What happens when Context is your #1 strength—or your dead-last #34? In this episode, Sarah and Bill sit down with Olivia Leigh, data analyst, coach, and co-founder of Tradewinds Leadership, to explore how Context shows up in work, relationships, and decision-making.

From constipation jokes to car shows, from systems trauma to six-hour road trips filled with ideation, this conversation proves that Context is so much more than “being stuck in the past.” Olivia shares how Context fuels her curiosity, relationships, and innovation—while Bill confesses to having Context envy (and zero memory for names).

You’ll hear how Olivia balances her top Context with Input, Ideation, and Activator, why she loathes making the same mistake twice, and how she and her husband (aka her favorite storytelling partner) use their opposite strengths to fuel purpose-driven work in high-stakes industries like construction and mining.

Main Takeaways

• Context isn’t about clinging to the past—it’s about informing the present through the past.
• People with high Context often crave understanding the “why” before they can move forward.
• Context paired with Individualization creates powerful curiosity about people’s stories.
• Input + Context fuels research and recall—but can spiral into 1,500 open browser tabs.
• Activator + Context can mean “storming the hill without the troops” if you don’t slow down to communicate.
• Partnerships thrive when one person brings historical depth and the other brings in-the-moment adaptability.
• Comfort with what’s familiar is often why people resist change, even when the new way is easier.
• Context envy is real—those without it often feel shame about poor recall or memory gaps.

Sound Bites

• “I loathe making the same mistake twice. If there’s a hole in the sidewalk, I want to see it once—not five times.”
• “Context is the iceberg. People only see the tip—but I know everything underneath that got us here.”
• “Storming the hill without the troops—that’s my Activator hijacking Context.”
• “Systems trauma is real. Don’t tell me the new CRM will be better. I know my 50 clicks.”
• “Sometimes Context gets mislabeled as being stuck in the past. For me, it’s fuel for innovation.”
• “When I’m in flow, it’s Ideation + Significance: finding the nugget that inspires people to act.”
• “My husband used to resist me—now he knows if I say, ‘trust me on this,’ he listens.”
• “Input says: park the Ferrari. You can’t drive every good idea today.”
• “You’re not paying for the tip of the iceberg—you’re paying for everything the coach has gathered underneath.”
• “Context envy is real—some of us just don’t remember names, even if we remember faces.”

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger

Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Collins and Bill Dippel discuss the importance of strengths in business with Stasi Grenfell, a successful entrepreneur and coach. They explore how different strengths contribute to building a business, the significance of relationships, and the challenges faced in the entrepreneurial journey. Stasi shares her experiences in franchising and the importance of adaptability and resilience in achieving success. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of strengths and the impact of personal growth on business leadership.

Takeaways

• Positive change is essential in coaching and development.
• People remember how they felt when working with you.
• Building relationships is crucial for business success.
• Different strengths contribute to different aspects of entrepreneurship.
• Resilience is key to overcoming failures in business.
• Competition can drive success but also lead to burnout.
• Franchising requires a unique set of strengths and skills.
• Community engagement is vital for sustaining a business.
• The evolution of personal strengths can impact leadership style.
• It's important to balance personal relationships with business decisions.

Sound Bites

• "I want them to feel empowered."
• "Five brains are better than one."
• "It's about the people."

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger

Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/

In this engaging episode, hosts Melissa Ortiz, Sarah Collins, and Bill Dippel dive into the world of strengths and personal development. The conversation pivots around the CliftonStrengths assessment, exploring whether it's a "one and done" or worth a rerun. Melissa shares her journey with strengths, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are and using tools that resonate with them. The trio discusses the nuances of strengths, the impact of life changes on assessments, and the value of focusing on core strengths. With lively anecdotes and insightful debates, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth and team dynamics.

Main Takeaways:

• Understanding Strengths: The CliftonStrengths assessment helps individuals identify and leverage their core strengths for personal and professional growth.
• Retesting Considerations: While some advocate for retesting during different life stages, the initial assessment results are often seen as enduring and valid.
• Personalized Approaches: It's crucial to meet people where they are, using tools and methods that resonate with their unique needs and preferences.
• Impact of Life Changes: Life changes can influence the expression of strengths, with adaptability often becoming more prominent during challenging times.
• Focus on Core Strengths: Prioritizing the development of core strengths over weaker areas can lead to more significant personal and team achievements.
• Pragmatism in Assessments: The emphasis should be on practical application and action rather than getting caught up in the semantics of assessments.
• Dynamic Teamwork: Understanding and utilizing each team member's strengths can enhance collaboration and drive collective success

Sound Bites

1. "Understanding your strengths is the first step to unlocking your potential."

