What if the key to building a high-performing team isn't fixing weaknesses, but maximizing strengths? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Kathy Kersten, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach who has spent over 15 years helping leaders at Meta, Google, and AWS unlock their teams' potential through the CliftonStrengths framework.

"I always joke that my Maximizer talent is a warning label, not just a t-shirt," Kathy explains, diving into the power of self-awareness and how understanding your natural talent patterns can transform both individual performance and team dynamics. From discussing the difference between specialty players and utility players to sharing practical strategies for hiring based on strengths rather than just skills, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on leadership.

Whether you're an entrepreneur building your first team, a leader looking to optimize performance, or simply curious about how to leverage your own talents more effectively, Kathy's insights provide a roadmap for creating trust-based environments where everyone's unique abilities can flourish.

More About Kathy:
I’m Kathy Kersten, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a dedicated team maximizer with more than 15 years of experience unlocking the potential of individuals and teams. My journey in the world of strengths began with a focus on employee engagement at Rackspace, leading me to specialize in enhancing the dynamics within tech teams and organizations. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with tech leaders from esteemed companies such as Meta, Google, and Amazon Web Services.

My approach is rooted in creating trust-based environments where everyone’s unique talents can flourish. I’ve facilitated strategic retreats, coached cross-functional teams, and partnered with top educational institutions like Texas A&M University and the University of Texas San Antonio on impactful projects. I also have a strong passion for supporting women’s professional development, having served as a coach, facilitator, and keynote speaker for various organizations and events.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: Meet Kathy Kersten, the Team Maximizer [00:00 - 03:59]
Welcome and the brain metaphor for strengths
Kathy's background as a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach
What is CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)?

Understanding Strengths: More Than Just Being Good at Something [03:59 - 08:30]
Defining strength: talent + investment = strength
The difference between natural patterns and developed skills
Why is self-awareness the foundation

The Specialty Player vs. Utility Player Debate [08:30 - 19:00]
Should you be known for one thing or many?
The sports analogy: All-American specialists vs. versatile athletes
Balancing specialization with organizational needs

Zooming In and Out: The Full Strengths Picture [19:00 - 28:45]
Beyond the top 5: understanding your complete talent profile
How context determines which strengths to deploy
The importance of knowing your bottom strengths, too

Building Teams Around Strengths, Not Just Skills [28:45 - 38:30]
Hiring for energy and natural talent
The accountant's story: when skills drain your energy
Identifying what gives you zero energy boost vs. what energizes you

Practical Application: Strengths in Action [38:30 - 48:00]
How entrepreneurs can build their first team using strengths
The finite nature of time and energy
Matching people to roles that energize them

The Maximizer's Perspective on Optimization [48:00 - 56:00]
Why does Kathy focus on optimization over fixing
Creating trust-based environments for talents to flourish
The power of knowing your team's strengths

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts [56:00 - 59:47]
Camden's takeaway on specialty vs. utility value
Otis's ref