Shows
Kolbecast256 An Education That Reflects God's BeautyAMDG. “They are children of God and they are worthy of an education that reflects God’s beauty.”
What does a classical education even look like in grades K-5? Curriculum Director Maggie Hayden and Principal Nicole O’Connor join the Kolbecast to answer just that question. Maggie and Nicole explain how they rebuilt the Kolbe elementary curriculum to reflect classical methodology and principles of Ignatian education. “We were looking at what things the little kids have to know in K-2 to be able to do third through fifth, then sixth through eighth grade, and up to high school,” Magg...2025-04-2348 minKolbecast249 Stories Crafted with Care from Kolbe Academy PressAMDG. “When a child opens a book, I don’t want him to be overwhelmed by what’s on the page. I want him to open the book and be excited.”
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Kolbe’s publishing branch? Kolbe team members Stasha Becher, Carol Gilpin, and Stephanie Foley bring you an insider perspective on Kolbe’s publishing program, from development to product review. The group discusses why Kolbe launched their publishing branch; how they integrate classical principles into their books, even at a Pre-K level; the science behind their font size and word count...2025-03-0559 minKolbecast246 Orientation toward the EternalAMDG. Alumnus and CVS health general management program developer Charlie Mihaliak steps on stage to share an inspiring message about the importance of education in the current cultural moment. "What we're facing right now," Charlie declares, "is an idolatry of this farce of limitless freedom as the key to happiness." Charlie reminisces on his own journey to happiness, from his own Kolbe graduation to becoming a business major-- a major he quickly switched, choosing theater as his focus instead. Charlie reflects on the lessons he learned during this chapter of his life; why he considers theatre as "three-dimensional metaphysics"...2025-02-1233 minKolbecast237 Unearthing a Broader WorldviewAMDG. Kolbe science teacher of almost 30 years Leslie Spencer has stories to tell. Before she joined the Kolbe team, Leslie lived in a yurt in China while working as an English teacher. More recently, Leslie traveled to Athens and investigated recent archeological discoveries. Leslie reveals details about what the team uncovered that you have never heard before! Leslie discusses the greatest discoveries of the last 100 years; shares her wisdom on educating high school students, including advice for students who are afraid of being wrong or speaking in front of others; advises parents on how to teach science at home...2024-12-1157 minKolbecast230 A Multi-Pronged Approach to College PrepAMDG. Applying to college is no easy feat. From PSATs to transcripts, college visits, and gap years, it can feel like the decisions are endless. In this episode of the Kolbecast, we break down every stage of the college application process, from building a strong transcript to choosing the right college for you. Returning guest Erica Treat and academic adviser Cecilia Byers join the Kolbecast to share their insider expertise and easy hacks you can implement now to set yourself or your child up for success in the college world.
Timestamps
7:45 college visits
12:10 the co...2024-10-2357 min
Powered by InstinctThe Implementor Episode: How You Handle Space and TangiblesEveryone has natural ways in which they take action. These are measured in four areas — Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, and Implementor — called Kolbe Action Modes®. In this fourth and final episode of our Kolbe Action Mode series, Kolbe experts Stephanie Clergé, Eric Herrera, and Nicole Loucks break down the Implementor Action Mode and discuss the different strengths within it: envisioning, restoring, and demonstrating. Our Kolbe experts will take you through what it means to have these different Implementor strengths as they address common misconceptions, break down how to work with people across the Implementor...2024-09-2636 min
Powered by InstinctThe Quick Start Episode: How You Deal With Risk and UncertaintyEveryone has natural ways in which they take action. These are measured in four areas — Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, and Implementor — called Kolbe Action Modes®. In this third episode of our Kolbe Action Mode series, Kolbe experts Stephanie Clergé, Eric Herrera, and Nicole Loucks break down the Quick Start Action Mode and discuss the different strengths within it, such as stabilizing, modifying and innovating. Whether you naturally initiate change and improvise solutions (like Eric), participate in experiments and adjust deadlines (like Stephanie), or minimize risk factors and protect the status quo (like Nicole), you’ll get t...2024-08-1432 min
Powered by InstinctThe Follow Thru Episode: How You Organize and DesignEveryone has natural ways in which they take action. These are measured in four areas — Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, and Implementor — called Kolbe Action Modes®. In this second episode of our Kolbe Action Mode® series, Kolbe experts Stephanie Clergé, Eric Herrera, and Nicole Loucks break down the Follow Thru Action Mode and discuss the different strengths within it, such as adapting, maintaining, and systematizing. Whether you naturally create systems for everything (like Nicole), maintain flexibility and create shortcuts (like Stephanie and Eric) or find yourself in between keeping those systems running, you’ll benefit gre...2024-07-1845 minKolbecast215 New School Year Starter KitAMDG. Just enrolled? Considering enrolling? Returning but feeling overwhelmed? Today’s episode is for you. Dean of Admissions Jeanne Anne Ford and customer support supervisor Colleen Pilon share their go-to guidance on organization and inspiration for a new school year, from answering the top questions they get on repeat to tips and tricks they recommend on the regular. Together with Bonnie and Steven, they provide practical pointers on balancing structure and flexibility.
Relevant Kolbecast episodes
105 Not Just for Special Occasions, concerning socialization
103 Above & Beyond with Nancy Nelson from the Kolbe Academy bookstore
32 Reflections of His Light with Kolbe A...2024-07-1052 minKolbecast209 Kolbe Kids Give Gems of InformationAMDG. Current Kolbe students and brothers Jacob, Gabriel, and James visit with Bonnie and Steven today about their day-to-day lives, their experiences with Kolbe, and their insights for their fellow students. Highlights include their various extracurricular activities and how they juggle their commitments through various time management styles, how they prepare for graduation, what it’s like for younger siblings to watch older siblings navigate high school, what it’s like to use an American-designed curriculum in Canada, and their parish life participation.
