Hi Reader,

Happy October!! I'm kicking off something new this month...

My very own newsletter, straight to my favorite clients.

If you geek out on strengths, want to build unstoppable teams and never say no to tacos, this one's for you. 🌮

In this issue:

• Talent Coaching Tip: Leveraging LEARNER

• Understanding Your Team’s Center of Gravity

• October Courses Now Open!

• Taco ’bout the Coolest T-shirt…

• Teams on the Big Screen

This newsletter is a dream in the making and my goal is for it to be the highlight of your inbox (like salsa on a breakfast taco).

Got feedback, ideas, or a strengths success story? Send it my way.

Be Awesome Today,

Kathy Kersten

Gallup Certified Strengths Coach

Host of Obey Your Strengths Podcast

LEVERAGING LEARNER

• TALENT COACHING TIP •

Did you know that LEARNER is one of the most common talents in Gallup's CliftonStrengths database?

It is highly likely that you have this talent on your team.

Learners thrive on the journey. They crave the thrill of gaining new skills, exploring ideas, and stretching into new territory.

If you lead with Learner:

• You’re energized by growth (yours and others’).

• You ask great questions and model curiosity.

• You’re comfortable with "not knowing" and help others embrace the learning curve.

If you manage someone with Learner:

• Give them space to explore and experiment.

• Give them BIG CHALLENGES to avoid restlessness.

• Pair them with teammates who value iteration and feedback.

💡 Coaching Tip: Invite your Learners to lead a “teach-back” session. Let them share what they’ve learned recently and how it applies to the team’s goals.

WHERE IS YOUR TEAM'S CENTER OF GRAVITY?

When I'm working with a team, we talk about their “center of gravity” - a set of patterns, habits, and strengths that shape how they show up together. Some teams lean toward execution, others thrive in thinking, while still others shine in relationships or influence.

The key question isn’t just what strengths do your people bring individually, but where does your team spend most of its collective energy?

Noticing this gives leaders a map: you’ll see where momentum naturally flows and where blind spots might slow you down.

So, where’s your team - is it where you need them to be?

💡Try this in your next meeting: Where do we feel strongest together and where do we need backup?/div

OCTOBER COURSES ARE OPEN!

Register Now! We have CliftonStrengths 101 for New Hires for those who need to take the assessment and learn foundational knowledge. For managers/mentors, we have a "How To Coach with Strengths" course to give them tools to strengthen conversations.

$149.00

HOW TO COACH

March 27 @ 11am - 1:45 pm Central
In this application rich workshop, Kathy gives you the tools you need to create... Read more

Taco 'bout The Coolest Tee!

I now call the beautiful Texas Hill Country home, but I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, only 150 miles north of the Mexico border. Tacos are my love language. They make my heart go bidi bidi bom bom. (IYKYK.)

For nearly 7 years, I led Employee Engagement and Culture for one of the world's greatest service companies where t-shirt culture was a thing. You may have seen me in a Maximizer or Strengths Geek t-shirt.

When I saw this t-shirt, I laughed out loud, ordered it immediately and now I'm waiting for the perfect Team Strengths Session to wear it to!

Fellow Taco Fans, you might want one, too. (THIS IS NOT AN AD... It's a public service announcement. )

i love tacos so much tshirt from Tyler's.

wear your love for tacos

BIG SCREEN TEAMS...

You know I am FANATICAL about TEAMS. The Blue Angels Documentary is EPIC and inspired our summer vacation to Pensacola, Florida to see the incredible show IRL and visit the museum.

Click to watch Trailer. The Blue Angels documentary chronicles a year with the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron - from selection through the challenging training and demanding show season - showcasing the extraordinary teamwork, passion, and pride that fuels America’s best pilots.