Speakers

JO SELF

Strategic® | Activator® | Maximizer® | Communication® | Ideation®

Founder, Author, Strategist & Creator of the Future of Strengths Forum

MEXICO 

Jo Self dreams of living in a world where talents aren’t wasted, potentials are realized, and happiness is contagious. As the author of the Practical Strengths series, she is determined to teach the 34 talents of CliftonStrengths® as a 2nd language, believing that a common language, which celebrates differences as advantages, is the best way to bring communities together and positively and sustainably power them forward.

Her background is diverse – ranging from developing award-winning employee programs for the world’s largest fast-food restaurant company, Yum! Brands…

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to starting her own event business. Once she moved to Peru in 2011, she built a Top 50 Start-Up Tourism Business. In 2015, after a brief cancer scare, everything changed and she looked to Gallup to start her current path, one which is not just a job, but a calling.

Heather Gupte

Learner® | Strategic® | Connectedness® | Responsibility® | Achiever®

Transformation Catalyst, Samiracles Consulting

FLORIDA, USA

TOPIC: Building Inclusion through Strengths
Heather Gupte is an agile, balanced, and compassionate thought-leader with 34 years of successful experience in business (publicly traded, private equity, founder-led), entrepreneurship, non-profits, and consulting. Her work is centered around practical knowledge and application of social psychology, evolutionary biology, and…

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…neuroscience in a variety of sectors, settings, and services. She has effectively led large corporate teams, started two small businesses, and effected a hands-on and strategic impact in the not-for-profit sector.

Christopher Miller

Maximiser® | Learner® | Connectedness® | Input® | WOO®

Owner/Founder, christophermiller.com / Expansive Love

NEW ZEALAND

TOPIC: Surviving and Thriving a Bipolar Journey of Ecstasy and Despair
Christopher grew up in Canada where he earned a BScH in Life Sciences, and an MBA in Health Services Management before investing in a 12-year marketing management career in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries in the UK. Upon immigrating to New Zealand, Christopher delivered entrepreneurial mindset & strategic planning coaching services to small to medium…

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…businesses in Wellington. In 2010, Christopher became Senior Consultant with Gallup where he led Employee Engagement and Strengths-Based Culture Change projects throughout Australia and New Zealand. Since September 2017, Christopher has led his own Strengths-Based, Heart-Centred Leadership coaching & mentoring practice. He is the author of two books (The Joy of Finding FISH; Finding FISH in a Strengths-Based Practice) and has published a Let’s Talk Love Card Deck that creates meaningful conversations about fulfilment, inspiration, success, and happiness to feel more love.

Thomas Eckschmidt

Deliberative® | Connectedness® | Input® Ideation® | Strategic®

CoFounder, Conscious Business Journey

BRAZIL

TOPIC: Conscious Capitalism for Personal Development
Father of Gabriela, Husband of Ana Maria, and an enthusiast of conscious business and coops. Former farmer, with an engineering degree and Executive MBA in Finance, Thomas worked in 15 different countries, Thomas had a corporate career for…

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10 years, migrated to another decade of consulting work before launching himself as a serial entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, Thomas received 12 awards (innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability), filed 4 patents and published 20 books.

Thomas has launched the Conscious Capitalism movement in Latin America, helps chapters all around the world, he has certified over 1,200 consultants in 23 countries and runs the largest network of consultants to accelerate the UPGRADE of leaders and their organizations, to create a more conscious business ecosystem.

Cristen Colleen

Futuristic® | Ideation® | WOO® | Positivity® Activator®

Founder, Cultures Connect

MICHIGAN, USA

TOPIC: Connecting Across Global Cultures

Cristen Colleen is a highly dedicated and passionate leader inthe fields of Cultural Intelligence, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Global Workforce Development and Strengths Leadership.
For over 20 years, Cristen has focused on generating global cultural awareness, linguistic and intercultural competencies by building and… 

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…delivering results-oriented programs for multinational corporations, educational, government, and nonprofit organizations around the globe. She works to support and
maximize the power potential of diverse teams, management and leaders (through a strengths-based formula coaching method) to drive synergetic collaboration of unique talents
within multicultural teams.