Meet the boys’ mother Tricia in Kolbecast episode 190 The School of Patience.
Other re...2024-05-2955 minKolbecast207 A Privilege of a LifetimeAMDG. Tune in to our newest two-parter of episodes last week and this, where we visit with longtime Kolbe moms recently hired on as Kolbe employees. Elyse Williams puts the day to day of homeschooling life into perspective of the bigger picture to be seen as she visits with Bonnie and Steven. She highlights the differences in various seasons of parenting, from elementary school to high school; provides reassurance and encouragement; and describes the beauty of the mind encountering God day in and day out through homeschooling.
Click here for more information about Kolbe’s academic advising servic...2024-05-1558 min
Powered by InstinctHow Growing Businesses Use Assessments like Kolbe, Working Genius, CliftonStrengths, and MoreWhy do we take assessments? What type of assessments should people and businesses use? How can you use assessments to effectively grow your business? In this conversation, Amy Bruske and Shannon Waller from Strategic Coach provide the answers to these pressing questions and more. They explore the different types of assessments and how they can provide insights into an individual's cognitive strengths, motivations, and natural ways of taking action. Shannon shares her favorite assessments, including Kolbe, CliftonStrengths, Print and Working Genius, and explains how they complement each other. They also discuss the effective use of ass...2024-04-1846 min
Powered by InstinctThe Fact Finder Episode: How You Gather and Share InformationEveryone has natural ways in which they take action. These are measured in four areas — Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, and Implementor — called Kolbe Action Modes®. In this episode, Kolbe experts Stephanie Clergé, Eric Herrera, and Nicole Loucks break down the Fact Finder Action Mode and discuss the different strengths within it, such as specifying, simplifying, and explaining. They provide coaching tips for each strength and address common misconceptions. They also explore how different Fact Finder strengths can work together in a workplace setting and how you can maximize your Fact Finder strength for more pro...2024-03-1434 minKolbecast197 Tools in a Toolbox: Kolbe Academy's Student Support ServicesAMDG. Children don’t come with instruction manuals, so having resources to help road map out various challenges can benefit everyone in a family. In this episode, Karen Allgood and Krysten Pizzurro join Bonnie and Steven to describe the vast array of services available through Kolbe’s student support services and special education offerings. They describe the individualized attention they provide and the confident communication they foster in situations where families may be uncertain they can fulfill a child’s need. They also touch on the importance of documentation and accommodations, the concerns about being labeled or just needing to try har...2024-03-061h 01
Powered by InstinctNext-Level Leadership – Using Kolbe to Help Executives Thrive and Build Dream TeamsNobody is asked to make more decisions, more difficult decisions, or more important decisions than executives. So anything that gives leaders an upper hand in making those decisions more efficiently and effectively is pure gold. Enter our guests: Susan Spritz Myers and Whitney Capps. Susan and Whitney are both incredible leadership coaches who know how to help executives achieve amazing results and build remarkable teams. In this episode, they discuss the impact of knowing your MO (Modus Operandi) and how it can shape your personal and professional life. They share specific case studies of how th...2024-02-2234 min
Powered by InstinctThe Power to Empower — Using Kolbe to Impact Careers, Families, and CommunitiesHow do you ensure you’re equipped to grow as a business leader? As a family member? As a trusted member of your community? And how can you help others do the same? In this episode, Stephanie Clergé, VP of People and Product Development at Kolbe Corp, and Rob Castaneda , Founder and CEO of ServiceRocket, discuss how to infuse Kolbe Wisdom™ into a business in in ways that will empower team members and clients alike. Rob shares his experience with taking the Kolbe A™ Index and how it has helped him understand himself and others better. Learn how Serv...2024-02-0832 min
Powered by InstinctEpic Business Transformations: Discover The Power of a Kolbe ConsultantWhen Kari Gillenwater first integrated Kolbe into her practice, she had no idea the level of impact it would have for her clients. In this episode, Kari shares how discovering her Kolbe strengths has improved both her life and her business. She explains how she uses Kolbe to help top business owners build teams and empower their employees. She also offers advice for coaches and consultants looking to incorporate Kolbe into their practice at the highest levels. If you’re a consultant or coach looking to make a bigger impact on your clients’ businesses and lives, then this...2024-01-2541 min
Powered by InstinctLessons in Conative Excellence, Part IIKolbe Corp annually honors the organizations that display exceptional creativity and leadership when it comes to the use of conation and Kolbe Wisdom™. The award honoring organizational leadership in building conative excellence, called the Kolbe Enterprise Award, is our way of signaling that a strengths-based business is doing incredible work using their knowledge of instinctive strengths and application of that knowledge. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, host Toby Phillips engages with Kolbe Certified™ Consultants representing two of the finalists for the Kolbe Enterprise Award and dives into the integration of the Kolbe System™ within their organiz...2023-12-1421 min
Powered by InstinctAction Starter: Connecting Kolbe and EOS®Action Starters are a series of shorts from the Powered by Instinct podcast. These are bite-sized clips with easily accessible knowledge for you to enjoy.This clip comes from David Kolbe’s interview with EOS® Worldwide Visionary Mark O’Donnell back in season 1.It’s a great recap on why Kolbe and EOS work so well together, and delivers insight into how you can incorporate both into your company culture. "Kolbe helps you make a big leap in team health in less than an hour’s worth of time.” – Mark O’Donnell...2023-12-0703 min
