The Big Five

What if your biggest decision making problem isn't that you can't decide, but that you decide too fast?In this episode, Victoria looks at how to make better decisions. Drawing on Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath, this episode looks at decision making styles, each one through the lens of DISC, and shares a practical framework for making better decisions at work and in life.Then it gets personal. Victoria is the processor who weighs every option. Heather jumps straight to the best-case scenario. Turns out they're opposites on almost every bias.In this episode, you'll hear:Why indecision isn't the only challenge, and how deciding too quickly and impulsively can cost you tooDecision Making through DISC: the Doer, the Talker, the Processor and the LearnerThe four common pitfalls of decision-making: Narrow Framing, Confirmation Bias, Short-Term Emotion and OverconfidenceHow confirmation bias, anchoring bias and optimism bias quietly shape your choices, and how to counter themThe WRAP model: Widen your options, Reality-test your assumptions, Attain distance and Prepare to be wrongFive powerful questions for better decisions, including "What if this option vanished?" and "What would your replacement do?"Why a pre-mortem might save you from a post-mortemA two-week decision challenge Victoria and Heather are taking on, and you can tooIf you've ever agonized over a choice for weeks, or made a snap decision (hello, adorable puppy), this episode gives you the tools to spot your blind spots and decide with more confidence.Because good decisions aren't about luck or gut feel.They're a skill you can build.➽ Learn more about the book Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath:https://heathbrothers.com/ Episode Timestamps:00:00 - What Would Your Replacement Do?00:29 – Welcome to DISCovering You00:52 - Mood Check In03:53 - Are You Decisive?06:09 - Decision-Making Through DISC07:19 - The Four Pitfalls to Making Effective Decisions 09:52 - Confirmation, Anchoring and Optimism Bias13:44 - The WRAP Model16:08 - Five Questions for Better Decisions19:38 - Which Question We Need Most21:16 - The Decision ChallengeIf you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's [email protected]://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworksMentioned in this episode:How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

Victoria and Heather are back from vacation (coincidentally away the exact same dates, without planning it but not together!) and pick the conversation back up with Dr. Amelia Kelley for Part 2 of their HSP deep-dive. This half goes further into the practice of being highly sensitive, compassionate leadership and why it starts with a leader unmasking first, the exhausting mechanics of masking, and a personal story about Amelia's husband developing high sensitivity after a traumatic brain injury.Amelia also walks through why she built her own HSP scale (ameliakelley.com) after Dr. Elaine Aron's original self-test was re-normed for research use and taken offline, and gets into some surprisingly practical territory: caffeine and HSP nervous systems, why "superpower" framing can feel hollow on hard days, and why boundary-setting — saying no and actually letting people be unhappy about it — is the real work for a lot of HSPs, Victoria included.Key TakeawaysCompassionate leadership starts with unmasking. Amelia's core point: leaders have to be willing to show when they've had a hard day or are tired — without that modeling, the people who work for them will never feel safe doing the same.Masking is often invisible to the person doing it. Amelia and Victoria both describe years of masking without realizing it — performing fine, then coming home "exhausted and depleted" — until they noticed how differently they recovered compared to less-sensitive friends.Sensitivity can be inherited later in life, not just from birth. Amelia's husband originally scored low on the HSP scale; after a traumatic brain injury from a drunk-driving accident six years ago, he now scores significantly higher — reshaping their relationship dynamic from "one sensitive partner" to both of them navigating it together.Why Amelia built her own HSP scale. Dr. Elaine Aron's original self-test was re-normed into a Likert-style research instrument and is no longer available as the quick, accessible self-check it used to be. Amelia created her own (at ameliakelley.com), incorporating research-backed nuances like medication and caffeine sensitivity that weren't in the original.HSP sensitivity to medication and caffeine is about perception, not metabolism. There's no research showing HSPs absorb or metabolize differently — but a sensitive nervous system feels symptoms (hunger, pain, caffeine's effects) more intensely. Practical tip: black tea's slower caffeine release can be gentler than coffee for sensitive systems.Amelia pushes back gently on "superpower" language. She and Victoria both admit the gift-framing can feel hollow on hard days. Amelia reframes it as a duality — real strengths (creativity, depth of joy) that only show up when boundaries and a supportive environment are in place, paired with real costs (intense breakups, overwhelm) that come with the same wiring.Boundaries are the throughline struggle. Victoria names her own pattern directly: saying a boundary but still needing the other person's reassurance that it's okay. Amelia's reframe — that holding a boundary means accepting someone else might not understand it, and that's fine — lands as one of the episode's most personal moments.Timestamps00:47 — Welcome back + mood meter check-in (post-vacation, both "low energy")03:49 — Setting up Part 2: compassionate leadership, masking, inherited sensitivity, boundaries04:57 — Compassionate leadership and why the leader has to unmask first07:25 — What masking feels like from the inside08:32 — Elaine Aron's original HSP scale and why it changed09:53 — Amelia's husband's traumatic brain injury and inherited sensitivity11:45 — Why Amelia built her own HSP scale (ameliakelley.com)14:37 — Caffeine, medication sensitivity, and nervous system perception17:02 — Pushing back on "superpower" framing — the real strengths and real costs19:41 — Victoria on boundaries: the struggle of needing reassurance21:44 — Where to find Amelia (website, HSP scale, Wired & Worthy podcast)22:53 — OutroGuest BioDr. Amelia Kelley is a therapist, author of several books (including Powered by ADHD), TED speaker, workplace sensitivity analyst, and host of the Wired & Worthy podcast. Her HSP self-assessment, free resources, book links, and social links are all available at ameliakelley.com.If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's [email protected]://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworksMentioned in this episode:How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

