DISCovering You

Victoria Theriault
  • 5.0 (23)
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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. 1d ago

    Your Blueprint for Thriving, with Dr. Amelia Kelley

    Season 5 kicks off with a conversation Victoria couldn't wait to have: an HSP expert on the show. Dr. Amelia Kelley — therapist, author, TED speaker, and host of the Wired and Worthy podcast — joins Victoria to unpack what it really means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP), where the trait comes from, and how she's built a career that works with her nervous system instead of against it. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Amelia and Victoria trace Amelia's path from an empathetic, "too emotional" childhood to a therapy career that began in at-risk boot camps and a methadone clinic — and how a job loss finally pushed her to open her own practice. Along the way, they get into the difference between empaths and HSPs, the concept of "2E" (twice exceptionality), and why the workplace checkups Amelia offers companies might be one of the most overlooked levers for retention. Key Takeaways Empaths are made, HSPs are born. Amelia shares a line from a past podcast guest that reframes a debate a lot of HSP/empath listeners have had: sensitivity itself is innate, but empathic behavior can be learned and reinforced — and you can absolutely be both.Sensitivity isn't just a "soft" trait. Amelia pushes back on the stereotype that HSPs are simply gentle or delicate. In her clinical view, sensitivity can also show up as a drive to control your environment — because an uncurated environment can quickly become overwhelming."2E" (twice exceptional) describes people who carry a neurodivergent trait (high sensitivity, ADHD, autism) alongside a standout strength (high IQ, EQ, or artistic ability) — often creating a seesaw between real gifts and real friction. Amelia identifies as 2E herself.Autonomy is the throughline of Amelia's career. From leaving agency-based therapy roles to opening her own practice, to choosing which university courses she teaches, Amelia has deliberately built work she controls the shape of — because that's what lets her function at her best.Workplace "sensitivity checkups" are a real, practical service. Amelia consults with companies (including a public workshop for the North Carolina Brewers Guild) on meeting culture, physical space, and inclusivity — not as a soft perk, but as a retention strategy backed by data.Sensitivity isn't only human. Amelia notes that the ratio of highly sensitive individuals holds steady across species — dogs, cats, horses, even insects — which reframes HSP traits as biological rather than a personal quirk. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome to Season 5 + catching up with Victoria and Heather 02:09 — Introducing Dr. Amelia Kelley 04:32 — Amelia joins the conversation 04:58 — Where Amelia's empathy and drive to help began 07:05 — "Empaths are made, HSPs are born" 10:15 — The misconception that sensitivity is always "soft" 12:02 — What "2E" (twice exceptional) means 13:41 — Why working for herself changed everything for Amelia 16:13 — Inside a workplace sensitivity checkup 19:25 — Handling pushback from leaders and business owners 21:11 — Wrap-up + fun fact follow-up (yes, it's a Sasquatch) Guest Bio Dr. Amelia Kelley is a therapist, author of several books, TED speaker, trainer, and host of the Wired and Worthy podcast. She also works as a workplace sensitivity analyst, offering companies "sensitivity checkups" to improve inclusivity, communication, and retention. She is an adjunct professor at Yorkville University in Toronto and teaches corporate training sessions, including for Pepsi. Connect with Amelia Kelley: Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com Wired and Worthy podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0P7wxzgwoupiaohxRamiA3 This show is a Twisted Spur Media production, produced by Heather McPherson. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Part 2 of this conversation continues next episode. 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

    Your Blueprint for Thriving, with Dr. Amelia Kelley

  2. Jun 23

    HSP; Temperament or Personality?

    What if sensitivity isn't a weakness at all — but a personality trait that deserves a place alongside the Big Five? In this episode, host Victoria Theriault explores the fascinating case for making sensitivity the sixth major personality trait. Drawing on the work of Dr. Elaine Aron, Dr. Lacey Parker, and other researchers, she unpacks what it really means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and why sensitivity may have been misunderstood for far too long. Summer is here, so you know what this means… DISC as musical instruments 🎵 High D - Drums; boom, right to the point! High I – Tambourine; give it a shake, it’s time to party 😊 High S – Harp; soothing, harmonious High C – Violin; practice and precision Which instrument sounds most like you? The conversation shifts into something deeper: What if being highly sensitive isn't about being emotional — but about processing the world differently? In this episode, you’ll hear: A breakdown of the three types of sensitivity: Low Sensory Threshold, Ease of Excitation, and Aesthetic SensitivityWhy sensitivity is about processing information deeply — not being overly emotionalThe difference between temperament and personalityHow highly sensitive people experience overstimulation, empathy, creativity, and emotional processingThe research behind environmental sensitivity and sensory processing sensitivityWhy some psychologists believe sensitivity belongs alongside The Big Five: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and NeuroticismHow reframing sensitivity as a personality trait could reduce stigma and increase self-understanding If you've ever felt overwhelmed by noise, deeply affected by other people's emotions, moved profoundly by music or art, or wondered why you seem to process experiences more intensely than others, this episode may help you see those traits through a completely different lens. Because sensitivity isn't about being fragile. It may be one of the most misunderstood strengths we have. ➽ Check out previous episodes for a more detailed background: The Highly Sensitive Person Part 1 Thriving As A Highly Sensitive Person The Big Five Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Why Sensitivity Matters 00:20 - Meet the Host and Producer 00:41 - Mood Check In 01:53 - Big Five to Big Six: Sensitivity 02:35 - DISC As… Instruments 02:58 - What High Sensitivity Means 04:03 - Type One Super Sensor 07:05 - Type Two Super Feeler 10:02 - Type Three Aesthete 13:41 - Temperament vs Personality 16:47 - Four Reasons to Add It 18:55 - HSP Stigma 20:00 - Should It Be The Big Six 20:41 - Summer Hiatus But Season 5 Will Be Back in The Fall 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