Powered by InstinctLessons in Conative Excellence, Part 1Every year, Kolbe Corp honors the individuals who display exceptional creativity and leadership when it comes to the use of conation and Kolbe Wisdom™. The award honoring individual leadership in building conative excellence, called the Kolbe Professional Award, is always hotly contested due to the wealth of incredible Kolbe Certified™ Consultants doing incredible work. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, host Toby Phillips engages with the three finalists for the Kolbe Professional Award. Sarah Gillet Couto shares her transformative journey from banking to coaching, highlighting how Kolbe's theory reshaped her career and personal understanding. M...2023-11-1633 min
Powered by InstinctThe Easy Button for Team HealthIn this special episode of Powered by Instinct, we bring you a webinar from EOS Worldwide’s Strong in Six™ Business Challenge. As part of People Week, Kolbe Corp President Amy Bruske was asked to speak on how to master the People Component™ of your business.The result is “The Easy Button for Team Health,” a candid discussion on how to make your most pressing people decisions easier to handle. You'll discover the secret to making the biggest impact on team performance in the quickest amount of time, get a better understanding of the Kolbe System™ and how you can...2023-10-261h 01Kolbecast174 Kolbe’s Chiaroscuro with Anthony D’AmbrosioAMDG. Our patron St. Maximilian Kolbe is known for the heroism of his final days, but those acts were the culmination of the virtuous life he lived before his internment at Auschwitz. In this episode, visitor to the Kolbecast Anthony D’Ambrosio shares his special perspective on St. Max, which is based on his work developing the film Kolbe’s Passion and the intimate connection he forged with the saint during his own time of crisis. Anthony, Bonnie, and Steven discuss the relationship between suffering and faith, the grappling with despair and disillusionment that is inescapable in modern life, and the...2023-09-2747 min
Powered by InstinctSurviving a 5,000-Mile Road Trip with Your Family Using Kolbe Wisdom™How do you travel for 17 days across 16 states with your family of 4 in a cramped vehicle and live to tell the tale? If you’re Tashyna Wingo, Director of Operations at Kolbe Corp, you survive by understanding and accounting for everyone’s instinctive needs! In this episode, Tashyna recounts her 5,800 mile long “great American family road trip” in a conversation with Nicole Loucks, VP of Youth & Education Programs at Kolbe. They delve into the dynamics of a family road trip, highlighting the unique ways each family member's instinctive strengths played out during the journey and how Tashyn...2023-09-1435 min
Powered by InstinctUsing Kolbe Strengths to Navigate the Good Times and the Bad"My passion is opening lines of communication in a broken and hurting world, and that's where I see Kolbe as being so powerful." – Mari Martin In this episode of Powered by Instinct, Amy Bruske is joined by Mari Martin, “The Mother of Kolbe in West Michigan.” Mari brings the type of insight you can only get from a dedicated Kolbe Certified™ Consultant for over 30 years. Mari shares how her MO, and her knowledge, has been instrumental in both her career and her personal life, through the good times and the bad. She covers how she used Kolbe...2023-08-3150 min
Powered by InstinctHow to Infuse Kolbe into Your Company CultureGetting a Kolbe A™ Index for everybody on the team is a great first step towards building a strengths-based culture. But, building a sustainable culture where people feel valued and have the freedom to be themselves doesn't happen overnight. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, host Stephanie Clergé and guest Shara Wokal, CFO/CHRO of Riff Agency, dive into the world of Kolbe and discuss how Riff Agency integrates Kolbe into their hiring, onboarding, and team-building processes. Shara emphasizes the importance of consistency and intentionality in infusing Kolbe into the company culture and gives tips and insig...2023-08-1628 min
Powered by InstinctAction Starter: Focus Areas of the Kolbe System™Action Starters are a series of shorts from the Powered by Instinct podcast. These are bite-sized clips with easily accessible knowledge for you to enjoy.This clip is an important one for understanding the basics of how Kolbe can work for you.It’s the 4 components of the Kolbe System in under 4 minutes.Not only does Kolbe Corp President Amy Bruske break down how you can use Kolbe to identify, align, optimize and expand, but you’ll also learn of some innovative approaches to using Kolbe from Stephanie Clergé, Kolbe’s VP of P...2023-08-0803 min
Powered by InstinctAction Starter: Comparing Your Kolbe Result With OthersAction Starters are a series of shorts from the Powered by Instinct podcast. These are bite-sized clips with easily accessible knowledge for you to enjoy.This clip comes from the first season of Powered by Instinct, when Stephanie Clergé and Eric Herrera discussed an important step in understanding your instinctive strengths:Comparing your Kolbe result with others.Listen to Stephanie and Eric discuss the power being understanding the strengths of others and learn how you can use that information to improve your productivity and your ability to collaborate."We n...2023-07-2504 minKolbecast164 This Is Not a Kolbe InfomercialAMDG. Today an experienced Kolbe parent named Lindsey, mother to four sons between eleventh grade and kindergarten, shares the reasons behind her loyalty and enthusiasm. Speaking from her decade of ups and downs (but mostly ups), she describes the pragmatic and profound benefits her family has seen from Kolbe, how she juggles schedules for students in multiple grades, and the factors involved in balancing schoolwork with athletics. Lindsey, Bonnie, and Steven also discuss hands-on tips for enrollment season and the beginning of the school year, as well the value of the sacrifice that homeschool parents make.