Her core identify:
Social entrepreneur, global motivational speaker, and community engager (with a rule-breaker and game-changer mindset). Cristen is a subject matter expert in foreign language
acquisition, cultural intelligence, DEi, and talent development.
Through formal education and hands-on experience, working and living in other countries, Cristen has acquired a working
knowledge of over 10 foreign languages and a handful of ‘warpspeed’ ‘relationship-building phraseology’ in more then 20 additional languages.
Cristen’s current interest lies in African cultural studies, including the languages of Zulu and Swahili and has recently hosted diplomatic delegates from several African nations in her
home.

Her core passion today:
Fueling the #CulturesConnect Challenge initiative. A one-week interactive challenge for organizations and individuals to put connecting across cultures into real-time action!

Facilitators

Please note that Copyright © 2000 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Each of the 34 Clifton StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc

Barbara Bengtson, PhD

Learner® | Restorative™ | Futuristic® | Strategic® | Achiever®

Consulting Psychologist, Perception Coaching

MINNESOTA, USA
Dr. Bengtson, executive coach and consulting psychologist, develops and supports internal coaching programs for organizations of all sizes. Her organizational development journey started January 2011 as an internal coach when selected by a team of peers. 

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In late 2016 she founded an independent practice, creating the Perception Coaching® approach to develop and support well-being and productivity in the workplace. She recently authored a related textbook to increase access to responsive coaching practices (Coaching for Well-Being, Productivity, and Innovation: Using Perception Coaching® with Individuals, Teams, and Organizations. Published by Routledge, 2024).

Tiffany Flaming

Input® | Strategic® | Intellection® | Context® | Ideation®

Coach, Build Your Bench Coaching

CALIFORNIA, USA
Tiffany Flaming has been a Learning & Development Professional and Coach for the last 15ish years. She’s been a Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach since 2018 and has facilitated workshops with teams in various industries. She has a passion for developing mid-level leaders (new leaders up to Directors) because they are the lens through which the majority of employees see their company.

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She started Build Your Bench Coaching to meet the deep need of that population. In addition to using Gallup CliftonStrengths, she is certified by The Academy of Brain-Based Leadership to administer their Psychological S.A.F.E.T.Y. tool, and is certified in GROW Coaching and Situational Leadership II. When Tiffany is not coaching, she’s likely traveling to some far-flung destination or curled up on the couch with Daisy (her dog) and watching British murder shows.

Damaries Blondonville-Ford

Learner® | Achiever® | Input® | Intellection® | Strategic®

Founder/Owner, Dabll Consulting

MARYLAND, USA
Ms. Damaries Blondonville-Ford is a distinguished figure in the field of education, bringing over 30 years of expertise to the forefront. Her journey within K–12 public education and non-profit organizations reflects a profound commitment to shaping transformative learning experiences.

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Her commitment to a strengths-based leadership and management approach has seen her present on regional and national stages, showcasing her dedication to advancing education. Currently serving as the Academy Director for the University of Maryland School Improvement Leadership Academy, Damaries is pursuing a science education doctoral candidacy at Morgan State University. Her academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a master’s in curriculum and instruction focusing on science education from Loyola University in Baltimore.

Dr. Monica Holmes

Positivity® | Individualization® | Developer® | Belief® | Restorative™

MARYLAND, USA
Dr. Monica Holmes is a dedicated educator, motivational speaker, life engagement and certified CliftonStrengths coach. As a certified coach it’s her mission and passion to share the benefits of self-awareness, personal development and improved communication while empowering and motivating individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

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Dr. Holmes’ vested interest in the Strengths philosophy was evident during her doctoral journey. Her dissertation topic, “How Leadership Behaviors Impact School Culture; through the lens of Clifton Strengths” speaks to her belief and commitment to helping individuals and couples live life to the fullest!

