Lead Through Strengths

Lisa Cummings
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Lisa Cummings helps you lead teams, build your work culture, and improve relationships with CliftonStrengths A.K.A StrengthsFinder. The "Lead Through Strengths" podcast was created for you if you're ready to stop taking the "path of most resistance" at work and in life. It sounds silly, yet it happens all the time when people get focused on fixing their weaknesses. It doesn't have to be so hard. Stop focusing on what's broken about you. Lisa Cummings, one host, is a Gallup Certified Strengths Performance Coach, so she brings you a wealth of corporate wisdom, combined with Gallup research. She's also certified by the Life Coach School and has an MBA, so she brings a good combo of business and coaching. Brea Roper, your other host, is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. She is incredible at helping you cast a vision for your future - using your natural talents. She's especially talented at leading personal retreats in Kansas City, MO (and she will travel). Many episodes are educational Q&A from our corporate clients. They're usually questions we get in our StrengthsFinder corporate workshops. Over 34 Million people have taken the CliftonStrengths assessment. With this show, you'll learn how to find your strengths and put them to work. If you manage a team, you'll hear ideas for leading your so your colleagues can come to work feeling more energized and engaged. We publish by season. Season 1: Career Q&A Season 2: Strengths Interviews Season 3: StrengthsFinder Q&A (also known as CliftonStrengths assessment) Season 4: Team Building 12 Week Strengths Challenge Season 5: One StrengthsFinder Talent Theme Per Week: Career Branding Adjectives for your personal brand, red flag situations for that talent theme, and action items to put that talent to use Season 6: Nine Core Concepts of Strengths Season 7: Facilitator Interviews (because, who needs Lisa only - we have lots of other great StrengthsFinder trainers for you) Season 8: CliftonStrengths Customer Q&A Season 9: The Foundations of Strengths and Mindset Season 10: Coach the Coach - Brea and Lisa help you build your independent coaching practice, or implement strengths into your work culture Season 11: Lisa wrote scripts for each of the 34 CliftonStrengths talent themes. The episodes are read by Andy Dandy, her AI voice actor. There's a lot of confusion about the name of the assessment because it is difficult to spell (or put the singular/plural in the right spot), and it has changed names. All of these are the same survey tool: StrengthsFinder 2.0, StrengthsFinders, StrengthFinders, StrengthFinder, StrengthsFinder, Clifton Strengths, CliftonStrengths, Clifton StrengthsFinder. Despite the difficulty with the word, the content all points to Strengths Based Development and leadership using StrengthsFinder with your team. In addition: here are some hot topic areas covered by audience questions so far: Getting promoted; discovering your strengths; differentiating yourself; coaching and feedback; marketing, branding, and promoting yourself; getting unstuck; developing your direct reports; noticing what works on your team; connecting and networking; personal leadership; politics and perceptions at the office; getting viewed as an A player; building trust and influence at work or in your industry; being a people-leader that you want to be, even when you're short on time; how to get your creative mojo back; understanding how your EQ (emotional intelligence) is more important than your IQ at work; stuff you didn't learn in business school that's hurting your career; getting unstuck and un-trapped; being a better leader; solving problems; getting past confusion; aligning your mind, body, and purpose in life; managing major life transitions; and taking a minute to reflect on what you really want in life

  1. 6d ago

    Maximizer - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead with the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Maximizer, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Maximizer The Maximizer talent theme is driven by excellence, strengths, and continuous improvement. People with this strength are naturally quality-oriented, results-focused, selective, and committed to high standards. At its core, Maximizer is about elevating what already works. These individuals instinctively notice potential, strengths, and opportunities for refinement. They don't just want things done. They want them done exceptionally well. People who lead with Maximizer often describe themselves as strengths-obsessed, efficient, and excellence-aware. What motivates them most is the pursuit of excellence. They love transforming something from good to great and achieving the highest possible return on effort and investment. Average performance tends to drain their energy.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Maximizer is operating at its best, it brings refinement, focus, and elevated performance. This strength emphasizes quality, highlights strengths in others, and raises standards for what's possible. Maximizer talent often shows up through influencing roles like leader, challenger, driver, or clarifier. These individuals shine when improvement is needed. While others may try to fix weaknesses, Maximizer focuses on developing strengths, often unlocking excellence faster and more effectively.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think of one thing you already do well. Instead of fixing something that isn't working, spend five minutes asking: How could I make this even better? Then make one small improvement. Notice how energy shifts when effort is aimed at excellence instead of correction.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