Kolbecast epis...2023-07-191h 04Kolbecast163 Postcards from FranceAMDG. Our three-part series on language study wraps with a delectable flourish and an insightful conversation as Jenni Mammola, Kolbe’s language department chair and online French instructor; Therese Prudlo, Kolbe’s history department chair and online history instructor; Megan Lengyel, Kolbe’s chief academic officer; and Mary, incoming co-president of Kolbe’s French club, reminisce about a recent trip to France. We also get to hear from several Kolbe students who traveled with them. From trilingual lunch discussions to experiencing firsthand the close connection between France and Catholicism to the difference between being a traveler and a tourist, our disc...2023-07-121h 05
Powered by InstinctHire Right, the First Time: Using Kolbe to Build Stronger, More Cohesive TeamsWhen you’re looking to find the right fit for your team, especially at the executive level, you need to get it right the first time. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, host Eric Herrera from Kolbe is joined by someone who knows how to get it right: Samir Wagle, Founder and Managing Partner of 11:11 Partners. Samir shares his experiences and strategies for building high-performing teams, aligning personal passions with professional performance, and the integral role Kolbe plays in their recruitment and team development processes. Samir talks about Kolbe’s role in identif...2023-06-2928 min
Powered by InstinctFind Your Natural Strengths and Build a Team Around Them, with Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach®“The day I got my Kolbe profile back was one of the most liberating days of my life.” – Dan Sullivan, Co-Founder of Strategic Coach In this special episode of Powered by Instinct, host David Kolbe sits down with renowned entrepreneur and coach, Dan Sullivan, to discuss the impact of Kolbe on personal and professional growth. Dan shares his experiences with the transformative power of the Kolbe A™Index, highlighting its ability to identify an individual's innate strengths and guide them towards the right opportunities. He emphasizes the many benefits Kolbe has offered the entrepreneurs he helps, how...2023-06-1534 minKolbecast159 Now We See in PartAMDG. A podcaster, a Latin teacher, a development director, and an attorney walk into the same room... It’s not a joke, although there’s plenty of joking—it’s a live-recorded episode from Kolbe’s commencement festivities in Atlanta, GA! Bonnie, Jordan, Steven, and Bonnie’s sister Hope (original Kolbecast host, current behind-the-scenes podcast crew member, and Kolbe alumna) gather around one mic to describe and explore the experience of meeting to celebrate newly minted alumni. They give listeners some context on the schedule of events, describe the ambiance and value of a virtual school’s in-person commencement, and forecast a bit o...2023-06-1455 minKolbecast157 Renewal, Revival, Variety, and Unity with Patrick ReillyAMDG. Patrick Reilly of the Cardinal Newman Society rejoins us to discuss renewal and reform in Catholic education during the 30th anniversary year of the Newman Guide. He describes the aspects of competition and emulation he sees in Catholic schools, examples of God’s providence at work, and the missing foundation in most secular education. He also shares with enthusiasm the ideas that everything in nature has a cyclical effect and the four pillars of his taskforce for Eucharistic education: literacy, liturgy, devotion, and living. Listen through the end for pragmatic thoughts on dual enrollment and demonstrating college readiness.
Kolb...2023-05-3155 min
Powered by InstinctGetting Certified in Kolbe: Build a practice, maximize performance, change lives.If you’re interested in becoming a coach, taking your consulting to the next level, becoming the Kolbe expert in your organization, or just learning everything you can about how individuals and teams naturally operate to the best of their abilities, this is a can’t miss conversation. Why should you be a Kolbe Certified™ Consultant?: The answers are too numerous and varied to share in one podcast episode, but Amy Bruske and Stephanie Clergé do their best to hit as many highlights as possible in this informative and engaging episode. Learn about Stephanie’s path from a...2023-05-3039 minKolbecast152 Join the ConversationAMDG. We love hosting visitors from across the Kolbe and wider communities, but sometimes it’s nice to take a breather and check in with each other. In this episode, Bonnie, Steven, and Jordan do just that. They honor the memory of the incomparable Mrs. Dianne Muth, Kolbe co-founder, voice of wisdom, and skydiver; they talk about Jordan’s recent writing projects and Steven’s work in highlighting Kolbe’s mission; and they reflect on taking the long view on things to nurture a love of learning and truth over the course of a lifetime.