Cath Baker

Connectedness® | Ideation® | Includer® Activator® | Restorative™

Counsellor and Strengths Based Coach, Coach4U

AUSTRALIA
Cath Baker is a transformative coach and counsellor known for her ability to connect people and ideas, fostering growth and innovation. With her caring and inclusive approach, Cath builds strong relationships and tackles complex issues effectively. She is dedicated to helping individuals unlock their potential…

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… through personalised support including individual and relationship counselling, ADHD coaching, team coaching, and business coaching. Cath draws on extensive real-world knowledge of ADHD. This practical experience, combined with her deep understanding of relationships and ADHD’s impact, enables her to provide valuable insights and support to her clients.

Emily Caldwell

Futuristic® | Learner® | Empathy® | WOO® | Positivity®

Director of StrongPoints, Meredith College

NORTH CAROLINA
Emily Caldwell, Director of StrongPoints at Meredith College, leverages her top strengths—Futuristic, Learner, Empathy, Woo, and Positivity—to empower students and staff through CliftonStrengths coaching. With over 10 years in higher education and extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, Emily has successfully integrated strengths-based development on campus. She also founded Stepping Stones for Global Development, focusing on…

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… sustainable solutions in global health and education. Emily’s nonprofit consulting work and passion for strengths-based personal and professional growth make her a dynamic leader in fostering environments where individuals can thrive.

J. Parker King

WOO® | Communication® | Adaptability® | Positivity® | Includer®

Global Sales Training

GEORGIA, USA
“Once labeled as ‘limited’ by an ADHD diagnosis at age 8, Parker defied expectations and redefined ‘normal.’ Harnessing the unique potential of a neurodivergent mind, he transformed supposed limitations into extraordinary abilities.

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Now a dynamic Public Speaker with an eye on Strengths, Parker champions the power of neurodiversity, proving that our greatest challenges often conceal our most potent strengths. With a mind that refuses to color inside the lines, he brings unprecedented creativity and innovation to his clients. Parker’s journey from a misunderstood child to a trailblazing adult isn’t just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in turning so-called disabilities into superpowers. Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about the potential of the human mind.”

Sally Magee

Learner® | Achiever® | Responsibility® | Input® | Futuristic®

Sobriety & Leadership Coach, Magee Coaching Solutions

CALIFORNIA, USA
Sally is the Founder of Magee Coaching Solutions, a Strengths-Based Sobriety Coaching practice, that provides a judgment-free coaching services for “gray area drinkers” to transform their relationship with alcohol. 

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For the sober-curious, Sally runs a 31-Day Course and Alcohol-Free Challenge; and for the sober-serious, she offers a 6-month coaching experience. Sally is passionate about helping people experience life on the other side of alcohol and thrive alcohol-free. She has 25 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry and lives in Palm Springs, California with her husband, Mike, their chocolate lab, Tucker, and two kitties.

Rupa Dev Rihan

Empathy® | Positivity® | Developer® | Relator® | Individualization®

Founder/Owner, Rupa Dev Rihan Consulting

CALIFORNIA, USA
Rupa Dev Rihan (she/her/hers) is a Gallup-certified strengths coach, facilitator, strategist, creative, and community builder. Her work is focused on building inclusive learning experiences and spaces that bring out the best in people. Rupa is passionate about helping underrepresented leaders leverage…

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… their strengths to rediscover their confidence, feel more fulfilled, and having a bigger impact in their professional work and holistic lives. She has designed and facilitated multiple leadership development trainings for women of color and non-binary femme leaders that have received an average NPS score of 98/100. Prior to launching her own coaching and consulting practice five years ago, Rupa spent the first decade of her career working at the intersection of community engagement, storytelling, and leadership development. She has a masters in teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, a B.A in English from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and is a trained integrated coach from the Institute for Integrated Intelligence.

Leo Castillo

Achiever® | Learner® | Command® | Self-Assurance® | Ideation®

Managing Partner and Lead Culture & Strategy Consultant, Fearless Consulting

PHILIPPINES
Leo Castillo has more than 25 years of experience in organizational development, focusing primarily on culture change, business transformation, leadership development and team dynamics. His clients include many Fortune 500 global and local companies in the Philippines, Singapore…

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…Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. He stated his career in technology and media before going full time in consulting. He is a Certified Practitioner for Amy Edmondson’s The Fearless Organization Scan, Timothy Clark’s Four Stages of Psychological Safety, as well as a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Certified Emotional Culture Consultant.