  2. Aug 9

    Learner - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead with the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Learner, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Learner The Learner talent theme is fueled by curiosity, growth, and discovery. People with this strength are naturally inquisitive, studious, open-minded, and passionate about learning. At its core, Learner is about the process. These individuals instinctively enjoy gaining knowledge, exploring new ideas, and improving their understanding. They aren't just motivated by outcomes. They're energized by learning itself. They want to learn about all the things! People who lead with Learner often describe themselves as curious, interested, and growth-oriented. What motivates them most is the opportunity to learn something new. They love exposure to fresh information, new experiences, and chances to immediately apply what they've discovered. Repetition or stagnation tends to drain their energy.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Learner is operating at its best, it brings curiosity, progress, and continuous improvement to any environment. This strength creates excitement for growth and encourages others to keep developing their skills and understanding. Learner talent often shows up through team roles like interviewer, expert, trail-blazer, or continuous improver. These individuals shine when growth is possible. While others may feel satisfied with what they already know, Learner keeps asking what else can be discovered, understood, or mastered.   Here's a simple experiment to try in the next 24 hours…   Pick a topic you know little about but find interesting. Spend five minutes learning one new thing about it. Then share what you learned with someone else. Notice how energy increases when curiosity is fed.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

  3. Aug 2

    Intellection - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead with the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Intellection, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Intellection The Intellection talent theme is powered by thought, reflection, and depth. People with this strength are naturally introspective, philosophical, reflective, and intellectually driven. At its core, Intellection is about thinking. These individuals instinctively enjoy exploring ideas, pondering concepts, and analyzing information. Their mind is often their favorite place to be. People who lead with Intellection often describe themselves as musing, in-depth, intense, and solitary thinkers. They can also be intensely creative. What motivates them most is the opportunity to reflect and understand. They love pondering ideas and theoretical concepts, especially because they see theory as the foundation for practical insight. Acting before thinking things through tends to drain their energy.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Intellection is operating at its best, it brings depth, insight, and wisdom to any environment. This strength generates valuable ideas, thoughtful analysis, and meaningful understanding. Intellection talent often shows up through deep-thinking team roles like philosopher, writer, or a deep subject matter expert. These individuals shine when reflection is needed. While others may rush toward quick answers, Intellection pauses to think deeply, often uncovering perspectives that might otherwise be missed.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Take five quiet minutes with no distractions. Choose one idea or question and simply think about it. No researching. No solving. Just reflecting. Notice what insights surface when your mind is given space to wander and explore.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

  4. Jul 26

    Input - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead with the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Input, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Input The Input talent theme is driven by curiosity, learning, and gathering useful information. People with this strength are naturally inquisitive, knowledgeable, investigative, and resourceful. At its core, Input is about collecting. These individuals instinctively gather ideas, facts, tools, and insights because they believe knowledge is valuable and useful. They enjoy building a reservoir of information they can draw from when it's needed. People who lead through Input often describe themselves as well-read, utility-aware, and collecting-minded. What motivates them most is learning and sharing. They love collecting information about topics of interest and feel energized when they can provide relevant, tangible help to others. Making decisions without enough information tends to drain their energy.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Input is operating at its best, it brings knowledge, preparedness, and valuable resources to any environment. This strength naturally accumulates information and tools that can support growth, learning, and performance. Input talent often shows up through team roles like archivist, curator, librarian, or resourcer - these collections can be either digital, physical, or both. These individuals shine when knowledge is needed. While others may scramble to find information, Input often already has it or knows where to get it. Their resourcefulness makes them an invaluable source of support for teams and organizations.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think of a question you've been curious about. Spend five minutes researching it or collecting one useful resource related to it. Then save it somewhere you can easily find later. Notice how satisfying it feels to add something valuable to your knowledge collection.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

  5. Jul 19

    Individualization - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead with the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Individualization, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Individualization The Individualization talent theme is centered on uniqueness, insight, and seeing what makes each person distinct. People with this strength are naturally perceptive, strengths-oriented, insightful, and people-focused. At its core, Individualization is about noticing differences. These individuals instinctively see the unique qualities in others and understand how those traits can be used effectively. They don't see people as categories. They see them as individuals. People who lead with Individualization often describe themselves as aware, curious, and uniqueness-spotters. What motivates them most is helping people use their strengths. They love adjusting their approach to fit each person and feel energized when they can match individuals to roles where they can thrive. A one-size-fits-all approach tends to drain their energy.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Individualization is operating at its best, it brings personalization, understanding, and customization to any environment. This strength can identify each person's talents and figure out how different people can work together productively. Individualization talent often shows up through people-focused team roles like customizer, observer, or simply being the noticer of another person's preferred way of communicating. These individuals shine when teams need alignment. While others may treat everyone the same, Individualization recognizes that people thrive when they're understood and supported according to their unique strengths.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think of someone you interact with regularly. Ask yourself: What do they naturally do better than most people? Then acknowledge that strength out loud to them. Notice how recognition changes connection and confidence.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

