Strengths coaching
Learn how to live and work from your Zone of Genius
Strengths-based coaching is ideal for you if you…
Are just starting your career
Unsure where to focus? Strengths-based coaching reveals what you do best, so you can grow faster and stand out from day one.
Have just become a manager
New to management? Strengths-based coaching helps you lead confidently and inspire your team from the start.
Want to step up your leadership game
Hungry to lead with purpose? Strengths-based coaching unlocks your unique talents and new possibilities for your team.
If you don’t know your strengths, it’s too easy to end up doing things that drain your energy and leave you depleted
Any of this 👇🏻 sound familiar?
Unrealised
potential
You know you’re capable of more, but your talents are stuck in neutral, never getting the chance to shine.
Bored and disengaged
You’re just going through the motions, feeling disconnected and uninspired, lacking the spark you used to feel.
Burned out
and exhausted
You’re feel like you’re constantly running on empty, drained by tasks that don’t play to your strengths.
Stuck in the
wrong role
You feel out of place. Your talents are wasted on tasks that don’t excite or challenge you, leaving you frustrated and restless.
Overlooked for
opportunities
You’re passed over for projects or promotions because you don’t know how to make your unique strengths visible and valued.
Frustrated by
feedback
You keep hearing that you need to eliminate or improve on your weaknesses, but you don’t have any idea of where to even start.
In 90 minutes she ascertained what my strengths were and how I can use them to support me in areas where I am challenged - and how I can spend more time working in my strengths zone.
Such a valuable session, I would highly recommend having a chat with her if you're feeling a bit stuck, or that your potential is yet to be unleashed!"
In 90 minutes she ascertained what my strengths were and how I can use them to support me in areas where I am challenged - and how I can spend more time working in my strengths zone.
Such a valuable session, I would highly recommend having a chat with her if you're feeling a bit stuck, or that your potential is yet to be unleashed!"
Most of us aren’t taught how to discover our strengths, so we don’t design a life that uses them well
➡️ We think we have to "fix" our weaknesses
Our workplaces and world are designed to make us focus on our weaknesses, and feel bad about them. We waste our time and energy trying to fix what we’re not good at, which drains our energy and confidence.
➡️ We follow someone else’s path
When we aren’t clear on our unique personal strengths, we end up trying to fit someone else’s mold. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others, missing out on the satisfaction and sustainable high performance that comes from doing what we are both brilliant at and love doing.
➡️ Not knowing our strengths leads to boredom and burnout
Most of us don’t consciously think about how we use our strengths and the impact they have on our energy, engagement, and achievement. Nor do we build in support for our weaknesses. We become de-energised and de-motivated because we’re not living or working from our Zone of Genius.
6 ways strengths coaching unleashes your awesome
Know
yourself
Uncover and identify your unique strengths and weaknesses. Get clarity on what you love.
Use your time wisely
Make smart decisions about where to invest your time, energy, and effort day-to-day.
Stop self-sabotage
Recognise unhelpful thoughts and patterns of behaviour and develop new approaches.
Remove
roadblocks
Identify barriers and roadblocks to your dreams and find strengths-based ways to overcome them.
Find your true north
Clarify your values, abilities and passions and make a plan to maximise them in life.
Balance and brilliance
Find more fulfilment in your life and work while looking after your wellbeing.
My approach is rooted in positive psychology
The strengths-based approach is the closest you’ll come to a shortcut to personal development and professional success. Knowing our strengths is one of the foundations of human flourishing.
We’ll use The Strengths Deck as the foundation for our strengths coaching – a tool I created to help you identify your Genius strengths, and create the fulfilment in life and work you’ve been dreaming of.
Your coaching journey
1: Discovery
We start with a free, no-obligation video or phone call to talk about your goals, your current situation, your concerns, and what you’d like to get out of working together. I’ll ask lots of questions to learn more about you, and I encourage you to ask me questions too!
At the end of the session, I’ll invite you to take some time to reflect on whether you believe we’re a good fit for working together. I don’t expect an answer within the session – I’ll follow up with you a few days later. I’ll also be reflecting on whether my skills are the right fit for you.
This is always a “no-obligation” session – you’re not signing up to any programme or committing to any future coaching.
2: First coaching session
Once we agree to work together, we’ll set up our first coaching session. This session takes about an hour and a half because we’ve got a lot to cover! Before our session, I’ll send you a copy of my Coaching Standards. This is a set of guidelines to help you get the most out of our sessions.