Haley Bengtson

Harmony® | Consistency® | Input® | Intellection® | Learner®

Lead Coach, Perception Coaching

MINNESOTA, USA
Haley Bengtson is a coach at Perception Coaching LLC, helping to provide accountability and develop systems to improve productivity. She started as a facilitator in workshops during the summer of 2020, and has since added coaching and presenting to her skillset. Haley finds joy in helping sort through the chaos and clearing up miscommunications by creating a common language through strengths and preferences.

Rainya Miller

Consistency® | Learner® | Achiever® | Developer® | Empathy®

Empowerment & Wellbeing Coach, Consortium of Accomplished Educators LLC/She Flourishes

MARYLAND, USA
With over 25 years of enriching experience in educational leadership and personal development, Dr. Rainya P. Miller is the Managing Partner at She Flourishes, where she specializes in Gallup Strengths Coaching and Engagement Coaching. Her profound expertise in these areas enables her to effectively…

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…guide individuals and organizations towards achieving exceptional growth and enhanced teamwork. As a former team leader in the United States Navy, Dr. Miller honed her skills in leadership and strategic collaboration, qualities that she seamlessly integrates into her coaching sessions. She is trained in Positive Intelligence Coaching (PQ) and trained in Jim Knight’s Instructional Coaching, equipping her with diverse methodologies to empower clients ranging from entrepreneurs to educational leaders. Dr. Miller is deeply committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity within organizations. She holds certifications in Restorative Practices and is a staunch advocate for fairness and diversity in every facet of her work. Her academic credentials are extensive, holding a Bachelor of Science in Education focused on Early Childhood, a Master of Science in Teacher Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, specializing in Community and Organizational Leadership. Through her professional endeavors at She Flourishes, Dr. Miller not only imparts strategic insights but also fosters an environment of continuous personal and professional development, helping her clients to thrive in competitive and evolving landscapes.

Rebecca Rios

Achiever® | Communication® | WOO® | Learner® | Activator®

Founder | Head of Content | Speaker, Pomar Desenvolvimento

BRAZIL
Rebecca Rios is a huge strengths enthusiast who had her life completely changed by understanding the power of leveraging strengths in individual development, relationships and especially education. A former educator with over 15 years of classroom and school admin experience. Gallup certified Strengths Coach and Gallup GGSC leader in Portuguese. Practical Strengths Portuguese Translator, Graduated in Public Relations and English Language Teaching

Phil Magnuszewski

Input® | Ideation® | Strategic® | Connectedness® | Learner®

Chief Innovation Officer at Infused Innovations

MASSACHUSETTS, USA
As the Chief Innovation Officer at Infused Innovations, Phil doesn’t just stay ahead of the curve – he’s working to redefine it. Leveraging over 25 years in the tech industry, his career involves the relentless pursuit of the next technological frontier and he’s currently focused on the transformative potential of generative AI. With deep roots in strategic innovation management, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology R&D, Phil champions innovations that are not merely evolutionary but revolutionary.

Verite Hunter

Strategic® | Futuristic® | Communication® Arranger® | Activator®

Health & Healing Coach, Healing Heartlines

UNITED KINGDOM
Verite is a Somatic experiencing practitioner specialising in working with complex trauma and neurodiversity. She has a keen passion for working with people and originally started her career in youth and community work. She was awarded young achiever of the year and voted in as a representative of her local youth council for her youth project on alcohol education. She later went on…

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… to study Playwork and Qualified as Nursery Nurse specializing in child development. Her most recent study has been Neurodiverse Sensory Motor Psychotherapy. She is the leader of the colleague ability network and a big advocate for celebrating neurodiverse strengths. She has worked within a number of different companies on changing culture around policy, and work environment. She now works as a Health and Wellbeing Coach for NHS and is currently involved in running three major projects including the ADHD project and support group, Nutritional and health coaching for inner city communities and training and development of all Health and Wellbeing Coaches across West Yorkshire. She is the woman who can do it all – after all – this is one of her spiky profile strengths ! She believes that using spiky profiles both within the workplace and for personal and spiritual progression is key to a better world of understanding ourselves and others.

