Empowering Growth and Connection with Thrive Umpqua

I recently had the incredible opportunity to work with Thrive Umpqua, a group dedicated to improving the well-being of the Umpqua Valley community through innovative initiatives inspired by the Blue Zones Project. Their commitment to fostering growth, health, and community alignment is nothing short of inspiring, and our group training session together was both meaningful and energizing. This session was nothing short of amazing...we had fun from beginning to end. This group was a great group to work with!

About Thrive Umpqua

Since 2017, Thrive Umpqua has been championing the principles of longevity and well-being, rooted in the lessons of Blue Zones—the regions of the world known for having the healthiest, longest-living populations. Through small, impactful changes, Thrive Umpqua is helping improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and increase productivity. From earning their designation as a Certified Blue Zones Community to empowering workplaces across the Umpqua Valley, Thrive Umpqua is making the healthy choice the easy choice.

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The Training Session

Our session started with a cornerstone of personal and professional growth: the DiSC® assessment. This tool gave team members valuable insights into their communication styles, strengths, and areas of growth. Equipped with this knowledge, we took the experience a step further during their empowerment retreat in Ashland, Oregon.

The retreat was the perfect backdrop for connection and reflection. During our group training session, participants were able to dive deeper into understanding themselves and their teammates. It wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was about putting that knowledge into action—learning how to communicate more effectively, collaborate with empathy, and leverage individual strengths to drive collective success.

The energy in the room was incredible! Thrive Umpqua’s team embodies the growth mindset. They showed up ready to learn, laugh, and lean into meaningful conversations. It was a joy to see them embrace the journey, not just for their own development but for the benefit of their entire community.

https://thriveumpqua.com/

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Jessica Hand

“Our staff recently participated in a team development program at our staff retreat centered around the DiSC personality assessment, and it was a top-notch experience. The focus on understanding individual personality styles and how they influence team dynamics has brought a level of awareness that has already transformed the way we work together. The DiSC assessment and group discussion was a highlight of our retreat. Cara Otis expertly guided us through the results, helping each team member understand their unique personality style and how it fits into the larger team dynamic. This insight sparked meaningful discussions that deepened our appreciation for each other's strengths and differences. The discussion was thoughtfully facilitated, encouraging open and honest dialogue. We explored how to adapt our communication styles to better connect with one another and how to leverage our team’s strengths to overcome challenges. These conversations were not only relevant but also practical, with clear takeaways that we could immediately apply to our workplace. This program was professional, engaging, and packed with value. If you’re looking for a leadership program that combines self-awareness with actionable strategies, this one is second to none. Highly Recommended!”

Jessica Hand, MPH

Executive Director, Thrive Umpqua

Janelle James

“Cara was professional and relatable and made DiSC understandable. I learned a lot about my coworkers and how to work better with them. I've done a handful of personality tests, but none have helped me understand how to be a better coworker and communicator and understand other people's perspectives like DiSC.”

Magdy Elbadry

“We had a great and productive session with Cara. Using the DiSC model, we explored how my colleagues perceive and approach our work. With this newfound understanding, we’re better equipped to give each other some grace, recognizing that differences in our approaches aren’t personal—they’re just a reflection of how we all operate uniquely. The supportive environment and Cara’s facilitation made me feel safe and encouraged to share openly.”

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