Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Tara Gronhovd | Powered by ALIGN
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Leaders must GROW first. The Grounding & Growing Leadership Podcast is for leaders who want to grow themselves, build healthier teams and create organizations where people and performance thrive. Hosted by ALIGN founder and CEO Tara Gronhovd, each episode tackles the real challenges of leadership through candid conversations, practical tools and fresh perspectives on trust, accountability, developing people, navigating change, strengthening culture and building organizational capacity. Because better leadership improves how business works and the quality of people's lives.

  1. Aug 21

    Rebuilding and Restoring Trust in the Workplace with Pamela Nelson

    Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara's joined by co-host and ALIGN coach Pamela Nelson for a thoughtful conversation about building, breaking, and repairing trust in the workplace. Together, they explore the four dimensions of trust and discuss how leaders can identify what's really at the root of trust challenges instead of making assumptions or avoiding difficult conversations. Tara and Pamela share practical strategies for rebuilding trust through greater self-awareness, honest communication, and intentional repair. They introduce a simple frame work for navigating trust conversations and remind listeners that meaningful change always starts with looking inward. Whether you're leading a team or strengthening relationships with colleagues, this episode offers action able insights for creating healthier, more trusting workplaces. Registration for our next Grounded Leadership cohort is now open! Registration for our next Coaching For Performance 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.     Clifton Strengths (aka Strengths finder) 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 Clifton Strengths 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 Restoring Trust at Work ALIGN Q3 Workshop OILS Resource The Thin Book of Trust - Charles Feltman

  2. Aug 4

    Where Growth Breaks | Findings from GROW with Tara & Stephanie

    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 one of the biggest barriers to sustainable growth: leadership capacity. Together, they unpack why so many organizations struggle to scale. Not because of a lack of talent, but because they haven't built the systems, succession plans, and leadership pipelines needed to support long-term success.  Drawing on insights from ALIGN’s GROW Leadership Capacity Assessment, Tara and Stephanie discuss the importance of diagnosing root causes instead of chasing symptoms, preparing future leaders before they're needed, and creating intentional pathways for leadership development. Whether your organization is navigating growth, planning for succession, or simply looking to strengthen its leadership bench, this episode offers practical strategies for building a healthier, more sustainable future.  Registration for our next Grounded Leadership cohort is now open!   Registration for our next Coaching For Performance 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  GROW Leadership Capacity Assessment   Where Growth Breaks - GROW White Paper

  3. Jun 22

    Are You An Overfunctioning Leader? with Stephanie Theisen

    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 a leadership challenge many high achievers don’t realize they’re facing: overfunctioning. Together, they unpack four common overfunctioning leadership patterns; micromanaging, firefighting, hypervigilance, and rescuing, and discuss how these behaviors, often rooted in good intentions, can unintentionally limit team growth and create dependency.  Drawing from Stephanie’s own leadership journey, the conversation offers practical insights for recognizing when control is getting in the way of sustainable momentum. Tara and Stephanie share strategies for building healthier leadership habits, empowering team members, and having the accountability conversations leaders often avoid. Plus, listeners can access the Over-Functioning Leader Self-Assessment to reflect on their own leadership tendencies and identify opportunities for growth.  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:  The Overfunctioning Leader Self-Assessment  ALIGN

  4. May 25

    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

  5. May 12

    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

  6. Apr 27

    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)

  7. Mar 23

    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

  8. Feb 23

    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

See All (139)

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Leaders must GROW first. The Grounding & Growing Leadership Podcast is for leaders who want to grow themselves, build healthier teams and create organizations where people and performance thrive. Hosted by ALIGN founder and CEO Tara Gronhovd, each episode tackles the real challenges of leadership through candid conversations, practical tools and fresh perspectives on trust, accountability, developing people, navigating change, strengthening culture and building organizational capacity. Because better leadership improves how business works and the quality of people's lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Hosted by Tara Gronhovd | Powered by ALIGN
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hosted by Tara Gronhovd | Powered by ALIGN
  • Show Website
    Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast

You Might Also Like