As we close out 2025, we’re taking a warm, festive look back at the conversations, insights, and unforgettable moments that shaped this year on DISCovering You: Where Personality Meets Possibility. From deep dives into charisma and creativity to surprising reflections on emojis and empathy, this episode rounds up the clips that made us pause, laugh, reflect and grow.

Did we include your favourite episode or moment from 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what resonated most with you this year.

Timestamps

00:00 — Opening + DISC as Holiday Drinks

01:00 — How are you feeling? Check in

02:00 — Heather’s favourite moments and lessons from 2025

02:30 — Clip 1: How nonverbal cues shape first impressions

04:45 — Managing “resting bored face” in real-life and Zoom meetings

07:00 — Clip 2: Empathy, discipline, and how others interpret our intent

09:15 — Heather reflects on responsibility vs. emotional perception

10:00 — Clip 3: Dr. Zorana Pringle on psychological safety and creativity

12:30 — How differing perspectives help Heather & Victoria grow

14:45 — Clip 4: The great emoji debate (and what it reveals)

17:45 — Clip 5: Emotional intelligence + Sandy Pentland’s MIT research

22:30 — Final reflections + holiday wishes for 2026

Resources Mentioned

• Vanessa Van Edwards – Research on charisma, warmth, competence, and nonverbal cues
• Dr. Zorana Pringle – Conversation on creativity and psychological safety
• Sandy Pentland, MIT – Research on team communication patterns and high performance
• Dr. Vanessa Druskat – Discussion on emotional intelligence and paralanguage

Thank you for an inspiring year of discovery, connection, and meaningful conversations. Wishing you a warm, restful holiday season—and we can’t wait to bring you more insights, guests, and laughter in 2026.

If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!

discoverwhatworks@gmail.com

https://pod.link/1614071253

https://discoverwhatworks.org/

https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC

https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks

In this episode, Victoria explores attachment theory and DISC. From childhood caregiver bonds to professional relationships, Victoria unpacks how our early emotional experiences influence how we lead, connect, and collaborate.

Listen in to learn the four main attachment styles - Anxious/Preoccupied, Avoidant/Dismissive, Fearful/Disorganized, and Secure - as well as the workplace applications, emotional regulation strategies, and “superpowers” for each.

Victoria and Heather also share their own quiz results, laugh about their high-C tendencies, and reveal how self-awareness and emotional intelligence can help shift attachment patterns toward security.

Victoria often says DISC is a great tool to have in your toolkit. So, what would DISC look like as tools you might find in a toolbox?

High D - Hammer; maximum output, one hit could get the job done

High I - Flashlight; bright, illuminating the way

High S - Wrench; slowly, steadily does what’s needed

High C - Level; ensures accuracy and precision

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Are you laughing?

01:00 Today’s Mood Meter

02:00 – DISC as tools in a toolbox

03:00 – What is Attachment Theory? 04:00 – How early experiences shape adult relationships

06:00 – The Four Attachment Styles explained and how to take the quiz at attachmentproject.com

08:00 – Style 1: Anxious/Preoccupied

13:00 – Style 2: Avoidant/Dismissive

17:00 – Style 3: Fearful Avoidant/Disorganized

19:00 – Style 4: Secure

21:00 – Leadership through attachment

22:00 – Can your attachment style change?

23:00 – “It’s a sketch, not a portrait.” Using DISC and attachment insights to grow self-awareness

24:00 – Closing thoughts and where to learn more about attachment styles

Notable Quotes

“I think it’s important to clarify that attachment is a spectrum, and so you may not fit one completely.”

“Our greatest challenges often reveal great strengths. Our attachment styles can also be our superpowers.”

“It’s a sketch, not a portrait… we have all four DISC factors in us somewhere.”

Resources Mentioned

• Take the free attachment style quiz and explore detailed resources: https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/
• Mark Brackett’s How We Feel app and the Mood Meter framework: https://marcbrackett.com/how-we-feel-app-3/

Key Takeaways:

Attachment theory shapes how we connect, communicate, and lead based on early caregiver bonds.

It’s a spectrum — your style may shift across personal and professional relationships.

Each style has both triggers and strengths:

● Anxious: Seeks reassurance; strong collaborator.

● Avoidant: Values independence; focused achiever.

● Fearful: Cautious but highly responsive.

● Secure: Balanced, trusting, and empathetic.

Self-awareness and emotional regulation help shift from reaction to response.

Attachment styles can evolve through secure relationships, therapy, or emotional intelligence work.

If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring, and onboarding, let's connect!

📧...