    HSP; Temperament or Personality?

  3. May 26

    The Big Five

    What do cheetahs, meerkats, elephants, and ravens have to do with personality? In this episode, Victoria explores the Big Five Personality Theory — one of the most widely recognized personality frameworks in psychology — and how these traits shape the way we think, work, connect, and respond to the world around us. Through honest conversation, personal reflections, and a few surprising assessment results, Victoria and producer Heather unpack where they land across the five major personality dimensions. Spring is finally here, so you know what this means… DISC as animals 🐾 High D – Cheetah: Fast-moving, driven, powerful High I – Meerkat: Social, expressive, energetic High S – Elephant: Loyal, supportive, relationship-focused High C – Raven: Intelligent, observant, methodical Which one sounds most like you? The conversation shifts into something deeper: Why are we wired the way we are — and how much of it is personality versus experience? In this episode, you’ll hear: A breakdown of the Big Five traits using the acronym O.C.E.A.N (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism) Real reactions to personality assessment questions and results How conscientiousness predicts workplace performance and leadership success Why introversion isn’t about disliking people — it’s about energy The connection between agreeableness, boundaries, and teamwork How anxiety, worry, and emotional sensitivity relate to neuroticism An exploration of personality traits through an evolutionary lens If you’ve ever wondered why some people crave structure while others chase novelty, or why certain interactions drain you while others energize you, this episode offers a fascinating look into the patterns behind personality. Because understanding yourself isn’t about putting yourself in a box. It’s about recognizing the traits that shape how you move through the world. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Arguing Is Not Fun 00:24 - Show Welcome Mood Meter 01:36 - DISC Animals Segment 02:30 - Big Five Overview - OCEAN 04:10 - Openness Sample Questions 06:55 - Openness Scores Explained 07:59 - Conscientiousness Time And Punctuality 12:15 - Extraversion Introvert Nuance 14:29 - Agreeableness Vs Antagonism 19:12 - Neuroticism Emotional Stability 22:16 - Evolutionary Why Traits Exist 23:27 - Wrap Up And Next Episode Tease 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

    The Big Five

  4. Apr 28

    The Emotionality Factor

    What does emotional intelligence actually look like in real life — not just as a concept, but in how we show up every day? In this episode, Victoria dives into the Emotionality Factor of emotional intelligence and why it plays such a critical role in how we connect, communicate, and build relationships. With thoughtful reflection and real-life examples, she and Heather explore how well we truly understand emotions — both our own and other people’s. World Book Day just passed, so you know what this means… DISC as books 📚 High D – The Secret of Secrets: Thrilling, fast paced, lots of action High I – Heated Rivalry: : Romantic, sweet, exciting High S – Theo of Golden: Unfolds slowly, listening & helping others are major themes High C – The Correspondent: Told entirely through letters and emails. Strong focus on the written word. Which one feels most like you? The conversation shifts into something deeper: How well do you read a room… and express what’s really going on inside you? In this episode, you’ll hear: A breakdown of the Emotionality Factor and its four facets: empathy, emotion perception, emotion expression, and relationshipsReal reflections from emotional intelligence assessment questionsWhy emotional “blind spots” can quietly derail communication and connectionHow being misunderstood isn’t always about intent — but about missed emotional cuesPractical ways to improve emotional awareness, expression, and relationship-building The importance of “the power of the pause” — responding vs. reacting If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “That didn’t go how I expected,” or struggled to put your feelings into words, this episode will help you build the awareness and tools to navigate those moments more effectively. Because emotional intelligence isn’t just about understanding feelings. It’s about using them to create better outcomes — in work, leadership, and life. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Power of the Pause 00:59 - Show Intro and Mood Meter 02:27 - DISC Books for World Book Day 03:42 - Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in the AI Era 04:31 - Emotionality Factor Overview 05:17 - Empathy Quick Refresher 06:03 - Emotion Perception Quiz 09:14 - Perception Pitfalls and Tips 11:36 - Emotion Expression Skills 14:46 - Relationships and Trust 18:44 - Power of the Pause Revisited 20:03 - Wrap Up 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

    The Emotionality Factor

  5. 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

    Self Compassion

  6. 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

    Conflict Styles

  7. 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

    Leadership Traits

  8. 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

    High Potential
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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
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Victoria Theriault
  • Show Website
    DISCovering You