Reading through my CliftonStrengths report felt like looking in the mirror, and maybe for the first time, I saw not just who I am, but how I work. My top five strengths—Futuristic, Strategic, Ideation, Arranger, and Analytical—sit squarely in the Strategic Thinking domain. That affirmation couldn’t have come at a better time. Strategy isn’t just something I’m drawn to. It’s the space where I feel most alive.
In my current role, I lean heavily on these strengths. My Futuristic talent shows up in every vision I cast. Whether I’m reimagining what internal audit could look like or dreaming up new ways to drive engagement through events like the MTICA Convention, I don’t just think about what’s next. I build systems and strategies to get there. Pair that with Strategic, and I’m constantly scanning for patterns and connections others might miss. I don’t shy away from complex challenges. I map them.
Ideation adds energy to my problem-solving. I often find myself reframing conversations or proposing fresh approaches because I genuinely believe that the “best way” might not have been discovered yet. And my Arranger strength helps me bring those ideas to life. I thrive in motion. Managing multiple moving parts isn’t overwhelming. It’s energizing.
Then there’s Analytical, my grounding force. It keeps me honest, keeps my visions tethered to facts, and pushes me to make decisions with confidence. It also ensures that my ideas aren’t just exciting. They’re executable.
But here’s what this reflection helped me see more clearly: while I’m confident in my ability to think, I need to refine how I communicate what I’m thinking. That’s my next stretch. I want to be just as known for my ability to inspire and influence as I am for my strategy and structure. I’m learning that it’s not enough to be the architect of great ideas. I also need to invite others into the blueprint and help them see themselves in it.
This is where growth begins: identifying the blind spots and taking intentional steps to close the gap. For me, that looks like sharpening my personal brand, learning to speak in headlines, and translating vision into stories that connect.
I may never master it all, but I’m realizing that leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up with your strengths, staying aware of your edges, and committing to growth anyway.
This post is part of my 🎀 Power in Pink: My MBA Leadership Journal series.