In this insightful continuation, host Victoria and guest Dr. Vanessa Druskat dive deeper into the dynamics of emotionally intelligent teams. They explore how constructive debate — what Vanessa calls “creative abrasion” — drives innovation, why belonging is essential for psychological safety, and how leaders can create norms that encourage open disagreement and authentic communication.

From the use of playful tools to stories of global teams transforming their culture, Vanessa shares research-backed strategies for balancing candor and connection. The episode closes with reflections on introversion, leadership, and the power of research to build teams where everyone feels included and valued.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Mood Check

Victoria and Heather discuss “colors of the day” and explore the word challenge as a positive motivator.

02:00 – DISC as Seasonings

A creative analogy connects DISC personality types with spices — from cayenne to turmeric — and a lighthearted discussion on pumpkin spice and cilantro follows.

05:30 – Introducing Dr. Vanessa Druskat (Part 2)

Victoria recaps feedback from Part 1 and reintroduces Dr. Druskat, setting up a conversation about constructive conflict and team culture.

06:00 – The Value of Debate in Teams

Vanessa explains how debate forces clarity, enhances thinking, and fuels innovation — what she calls creative abrasion.

08:00 – Belonging and Psychological Safety

Discussion about how fear of not belonging can silence voices, and why leaders must build inclusion for honest dialogue.

09:00 – “Whine Cards” and Norm-Support Tools

Vanessa introduces team tools to help members express disagreement safely.

11:00 – Creating Team Norms

The power of agreed-upon frameworks and shared signals (“little shaker / big shaker”) to prevent tension and ensure everyone feels heard.

12:00 – The “Hat Issue” Story

A hospital leader’s creative method for surfacing unspoken issues — using a light-up construction hat to symbolize open disagreement.

13:00 – Applying EI Models to Teams of All Sizes

Vanessa discusses how her model works with teams from 6 to 23 members, emphasizing leadership buy-in and subteam alignment.

15:00 – Handling Skepticism and Resistance

How to get reluctant teams onboard — from engaging the leader early to showing data and starting with meaningful “why now?” discussions.

16:30 – The Object Exercise

A team-building activity where members bring an object representing their ideal team; examples include a Swiss Army knife and personal trophies.

18:00 – Introversion and Observation

Vanessa shares how being an introvert sharpened her observation skills and influenced her research, challenging assumptions about introverted leaders.

19:30 – Researcher vs. Practitioner

Vanessa reflects on her dual identity as a researcher and implementer, and her mission to help teams achieve inclusion and excellence.

22:00 – Personal Experience with Teams

She recounts her most memorable experience with a Johnson & Johnson research team — a high-functioning, collaborative group that modeled her findings in action.

23:30 – Lessons from Great Teams

Vanessa ties her observations back to her book, emphasizing the importance of shared purpose, norms, and inclusion in remote and in-person settings.

24:00 – Closing Reflections

Victoria expresses gratitude and highlights the book as a comprehensive blueprint for leaders seeking to build...

In this episode of Discovering You, Victoria sits down with Dr. Vanessa Druskat—award-winning researcher, professor, and co-creator of the Team Emotional Intelligence model. Known as the “Jane Goodall of Teams,” Vanessa brings decades of research and real-world experience to help leaders build collaborative, high-performing groups.

From her childhood in Kenya to her groundbreaking studies on team culture, Vanessa shares how belonging, caring, and psychological safety transform team performance. You’ll hear powerful stories—from NASA’s culture shifts to Pete Carroll’s love-based coaching—that reveal why team norms matter more than individual grit.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome back: Season 4 kicks off with summer reflections, DISC as university programs, and a new puppy named Mac.

03:30 – Meet Dr. Vanessa Druskat: Introduction to her groundbreaking research on team emotional intelligence.

06:00 – Childhood in Kenya: How early experiences with culture and code-switching shaped her research lens.

09:00 – The foundation of belonging: Why being known is essential to team success.

11:00 – Caring & respect: Pete Carroll’s “secret sauce” of love in coaching and why it isn’t soft.

15:00 – Lessons from NASA: What went wrong in the Challenger and Columbia disasters, and how team culture—not individuals—was the villain.

20:00 – Communication beyond words: MIT research on nonverbal signals and what predicts high-performing teams.

23:30 – Creative abrasion: Why constructive debate sparks clarity, innovation, and better decisions.

27:00 – Practical tools: “Wine cards,” shakers, and light-up hats to help every voice be heard.

31:30 – Team size & dynamics: How the EI model works with teams as small as 6 and as large as 23.

33:00 – Overcoming skepticism: How to win over reluctant leaders and teams.

36:00 – Introversion as a strength: Why being an observer made Vanessa the “Jane Goodall of Teams.”

39:00 – Researcher vs. implementer: Bridging the gap between theory and practice.

