What's the Biggest Mistake Companies Make After Introducing CliftonStrengths: with Jon Sexton
🔥 Episode Description:
Ever wondered how a “no, thanks” can turn into a “heck yes” for culture transformation? In this high-energy, laugh-filled episode, Bill and Sarah sit down with Jon Sexton of Vibrant Credit Union — a former higher-ed pro turned culture architect — to talk about how he built a thriving CliftonStrengths culture that actually sticks.
Ever wondered how a “no, thanks” can turn into a “heck yes” for culture transformation? In this high-energy, laugh-filled episode, Bill and Sarah sit down with Jon Sexton of Vibrant Credit Union — a former higher-ed pro turned culture architect — to talk about how he built a thriving CliftonStrengths culture that actually sticks.
From early haircuts and harmony to friendship at work and fiery WOO energy, this episode hits every note on what makes teams thrive (and sometimes just survive).
💥 Sound Bites You’ll Love:
- “If we set the bar a little lower, we can all jump over it.” – Jon Sexton
- “I think the most underrated skill on a team might just be love.” – Sarah Collins
- “Let’s not forward-cast so far that we miss what’s right in front of us.” – Bill Dippel
- “Positivity is an amplifier in both directions.” – Jon Sexton
- “When I’m excited, everybody knows it. Sometimes I’m on a scooter.” – Jon Sexton
🔥 Key Moments:
- [03:30] Sarah gets real about love and friendship at work — and why the best teams care deeply.
- [07:52] Jon’s big truth: Companies trip up chasing perfection instead of progress.
- [14:30] From “I’ll never work in finance” to “Let’s build a strengths culture!” — Jon’s unexpected leap.
- [26:12] Why “pick a lane” matters: Enneagram, Hogan, or CliftonStrengths — just commit!
- [37:51] The danger of “labels not language” — how strengths get lost when leaders don’t follow through.
- [45:13] The magic of managers like Claire — proof that leadership can literally lift engagement scores.
- [53:13] Dumpster fire moments and why even “Mr. Positivity” sometimes needs a reset.
- [57:06] The inside joke revealed — how an email misfire almost kept Jon off the show!
đź’¬ Conversation Spark:
What’s one “low bar” move your team could make today that would actually make collaboration easier?
What’s one “low bar” move your team could make today that would actually make collaboration easier?
🎧 Tune In If You Love:
- Real talk on leadership and culture
- CliftonStrengths in action (minus the corporate fluff)
- Midwest charm, laughter, and a little light roasting
🔥 Call to Action:
Hit play, grab your favorite morning beverage (or post-7:30 haircut coffee), and get ready to rethink how you build strengths that last.
Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths
Hit play, grab your favorite morning beverage (or post-7:30 haircut coffee), and get ready to rethink how you build strengths that last.
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
GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/
Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/
Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/
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.