2. "Retesting isn't always necessary; your core strengths often remain constant."

3. "Meet people where they are, and use tools that resonate with them."

4. "Life changes can shift how our strengths show up, but the core remains the same."

5. "Focus on developing your core strengths for the greatest impact."

6. "Don't get lost in the semantics; it's about what you do with your strengths."

7. "Adaptability can become a key strength during challenging life phases."

8. "Investing in strengths yields better results than trying to fix weaknesses."

9. "Dynamic teamwork thrives when each member's strengths are understood and utilized."

10. "Your strengths tell your story; let them guide your actions."

11. "The best tools are those that align with your personal journey."

12. "In the end, it's not about the test; it's about the transformation."

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger

Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/

If you’ve ever wondered whether your optimism is a superpower or something others dismiss as naive, this episode will reframe everything. Gallup-certified coach Samantha Kennelly joins Sarah and Bill to explore the CliftonStrengths theme of Positivity—not just as cheerfulness, but as an energy source, an influence strategy, and a form of quiet resilience.

Together, they explore how positivity operates in real life and real work—from leadership and team coaching to parenting, grief, and self-regulation. Whether you have high Positivity, work with someone who does, or just want to stop being drained by negativity, this episode offers powerful insights on how to protect your energy, hold space for others, and lead with hope without sugarcoating reality.

Main Takeaways

1. Positivity isn’t just about being cheerful—it’s a strength rooted in hope, resilience, and energy.
2. Without boundaries, high Positivity can become a people-pleasing trap that leads to burnout.
3. Positivity and empathy together can create deep connection—but can also make it hard to separate others’ feelings from your own.
4. Influence doesn’t have to be loud or direct—relational strengths can be powerful drivers of impact.
5. Self-awareness is essential for using Positivity maturely, especially in emotionally charged situations.
6. It’s okay to set limits around draining people or environments—Positivity needs recharging too.
7. You don’t have to fix everything—sometimes, Positivity’s greatest power is simply holding space.

Sound Bites

1. “Positivity isn’t blind cheerfulness—it’s hope that survives the hard stuff.”
2. “Sometimes the best use of Positivity is silence and presence.”
3. “I’m not here to sugarcoat—but I am here to help you see what’s possible.”
4. “People with Positivity light up rooms—but they can also crash hard when no one’s watching.”
5. “You can’t be the sunshine for everyone every day—especially if it’s sucking you dry.”
6. “I used to think I had to hide my Positivity to be taken seriously in the workplace.”
7. “Woo and Positivity together? It’s like emotional confetti—fun, but it needs a cleanup plan.”
8. “Sometimes your greatest strength needs to ride in the backseat, not drive the car.”
9. “I can be a riot at a funeral… because I don’t always know how to let people sit in sadness.”
10. “I had to ask myself—am I being authentic, or just uncomfortable with conflict?”
11. “Being a coach doesn’t mean you push all the time—sometimes, you sit, celebrate, or listen.”
12. “You’re not the anti-venom to negativity—you’re a person with limits too.”
13. “Positivity wants to fix—but empathy reminds you to first feel.”
14. “Your strengths are only as helpful as your ability to regulate them.”
15. “It’s okay to say, ‘I’m not okay today’—even if you usually bring the sunshine.”

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger

Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/

If you’ve ever pushed yourself—or others—to make something “just a little better” until it became overwhelming, this episode is your invitation to step back, breathe, and rethink what better actually means. Gallup-certified coach and all-around dynamic human Jamal Cornelious joins Sarah and Bill for a refreshingly honest and often hilarious deep dive into the difference between Maximizer and Perfectionism.

You’ll hear how this strength shows up in parenting, partnership, coaching, and team dynamics—and how to avoid burnout when your inner perfectionist just won’t quit. Whether you have Maximizer or just hold yourself (and others) to high standards, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, challenged, and equipped with tools to move forward with more intention and a little more grace.

Main Takeaways

1. Maximizer can be a powerful driver of excellence—but left unchecked, it can cross into unsustainable perfectionism.
2. The difference between improving and over-perfecting often lies in asking, “Am I making it better, or just different?”
3. High standards don’t have to equal high pressure—when you individualize expectations, people feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
4. Having no executing strengths in your top 10 doesn’t mean you can’t execute—it means you do it differently.
5. Trusted feedback partners are essential for Maximizers to know when to stop iterating and start shipping.
6. At home and at work, our strengths show up differently—but both spaces deserve our intentional talent.
7. Letting go of someone’s potential is hard—but honoring their chosen pace is a powerful act of respect.

