Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast

SHIFT 2026 Recap with Pamela Nelson and Stephanie Theisen

Welcome back, friends! In this special episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by Pamela and Stephanie to recap and reflect on the energy, momentum, and meaningful moments from SHIFT 2026. Together, they share behind-the-scenes insights from organizing the event, the power of in-person connection, and the standout lessons that emerged from this year’s momentum-focused theme.  The conversation highlights key takeaways from speakers like Jon Acuff, the importance of trust-building behaviors within teams, and the personal growth that came from stepping into new roles and challenges throughout the event. From mindset shifts to leadership insights, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to create and sustain momentum in work, leadership, and life.  Registration for our next Grounded Leadership [https://aligntransform.com/grounded-leadership-program/] cohort is now open!   Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader [https://aligntransform.com/growth-focused-leadership/] cohort is now open!   Registration for our new Managers Essentials Course [https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jca_3FibtEqwk7IUe0XAJW6m74KA3CdBg97EI6vtxrBUQlZJSVBEVTFPV0ZUUEVBMjVQU0pZTU9UUi4u] is now open!  At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.      CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com [https://d.docs.live.net/dbbbb1cb59505fdf/Documents/Align%20Files/a%20podcast%20notes/tara@aligntransform.com].      Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!      Resources:  ALIGN Trust Resource - OILS [https://aligntransform.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ALIGN-OILS-resource.pdf]  GROW Leadership Capacity Assessment [https://aligntransform.com/grow/]   Manager Essentials Course [https://aligntransform.com/new-manager-essentials-course/]  Procrastination Proof - Jon Acuff [https://jonacuff.com/procrastination-proof]  Jon Acuff's New Anthem Challenge [https://jonacuff.com/soundtracksaudio]

Why Your Core Values Aren't Working

Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by co-host Stephanie Theisen, to dive into what it really takes to make Core Values more than just words on a wall. They explore how many organizations underutilize their values after creation, and why clarity, alignment, and even tension between values can actually strengthen culture.   They also unpack practical ways to bring values to life, from leadership alignment and hiring to performance conversations and team connection, especially in today’s hybrid work environments. Join us for this important discussion!  Registration for our next Grounded Leadership [https://aligntransform.com/grounded-leadership-program/] cohort is now open!   Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader [https://aligntransform.com/growth-focused-leadership/] cohort is now pen!   At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.      CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com [https://d.docs.live.net/dbbbb1cb59505fdf/Documents/Align%20Files/a%20podcast%20notes/tara@aligntransform.com].      Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!      Resources:  ALIGN Core Values Kit [https://aligntransform.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Core-Values-Kit.pdf]  Clarity Drives Performance [https://hbr.org/2017/01/the-performance-management-revolution]  Managers Shape Culture More Than Statements [https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236927/employee-engagement-drives-growth.aspx]  Values Without Behavior Expectations Are Useless [https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/the-culture-factor/]

Leadership Pathways

Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by co-host and ALIGN’s Chief Strategy Officer, Stephanie Theisen, to unpack the risks of over-relying on AI at work and the importance of maintaining real human connection. They also dive into a common leadership pitfall: promoting high performers too quickly without proper development, and why not all top talent is ready to lead.  They share practical insights on building clear leadership pathways, having honest career conversations, and investing in employee growth, even when tenure is short. The takeaway: intentional development and role clarity are key to retaining talent and building strong, future-ready leaders. You won’t want to miss this insightful discussion!  Registration for our next Grounded Leadership [https://aligntransform.com/grounded-leadership-program/] cohort is now open!   Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader [https://aligntransform.com/growth-focused-leadership/] cohort is now pen!   SHIFT Leadership Event is returning for 2026! Interested in becoming a sponsor for SHIFT, learning more about the SHIFT event, or learning more about our special guest speaker, Jon Acuff? Click HERE. [https://aligntransform.com/shift-sponsorship/]   At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.      CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com [https://d.docs.live.net/dbbbb1cb59505fdf/Documents/Align%20Files/a%20podcast%20notes/tara@aligntransform.com].      Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!      Resources:   Career Growth & Retention (SHRM) [https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/tools/toolkits/empowering-employee-growth-building-dynamic-career-paths?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Internal Mobility & Losing Talent (Aptitude Research, 2023) [https://www.aptituderesearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Apt_NewInternalMobility_Report-0323_Final.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Coaching & High-Potential Retention (DDI, 2024) [https://www.ddi.com/about/media/coaching-research-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Coaching as a Critical Leadership Skill (DDI, 2024) [https://www.ddi.com/about/media/coaching-research-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Leadership Effectiveness Gap (Harvard Business Publishing, 2024) [https://www.harvardbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-GLOBAL-LEADERSHIP-DEVELOPMENT-STUDY_Time-to-Transform.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Succession Planning Needs to Be Ongoing (Center for Creative Leadership) [https://www.ccl.org/articles/research-reports/succession-planning-and-leadership/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Workforce Development Challenge (SHRM State of Workplace) [https://www.shrm.org/content/dam/en/shrm/executive-network/EN_State%20of%20the%20Work%20Place%20Report-Executive%20Version-012024pdf.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Skills Employers Actually Want (NACE Job Outlook 2024) [https://www.naceweb.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023/publication/research-report/2024-nace-job-outlook.pdf]  Career Development as a Retention Driver (Work Institute, 2024) [https://info.workinstitute.com/hubfs/2024%20Retention%20Report/Work%20Institute%202024%20Retention%20Report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Retention Pressure is Increasing (CIPD, 2024) [https://www.cipd.org/globalassets/media/knowledge/knowledge-hub/reports/2024-pdfs/8662-resource-and-talent-planning-2024-report-web.pdf]  Gen Z / Early Talent Expectations (Deloitte, 2024) [https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/about/press-room/deloitte-2024-gen-z-and-millennial-survey.html]