42:00 – Personal team experiences: Memorable lessons from research collaborations and real-world teams.

43:30 – Closing thoughts: A blueprint for building emotionally intelligent, high-performing teams.

Notable Quotes

• “It’s really impossible to belong if you don’t feel known.” – Dr. Vanessa Druskat
• “Love isn’t soft—it’s critical for high performance.” – Dr. Vanessa Druskat
• “The villain is group culture.” – Dr. Vanessa Druskat

Resources & References

• Dr. Vanessa Druskat’s book: The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups That Outperform the Rest
• Mark Brackett – Permission to Feel and the Mood Meter framework
• Angela Duckworth – Grit
• Sandy Pentland’s MIT research on team communication

If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!

discoverwhatworks@gmail.com

https://pod.link/1614071253

https://discoverwhatworks.org/

https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC

In this episode of DISCovering You, Victoria and Heather dive into the often-overlooked low DISC factors—the behaviors and traits that fall below the midline on a DISC assessment. While most discussions focus on high DISC traits (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Compliance), Victoria explains how the low end of each scale holds just as much insight into personality, communication, and team dynamics. The conversation explores how low traits manifest differently than their high counterparts, challenging the assumption that “high is better.” Using personality models like Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies and the Enneagram, Victoria draws rich comparisons to deepen understanding. Whether you're a DISC nerd or DISC newbie, this episode will help you see yourself—and others—with more clarity and compassion.

Timestamps & Topics

[00:00:00] Welcome & Emoji Icebreaker

Victoria and Heather kick off with their current moods, a discussion about emoji use, and how emojis could represent DISC types.

[00:06:00] Introduction to Low DISC Factors

Why low scores on the DISC profile matter, and how they reveal different—but equally valid—personality tendencies.

[00:08:00] Low D

Traits: Patient, accommodating, consultative.

Comparisons: Obliger (Four Tendencies), Peacemaker (Enneagram 9).

Misconception: Low D doesn’t mean unmotivated.

[00:12:00] Low I

Traits: Analytical, decision-making based on facts, not feelings.

Comparisons: Upholder (Four Tendencies), Loyalist/Skeptic (Enneagram 6).

Misconception: Low I doesn’t mean unfriendly.

[00:14:00] Low S

Traits: Fast-paced, multitasking, comfortable with change.

Comparisons: Questioner (Four Tendencies), Enthusiast (Enneagram 7).

Bonus: A fun tap/clap pace exercise to illustrate energy differences.

[00:17:00] Low C

Traits: Risk-taking, rule-bending, freedom-focused.

Comparisons: Rebel (Four Tendencies), Challenger (Enneagram 8).

Misconception: Low C isn't careless—it’s innovative.

[00:20:00] Key Takeaways & Wrap-Up

Understanding low traits brings depth to team-building, communication, and self-awareness.

[00:21:00] Announcements & Contact Info

Info on coaching, team sessions, and the podcast’s summer break.

“We don’t improve our profiles—we lean into them, learn about them, recognize our challenges, and leverage our strengths.”

If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!

discoverwhatworks@gmail.com

https://pod.link/1614071253

https://discoverwhatworks.org/

https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC

https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks

Mentioned in this episode:

How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

Fast Facts

In this episode of Discovering You, host Victoria welcomes Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, senior research scientist at Yale and author of The Creativity Choice. Together, they explore the science behind creativity—dispelling myths, explaining how personality and mindset influence creative confidence, and offering strategies to overcome blocks. From the role of emotion regulation to the surprising power of frustration, Dr. Pringle shares actionable insights drawn from both research and personal experience. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how creativity works—and how they can cultivate it in everyday life.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and DISC “TV Dads” Analogy

02:00 – Meet Dr. Zorana IPringle and her new book

04:00 – Childhood moment that sparked her fascination with creativity

06:00 – What is creativity? The science-backed definition

07:30 – Creativity beyond the arts: Engineering, relationships, and everyday life

08:30 – The Four Cs of Creativity: Mini, Little, Pro, and Big C

09:30 – Fixed vs. Growth Mindset and their influence on creativity

11:00 – Understanding creative self-efficacy and how it evolves through a project

13:00 – How introverts and extroverts experience creative confidence differently

15:00 – The emotional rollercoaster of creative work

17:00 – Emotion regulation and how it supports creativity

19:00 – Chronotype and your creative schedule

22:30 – Redefining creative productivity: Writing vs. rewriting

24:00 – Strategies for overcoming creative blocks

27:00 – Why psychological safety fuels innovation and collaboration

29:00 – Practicing what you preach: Zorana’s personal lessons writing the book

32:00 – Final takeaway: Creativity is a long-term, recommitted choice

Key Takeaways:

• Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s about solving problems in novel and effective ways, whether in business, relationships, or daily life.
• Creative confidence (self-efficacy) grows over time and doesn’t require being doubt-free.
• Mindset matters: Believing creativity can be developed helps unlock it.
• Emotions, even negative ones, can fuel innovation if understood and regulated well.
• Psychological safety is crucial for team creativity—it enables risk-taking without fear of punishment.
• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to being productive—know your chronotype and lean into your unique rhythm.