Recordings with and about...2023-04-2651 min
Powered by InstinctTales of a Newly Certified Kolbe ConsultantAre you an assessment aficionado? Think you’ve tried them all? This week’s episode of Powered by Instinct is a helpful way to learn how Kolbe is different. Kolbe helps you understand the ways you naturally take action and interact with others. But unlike many assessments, Kolbe is particularly suitable for work environments and can be used at various stages, from hiring to alignment within an organization. That said, understanding your instinctive strengths is a game changer in every relationship, whether professional or personal. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, Elizabeth Cook, a Kolbe...2023-04-2033 minKolbecast148 Engage & ApplyAMDG. Every Kolbe student gets a rigorous experience, so how can high school parents best decide between core and honors courses? That’s the topic of the day with Everett Buyarski, Megan Lengyel, and Tony Guzzaldo. The group describes qualitative and quantitative differences between the various course offerings (spoiler alert: there are a lot more of the former than the latter), highlights how simply giving students more to read doesn’t automatically increase academic rigor, and gives practical recommendations on how to challenge students without overburdening them. Also listen in for details on student awards, National Honors Society eligibility requirem...2023-03-2955 min
Powered by InstinctBuild a Business & Stronger Relationships with the Power of ConationWhen Angelique Rewers read her Kolbe results, she cried. Finally, she had been seen for what she can do, not what needed to be fixed. Now, as the CEO of BoldHaus, with Executive VP Phil Dyer by her side, Angelique uses Kolbe to ensure ALL of her clients are seen as who they truly are. The results, like their business, have been bold. Join Angelique, Phil, and Kolbe Corp CEO David Kolbe as we kick off season 3 with a bang. In this episode, the BoldHaus duo share the story behind BoldHaus and the rol...2023-03-2346 min
Powered by InstinctA Tour of the Kolbe A Index Result and ReportThe Kolbe A™ Index is the only assessment that measure how you instinctively take action. When find out your MO and first see your 4 numbers and colorful bar chart, it’s normal to focus almost entirely on that result. But there's so much more to it. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, Kolbe Corp’s Stephanie Clergé and Eric Herrera go through their Kolbe A Index results and customized 18-page report, discussing tips, insights, and resources available throughout. It’s a great resource to learn more about your instinctive strengths and how to utilize them. So join us...2023-02-2330 minKolbecast142 Kolbe KiwisAMDG. Visit the Southern Hemisphere with us today as we get to know Mieke Byerley, a Kolbe alumna and homeschooling mother with a Dutch background and 30 years of residence in New Zealand. Mieke shares her experience transitioning to homeschooling as a high school student, including the conflict she had with her parents at first and the way her perspective has changed in the time since. She describes how homeschooling fosters the ability to make sense of things that aren’t at all apparent at first sight, builds a systems thinking perspective, and offers opportunities for failure and experimentation. She also...2023-02-151h 11
Powered by InstinctKolbe Leadership Reacts to Gallup’s Employee Engagement SurveyGallup’s employee engagement survey is out, and the numbers are down again. Less than 1/3 of American workers are actively engaged, and 18% are actively DISENGAGED. More and more individuals are either quietly quitting their job or worse. Fortunately, there’s a missing link to engagement that can help both companies and employees find a better path forward. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, David Kolbe and Amy Bruske, react to the Gallup poll and offer their insights. They discuss: The downward trend of employee disengagement Why leaders are in pain, too The biggest reasons f...2023-02-0915 min
Powered by InstinctThe Secret to Working with FamilyWorking with family is hard. The people you care about most also have the most power to get on your nerves, which means working together can be a LOT!It doesn’t have to be. With the right knowledge and understanding of each other’s instinctive strengths, you can work together with the most important people in your life without destroying your relationship — this episode’s guests (and the host) are proof!In this episode of the Powered by Instinct podcast, our host David Kolbe welcomes Jerry Lujan and Kelley Lujan, a father-daughter duo now w...2023-01-1932 minKolbecast138 Stories to Treasure Together with Kathryn SwegartAMDG. Come along with author, storyteller, and Kolbe mother Kathryn Swegart today as she shares her experience of homeschooling with Kolbe from 1998 to 2008 and her life after homeschooling. She describes standout memories, the freedom and efficiency she found in home education, and how she balanced expectations and incentives with her three children. She also describes her transition away from the season of homeschooling and the path to her current role as an author of children’s stories drawn from the treasury of the Catholic faith.
Links relevant and mentioned:
Visit Kathryn online at kathrynswegart.com.
Kolbe Acade...2023-01-1858 minKolbecast137 Remember Your WhysAMDG. As the doldrums of January and February set in, we turn to one of the most important topics for homeschooling families: encouragement. Karen Allgood, Julie Meyers, Jamie Coelho-Kostolny, and Maggie Hayden join us to share their whys for homeschooling, the highs and lows they see in their own families and their Kolbe families, and some affirming moments they've experienced that brought peace and reassurance during days of struggle. If you’re in a time where some disasters are obvious and some solutions aren’t quite visible, or if you’re just feeling the weight of some cold short winter da...2023-01-111h 03
Powered by InstinctThe Power of Strengths-Based CoachingStrengths-based coaching can have an incredible impact for companies of all sizes and across various industries. When businesses commit to the people part of their organization, amazing results follow. Great strengths-based coaching requires expertise on instinctive strengths as well as expertise in coaching. It’s essential to know how to create buy-in from the top down, and to create a safe environment that allows individuals that show resistance to ask questions and eliminate doubts so the entire team can commit to increasing productivity, lowering stress, and improving collaboration. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, our...2023-01-0532 minKolbecast134 For Tinkerers of All AgesAMDG. Most people listen to podcasts like ours on their cell phones or other portable electronics, but how many of us actually know and appreciate how the devices in our pockets work? Today, Kolbe dad and ham radio operator Chris Ranck joins Bonnie and Steven to talk about the geography, cross-generational communication, math, science, abstract concepts, and practical applications involved in the ham radio medium. He highlights St. Max Kolbe’s engagement with media developments of his time, shares his own experience of how hobbies provide a way to explore learning as a family, and touches on the importance of m...2022-12-2154 min
