Working to Your Strengths with Ross Rotherham

CliftonStrengths felt like “just another quiz” until it didn’t. In this episode, Datadog sales engineering leader and coach Ross Rotherham helps unpack what CliftonStrengths actually is, how to turn raw talent into mature strengths, why energisers matter, and how to spot your blind spots before they trip you up. We also dig into the clean line between mentor and coach, and a tiny switch that makes feedback land better: ask for advice about next time.

I also share the lovely feedback from Episode 1, say thanks to everyone who messaged, and commit to bringing you more real mistakes. Big shout-out to guests who are willing to be vulnerable, it is not easy and we appreciate it.

• CliftonStrengths in plain English, and why it focuses on what’s right with you

• Raw vs mature strengths, and aiming talent at outcomes

• Energisers, the conditions your strengths need to thrive

• Blind spots, how your superpower can land badly at volume eleven

• Mentor vs coach, use the right tool at the right time

• Advice, not feedback, a small wording change that unlocks better input

• Practical listening habits leaders can model

In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Smith to unpack what it really takes to build trust and credibility as a first-time leader.

Through stories from his time leading technical teams across APJ and scaling startups, Jeff shares lessons on showing up with humility, earning trust by being useful, and letting go of the need to have all the answers.