Maximizer vs. Perfectionism, Where's the Line: With Jamal Cornelious
If you’ve ever pushed yourself—or others—to make something “just a little better” until it became overwhelming, this episode is your invitation to step back, breathe, and rethink what better actually means. Gallup-certified coach and all-around dynamic human Jamal Cornelious joins Sarah and Bill for a refreshingly honest and often hilarious deep dive into the difference between Maximizer and Perfectionism.
You’ll hear how this strength shows up in parenting, partnership, coaching, and team dynamics—and how to avoid burnout when your inner perfectionist just won’t quit. Whether you have Maximizer or just hold yourself (and others) to high standards, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, challenged, and equipped with tools to move forward with more intention and a little more grace.
Main Takeaways
- Maximizer can be a powerful driver of excellence—but left unchecked, it can cross into unsustainable perfectionism.
- The difference between improving and over-perfecting often lies in asking, “Am I making it better, or just different?”
- High standards don’t have to equal high pressure—when you individualize expectations, people feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
- Having no executing strengths in your top 10 doesn’t mean you can’t execute—it means you do it differently.
- Trusted feedback partners are essential for Maximizers to know when to stop iterating and start shipping.
- At home and at work, our strengths show up differently—but both spaces deserve our intentional talent.
- Letting go of someone’s potential is hard—but honoring their chosen pace is a powerful act of respect.
Sound Bites
- “You can’t let perfect be the enemy of good.”
- “If you’re the one, you’re the one—and if not, we can leave now.”
- “My Maximizer won’t even let me start unless it sees potential for greatness.”
- “Sometimes, the MVP is the most excellent version of ‘good enough.’”
- “I challenge while processing and accepting—yes, and I’ll still debate you on the way there.”
- “My wife calls me a hundred-percenter—if I’m in, I’m all in.”
- “Competition and Maximizer together? That’s wanting to be the best—and better than the rest.”
- “I coach people to give 100% of what they have today—not some ideal version of themselves.”
- “Some kids want feedback—others just want to do cartwheels and pick dandelions.”
- “I have a lot of tabs open—figuratively and literally.”
- “I don’t start unless I believe it can become great. Mediocrity doesn’t motivate me.”
- “Parenting is like the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once—chaotic and constant.”
- “If someone won’t reach for the potential I see in them, I have to work hard not to hold it against them.”
- “When I procrastinate and still expect excellence—that’s my dumpster fire moment.”
- “You can execute with any strengths—it’s just a matter of how you do it.”
Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths
1) Individualization
2) Developer
3) Activator
4) Woo
5) Restorative
6) Empathy
7) Harmony
8) Connectedness
9) Relator
10) Learner
Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths
1) Positivity
2) Woo
3) Communication
4) Harmony
5) Activator
6) Developer
7) Input
8) Individualization
9) Responsibility
10) Arranger
Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm
Creators and Guests
Host
Bill Dippel
Bill Dippel is a certified, professional Strengths coach with a 35-year career in nonprofits and higher education. His passion is working with organizations, teams, and individuals to ensure they are performing and communicating at the highest levels. As president of Bill Dippel Strengths Coaching, he travels frequently for large events and public speaking, as well as working with whole companies through their management teams.
Host
Sarah Collins
Sarah Collins is a certified CliftonStrengths coach and founder of Collins Collective, with over 12 years of experience in strengths-based coaching and leadership development. Her passion lies in empowering businesses, teams, and individuals to communicate and perform at their best by focusing on what they do well. As the leader of Collins Collective, Sarah combines engaging workshops, high-impact keynotes, and in-depth coaching to foster growth and connection. Based in Nebraska, she partners with businesses to drive meaningful change and create high-performing teams.
Guest
Jamal Cornelious
Jamal Cornelious is the CEO & Lead Executive Coach for Mission Defined, LLC. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Jamal works with Senior Executives, Emerging Leaders and their teams to navigate periods of transition and transformation. His mission is to help leaders understand and leverage their individual strengths to thrive in their professional and personal lives. Prior to becoming a full-time Executive Coach and Facilitator, Jamal served in senior positions in Marketing, External Engagement, and Operations across a variety of industries, including Technology, Financial Services, Nonprofit, and Public Sector.