  6. Jul 12

    Includer - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    Lead Through Strengths

  7. Jul 5

    Ideation - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead with the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Ideation, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Ideation The Ideation talent theme is fueled by creativity, curiosity, and originality. People with this strength are naturally innovative, spontaneous, insightful, and imaginative. At its core, Ideation is about ideas. These individuals instinctively generate possibilities, explore concepts, and see connections between things that others might view as unrelated. People who lead with Ideation often describe themselves as artistic, collaborative, and creative thinkers. What motivates them most is the opportunity to imagine something new. They love fresh perspectives, original thinking, and discovering connections that spark innovation. Repetition and constraints that limit creativity tend to drain their energy.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Ideation is operating at its best, it brings originality, invention, and possibility to any environment. This strength offers new perspectives, generates fresh solutions, and helps others see beyond conventional thinking. Ideation talent often shows up through creative-thinking roles like inventor, creator, designer, brainstormer, or innovator. These individuals shine when creativity is needed. While others may see limitations, Ideation sees options. Their ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas can unlock breakthroughs that change how problems are understood.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Take a problem or challenge you're facing. Set a timer for five minutes and write down as many possible solutions as you can, without judging any of them. Then circle the most unexpected idea on your list and explore it further. Notice what happens when imagination is given room to run.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

  8. Jun 28

    Harmony - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    Lead Through Strengths

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About

Lisa Cummings helps you lead teams, build your work culture, and improve relationships with CliftonStrengths A.K.A StrengthsFinder. The "Lead Through Strengths" podcast was created for you if you're ready to stop taking the "path of most resistance" at work and in life. It sounds silly, yet it happens all the time when people get focused on fixing their weaknesses. It doesn't have to be so hard. Stop focusing on what's broken about you. Lisa Cummings, one host, is a Gallup Certified Strengths Performance Coach, so she brings you a wealth of corporate wisdom, combined with Gallup research. She's also certified by the Life Coach School and has an MBA, so she brings a good combo of business and coaching. Brea Roper, your other host, is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. She is incredible at helping you cast a vision for your future - using your natural talents. She's especially talented at leading personal retreats in Kansas City, MO (and she will travel). Many episodes are educational Q&A from our corporate clients. They're usually questions we get in our StrengthsFinder corporate workshops. Over 34 Million people have taken the CliftonStrengths assessment. With this show, you'll learn how to find your strengths and put them to work. If you manage a team, you'll hear ideas for leading your so your colleagues can come to work feeling more energized and engaged. We publish by season. Season 1: Career Q&A Season 2: Strengths Interviews Season 3: StrengthsFinder Q&A (also known as CliftonStrengths assessment) Season 4: Team Building 12 Week Strengths Challenge Season 5: One StrengthsFinder Talent Theme Per Week: Career Branding Adjectives for your personal brand, red flag situations for that talent theme, and action items to put that talent to use Season 6: Nine Core Concepts of Strengths Season 7: Facilitator Interviews (because, who needs Lisa only - we have lots of other great StrengthsFinder trainers for you) Season 8: CliftonStrengths Customer Q&A Season 9: The Foundations of Strengths and Mindset Season 10: Coach the Coach - Brea and Lisa help you build your independent coaching practice, or implement strengths into your work culture Season 11: Lisa wrote scripts for each of the 34 CliftonStrengths talent themes. The episodes are read by Andy Dandy, her AI voice actor. There's a lot of confusion about the name of the assessment because it is difficult to spell (or put the singular/plural in the right spot), and it has changed names. All of these are the same survey tool: StrengthsFinder 2.0, StrengthsFinders, StrengthFinders, StrengthFinder, StrengthsFinder, Clifton Strengths, CliftonStrengths, Clifton StrengthsFinder. Despite the difficulty with the word, the content all points to Strengths Based Development and leadership using StrengthsFinder with your team. In addition: here are some hot topic areas covered by audience questions so far: Getting promoted; discovering your strengths; differentiating yourself; coaching and feedback; marketing, branding, and promoting yourself; getting unstuck; developing your direct reports; noticing what works on your team; connecting and networking; personal leadership; politics and perceptions at the office; getting viewed as an A player; building trust and influence at work or in your industry; being a people-leader that you want to be, even when you're short on time; how to get your creative mojo back; understanding how your EQ (emotional intelligence) is more important than your IQ at work; stuff you didn't learn in business school that's hurting your career; getting unstuck and un-trapped; being a better leader; solving problems; getting past confusion; aligning your mind, body, and purpose in life; managing major life transitions; and taking a minute to reflect on what you really want in life

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Cummings
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    211
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Pinch Yourself Careers, LLC and Lead Through Strengths
  • Show Website
    Lead Through Strengths

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