Powered by InstinctKey Questions Every Manager Needs to Ask ThemselvesIn this episode of Powered by Instinct, Amy Bruske and David Kolbe, the President and CEO of Kolbe Corp, respectively, discuss what it means to be an effective leader in modern times. They do so by asking questions every manager should ask themselves: Do you spend the majority of my time working in ways that energize you versus on tasks that drain you? Do you impose my way of doing things on others? Do you know how each person on your team solves problems? Do you know how to strategically group people together to solve problems and get desired...2022-12-1527 min
Powered by InstinctUsing Kolbe in Financial ServicesNo matter who you are and where you work, knowing your instinctive strengths will help you thrive. But one field that’s seen particular advancements using Kolbe is the financial industry. To explore why that is, our host Eric Herrera welcomes Libby Paul, Talent Development Manager at Keating & Associates. They talk about the benefits of Kolbe in the financial space, how it matches employees with work that fulfills them, and the impact of Kolbe on team development. Host: Eric Herrera (5392)Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Libby Paul (8623)...2022-12-0124 minPowered by InstinctEmpower Your Kids and Embrace the MessWhen you understand and embrace the power of instinctive strengths, it can make a huge difference at work. But the learning doesn’t stop there. A greater understanding of instinctive strengths can also provide incredible support in your personal journey, and in the growth of those you care about most — including your children. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, our host and CEO David Kolbe welcomes Kolbe Certified™ Consultant Clare Willson. Clare shares the breakthrough she felt when she first took the Kolbe A™ Index and why she decided to become a Kolbe Certified™ Consultant a...2022-10-1334 min
Powered by InstinctHow to Build a Strengths-Based Partnership — Lessons from Kolbe and the CEO Whisperer, Cameron HeroldFinding the right balance between the leaders of your organization is absolutely critical to success, and instinctive strengths play a huge role in that balance. So, how do you ensure that your CEO and COO, can collaborate in a way that propels you towards completing your company’s mission? “I realized why people thought I was crazy!” — In this episode of Powered by Instinct, Cameron Herold, the founder of COO Alliance, joins our host Amy Bruske to discuss Kolbe and how taking the assessment changed his perspective on how he approaches diversity of strengths in the work environme...2022-09-2940 minKolbecast121 Roots & WingsAMDG. Voice of experience and mother of eight children ages 12 to 26, Michele Resuta, joins the Kolbecast today to share some of the wisdom she’s developed through 21 years of homeschooling with Kolbe. The conversation covers everything from practicalities like bulk cooking and daily Mass to big questions of building strong foundations and the value of responsible stewardship. Michele talks about catering to students’ strengths and weaknesses, describes some of her tried-and-true methods for finding extra oomph to be patient on hard days, and tells of edifying moments with adult children. Those in the thick of it, take heart—this episode i...2022-09-211h 05
Powered by InstinctYour Strengths, Your Money and Your Team, with Dana AnspachOn the latest installment of the Powered by Instinct Podcast, Kolbe Corp CEO David Kolbe talked with Dana Anspach about what it means to trust your gut in the high-stakes world of finance. Dana is a Kolbe certified™ Consultant and the founder and CEO of Sensible Money, a financial planning firm that regularly uses Kolbe theory to cater to their clients’ instinctive needs. Understanding those needs allows Dana and her team to present and share information in the best possible way for each client, while also better understanding and anticipating client questions and reactions. David and Dana also...2022-09-1536 min
Powered by InstinctBONUS EPISODE: Understanding Your Kolbe A™ Index Result, with Amy BruskeThe Kolbe A™ Index is the only assessment that measures how you naturally take action. Of course, once you’ve taken the Index, there are several actions you can take to better understand and build on your conative strengths. First of all, you’ll want to have an appreciation of what your result means. So, in this episode of the Powered by Instinct podcast, our host Amy Bruske walks us through the four Action Modes®: Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, and Implementor. She explains Kolbe numbers in detail and shares tips to help you better un...2022-09-0118 minKolbecast115 The Kolbe ChimeraAMDG. Kolbe offers an array of options for types of learning: fully homeschool, fully online, and two in-the-middle offerings called self-paced and self-paced plus. We focus on those middle options today with Chrissy Almanzar and Everett Buyarski. What is a self-paced online course? What’s the “plus” in self-paced plus? How do both options help take a load off parents, increase engagement for students, and maintain flexibility while providing a lot of access to content? Listen and find out.
Relevant Kolbecast episodes & other links:
Recordings from Kolbe’s recent open house
113 At the Kolbe Table
58 Mystery Machines (desc...2022-08-1046 min
Powered by InstinctPRO TIPS: Your Business, Your Team, and Your Career, Powered by Instincts — 10 Questions Answered by Experts and Industry Leaders on Powered by InstinctAre you ready to use your natural instincts to improve your business, your team, your career and — your life?! Listen to THIS episode for pro tips that will set you up for sustained success. Welcome to the 10th episode of Powered by Instinct. In the previous nine episodes, we talked with Kolbe experts, CEOs, and entrepreneurs about hiring, onboarding, employee engagement, company culture, and how the Kolbe A™ Index helps improve these processes. You’ll find answers to the following questions, and much more: What is the Kolbe A Index? What assessments should I be taking...2022-08-0424 minKolbecast114 Kolbe Past, Present, and FutureAMDG. Kolbe’s Executive Director Mary Rowles visits with Bonnie and Steven today about Kolbe's origins, evolution, and outlook. As she describes how Kolbe has grown from a family business and apostolate and its response to rise in demand during the pandemic, Mary’s openness to service is clear—as is her innate leadership, with a tone that brings out the best in people and an emphasis on putting values to practice.
Relevant Kolbecast episodes:
72 Participatory Citizens
100 In the Beginning with Mary’s mother Mrs. Dianne Muth
103 Above and Beyond with Mary’s sister Nancy Nelson
63 The Saints S...2022-08-0351 minKolbecast113 At the Kolbe Table * Convention Day 5AMDG. Homeschool conventions offer the opportunity for curriculum providers to take their shows on the road, but this week we’ve brought the show to you. Listen to this year’s convention finale for insights, updates, and wisdom from Megan Lengyel, Everett Buyarski, Nicole O’Connor, Chrissy Almanzar, Tony Guzzaldo, and Maggie Hayden. The discussion includes the various enrollment options Kolbe offers, advice for getting back in the school state of mind, and an exclusive code for podcast listeners to avoid late enrollment fees.
