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

What happens when an Army veteran discovers her superpower is storytelling? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Cher Terais, a two-time #1 bestselling Wanderlust Romance author who's redefining the romance genre by centering bold, accomplished Black women in stunning destinations around the world.

Cher explains shares her journey from military service to becoming a full-time author and founder of The Booked Club travel community. From discussing the therapy found in writing to revealing how her storytelling skills translate into helping other entrepreneurs connect the dots in their marketing, this conversation offers a unique perspective on creativity, reinvention, and building a life that feels as good as it looks.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Cher's emphasis on authenticity and representation. Whether you're an aspiring author, an entrepreneur looking to sharpen your storytelling, or simply someone interested in how diverse experiences shape creative vision, Cher's insights provide a roadmap for choosing courage over comfort and building something uniquely yours.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: Meet Cher Terais [00:00 - 02:51]
Welcome, and the "less than the F word" joke about romance
Cher's background as an Army veteran turned author
Setting the stage for wanderlust romance

The Storytelling Superpower [02:51 - 21:03]
How storytelling became Cher's entrepreneurial edge
Connecting dots for other business owners
The week at College Station and working with entrepreneurs

Writing as Personal Communication [21:03 - 31:00]
"Music for me was a way to talk to people in secret."
Writing from personal experience and emotion
The therapy in storytelling vs. being a storyteller

Representation and Authenticity in Romance [31:00 - 42:24]
Centering bold, accomplished Black women in romance
Why representation in travel and romance matters
Staying authentic in your creative work

Building The Booked Club Community [42:24 - 48:16]
From books to retreats and travel experiences
Creating spaces where adventure and softness coexist
The reality of becoming a travel curator

Lessons on Reinvention and Creativity [48:16 - 51:15]
Camden's takeaway: Not wanting to be arrogant, but owning your gifts
Otis's reflection on storytelling and connection
The power of choosing a life that feels as good as it looks

Connect with Cher [51:15 - End]
Website: cherterais.com
Social media: "One of one" on all platforms - TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest
Books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores
Signed copies exclusively at cherterais.com
Final thoughts on supporting small businesses and authentic storytelling

Connect with Cher Terais here:
https://cherterais.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cherterais/

What happens when a gifted songwriter and Navy veteran decides to tackle the fintech world? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Samoria Preston, founder of ThrillPay, to explore her fascinating journey from creating music to revolutionizing how people access financing for experiences and non-physical products.

"Music theory is basically math," Samoria explains, revealing the unexpected connection between her artistic background and her current work in financial technology. From discussing the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the music industry to sharing insights about building a fintech startup during the Ticketmaster controversy era, this conversation offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is Samoria's ability to bridge both sides of her brain—the creative artist and the analytical businessperson. Whether you're an entrepreneur navigating industry disruption, someone interested in fintech innovation, or simply curious about how diverse experiences shape business vision, Samoria's story provides valuable lessons on staying authentic while building something new.

More About Sam:
Samoria Preston is a songwriter, Navy veteran, and the visionary founder behind ThrillPay, an innovative fintech company redefining how people access and experience financial technology. After serving as an Aviation Maintenance Technician and Plane Captain in the U.S. Navy, Samoria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Liberty University, laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey.

Her career began in the music industry, where she established herself as a professional songwriter, collaborating with a wide range of artists and producers to create digital music using technology that connects deeply with audiences around the world. This creative path sparked her fascination with the power of technology to transform industries and improve lives.

Motivated by a passion for innovation and community empowerment, Samoria launched ThrillPay. This cutting-edge app provides users with easy access to financing for a variety of purchases, including non-physical products and unique experiences. Through ThrillPay, she is dedicated to helping everyday people leverage their finances to create more meaningful and memorable moments.

Throughout her journey, Samoria has been driven by a desire to connect with others and make a positive impact. Whether writing songs, developing new business concepts, or fostering community, she is committed to authenticity, meaningful innovation, and inspiring others to pursue their own passions.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Artist Turned FinTech Founder [00:00 - 03:35]
Meet Samoria Preston and ThrillPay
From Navy veteran to songwriter to entrepreneur
The unexpected connection between music and numbers

"Music Theory Is Math" [03:35 - 15:10]
How music and technology intersect
Digital audio workstations and the tech side of creativity
Writing songs as personal communication

Authenticity in the Music Industry [15:10 - 19:06]
The challenge of staying authentic in a manufactured industry
Writing from personal experience and emotion
When superficial content overshadows meaningful art

The Pivot to FinTech [19:06 - 35:00]
The Ticketmaster era and industry disruption (2022)
Why the original concept didn't feel authentic
Finding the real problem to solve with ThrillPay

Building ThrillPay: Innovation Meets Community [35:00 - 45:00]
Redefining access to financing for experiences
Empowering everyday people through financial technology
The vision behind non-physical product financing

Lessons from Multiple Worlds [45:00 - 53:35]
Balancing creativity with business strategy
The importance of authenticity in entrepreneurship
Advice for asp