Nathanael Small

Futuristic® | Strategic® | Learner® | Input® | Belief®

Leadership Advisor, Work2Live

AUSTRALIA
Nathanael Small is the Founder and CEO of Work2Live, a missional movement created to educate, equip and empower people from all walks of life experience #loveinwork. An interpreneurship expert, he loves working with leaders at all levels of organisations to create multiplying movements that create transformational and sustainable change.

Jennifer Vancil M.Ed, PCC

Communication® | Connectedness® | Maximizer® | WOO® | Relator®

Strengths-Based Career & Executive Coach, Communicating Strengths, LLC

COLORADO
Jennifer Doyle Vancil, PCC, M.Ed is a strengths-based career and executive coach whose mission is to help people find or create jobs they like and will be good at. She coaches individuals in career transition on strengths-based career exploration, personal branding, and job search. She also works with leaders and workplace teams to…

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… become strengths-based workplaces people don’t want to leave. A mentor to other coaches and an educator with 25 years experience in higher education, Jennifer has a special mission to help educators use CliftonStrengths to help students leverage their strengths in their careers. Jennifer is the Expert Contributor on Jo Self’s 2022 book Practical Strengths: Career Success and the Author of the upcoming book Creating Your Strengths-Based Career: Navigating Your Journey to an Ideal Job due out in 2025. Jennifer is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, an ICF-PCC Professional Certified Coach, and a Career Thought Leaders Associate.

Eduardo Villavicencio

WOO® | Individualization® | Ideation® | Analytical® | Futuristic®

Strengths-Based Team Coach & Trainer, Practical Strengths, LLC

WASHINGTON DC
Eduardo is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, bilingual keynote speaker, and corporate trainer with over 25 years of experience designing and delivering educational programs. Born in Los Angeles to Ecuadorian immigrant parents, he became the first in his family to attend college, studying economics at Harvard. Eduardo’s diverse career includes…

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… roles as a high school teacher, technology director, government contractor, and change management consultant. When he’s not training or traveling, you can find Eduardo listening to podcasts or dancing to salsa rhythms.

Andrew Sloan

Strategic® | WOO® | Activator® | Communication® | Ideation®

Integrated Psychotherapist and Leadership Coach

AUSTRALIA
Psychotherapist. Executive and leadership coach. Team conversationalist. The world is a messy and complex place. And sometimes we find ourselves ill-equipped to live and thrive in an imperfect world, in our complicated bodies, while being told happiness and success are simple. The truth is, they’re not. Of course they’re not. But I’m here to support people and businesses who…

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… are ready to work towards purposeful and sustainable change, despite the chaos and complexity. With my blended approach to psychotherapy and coaching, I’ve collected vast experiences working with people across diverse communities, multiple industries and unique businesses and circumstances. I cherish the many substantial tools I’ve collated for this journey. And now I invite and welcome humans from all walks of life to join me in this safe space to co-create your purpose-filled future. Let’s get unstuck together.

Kate Pintor

Connectedness® | Strategic® | Individualization® | Arranger® | Maximizer®

Owner/Founder, Kate Pintor

CALIFORNIA
Kate Pintor is a passionate coach and thought leader in strengths-based high performance and AI-enhanced purpose-driven leadership, with a seasoned background in Conscious Capitalism, having served CCBA (San Francisco) as Marketing Board Chair. Her experience in coaching and holistic business development spans across many industries and includes Sodexo, Ceres Community Project, Benefit Focus, Temple Spaces…

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… Roadmap Research Global, Starr Staffing, high-level government leaders, and multiple Shark Tank winners. Studies and Certifications that inform her practices are: Conscious Leadership, Strengths Strategy, People Acuity, HeartMath, Positive Intelligence, and Art of Difficult Conversations, as well as B3 Somatics. She also serves as Wellness Program Director for Shift Health/ The Six, collaborating with national purpose-driven wellness providers to change the culture of first responder workplaces, veterans and their families with individualized programs.

Each of the 34 CliftonStrengths theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc