Andrew Dungan

I was first introduced to Strengths-based development nearly two decades ago, when a past professor (now Strengths colleague) was completing her dissertation. The passion with which she spoke about Gallup enamored me. Quickly I learned the central framework of Strengths and immediately incorporated them into my college coursework.

In 2005, I began applying the research of Dr. Albert L. Winseman as I led small group activities. Growing up in a fractured religious setting, I wanted to focus my work on church engagement efforts. Gallup's work was a natural extension of what I wanted to achieve.

My passion for Strengths and engagement was strengthened further in 2011 when I began my work at a nonprofit agency located in Omaha, NE. Shortly after beginning my work at the organization, I enrolled in Creighton's EdD program in Interdisciplinary Leadership. Creighton applied a Strengths-based model in its EdD program and, because of my role managing stakeholder engagement initiatives within the agency, I quickly recognized the utility of Gallup's research in my work. Leading a system of financial sustainability, I directed a team of volunteers committed to engaging stakeholders. My passion for engagement led me to write my dissertation on the agency's sustainability process during my two years at the helm, documenting how the system changed as we dispersed power, worked to train additional leaders and sought to engage institutional stakeholders.

Then, towards the end of 2014, my world started to slow. Having recently defended my dissertation, I noticed increased signs of lethargy, irritability and frustration. Barely able to get out of bed in the morning, what followed became a turning point in my life. After deep deliberation, I resigned from my position, partnered with my wife and sought the answers to what ailed me.

While the process of recovery was long and arduous, the time offered me the chance I needed to slow down the processes of life and focus my sight on what really mattered. The development led me to my best self. The sickness saved me, my marriage, my relationships and my career.

So, when I decided to become a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and an Employee Engagement Champion (Q12), I did so because I knew it would allow me to realize my best self. I did so because I knew that a myriad of other individuals, many holding positions of notable repute, felt similarly to the way that I once did - lost, alone, longing for more. I knew that, while knowledgeable and skilled, my greatest education was the journey I had been graced with. I knew that everyone was being graced with a journey of some type.

So, please, contact me! Let's work together!
It would be my distinct pleasure to use my expertise and experience to assist you in any way possible. Whether that may be one-one-one coaching, creating a Strengths-based workplace or using the Q12 to develop engagement strategies, I'm here to partner with you.