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 TakeawaysEmpaths 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.Timestamps00:00 — Welcome to Season 5 + catching up with Victoria and Heather02:09 — Introducing Dr. Amelia Kelley04:32 — Amelia joins the conversation04:58 — Where Amelia's empathy and drive to help began07:05 — "Empaths are made, HSPs are born"10:15 — The misconception that sensitivity is always "soft"12:02 — What "2E" (twice exceptional) means13:41 — Why working for herself changed everything for Amelia16:13 — Inside a workplace sensitivity checkup19:25 — Handling pushback from leaders and business owners21:11 — Wrap-up + fun fact follow-up (yes, it's a Sasquatch)Guest BioDr. 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.comWired and Worthy podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0P7wxzgwoupiaohxRamiA3This 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 [email protected]://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworksMentioned in this episode:How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

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, harmoniousHigh C – Violin; practice and precisionWhich 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-understandingIf 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 1Thriving As A Highly Sensitive PersonThe Big FiveEpisode Timestamps:00:00 - Why Sensitivity Matters00:20 - Meet the Host and Producer00:41 - Mood Check In01:53 - Big Five to Big Six: Sensitivity02:35 - DISC As… Instruments02:58 - What High Sensitivity Means04:03 - Type One Super Sensor07:05 - Type Two Super Feeler10:02 - Type Three Aesthete13:41 - Temperament vs Personality16:47 - Four Reasons to Add It18:55 - HSP Stigma20:00 - Should It Be The Big Six20:41 - Summer Hiatus But Season 5 Will Be Back in The FallIf you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's [email protected]://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworksMentioned in this episode:How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

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! [email protected] https://pod.link/1614071253 https://discoverwhatworks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks

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. reactingIf 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 Pause00:59 - Show Intro and Mood Meter02:27 - DISC Books for World Book Day03:42 - Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in the AI Era04:31 - Emotionality Factor Overview05:17 - Empathy Quick Refresher06:03 - Emotion Perception Quiz09:14 - Perception Pitfalls and Tips11:36 - Emotion Expression Skills14:46 - Relationships and Trust18:44 - Power of the Pause Revisited20:03 - Wrap Up and CreditsIf you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect! [email protected] https://pod.link/1614071253 https://discoverwhatworks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks Mentioned in this episode:How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