Notable Quote:

"Creativity is a choice. Not an easy one, but one you can recommit to—again and again—as you navigate the ups and downs of turning ideas into action."

Learn More: https://www.zorana-ivcevic-pringle.com/

If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!

discoverwhatworks@gmail.com

https://pod.link/1614071253

https://discoverwhatworks.org/

https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC

https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks

Mentioned in this episode:

How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works...

In this powerful second installment, Victoria peels back more layers of the Myers Briggs personality framework. This episode takes us to the next level with Myers Briggs. With humour, heart, and honesty, Victoria and Heather also reveal their own results (spoiler alert: one of them is among the rarest types in the world) and explore how their personality insights influence how they show up in work and life. Whether you're a coach, a team leader, or someone seeking more self-awareness, this episode offers both relatable stories and practical frameworks.

Timestamps

00:00 – How are we feeling?

03:00 – DISC personalities as fictional TV moms

05:00 – Myers Briggs recap: what the 4-letter codes mean

06:30 – Breakdown of the 4 MBTI groups: Analysts, Diplomats, Sentinels, Explorers

07:10 – Deep dive into “Commanders” (ENTJ): bold leaders, Gordon Ramsay energy

08:30 – Deep dive into “Advocates” (INFJ): rare visionaries, empathetic justice-seekers

10:00 – Deep dive into “Logisticians” (ISTJ): structured, dependable, Hermione types

11:50 – Deep dive into “Entrepreneurs” (ESTP): rule-breakers, action-takers

13:00 – Heather and Victoria reveal their own types: ISTJ and INFJ

16:30 – How personality shows up in stress, reliability, and empathy

20:00 – Emotional insight: balancing structure with compassion

22:00 – How knowing your type helps with leadership, boundaries, and burnout

23:00 – Free resource: Find your type at 16personalities.com

24:00 – Closing thoughts + how to work with Victoria

Notable Quotes

"I don't consider myself great at anything, but I do consider myself reliable, trustworthy, and dependable." – Heather

"Sometimes I feel like you're hard on yourself… but your unwavering commitment is your superpower." – Victoria

"If I see a situation where someone is unfairly judged, it really wears on me. That sense of justice is wired in me." – Victoria

"We're growing as people." – Both hosts, in unison ❤️

Resources & Takeaways

• Take the Test: 16Personalities.com – Discover your Myers-Briggs type
• Reflection Prompt: What part of your personality shows up strongest under stress?

If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!

discoverwhatworks@gmail.com

https://pod.link/1614071253

https://discoverwhatworks.org/

https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC

https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks

Mentioned in this episode:

Fast Facts

How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

In this highly anticipated episode of DISCovering You, Victoria explores Myers-Briggs! Kicking things off with a clever twist—comparing DISC as manicure styles. From there, she unpacks the origins of MBTI, how it compares to DISC, and what those mysterious four letters actually mean. With warmth, wit, and real-life stories, Victoria walks us through key parts of the MBTI test and reflect on what it reveals about our personalities. Plus, Victoria and Heather make bold predictions about each other’s MBTI types — to be revealed in Part 2!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and emotional check-in

02:45 – DISC types as manicure styles!

04:00 – DISC vs. Myers-Briggs: Key distinction

05:00 – Brief history of MBTI and how it works

06:00 – The four MBTI dimensions explained (Energy, Mind, Nature, Tactics)

08:30 – 5 Sample MBTI questions + Victoria & Heather's responses

14:45 – Introduction to MBTI’s 4 personality groups

15:30 – How MBTI categories align with DISC profiles

18:00 – Predicting each other's Myers-Briggs types

21:15 – Call to action: Guess their types before Part 2!

22:00 – How to work with Victoria

Notable Quotes:

"Everything is about DISC, Heather. Come on." – Victoria

Resources Mentioned:

• 📘 The Personality Brokers – Book on the history of Myers-Briggs
• 🔗 16Personalities.com – Free MBTI test
• 🎧 Episode 4 – Reframing Introversion https://pod.link/1614071253/episode/c6b1eb316c9b53c458f7f18df09cf01a
• 📧 Connect with Victoria for coaching or speaking: discoverwhatworks@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

How to work with Victoria Theriault and DISCover What Works

Fast Facts