We’ll discuss how we’ll work together. This includes outlining and agreeing our expectations of ourselves and each other, and whether coaching will be delivered on an as-needed or programme basis. We will also talk about your goals, your context, and identify some practical actions that you can start taking right away.
If you select the programme option, then after our meeting, I’ll provide you with a recommended plan, including the timing and frequency of sessions. This will be based on your context and goals discussed in our first session.
3: Subsequent coaching sessions
Ongoing coaching sessions take around an hour. This gives us time to dig into what is going on for you and to work on your goals and action plans.
We’ll start with a check-in and review the previous actions you’ve committed to taking. Part of my role as a coach is to hold you accountable to your commitments. This helps ensure that you are getting the best value out of our sessions and making solid progress toward your goals.
Then, we’ll talk about what you’re currently working on, what’s working well, what needs changing, and how you can use your strengths to serve your goals. You’ll identify action points and takeaways that you can implement immediately, and we’ll finish up with an overview of the session and agreeing on the timing of our next session.
All coaching sessions are held via Zoom unless otherwise agreed prior to the session. Additional travel costs may apply.
4: Support between sessions
If you need some extra support between our scheduled sessions, I’m just an email away. If it’s a simple question that has a quick answer, you’ll get an email back from me. If it needs more a in-depth response, I’ll be in touch to schedule a coaching session with you.
If you’re working with me on an as-needed basis, normal session fees apply. If you’re working with me on a programme basis, this additional session will count towards your total sessions.
Strengths coaching packages
Know Your Strengths
Offer includes:
• Your discovery call
• 1 x 90min strengths discovery session
• 1 x 60min coaching session
• A set of The Strengths Deck and matrix to keep
Own Your Strengths
Offer includes:
• Your discovery call
• 1 x 90min strengths discovery session
• 4 x 60min coaching session
• A set of The Strengths Deck and matrix to keep
• Email and voice note support between sessions
• Upgrade package available for ongoing coaching at reduced rates for 3 months
Hone Your Strengths
Offer includes:
• Your discovery call
• 1 x 90min strengths discovery session
• 8 x 60min coaching session
• A set of The Strengths Deck and matrix to keep
• Resources and templates for self-guided learning and reflection
• Email and voice note support between sessions
• Upgrade package available for ongoing coaching at reduced rates for 12 months
• Free paperback copy of the Unleash Your Awesome book
Note: the figures in green are the total investment if you pay up-front at the start of your programme. If you wish to pay by installments across the plan, the higher (strikethrough) figure applies.
Strengths coaching packages
Know Your Strengths
Offer includes:
• Your discovery call
• 1 x 90min strengths discovery session
• 1 x 60min coaching session
• A set of The Strengths Deck and matrix to keep
Full price:
$925 incl GST
8% discount
You pay:
$849 incl GST*
Own Your Strengths
Offer includes:
• Your discovery call
• 1 x 90min strengths discovery session
• 4 x 60min coaching session
• A set of The Strengths Deck and matrix to keep
• Email and voice note support between sessions
• Upgrade package available for ongoing coaching at reduced rates for 3 months
Full price:
$1,895 incl GST
10% discount
You pay:
$1,699 incl GST*
Hone Your Strengths
Offer includes:
• Your discovery call
• 1 x 90min strengths discovery session
• 8 x 60min coaching session
• A set of The Strengths Deck and matrix to keep
• Resources and templates for self-guided learning and reflection
• Email and voice note support between sessions
• Upgrade package available for ongoing coaching at reduced rates for 12 months
• Free paperback copy of the Unleash Your Awesome book
Full price:
$3,225 incl GST
18% discount
You pay:
$2,649 incl GST*
* the figures in green are the total investment if you pay up-front at the start of your programme. If you wish to pay by installments across the plan, the higher (strikethrough) figure applies.
I'm Daria,
your personal strengths coach
Imagine waking up in the morning knowing you’re about to spend the day doing things that energise you. Knowing that your efforts towards your goals will deliver faster progress, while you have more fun.
This life experience isn’t reserved for a few lucky people. This is what happens when you know your strengths.
I know this is the case because I’ve done this for myself. And I’ve helped people around the world discover their strengths and unleash their awesome.
Now it’s your turn!
Your strengths coaching FAQs answered
What does a coach do?