Sound Bites

1. “You can’t let perfect be the enemy of good.”
2. “If you’re the one, you’re the one—and if not, we can leave now.”
3. “My Maximizer won’t even let me start unless it sees potential for greatness.”
4. “Sometimes, the MVP is the most excellent version of ‘good enough.’”
5. “I challenge while processing and accepting—yes, and I’ll still debate you on the way there.”
6. “My wife calls me a hundred-percenter—if I’m in, I’m all in.”
7. “Competition and Maximizer together? That’s wanting to be the best—and better than the rest.”
8. “I coach people to give 100% of what they have today—not some ideal version of themselves.”
9. “Some kids want feedback—others just want to do cartwheels and pick dandelions.”
10. “I have a lot of tabs open—figuratively and literally.”
11. “I don’t start unless I believe it can become great. Mediocrity doesn’t motivate me.”
12. “Parenting is like the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once—chaotic and constant.”
13. “If someone won’t reach for the potential I see in them, I have to work hard not to hold it against them.”
14. “When I procrastinate and still expect excellence—that’s my dumpster fire moment.”
15. “You can execute with any strengths—it’s just a matter of how you do it.”

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger

Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/

Do you love setting long-term goals—or do you just want to survive the week? In this insightful and refreshingly real conversation, Gallup-certified coach and educator Kay Markovic joins Sarah and Bill to unpack the Futuristic strength and how it plays out in the classroom, at home, and in everyday decision-making.

If you’ve ever struggled with staying present while planning for the future—or you live so in-the-moment you forget to vision cast—this episode is for you. Through laughter, coaching insight, and lived experience, Kay offers a candid look at how her futuristic mindset has helped shape young leaders, inspired curriculum innovation, and sometimes run faster than others can follow. You’ll walk away understanding your own time orientation better—and how to work better with those who don’t share it.

Takeaways

1. Futuristic thinkers often bring vision and momentum—but without self-awareness, they can unintentionally overwhelm others.
2. Living in the present doesn’t mean lacking ambition; it often means grounding vision in what’s real and actionable today.
3. CliftonStrengths can transform classrooms by helping students and teachers understand how they naturally learn and lead.
4. Ideation paired with Futuristic can generate endless ideas—but without a container, it risks burnout or chaos.
5. Group energy, connection, and facilitating change often activate Kay’s most fulfilling moments.
6. Personal growth sometimes requires slowing down, stepping back, and learning how your strengths impact others.
7. Understanding your time orientation—whether future-focused or present-centered—improves collaboration, communication, and compassion.

Sound Bites

1. “My brain moves faster than my mouth—and that’s how I know I’m deep in my Futuristic.”
2. “I used to teach like a squirrel on espresso… now I use Scrum to slow my pace for the students.”
3. “Ideation is like popcorn in my brain—once it starts, I can’t stop the popping.”
4. “You don’t need to daydream about everything—sometimes, you just need to do the thing.”
5. “Connectedness is my personal guidance system—it’s the one strength I’d never give up.”
6. “Futuristic is a gift—but without regulation, it can bulldoze people in the present.”
7. “My students would say, ‘Wait, do you actually want us to finish this?’ And I’d say, ‘Yes, yesterday.’”
8. “The future pulls me, but the classroom grounds me.”
9. “Being a visionary leader is great—unless no one else knows where you’re going.”
10. “I was burning out because I lived in autopilot with my top strengths.”
11. “You can’t force people to take your advice just because you’re excited to help.”
12. “Present-moment people keep me anchored—they ask, ‘What do we need right now?’”
13. “I realized I was living a curriculum built for 1995, not 2025.”
14. “When the student is ready, the teacher appears… even if the teacher has a million ideas.”
15. “My futuristic wants to plan my daughter’s entire college career… she just wants a backpack.”

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger

Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/

Ever wondered why some people thrive in big, bubbly social circles while others guard their inner circle like it’s VIP only? This episode brings the debate (and laughs) as Sarah (high Woo), Bill (both Woo + Relator), and guest Anna Pressler (high Relator) unpack what it really means to connect—quickly, deeply, or both.