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 CapricornHigh 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-criticismIf 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: MindsetEpisode Timestamps:00:00 - Why This Topic Now00:32 - Show Intro and Mood Meter01:51 - DISC Meets Astrology04:49 - What Self Compassion Means06:09 - Self Compassion Quiz Walkthrough10:53 - Scores and Subscales13:24 - Tender vs Fierce Self Compassion15:41 - Benefits and Research Findings17:31 - Myths That Block Self Compassion19:53 - How to Practice and Resources20:19 - Gender Roles and Open Questions22:06 - Final Takeaway and OutroIf you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's [email protected]://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworksMentioned in this episode:How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

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 energyHigh I – F1: Fun, thrillingHigh S – Hamnet: Familial relationships, emotional depthHigh C – The Secret Agent: Layered details, deductive reasoningWhich 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 optionsIf 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 podcast00:45 - Mood check-in: Yellow (exhilarated) vs Blue (tired)02:11 - Introduction to conflict management styles and Oscar-nominated films as DISC types02:57 - Overview of Dr. Ralph Kilman's TKI assessment model03:37 - Sample assessment questions walkthrough05:31 - Revealing personal conflict style results09:09 - Deep dive into the five conflict styles begins12:00 - Competing style (Shark) - High assertiveness, low cooperation13:54 - Collaborating style (Owl) - High assertiveness, high cooperation15:25 - Accommodating style (Teddy Bear) - Low assertiveness, high cooperation16:57 - Avoiding style (Turtle) - Low assertiveness, low cooperation20:01 - Compromising style (Fox) - Moderate assertiveness and cooperation21:29 - Discussion on win-win vs zero-sum mindsets in conflict22:00 - Key takeaways: Using awareness to choose appropriate conflict styles22:44 - Closing and creditsIf you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's [email protected]://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks

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 true00:00:32 – Welcome to Discovering You: Where Personality Meets Possibility00:01:00 – Mood check-in and DISC color conversation00:02:15 – Personal context and emotional awareness in leadership00:03:00 – DISC explained through a football analogy00:03:30 – Recap of HPTI and leadership traits from Part One00:04:00 – Trait #4: Risk Approach explained00:04:30 – High vs. low risk approach and DISC connections00:05:00 – Why risk approach matters in leadership00:05:30 – When high risk becomes a liability00:06:00 – How risk approach shows up in teams and groups00:07:00 – Personal reflections on risk tolerance and decision-making00:08:30 – Trait #5: Ambiguity Acceptance defined00:09:00 – Organizational culture and ambiguity tolerance00:09:30 – Leadership performance under uncertainty00:10:00 – The dangers of excessive ambiguity acceptance00:10:45 – Real-world facilitation examples and collaboration00:12:00 – Overplaying strengths and adaptability in business00:13:30 – Trait #6: Competitiveness explained00:14:15 – Healthy vs. unhealthy competitiveness in leadership00:15:00 – Individual and team dynamics around competition00:16:00 – Competing with others vs. competing with yourself00:18:45 – When competitiveness influences participation and motivation00:19:00 – Leadership derailment: when strengths become risks00:19:30 – Overview of the 10 common leadership derailers00:21:00 – Self-reflection: identifying personal derailment patterns00:22:30 – Perfectionism, excessive caution, and leadership awareness00:23:00 – Growth, coaching, and leadership beyond titles00:24:00 – Closing thoughts and how to learn moreIf you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's [email protected]://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworksMentioned in this episode:How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

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 thinkingYou’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 teamsIf 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 [email protected]://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks#HighPotential #LeadershipDevelopment #Personality #DISC #TeamDynamics #ProfessionalGrowthMentioned in this episode:How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works