This is Day 5 of the 2022 Kolbecast Convention. Previous episodes include
Day 1 with Dr. Georg...2022-07-2953 minKolbecast111 What Treasures Remain * Convention Day 3AMDG. If we made a list of FAQs about the Kolbe curriculum, the top question would likely be why Kolbe begins high school with Greek history, literature, and philosophy. Today’s episode explores that question through a roundtable discussion with some of our resident experts: Kolbe history chair Therese Prudlo, philosophy professor Dr. Don Prudlo, former college philosophy professor and current Kolbe instructor Dr. Carl Hasler, and Kolbe literature teacher Michelle Kim. Highlights of the conversation include how early Christian thinkers had to appeal to the Greek intellect, how a classical education combats the American tendency toward collective forgetfulness, and h...2022-07-271h 01Kolbecast107 Wander & WonderAMDG. The flexibility of homeschooling offers families the opportunity for enrichment and adventure outside the house. Traveling during the traditional school year is one way to capitalize on this flexibility. Kolbe moms Nicole Shaffer—author of the blog Army Wife, Homeschool Travel Life—and Vanessa Delgado discuss learning on the road with Bonnie and Steven today, from rolling with the unexpected to exploring your own back yard. They also touch on combining grade levels of subjects to teach “family-style,” the logistics of participating in Kolbe online while traveling, and how to embrace opportunities that may be disruptive to schedules.
Follow...2022-07-131h 11Powered by InstinctThe People Part of Your Growing Business with Mark O’Donnell, CEO and Visionary of EOS WorldwideEOS Worldwide helps entrepreneurs live their ideal life. One of the ways EOS Implementers™ and companies running on EOS accomplish this is through the use of Kolbe assessments and solutions. Likewise, Kolbe Corp proudly runs on EOS to help others use their instinctive strengths to accomplish what they care about most. So, why not get two visionaries together to help provide more insight for everyone about the people part of business? In this episode of the Powered by Instinct podcast, Kolbe Corp CEO and Visionary David Kolbe welcomes Mark O'Donnell, the CEO of and Visionary at E...2022-07-0738 minKolbecast106 Goals in MindAMDG. For some homeschooling families, St. Paul’s adage about running the race is mostly allegorical, but for the athletically minded among us, it has a literal side too. Today's episode features Faye Starvaggi and Anna Havens, moms of a Kolbe-graduate NCAA swimmer and a Kolbe-student competitive gymnast respectively, as well as Kolbe’s academic services director and go-to guy Everett Buyarski. The group discusses both the philosophy and the paperwork of student athletes: from the discipline and obedience of striving for goals to the requirements for eligibility at the college level.
Mrs. Anna Havens can be heard o...2022-07-0649 minPowered by InstinctThe Truth About Assessments — The Difference Between Kolbe, CliftonStrengths, DiSC and MoreThere is no shortage of assessments on the market, and for good reason. Team leaders know how vital understanding their people is to boosting engagement and retention. But it’s not enough to use assessments; you need to use the right ones for your company’s needs. You’ve heard of assessments like the Kolbe Index, DiSC, Predictive Index, and Clifton Strengths. But, do you have a true appreciation for how they can help your team and what other issues may still be in play afterwards? Fear not, because we’re here to make sense of it all and he...2022-06-2323 minKolbecast103 Above & BeyondAMDG. Just about anyone who has ordered books from the Kolbe bookstore has encountered the kind and resourceful Nancy Nelson. In this episode, she graces us with stories of Kolbe history, tips for savvy book ordering, and a dose of inspiration based in common sense and experience. Stick around for the entire episode for a special offer!
Check out Kolbecast episode 100 with Mrs. Dianne Muth, Nancy’s mother, for more Kolbe history.
Nancy refers to Nicole O'Connor, Kolbe Academy's Elementary Online Learning Director, who can be heard on these Kolbecast episodes:
#14 We Don't Think Th...2022-06-1540 minPowered by InstinctFour Parts of an Engaged Workforce: The Kolbe System™ in PracticeCompanies want productive and engaged employees. But not many know when and how to work on employee engagement. First, it is critical to understand that employee engagement depends on their day-to-day role. After all, those who connect with their job are more motivated to work toward the company's goals. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, Amy Bruske, the President of the Kolbe Corp, joins host Stephanie Clergé to consider what makes for an engaged culture. The two discuss why it is critical to identify employees' strengths and align them with roles within your organization and why em...2022-06-0930 minKolbecast102 A Great CommissionAMDG. The culmination of a Kolbe formation is a joyous occasion not only for students, but for their parents, instructors, and administrators who have played parts in the symphony of the scholastic experience. Recently Kolbe families, faculty, and administration from all over gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for a graduation ceremony and celebration of the class of 2022. The ceremony featured speeches by two graduating seniors: Catherine Ma and Anna Prostejovsky; longtime Kolbe online instructor Ms. Ellen Finnigan; and Dr. Ryan Messmore, president of Magdalen College and guest on Kolbecast episode 86.
With gratitude and service as key features of...2022-06-081h 04Powered by InstinctHow to Identify Instinctive Strengths and Optimize a Team for Success, Featuring Shelley Moore of Insight Strategic ConceptsWhen you hire a person with a specific set of professional skills and experience, you are also welcoming a particular personality, AND someone with a specific way of naturally taking action. Just like a strong team needs a wide variety of skills and viewpoints to thrive, successful organizations need a group with diverse instincts and problem-solving approaches in order to overcome roadblocks and reach their full potential. In this episode of Powered by Instinct, host David Kolbe welcomes Shelley Moore. Shelley is the Founder and President of Insight Strategic Concepts, and a Kolbe Certified™ Consultant for...2022-05-2629 minKolbecast100 In the Beginning with Mrs. Dianne MuthAMDG. Wisdom, humor, perseverance, encouragement…these are just a few of Kolbe co-founder Dianne Muth’s many attributes. On our centennial episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Mrs. Muth as she shares the story of Kolbe’s founding, the big and small ways God provided and fostered Kolbe’s growth, and the formation of adults prepared to interact with and sanctify today’s world as a hallmark of Kolbe’s future. Listen to the end of the episode for a special throwback to the beginning of the revamped Kolbecast, too.
