The Strength Catalyst

When You Love the Work Too Much: Delegation, Boundaries, and Letting Go

In this episode of the Strengths Catalyst Podcast, Kathleen Leary, Executive Director of Canine Partners for Life, joins Colleen for a candid conversation about growing into a new role while building and supporting a developing team. Kathleen shares the challenge of stepping back from doing, learning to delegate more intentionally, and navigating the pull of a mission that never really turns off. This episode explores delegation, work-life boundaries, and the shift required to create a more sustainable and empowering way of working. Episode Show Notes * Canine Partners for Life website: https://k94life.org/ [https://k94life.org/] * Introspective strength affirmation cards: https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/] * Strengths Profile Assessment: https://www.strengthsprofile.com [https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free] (The Strength Profile is now Skills Discovery ) * Have a question or want to suggest a guest for the Strengths Catalyst Podcast? Email Colleen (Colleen@strengthcatalyst.com)  You can get your own set of the Introspective Strength Cards online at https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/]

Human-Centered Leadership

Liz Milner, Executive Director and facility chaplain at the Correctional Institutions Chaplaincy (CIC) in Northern California, joins Colleen for a conversation on resilience, leadership, and the quiet power of leading with deep purpose. As the head of an organization providing spiritual and emotional care to incarcerated individuals, Liz's work demands extraordinary compassion and steadiness — and in this episode, she explores where that steadiness comes from. Together, Liz and Colleen discuss how understanding your unique combination of strengths can transform even the most challenging aspects of leadership, from navigating difficult feedback to shifting between demanding roles with grace and presence. This episode highlights how strengths like explaining, connecting, and esteem building can reframe challenges into opportunities for clarity, growth, and deeply human leadership — and what becomes possible when we lead in ways that feel both effective and profoundly aligned with who we are. Episode Show Notes * CIC Ministries website: https://www.cicministries.org/ [https://www.cicministries.org/] * Introspective strength affirmation cards: https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/] * Strengths Profile assessment: https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free [https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free] * Have a question or want to suggest a guest for the Strengths Catalyst Podcast? Email Colleen (Colleen@strengthcatalyst.com)  You can get your own set of the Introspective Strength Cards online at https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/]

The Courage to Lead in Uncertainty

Brett Donelson, founder and CEO of The Cycle Effect, joins Colleen for a candid conversation about leading a nonprofit organization built through innovation, experimentation, and growth. Brett shares the pressures of scaling without a clear roadmap and how his strengths help him navigate uncertainty, visibility, and differing perspectives as a leader.  This episode explores confidence, resilience, and the courage required to lead while continuously evolving alongside your mission. Episode Show Notes * The Cycle Effect: https://www.thecycleeffect.org/ [https://www.thecycleeffect.org/] * Introspective strength affirmation cards: https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/] * Strengths Profile assessment: https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free [https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free] * Have a question or want to suggest a guest for the Strengths Catalyst Podcast? Email Colleen (Colleen@strengthcatalyst.com)  You can get your own set of the Introspective Strength Cards online at https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/]

Leadership in Seasons of Change

Natalie Small, founder of the nonprofit Groundswell, joins Colleen for a live coaching conversation on navigating leadership, transition, and purpose-driven work. As Natalie prepared for motherhood and stepped back from day-to-day operations, she reflected on the realities of leading a mission-centered organization at the intersection of women’s, mental, and ocean health. Together, Natalie and Colleen explore how understanding and intentionally using strengths can help leaders balance inspiration with sustainability by rallying others while also caring for themselves.  This episode highlights how knowing your strengths can serve as a powerful internal compass, allowing you to become your own wise self-coach during seasons of personal and professional change. Episode Show Notes * Groundswell: https://www.thegroundswellinstitute.com/ [https://www.thegroundswellinstitute.com/] * Introspective strength affirmation cards: https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/] * Strengths Profile assessment: https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free [https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free] * Have a question or want to suggest a guest for the Strengths Catalyst Podcast? Email Colleen (Colleen@strengthcatalyst.com)  You can get your own set of the Introspective Strength Cards online at https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/]

Leading with Heart and Discipline

Lauren Baker, Founder and CEO of The Wonderfund, joins Colleen for an unscripted coaching conversation on what it truly means to lead a mission-driven nonprofit with both heart and discipline. Together, they explore the realities of nonprofit leadership — building and supporting a small team, learning to delegate while staying deeply connected to purpose, and navigating the ongoing demands of fundraising. Lauren reflects on how intentionally using her strengths, including Unrealized Strengths like curiosity, persistence, and self-belief, helps her balance compassion with rigor and sustain her leadership over time. This episode offers thoughtful insight for leaders who want to grow their impact with clarity, care, and intention. Episode Show Notes * Wonderfund Link: https://www.wonderfundma.org/ [https://www.wonderfundma.org/] * Strengths Profile assessment: https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free [https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-us/products/free] * Introspective strength affirmation cards: https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/] * Have a question or want to suggest a guest for the Strengths Catalyst Podcast? Email Colleen (Colleen@strengthcatalyst.com)  You can get your own set of the Introspective Strength Cards online at https://www.introspectivecards.com/ [https://www.introspectivecards.com/]