Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast

Tara Gronhovd and Pamela Nelson

At the Grounding and Growing Leadership team, we believe that everyone is a leader and 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, Certified Leadership Coach, Counselor and Spiritual Director as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journey's.

  1. JAN 26

    AI for Humans Leading Humans

    Welcome back, friends! After a short break, the Grounding and Growing Podcast is officially relaunching with a conversation that couldn’t be more timely. Tara is joined by Dr. Ashley Lang; ALIGN leadership coach, Grounded Leadership facilitator, Assistant Professor of Practice at UNI, and trusted friend. Ashley was even kind enough to be our very first guest back.  In this episode, they explore how AI is showing up in workplaces and universities, what it can do well for leaders, and where its limits still matter. From drafting communication and organizing thoughts to practicing tough conversations, Tara and Ashley share practical, low-risk ways leaders can use AI, while emphasizing the importance of ethics, critical thinking, and human discernment.  This episode is thoughtful, approachable, and grounding; an easy re-entry into conversations about leadership, technology, and staying human in 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  ALIGN Q1 Workshop - Leveraging AI for Leadership  GROW™ Leadership Capacity Assessment  Gallup Training on AI Use in Coaching  The Law Firm Owner Podcast - The Future of Law: AI, Innovation, and What It Means for Your Firm with Ernie Svenson

    35 min

  2. 08/18/2025

    Strengths at Play with Tara Gronhovd

    Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re wrapping up our Strengths at Play series with a special episode featuring the other half of the podcast, Tara! You hear Tara’s voice every week as she shares leadership insights and Strengths wisdom, but this time, we’re turning the spotlight on her. In this episode, Tara dives into what fun and play look like in her life and how her Strengths, especially Ideation, help her embrace and prioritize play.  She shares how she defines play, why it comes naturally to her, and how she intentionally makes space for it in her daily life. Tara also reflects on the important role that freedom and autonomy play in her sense of fun and fulfillment. Tune in to hear this refreshing and insightful conversation, and don’t miss this chance to get to know Tara a little better!   ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.***  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  Align Circle Community  Growth Focused Leader Program  Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves  joy. - for KING + COUNTRY  Good Lord - Lecrae & Andy Mineo

    20 min

  3. 08/11/2025

    Strengths at Play with Ty Lewis

    Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re continuing our Strengths at Play series with one of ALIGN’s newest coaches, Ty Lewis! Ty has joined us on the pod before to share his insights on Strengths and finances, but today he’s here to talk all about play. In this episode, Ty opens up about the strengths he leans on when having fun and what embracing play looks like in this current season of his life.  Join Tara, Pamela, and Ty as they explore how his Strength of WOO helps him bring energy, joy, and connection into every space he enters. Ty is fully embracing a season of celebration, taking on new opportunities, stepping into his role as an ALIGN Leadership Coach, and most importantly, getting married to his best friend. Ty also reflects on how fun isn't just a bonus, it’s a core value that shapes how he shows up in his relationships, his work, and his life. Tune in to hear how strengths can fuel fun, and how you can bring more play into your own leadership journey.   ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.***  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  Align Circle Community  Growth Focused Leader Program

    23 min

  4. 08/04/2025

    Strengths at Play with Dr. Ashley Lang

    Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re continuing our Strengths at Play Series with ALIGN’s very own, Dr. Ashley Lang! You may recognize Ashley from her past appearances on the podcast, where she’s shared her insights and research on generational differences. Today, she’s joining us for a more personal conversation about how she defines fun—and what incorporating play looks like in both her work and home life.  Join Pamela, Tara, and Ashley as they explore how certain strengths can sometimes get in the way of having fun, and how a simple mindset shift can change that. Ashley opens up about how she’s had to give herself permission to have fun, challenging an old, broken soundtrack that told her play was unproductive or frivolous. She shares how trying new things, embracing the unknown, and seeking out challenges is her version of fun, and how that perspective has shaped her interests over time. Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing conversation that might just inspire you to rethink your own relationship with fun.  ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.***  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  Align Circle Community  Growth Focused Leader Program

    21 min

  5. 07/28/2025

    Strengths at Play Series: Olivia LaRose

    Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re continuing our Strengths at Play Series with ALIGN’s very own, Olivia LaRose! You’ve heard Olivia on the podcast before sharing her insights on Strengths at work but this time, it’s all about her. In this Olivia-centric episode, she shares her personal definition of fun and how she intentionally brings play and joy into both her workday and everyday life.  Tara, Pamela, and Olivia explore the Strengths Olivia taps into when she’s having fun, the role laughter and levity play in her relationships, and how she uses reframing (and her gift of Ideation) to make even the most mundane tasks—like grocery shopping—more enjoyable. Join us for a lighthearted, inspiring conversation about living and leading with authenticity, playfulness, and purpose.  ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.***  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  Align Circle Community  Growth Focused Leader Program  Growing Your Influence Workshop

    20 min

  6. 07/21/2025

    Strengths at Play Series: Pamela Nelson

    Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re continuing our Strengths at Play Series with our very own Pamela Nelson! You know Pamela as the calm, thoughtful co-host of this podcast, but today, we’re turning the spotlight on her. In this fun and insightful episode, we explore how Pamela defines fun and how she weaves play into her everyday life.  Tara and Pamela dive into the Strengths Pamela leans on when she’s having fun, the broken Soundtracks she’s had to reframe around play, and what she’s most excited for this summer. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming and playful episode all about Pamela!  ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.***  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  Align Circle Community  Growth Focused Leader Program  1000 Hours Outdoors

    23 min

  7. 07/14/2025

    Strengths at Play Series: Doug Svendsen

    Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! We’re kicking off our Strengths at Play Series with a fantastic guest, one of our newest ALIGN coaches, Doug Svendsen! Doug wears many hats: he’s a father, husband, leadership coach, entrepreneur, and corporate professional in the IT world. He specializes in developing high-performing teams and knows firsthand how powerful play can be, in both life and leadership.  Join Pamela and Tara as they sit down with Doug to explore what fun looks like at work and at home, and why weaving play into your everyday routine might just be the key to better connection, creativity, and performance.  ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.***  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  Align Circle Community  Growth Focused Leader Program

    28 min

  8. 06/30/2025

    A Successful SHIFT: What We Learned Doing a Big Event

    Welcome back to the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast! This week, we’re giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our recent SHIFT Leadership Event! Join Pamela and Tara as they reflect on what made SHIFT such a powerful and meaningful experience, from the vision and planning to the incredible team and generous sponsors who helped bring it all to life.  They also dive into the joy of in-person connection, the power of laughter, and the intentional SHIFT that happened to everyone in the room. You won’t want to miss this celebration of community, leadership, and the magic that happens when people come together with purpose.  ***And mark your calendars; SHIFT is coming back on May 14, 2026! We’re already dreaming big, and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.***  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:   Jon Acuff  Align Circle Community  Leighton Media  Let's Summerize!  Ellison Center

    29 min
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

At the Grounding and Growing Leadership team, we believe that everyone is a leader and 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, Certified Leadership Coach, Counselor and Spiritual Director as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journey's.

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