At Advantere, we are committed to leveraging innovative tools and methodologies to enhance the personal and professional growth of our students and staff. A cornerstone of our approach is CliftonStrengths, a tool by Gallup that plays a pivotal role in talent development by identifying and maximizing individual strengths.
Patricia Gil-Casares, Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, with a rich talent management and human resources background, lends her expertise to this initiative. To explore its implementation and impact, we spoke with her to gain valuable insights into the methodology.
What is CliftonStrengths?
Patricia, who has worked with CliftonStrengths in various professional settings, has a background that combines psychology and organizational development, making her an ideal guide for its implementation at Advantere.
“The CliftonStrengths methodology identifies a person’s top five natural strengths, helping them focus on what they excel at and maximize their impact,” Patricia explains. This approach emphasizes positive psychology, shifting away from traditional “areas for improvement” and highlighting the best in each individual. By understanding and utilizing their strengths, individuals can achieve greater satisfaction and success both personally and professionally.
The tool identifies 34 different strengths categorized into four domains: executing, influencing, relationship-building, and strategic thinking. This structure allows for a comprehensive understanding of what drives each person’s unique contributions, which is critical for talent development.
Transformative Impact on Students
CliftonStrengths has become a key part of talent development and the personal and professional growth of our students.
Patricia describes the process as “revealing.” She notes, “Many students knew their strengths but had not worked on maximizing them. These sessions have helped them gain greater self-awareness and build a mature narrative about the value they bring, especially in job interviews and career paths.”
Students not only discover their talents but also set concrete goals for the year. Some focus on time management or prioritization, while others work on balancing academic and personal life. Patricia emphasizes that even small changes can lead to significant long-term impact.
“One student shared how understanding their strengths allowed them to approach challenges with more confidence and clarity,” Patricia adds. This highlights the importance of CliftonStrengths in talent development.
CliftonStrengths with the Advantere Team
This tool has also been implemented with Advantere’s staff. “We focused on understanding individual strengths but also leveraging collective strengths,” Patricia shares. Through group workshops, participants explored their individual and team strengths, fostering internal collaborations and creating “internal partnerships.”
A cornerstone of CliftonStrengths is understanding that “strengths are neutral; they are neither good nor bad. It depends on how we use them and the impact we aim to create.” This perspective also promotes team diversity, valuing how each person contributes something unique and complementary. Patricia highlights that “team members learn to leverage each other’s strengths, creating a more cohesive and effective working environment.” This underscores the pivotal role of CliftonStrengths in talent development.

Aligned with Advantere Values
CliftonStrengths aligns seamlessly with Advantere’s mission to shape transformative leaders. Patricia explains, “Knowing our strengths allows us to maximize positive impact in society and in our personal and professional relationships. This fits perfectly with Advantere’s values of sustainability, social impact, and kind leadership.”
By focusing on strengths, students and staff alike are better equipped to inspire and lead others. This approach not only improves individual performance but also enhances team dynamics, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared purpose. CliftonStrengths plays a crucial role in developing talent that drives meaningful change.
Why Build a Culture Based on Strengths?
At Advantere, we believe that a strengths-based approach has a profound impact on engagement, performance, growth, and overall well-being. Gallup studies reveal a powerful connection between three essential elements:
- Who people are and what they do best: Understanding one’s natural talents leads to greater confidence and clarity.
- What people do best and how they feel: When individuals focus on their strengths, they experience higher levels of satisfaction and fulfillment.
- How people feel and how they perform: Positive emotions drive better performance and collaboration.
By embedding this philosophy into our culture, we create an environment where both students and staff thrive, fostering meaningful connections and achieving shared goals. This holistic approach strengthens not only individuals but also teams, amplifying the collective impact of our community. This is the foundation of talent development at Advantere.
A Unique Methodology
CliftonStrengths stands out from other tools due to its positive approach, also called Strength-Based Approach to Personal Development. “Traditional methodologies focus on improving weaknesses. This tool reminds us that everyone has something valuable to offer and that by focusing on strengths, we can become the best version of ourselves,” Patricia concludes.
This approach focuses on each person’s strengths and manages weaknesses. Weakness-fixing prevents failure; strength-building leads to success.
The global reach of CliftonStrengths further underscores its effectiveness. With over 34 million people worldwide using the tool, its adaptability across industries and cultures makes it a powerful resource. Patricia adds, “It’s not just for corporate settings; it’s used in schools, non-profits, and even personal development programs.”
At Advantere, we continue to invest in innovative tools like CliftonStrengths, believing in their ability to transform lives. Whether it’s helping students prepare for their future careers or fostering stronger connections within our team, CliftonStrengths is a testament to our commitment to excellence and impact.
Together, we build a foundation for growth, leadership, and meaningful change. This commitment is reflected in our three programs: the Master’s in International Management, Master’s in Finance, and Master’s in Talent Management (HR). Each is designed to equip students with the expertise and global perspective needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world.