I provide a confidential space, focused on you. I act as your sounding-board, taking a non-judgemental approach as you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
I will make observations and ask questions to help you identify patterns that hinder or help you achieve your goals. I also offer a balance of challenge and support as you navigate your development journey.
One of my key coaching goals is to help you to discover and unleash your inner genius.
I also:
• Support you to translate insights into concrete actions.
• Provide accountability.
• Helps you recognise and celebrate progress and success.
I won’t:
• Do the work for you.
• Give detailed advice or tell you what to do.
• Listen to endless complaints without challenging you to act.
• Affirm your victimhood or blamelessness.
• Provide a quick-fix feel-good solution to deeply embedded issues.
• Address employment relationship (HR) problems.
To help me be the coach you deserve, I seek out ongoing training and professional development, extending my knowledge to support you more effectively.
How many coaching sessions will I need?
There is no fixed rule for coaching – it depends on your goals, your context, and what you can commit to. I’m realistic – it’s better that we work within what’s do-able for you than set ridiculous expectations that drain your time and energy instead of unleashing your awesome.
What if I don't have any strengths?
Impossible! If you’re alive and breathing, you’ve got strengths. (You’ve also go weaknesses too, but we’ll get to that below 👇🏻).
I have never yet met a human being who doesn’t have a whole glorious bunch of personal strengths. But you might not ever have been taught how to identify them – that’s where I come in. Not only do we use my structured strengths tool, The Strengths Deck, I’m also really good at spotting strengths in the way you talk, and what you talk about.
I’ll show you how to recognise the signs of your Genius strengths, and you’ll see how you’re already using them to bring your special brand of magic to the world. Then, we’ll find new ways for you to use them to boost your energy, engagement, and achievement.
What if all I've got are weaknesses?
Impossible! I’ve never yet met a human being who only has weaknesses.
But the way our education system and work environments are set up mean that we get thousands more messages about what we aren’t good at than about what we are good at.
And even when we know what we are good at, most of us were never taught to think about whether those things energise us or deplete us. Understanding how our strengths and weaknesses affect our energy helps us develop smart strategies to do great work and look after our wellbeing.
Do I have to fix my weaknesses?
Absolutely not!* The strengths-based approach is about understanding your unique combination of strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between, and developing smart, personalised strategies to help you deliver great performance professionally, while thriving personally.
We identify which strengths you can use to prevent your weaknesses from tripping you up, and how to use your strengths to create a life and work that you love.
* OK, there are a tiny handful of cases where you might have to directly improve a weakness. If that’s something you need to do, we’ll build a set of strengths-based strategies to help.
What happens in the first session?
Your first session is your strengths discovery session. You’ll use The Strengths Deck cards and matrix to identify what’s in your toolkit. That takes around 40-60 minutes.
We spend the balance of the session discussing your specific combination of strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between. We’ll talk about what you want to achieve, and how your strengths can help. You’ll round out the session by identifying one or two actions that you’ll put into place to play more to your strengths and boost your energy, engagement, and achievement.
What happens in a typical session?
Each session is a confidential conversation focused on your goals, challenges, and desired outcomes.
For all sessions, we’ll start by establishing your goal for the session.
If we’re working together in a programme, we’ll also check in on any actions you committed to in our previous session.
Then, we’ll explore what’s going on, identify your options and resources, and find practical strategies that can shift the dial for you. You’ll leave each session with a greater sense of clarity, and with some actionable steps.
Are our sessions confidential?
Absolutely! Confidentiality is at the heart of the coaching relationship. What you say stays between us, so you can be honest and work through what’s on your mind in a judgement-free zone.
Even if your employer is paying for your sessions, I maintain your confidentiality over the specifics of what we discuss.
The only exception to the principle of confidentiality is if I have genuine reason to believe that you or someone else is in danger. In that case, I would contact the relevant authorities to share my concerns, with the goal of keeping you and others safe.
Are the sessions face-to-face or online?
Unless otherwise specified, sessions are held via your preference of Zoom or Teams. Online sessions won’t be recorded without your express permission, and work just as well as face-to-face sessions.
All you need is a computer or phone with an internet connection, and somewhere quiet where you won’t be interrupted for our session. I’ve coached clients who have been sitting in their cars, in the back corner of a cafe, or on a bench at their favourite park.