Unpacking the Unbossing Trend

Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by co-host and ALIGN’s Chief Strategy Officer, Stephanie Theisen, to explore the growing “unbossing” trend: the decision to step away from leadership roles even as organizations need strong leaders more than ever. Together, they discuss how burnout, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of purpose are reshaping the way people think about leadership today.  The conversation also highlights what organizations can do to build sustainable leadership pipelines, including creating accessible development opportunities, supporting emotional maturity, and modeling healthy boundaries. Tara and Stephanie share why rethinking how we develop and support leaders may be key to making leadership roles worth stepping into again.  Registration for our next Grounded Leadership [https://aligntransform.com/grounded-leadership-program/] cohort is now open!   Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader [https://aligntransform.com/growth-focused-leadership/] cohort is now pen!   SHIFT Leadership Event is returning for 2026! Interested in becoming a sponsor for SHIFT, learning more about the SHIFT event, or learning more about our special guest speaker, Jon Acuff? Click HERE. [https://aligntransform.com/shift-sponsorship/]   At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.      CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com [https://d.docs.live.net/dbbbb1cb59505fdf/Documents/Align%20Files/a%20podcast%20notes/tara@aligntransform.com].      Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!      Resources:   Gallup [https://www.gallup.com/home.aspx]  GROW™ Leadership Capacity Assessment [https://aligntransform.com/grow/]  The leadership pipeline for women is flashing a warning | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/womens-path-c-suite-narrowing-linkedin-news-ekg2e/?trackingId=WVEYQp1wShmp7hGRAQf8cg%3D%3D]   Over 40% of stressed-out leaders consider leaving leadership roles: DDI study [https://hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/over-40-of-stressed-out-leaders-consider-leaving-leadership-roles-ddi-study/117323560?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Global Leadership Forecast 2025 [https://www.ddi.com/about/media/global-leadership-forecast-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  ‘Conscious unbossing’: How is Gen Z opting out of climbing the corporate ladder [https://etedge-insights.com/featured-insights/conscious-unbossing-how-is-gen-z-opting-out-of-climbing-the-corporate-ladder/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Reluctance to lead: Conceptualization and contextualization [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026323732400029X?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  A systematic review of managerial burnout and personal crisis [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/23970022251315650?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Poor Leadership, Heavy Workloads Top Contributors for Workplace Burnout, New SHRM Research Finds [https://www.shrm.org/about/press-room/poor-leadership--heavy-workloads-top-contributors-for-workplace-?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Why Gen Z is Saying No to Management [https://www.kornferry.com/insights/this-week-in-leadership/why-gen-z-is-saying-no-to-management]

Strengths-Based Leadership in an Era of Change Fatigue

Welcome back, friends! In this episode of the Grounding and Growing Leadership Podcast, Tara is joined by co-host Pamela Nelson to unpack a reality many leaders and teams are feeling: change fatigue. Together, they explore why constant change leaves people emotionally and mentally drained, and how it often shows up as disengagement, resistance, and even over-control.  Tara and Pamela share practical, strengths-based strategies to help restore resilience, including clarifying roles, creating stabilizing rhythms, building connection and trust, and rehearsing more helpful “soundtracks” so teams can stay grounded in the midst of ongoing change. This episode is thoughtful, approachable, and grounding; an encouraging reset for leaders navigating a rapidly changing world.   Registration for our next Grounded Leadership [https://aligntransform.com/grounded-leadership-program/] cohort is now open!   Registration for our next Growth-Focused Leader [https://aligntransform.com/growth-focused-leadership/] cohort is now pen!   SHIFT Leadership Event is returning for 2026! Interested in becoming a sponsor for SHIFT, learning more about the SHIFT event, or learning more about our special guest speaker, Jon Acuff? Click HERE. [https://aligntransform.com/shift-sponsorship/]   At the Grounding and Growing Leadership podcast, we believe everyone is a leader and that leadership starts with you. Join Tara Gronhovd, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and e2Grow High Performing Team Coach, and Pamela Nelson, Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Counselor, and Spiritual Director, as we navigate conversations to grow you and your teams on your leadership journeys.      CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder) is an assessment that is based on positive psychology and measures core motivations. It’s an extremely powerful tool for personal and professional development as well as improving team dynamics. You will hear us reference Strengths frequently in our podcasts. If you are interested in learning more and taking the CliftonStrengths assessment for you or your team, please reach out to tara@aligntransform.com [https://d.docs.live.net/dbbbb1cb59505fdf/Documents/Align%20Files/a%20podcast%20notes/tara@aligntransform.com].      Comments or questions about this episode? Ideas for future podcast topics and guests? We’d love to hear from you!      Resources:   Gallup [https://www.gallup.com/home.aspx]  GROW™ Leadership Capacity Assessment [https://aligntransform.com/grow/]  Soundtracks by Jon Acuff [https://store.jonacuff.com/soundtracks]