Whether you’re someone who thrives on new connections or prefers to go deep with a few, this episode helps you better understand your style of connection—and how to appreciate others who connect differently. Through hilarious stories, friendship moments, and real talk about trust, depth, and relational standards, you’ll walk away with insight into how to build (and keep) meaningful relationships at work and in life.

Main Takeaways

1. Woo builds connection through charisma and energy, while Relator goes deep through trust and consistency.
2. Relators aren’t closed off—they’re intentional and discerning in who they build deep relationships with.
3. High Woo often means fast connection—but without intention, it can struggle to sustain long-term bonds.
4. Relators may appear slow to warm, but once you’re in their circle, loyalty runs deep.
5. The best relationships often come from partnerships that balance both breadth and depth of connection.
6. Strengths like competition, achiever, and significance can influence how and why someone builds relationships.
7. Friendship, like teamwork, thrives when we learn to value each other’s styles instead of judging them.

Sound Bites

1. “If your strengths had a group chat, mine would be full of drama.”
2. “Woo comes in hot—Relator needs time and confetti puppy chow.”
3. “Just because I hug someone in a coffee shop doesn’t mean I know their name.”
4. “Relator gets the reputation of being exclusive—but we’re just intentional.”
5. “My Woo wanted friends; Anna’s Relator wanted peace and quiet.”
6. “Relators hold people to a higher standard—and that’s not a bad thing.”
7. “I collect relators… I’m drawn to people who feel ‘hard to get.’”
8. “Deep connection is a human need—we just get there in different ways.”
9. “Sometimes I feel itchy when my Woo friends start talking to everyone around us.”
10. “Woo is the glitter; Relator is the superglue.”
11. “I don’t want people to just like me—I want them to think I’m a good friend.”
12. “If you try to be everything, you’ll be mediocre at most things.”
13. “Our friendship worked because we had time together—and snacks.”
14. “I use my strengths differently at work—my competition and significance drive me to connect even when it’s not natural.”
15. “Relator doesn’t mean unfriendly—it means deliberate connection with depth and loyalty.”

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger

Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/

If you’ve ever wondered whether CliftonStrengths is just a feel-good tool that avoids hard conversations, this episode delivers a resounding—and nuanced—response. Coaches Sarah Collins and Bill Dippel are joined by Tara Gronhovd, leadership development expert and founder of the Shift Leadership Event, to explore how strengths-based work can actually deepen conflict resolution, not bypass it.

This episode is for anyone who’s been frustrated by surface-level team building, confused about “soft skills,” or unsure how to use CliftonStrengths when tensions rise. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to create real alignment on teams, handle conflict constructively, and use Strengths to foster feedback, not just fluff. You’ll also hear about tools like the “conflict charter” and how to spot when Strengths is being misused.

Main Takeaways

1. CliftonStrengths isn’t too nice, it just needs to be in the right hands to tackle real workplace conflict.
2. Teams don’t avoid conflict because of Strengths—they avoid it because they’ve never practiced it.
3. Great coaching requires going beyond the ‘party trick’ version of Strengths into clear, sometimes uncomfortable conversations.
4. Understanding someone’s intent through their Strengths makes it easier to address their impact without defensiveness.
5. You can weaponize any tool (including CliftonStrengths) if it’s used shallowly or manipulatively.
6. Rituals like conflict charters or safe words (hello “pineapple”) help normalize conflict and reduce fear in teams.
7. Leaders must coach and communicate through the lens of others’ strengths, not just their own.

Sound Bites

1. “CliftonStrengths isn’t too nice—it’s too often misused.”
2. “Kind is clear, and Strengths is a phenomenal tool to create clarity.”
3. “Conflict is normal—even where to go for lunch can be a point of tension.”
4. “Toxic positivity shows up when people think Strengths is just about what’s ‘right’ with you.”
5. “You can’t hire based on Strengths without knowing if someone uses them maturely.”
6. “One-and-done workshops often do more harm than good.”
7. “We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intent—Strengths helps bridge that gap.”
8. “Just because someone interviews well doesn’t mean they’re a good fit for your culture.”
9. “My connectedness and command are in conflict with each other inside me every day.”
10. “Bracing for conflict isn’t preparation—it’s just hoping it won’t happen again.”
11. “Conflict charters are like a workplace version of the talking stick—we all know the rules.”
12. “Every team should have a shared language for feedback before things get messy.”
13. “You’re not bad at conflict—you’re just under-practiced.”
14. “When people feel seen for their intent, they can hear feedback about their impact.”
15. “Coaches aren’t immune to dumpster fires—we just know how to learn from them.”

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger

Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/