DISCovering You

Victoria Theriault
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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. Self Compassion

    MAR 31

    Self Compassion

    What does it actually mean to be kind to yourself… especially when things aren’t going well? In this episode, Victoria explores the concept of Self Compassion — and why so many of us struggle to extend it inward, even though we offer it so freely to others. With honesty, reflection, and a few surprising insights, listen as Victoria unpacks how we respond to stress, failure, and the pressure we put on ourselves. It’s Aries season, so you know what this means… DISC as Zodiac Signs (a little fun…) High D – direct, driven and achievement oriented so the corresponding zodiac signs are: Aries, Gemini and Capricorn High I – friendly, emotional and persuasive and the signs are: Cancer, Libra, and Pisces  High S – tenacious, kind and supportive so we have: Taurus, Leo and Sagittarius  High C – analytical, perfectionistic and detail oriented which matches up to: Virgo, Scorpio and Aquarius  Which one feels most like you? The conversation shifts into something deeper: How do you treat yourself when things go wrong? You’ll hear: A breakdown of what self-compassion actually is (and what it’s not)A look at Dr. Kristin Neff’s research and self-compassion frameworkReal reflections from taking the self-compassion assessmentThe difference between tender self-compassion (soothing) and fierce self-compassion (taking action)Why being hard on yourself doesn’t actually make you betterCommon myths that keep people stuck in self-criticism If you tend to overthink, push yourself too hard, or feel like you “should be doing better,” this episode will help you shift the way you relate to yourself — without lowering your standards. Because self-compassion isn’t about letting yourself off the hook. It’s about giving yourself what you need to keep going. Previous DISCovering You Episode Mentioned: Mindset Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Why This Topic Now 00:32 - Show Intro and Mood Meter 01:51 - DISC Meets Astrology 04:49 - What Self Compassion Means 06:09 - Self Compassion Quiz Walkthrough 10:53 - Scores and Subscales 13:24 - Tender vs Fierce Self Compassion 15:41 - Benefits and Research Findings 17:31 - Myths That Block Self Compassion 19:53 - How to Practice and Resources 20:19 - Gender Roles and Open Questions 22:06 - Final Takeaway and Outro 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

    23 min
  2. Conflict Styles

    MAR 3

    Conflict Styles

    What do sharks, owls, teddy bears, turtles, and foxes have to do with conflict? In this episode, Victoria dives into the fascinating world of conflict management styles using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI). With honesty, humour, and a little vulnerability, they uncover how each of them instinctively responds when tension rises. The Academy Awards are coming up, so you know what this means… DISC as OSCARS nominated films! High D – One Battle After Another: High stake conflict, intense energy High I – F1: Fun, thrilling High S – Hamnet: Familial relationships, emotional depth High C – The Secret Agent: Layered details, deductive reasoning Which one do you think will win? The conversation shifts into something deeper: How do you actually handle disagreement? Do you power through it? Smooth it over? Walk away? Or try to meet in the middle? You’ll hear: A breakdown of all five conflict styles (Competing, Collaborating, Accommodating, Avoiding, Compromising)How assertiveness and cooperation shape your reactionsReal-life reflections on boundaries, people-pleasing, and “Is this a hill I want to die on?”Why no style is inherently good or bad — and how awareness gives you options If conflict drains you, confuses you, or sometimes defines you, this episode will help you recognize your default patterns — and empower you to respond more intentionally next time. Because understanding your style doesn’t box you in. It gives you leverage. Episode Timestamps: 00:26 - Welcome and introduction to Discovering You podcast 00:45 - Mood check-in: Yellow (exhilarated) vs Blue (tired) 02:11 - Introduction to conflict management styles and Oscar-nominated films as DISC types 02:57 - Overview of Dr. Ralph Kilman's TKI assessment model 03:37 - Sample assessment questions walkthrough 05:31 - Revealing personal conflict style results 09:09 - Deep dive into the five conflict styles begins 12:00 - Competing style (Shark) - High assertiveness, low cooperation 13:54 - Collaborating style (Owl) - High assertiveness, high cooperation 15:25 - Accommodating style (Teddy Bear) - Low assertiveness, high cooperation 16:57 - Avoiding style (Turtle) - Low assertiveness, low cooperation 20:01 - Compromising style (Fox) - Moderate assertiveness and cooperation 21:29 - Discussion on win-win vs zero-sum mindsets in conflict 22:00 - Key takeaways: Using awareness to choose appropriate conflict styles 22:44 - Closing and credits 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

    24 min
  3. Leadership Traits

    FEB 3

    Leadership Traits

    In this episode Victoria continues the exploration of leadership through the lens of the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), building on the foundation laid in Part One. The conversation focuses on three critical leadership traits: Risk Approach, Ambiguity Acceptance, and Competitiveness — how they show up in individuals, teams, and organizations, and what happens when these strengths are overplayed. Through real-world examples, candid self-reflection, and DISC personality parallels, Victoria and Heather unpack how leaders navigate uncertainty, make decisions, manage conflict, and balance ambition with collaboration. The episode also introduces the concept of leadership derailers — the ways our greatest strengths can turn into liabilities when taken too far. By walking through common derailment patterns like perfectionism, aloofness, excessive caution, and passive resistance, listeners are invited into a practical and compassionate discussion about self-awareness and growth. This episode reinforces that leadership isn’t about perfection or titles — it’s about learning how to adapt, evolve, and lead effectively in everyday moments, both professionally and personally. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Facilitating opposing viewpoints: why more than one thing can be true 00:00:32 – Welcome to Discovering You: Where Personality Meets Possibility 00:01:00 – Mood check-in and DISC color conversation 00:02:15 – Personal context and emotional awareness in leadership 00:03:00 – DISC explained through a football analogy 00:03:30 – Recap of HPTI and leadership traits from Part One 00:04:00 – Trait #4: Risk Approach explained 00:04:30 – High vs. low risk approach and DISC connections 00:05:00 – Why risk approach matters in leadership 00:05:30 – When high risk becomes a liability 00:06:00 – How risk approach shows up in teams and groups 00:07:00 – Personal reflections on risk tolerance and decision-making 00:08:30 – Trait #5: Ambiguity Acceptance defined 00:09:00 – Organizational culture and ambiguity tolerance 00:09:30 – Leadership performance under uncertainty 00:10:00 – The dangers of excessive ambiguity acceptance 00:10:45 – Real-world facilitation examples and collaboration 00:12:00 – Overplaying strengths and adaptability in business 00:13:30 – Trait #6: Competitiveness explained 00:14:15 – Healthy vs. unhealthy competitiveness in leadership 00:15:00 – Individual and team dynamics around competition 00:16:00 – Competing with others vs. competing with yourself 00:18:45 – When competitiveness influences participation and motivation 00:19:00 – Leadership derailment: when strengths become risks 00:19:30 – Overview of the 10 common leadership derailers 00:21:00 – Self-reflection: identifying personal derailment patterns 00:22:30 – Perfectionism, excessive caution, and leadership awareness 00:23:00 – Growth, coaching, and leadership beyond titles 00:24:00 – Closing thoughts and how to learn more 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

    25 min
  4. 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
  5. Best of 2025

    12/09/2025

    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
  6. Attachment Styles

    11/11/2025

    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! 📧 discoverwhatworks@gmail.com 🎧 Podcast | 🌐 Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works Fast Facts

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

    10/14/2025

    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 high-performing teams. 24:30 – Credits Produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. 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

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

    09/16/2025

    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 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

    25 min
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out of 5
23 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
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Victoria Theriault
  • Show Website
    DISCovering You