Many of us have encountered an event like a job interview where we are asked, "what are your strengths"? And, "what are your weaknesses"? Others have been asked to reflect on their strengths by taking a personality assessment or strengths finder quiz. In any situation, I'm sure we can agree...knowing one's strengths is a big ask! Cliff Troyer, an Employment Specialist at Nebraska Vocational Rehab with the Department of Education, centers his expertise around helping students with Individualized Educational Plans and other disabilities to prepare for their next steps after high school. Through his work, Cliff will help these students identify and articulate their strengths in order to build confidence in their employment and career activity endeavors. In this episode, Cliff is going to share his advice on how we can develop a way to advocate our strengths for our own personal gain as well as how our strengths can also benefit others during the exploration and journey into a fulfilling career!

Credits: Music by Ellie Westfall. Artwork by Kristina Bachman. Produced by Greg Joyce.

In my opinion, one of the hardest parts about being human is coping with the fact that it's hard to be your true self day in and day out. We may say things like, "I know who I am" or "I stopped keeping up with the Joneses a long time ago". But, I feel the fact of the matter is that every day we battle external pressures that cause us to behave in a way that doesn't align with who we tell people we are. I'm not casting fault; it's easy to do. At least, I know I'm guilty of this...all I want is to be popular, right? Chad Thies is in the business of knowing and serving people. As the founder and president of Zelle HR Solutions, he oversees a unique business model which is devoted to building impactful relationships with clients to ensure healthy organizational growth and development. In essence, Chad has a passion for people. He thanks his Nebraskan roots which taught him good ole’ fashioned values of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. In this conversation, I'm going to explore what authenticity could look like as the center-fold of a good work ethic and how staying true to who you are can actually create more "yes" and "success" in a life of becoming.

Credits: Music by Ellie Westfall. Artwork by Kristina Bachman. Produced by Greg Joyce.

Death is usually an uncomfortable topic to talk about. At least, most of us don't use it as a conversation starter at a dinner party! It is, however, something we as humans think about or encounter often. Julie Masters, professor of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska Omaha, concentrates her work on aging and end-of-life. While educating her students, she eludes to the values of meaning and purpose as a way to live well. Emphasizing that finding connection to something greater than oneself can greatly prolong your desire to live. Julie's fascination around what it means to age has helped her become comfortable with the topic of death. In this conversation, we will explore why it's important to think about and discuss each stage of life and why living well can help us to die well.

Credits: Music by Ellie Westfall. Artwork by Kristina Bachman. Produced by Greg Joyce.