Limited face-to-face sessions in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland are available, but may incur travel costs. Please get in touch with me if you’d like to talk about this option.
How do you measure progress?
Most coaching clients use their own judgement to measure progress. However, if you wish to measure something specific, we can discuss that before we start working together, and agree how we’ll measure it.
You’ll also notice your progress through changes in your confidence, decision-making, relationships, and how you use your strengths to handle challenges and achieve your goals. And I’ll help you recognise and celebrate these changes along the way.
What if I don't have a clear goal?
That’s absolutely fine. Part of the coaching process is getting clarity on what you want, what’s getting in your way, and the resources and strengths you have available. We’ll work together to uncover your priorities and set meaningful goals.
Can coaching help with work-life balance and wellbeing?
Yes! Coaching isn’t only about work performance, because work is only a part of your life. If you’re feeling rested, engaged, supported, connected, and mentally stimulated, you’ll be able to perform at your best in all areas of your life.
We’ll look at your life and work holistically, to ensure that you’ve got clear, practical strategies to sustain your energy, set boundaries, and make space for what matters both inside and outside of work.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Committing to coaching is a big decision, and I recognise that things won’t always play out the way we expect or hope them to. That’s why I provide a free chemistry-check call so we can both assess the fit before we start working together. And I offer significant flexibility with my services: you can work with me on an as-needed basis, or in a programme, and the timing of the sessions is entirely up to you.
If you’ve had a session with me and don’t feel like it was helpful, please let me know via my contact form or give me a call (my number is included on my email signature).
If you committed to a programme, and part-way through decide that it’s not working for you, or you are unable to continue with the programme, please let me know via my contact form or give me a call. If you’ve pre-paid for sessions that haven’t been completed, I will arrange a refund for these.
Will I see an immediate change after a coaching session?
My coaching clients often tell me that they feel much better after a session with me, especially if something has been worrying them. Feeling better is the start of change, but the really good stuff happens when you put what you’ve learned and committed to into practice after our session.
“Aha” moments feel great, and can be the gateway to transformation, if you’re willing to make changes that are aligned with your goals and values.
I am a great believer in experiments – you won’t know whether something will make a difference unless you give it a go. In our session, we’ll work together to define the change you’ll experiment with, and the results you expect to get. Then, you’ll give it a go, and come to your next session ready to talk through what worked, what was tricky, and what your next step will be.
Small, consistent steps will take you from ordinary to extraordinary faster than you ever thought possible.
What's the difference between coaching and mentoring?
As your coach, I’m here to support your learning and growth through reflection, practical support, and skill-building. I’ll ask you lots of questions to help you understand your thinking process better, and to identify and consider all the options available to you.
Mentoring looks a little different: instead of asking questions, a mentor typically offers answers and direct guidance on decisions.
I work for you as your coach and not your mentor. From time to time, I may offer recommendations or suggestions that lean more towards mentorship, but only when I believe that doing so is in your best interests, and will provide you with a better outcome than coaching alone.
Do I need a coach or a therapist?
Coaching is great when you’ve got a goal you’re working towards, or you want to hone your skills to deal with daily challenges at work or at home. All emotions are welcome, and it’s normal to feel some ups and downs in a session.
However, if you’re experiencing poor mental health or are in significant distress, it’s vital that you seek treatment from an appropriately-qualified mental health professional.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Mental Health Foundation has links to support services for:
• Crisis (whether that’s yourself or someone else)
• Ongoing mental health support (groups, therapists, community mental health teams etc)
If you are outside Aotearoa New Zealand, please search “mental health support” and your town or city name for details of services near you.
How do I get started?
It’s easy! Simply book your no-obligation chemistry check call. We’ll talk about where you’re at, what you’re looking for, and whether coaching is the right next step for you.
Let's unleash your awesome
I’ve never met anyone who regretted learning about their strengths.
They only regret not discovering them earlier.
Benefits of regular strengths use
6 x
more likely to be engaged at work
3 x
more likely to report having an excellent quality of life
23%
higher employee engagement rating
Stats from Gallup.
Let's unleash your awesome
I’ve never met anyone who regretted learning about their strengths.
They only regret not discovering them earlier.
Benefits of regular strengths use
6 x
more likely to be engaged at work
3 x
more likely to report having an excellent quality of life
23%
higher employee engagement rating
Stats from Gallup.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Ready to unleash your awesome?
Get in touch today >
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