail.com https://pod.link/1614071253 https://discoverwhatworks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC a href="https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/"...

    25 min
  6. Low DISC, High Impact: The Unsung Traits Revealed

    2025-06-24

    Low DISC, High Impact: The Unsung Traits Revealed

    In this episode of DISCovering You, Victoria and Heather dive into the often-overlooked low DISC factors—the behaviors and traits that fall below the midline on a DISC assessment. While most discussions focus on high DISC traits (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Compliance), Victoria explains how the low end of each scale holds just as much insight into personality, communication, and team dynamics. The conversation explores how low traits manifest differently than their high counterparts, challenging the assumption that “high is better.” Using personality models like Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies and the Enneagram, Victoria draws rich comparisons to deepen understanding. Whether you're a DISC nerd or DISC newbie, this episode will help you see yourself—and others—with more clarity and compassion. Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] Welcome & Emoji Icebreaker Victoria and Heather kick off with their current moods, a discussion about emoji use, and how emojis could represent DISC types. [00:06:00] Introduction to Low DISC Factors Why low scores on the DISC profile matter, and how they reveal different—but equally valid—personality tendencies. [00:08:00] Low D Traits: Patient, accommodating, consultative. Comparisons: Obliger (Four Tendencies), Peacemaker (Enneagram 9). Misconception: Low D doesn’t mean unmotivated. [00:12:00] Low I Traits: Analytical, decision-making based on facts, not feelings. Comparisons: Upholder (Four Tendencies), Loyalist/Skeptic (Enneagram 6). Misconception: Low I doesn’t mean unfriendly. [00:14:00] Low S Traits: Fast-paced, multitasking, comfortable with change. Comparisons: Questioner (Four Tendencies), Enthusiast (Enneagram 7). Bonus: A fun tap/clap pace exercise to illustrate energy differences. [00:17:00] Low C Traits: Risk-taking, rule-bending, freedom-focused. Comparisons: Rebel (Four Tendencies), Challenger (Enneagram 8). Misconception: Low C isn't careless—it’s innovative. [00:20:00] Key Takeaways & Wrap-Up Understanding low traits brings depth to team-building, communication, and self-awareness. [00:21:00] Announcements & Contact Info Info on coaching, team sessions, and the podcast’s summer break. “We don’t improve our profiles—we lean into them, learn about them, recognize our challenges, and leverage our strengths.” If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect! discoverwhatworks@gmail.com https://pod.link/1614071253 https://discoverwhatworks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks Mentioned in this episode: How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works Fast Facts

    23 min
  7. Is Creativity a Choice?

    2025-05-27

    Is Creativity a Choice?

    In this episode of Discovering You, host Victoria welcomes Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, senior research scientist at Yale and author of The Creativity Choice. Together, they explore the science behind creativity—dispelling myths, explaining how personality and mindset influence creative confidence, and offering strategies to overcome blocks. From the role of emotion regulation to the surprising power of frustration, Dr. Pringle shares actionable insights drawn from both research and personal experience. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how creativity works—and how they can cultivate it in everyday life. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and DISC “TV Dads” Analogy 02:00 – Meet Dr. Zorana IPringle and her new book 04:00 – Childhood moment that sparked her fascination with creativity 06:00 – What is creativity? The science-backed definition 07:30 – Creativity beyond the arts: Engineering, relationships, and everyday life 08:30 – The Four Cs of Creativity: Mini, Little, Pro, and Big C 09:30 – Fixed vs. Growth Mindset and their influence on creativity 11:00 – Understanding creative self-efficacy and how it evolves through a project 13:00 – How introverts and extroverts experience creative confidence differently 15:00 – The emotional rollercoaster of creative work 17:00 – Emotion regulation and how it supports creativity 19:00 – Chronotype and your creative schedule 22:30 – Redefining creative productivity: Writing vs. rewriting 24:00 – Strategies for overcoming creative blocks 27:00 – Why psychological safety fuels innovation and collaboration 29:00 – Practicing what you preach: Zorana’s personal lessons writing the book 32:00 – Final takeaway: Creativity is a long-term, recommitted choice Key Takeaways: Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s about solving problems in novel and effective ways, whether in business, relationships, or daily life.Creative confidence (self-efficacy) grows over time and doesn’t require being doubt-free.Mindset matters: Believing creativity can be developed helps unlock it.Emotions, even negative ones, can fuel innovation if understood and regulated well.Psychological safety is crucial for team creativity—it enables risk-taking without fear of punishment.There is no one-size-fits-all approach to being productive—know your chronotype and lean into your unique rhythm. Notable Quote: "Creativity is a choice. Not an easy one, but one you can recommit to—again and again—as you navigate the ups and downs of turning ideas into action." Learn More: https://www.zorana-ivcevic-pringle.com/ If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect! discoverwhatworks@gmail.com https://pod.link/1614071253 https://discoverwhatworks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks Mentioned in this episode: How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works...

    35 min
  8. Myers Briggs Part 2

    2025-04-29

    Myers Briggs Part 2

    In this powerful second installment, Victoria peels back more layers of the Myers Briggs personality framework. This episode takes us to the next level with Myers Briggs. With humour, heart, and honesty, Victoria and Heather also reveal their own results (spoiler alert: one of them is among the rarest types in the world) and explore how their personality insights influence how they show up in work and life. Whether you're a coach, a team leader, or someone seeking more self-awareness, this episode offers both relatable stories and practical frameworks. Timestamps 00:00 – How are we feeling? 03:00 – DISC personalities as fictional TV moms 05:00 – Myers Briggs recap: what the 4-letter codes mean 06:30 – Breakdown of the 4 MBTI groups: Analysts, Diplomats, Sentinels, Explorers 07:10 – Deep dive into “Commanders” (ENTJ): bold leaders, Gordon Ramsay energy 08:30 – Deep dive into “Advocates” (INFJ): rare visionaries, empathetic justice-seekers 10:00 – Deep dive into “Logisticians” (ISTJ): structured, dependable, Hermione types 11:50 – Deep dive into “Entrepreneurs” (ESTP): rule-breakers, action-takers 13:00 – Heather and Victoria reveal their own types: ISTJ and INFJ 16:30 – How personality shows up in stress, reliability, and empathy 20:00 – Emotional insight: balancing structure with compassion 22:00 – How knowing your type helps with leadership, boundaries, and burnout 23:00 – Free resource: Find your type at 16personalities.com 24:00 – Closing thoughts + how to work with Victoria Notable Quotes "I don't consider myself great at anything, but I do consider myself reliable, trustworthy, and dependable." – Heather "Sometimes I feel like you're hard on yourself… but your unwavering commitment is your superpower." – Victoria "If I see a situation where someone is unfairly judged, it really wears on me. That sense of justice is wired in me." – Victoria "We're growing as people." – Both hosts, in unison ❤️ Resources & Takeaways Take the Test: 16Personalities.com – Discover your Myers-Briggs typeReflection Prompt: What part of your personality shows up strongest under stress? If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect! discoverwhatworks@gmail.com https://pod.link/1614071253 https://discoverwhatworks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks Mentioned in this episode: Fast Facts How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

    25 min
See All (47)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to DISCovering You, where personality meets possibility. I'm your host, Victoria Theriault. On this show, we dive deep into what makes people tick and how understanding that, transforms the way we lead, work and connect.

Information

  • Creator
    Victoria Theriault
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Victoria Theriault
  • Show Website
    DISCovering You