Here's more about Kolbe Academy’s History.
2022-05-2531 minKolbecast99 Gifted, Graced, and FormedAMDG. When children excel ahead of their grade level, it brings both opportunities and difficulties. In this episode, current Kolbe parents Veronica Foreman and Joseph Caro join Bonnie, Steven, and Kolbe Academic Services Director Everett Buyarski to talk about the days and years of educating a child who might be referred to as “gifted” if enrolled in a brick-and-mortar school. The group discusses why formation of the whole human person is crucial, the areas for growth that academic success can sometimes mask, and the beautiful flexibility of Kolbe’s course offerings where students can be challenged and enriched at whatever...2022-05-181h 14Powered by InstinctStop Hiring Smart, Likable People – Finding the RightFit™ for the Roles in Your CompanyToday, it’s not enough to hire the job candidate who interviews the best. If you want a long-term answer, you need to find the best fit for your company and the best fit for the role. It helps to examine a candidate's resume (education and experience) and evaluate their personality to ensure that the company's values match the candidate's values. But there's a third piece, a dimension often overlooked but as vital as the previous two: how a candidate naturally does things, approaches tasks, analyzes, and completes assignments — the conative part of the mind. In thi...2022-05-1233 minKolbecast98 Stewards of the MissionAMDG. Last week, we heard from the deans. This week, we visit with the metaphorical bosses upstairs: Chief Academic Officer Megan Lengyel and directors Nicole O’Connor and Tony Guzzaldo. With both reflection on the past and excitement for the future, the group discusses their love for Kolbe’s mission, the roles of various academic officers, how teachers are selected and what formation they participate in once within the Kolbe fold, and how Kolbe has responded to the challenges any growing organization faces as it expands. They also share a few exciting announcements about department chairs for next year as part...2022-05-1142 minKolbecast97 Advocates & Bridge BuildersAMDG. With growth come both opportunity and challenge. As Kolbe Academy has grown, so too have the needs of the community. Part of the way Kolbe is addressing these needs is through the appointment of deans for the elementary, middle, and high school divisions. In this episode, we visit with familiar voices Ashley Massey, Elizabeth Hoxie, and Kelly Powers to find out what they as deans do for Kolbe and how families benefit from these advocates who are working to bring the Kolbe family together.
This episode touches on Kolbe’s revamped and expanded homeroom program, which li...2022-05-0441 minPowered by InstinctThe Secret to a Growing Business featuring Jessica Mogill of CrispThere is power in knowing your own strengths and the strengths of those around you. This is true in any industry, as it is true in life. But one space where there is often a particularly large need is in the legal profession, where many business owners become so nearly by accident. Crisp is an award-winning company that specializes in helping legal firms grow their businesses, and they use Kolbe with every client that they coach…because they value the power behind understanding strengths. In this episode of Kolbe – Powered by Instinct, Jessica Mogill...2022-04-2841 minKolbecast95 Conversation StartersAMDG. Imagine yourself in a queue of people awaiting some event. Your eyes land on someone sporting an image of St. Padre Pio with the words “Hakuna Matata” juxtaposed near the saint’s likeness. Or maybe you arrive at your next meeting only to notice a colleague sporting some socks that initially might pass for snazzy but upon closer inspection reveal flowers and images of St. Therese of Lisieux. Moments like these have been catalysts to conversations that serve as conduits of evangelization and connection. Who would’ve thought to create and market such products? The folks at Sock Religiou...2022-04-2048 minPowered by InstinctHow to Optimize Your Most Important Workplace Relationships — Comparing two Kolbe A™ Index ResultsEpisode Summary The ideal work setting involves people getting along and working towards a shared goal. But not everyone approaches tasks the same way — even people in the same roles. Many businesses succeed because their management knows that diversity is vital. You don't want to form a team of look-alikes; you want different perspectives and personalities to drive your business growth. It's often challenging, especially for employees, to collaborate with people who don't use the same work methods. But just because someone approaches a task differently than you doesn’t mean their approach is wrong. It prob...2022-04-0844 minKolbecast93 Good ThinkingAMDG. What do jazz music, Thomas Aquinas, and Nietzsche have in common? Listen to this week’s episode and find out as Dr. Carl Hasler and current Kolbe students Hannah, Luke, and Teresa talk with Bonnie and Jordan about Kolbe’s philosophy course and club. They share their insights on why the philosophy course and club are worthwhile even though philosophy is woven throughout Kolbe’s history, literature, and theology classes; describe how enriching a basis in philosophical discourse can be; and touch on what distinguishes the philosophy club from a debate club.
If you’ve already enrolled fo...2022-04-0644 minPowered by InstinctIntroducing the Kolbe A™ Index with Kathy Kolbe, Founder of Kolbe CorpEpisode SummaryKathy Kolbe's vast experiences led her to believe a simple yet profound statement: Every person on this planet is unique and capable of achieving incredible things.So she developed a theory. And then, she proved it. Kathy is an acclaimed theorist, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and educator. She's also the creator of the Kolbe A™ Index, the only valid and reliable assessment tool for measuring an individual's method of operation (MO) within the conative faculty of the brain.In the first episode of the Powered by Inst...2022-03-2528 min