At Clark Nuber, strengths-based coaching isn’t a one-time initiative, it’s a core part of how the firm develops and retains talent. Angela Oakley, Director of the firm’s Talent Advisor Program, joined to share how CliftonStrengths has been integrated into everything from onboarding to performance conversations. The result? More personalized development, stronger teams, and a shared language for growth.
Since 2016, Angela has helped embed strengths into the firm’s culture by building buy-in through coaching conversations and leadership support. With the launch of the Talent Advisor Program just before the pandemic, her team was well-positioned to scale the approach and meet employees where they are—whether they’re new associates or seasoned team leads.
What sets Clark Nuber apart is its commitment to making strengths part of daily work, not just a feel-good exercise. Angela emphasized that it’s not a quick fix, but when done consistently, it builds confidence, deepens relationships, and improves engagement over time. Her advice to other firms: start with your own strengths, find internal champions, and let the momentum grow naturally.
Key Takeaways:
- Start with Strengths to Build Trust: When employees feel seen and understood through their strengths, they become more engaged, confident, and committed to the firm’s success.
- Make Development Personal and Practical: Embedding CliftonStrengths into one-on-one coaching sessions helps professionals apply insights in real time and navigate complex team dynamics more effectively.
- Find Champions, Not Consensus: Focus first on leaders and influencers who are open to new ideas, their enthusiasm and visible success will inspire others to follow.
- Use Strengths to Accelerate Onboarding: Helping new hires understand their natural talents early shortens the learning curve and improves communication within teams from day one.
- Shift the Focus from Fixing Weaknesses to Leveraging Strengths: Public accounting often centers on what’s wrong; strengths-based development reframes growth around what’s already working.
- Sustain the Program by Embedding It Into Daily Culture: Regular check-ins, team sessions, and personalized coaching make strengths a living, evolving part of how the firm works, not just a one-time assessment.
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