Transforming Conversations: Do this Appreciative Inquiry for 2025 with Suzanne Quinney

In this enlightening episode of Thrive with Cate, Cate Stillman sits back down with Suzanne Quinney, co-founder of Appreciating People, a pioneering organization dedicated to shifting individuals and teams from problem-based thinking to strength-based approaches. Together, they explore the transformative power of Appreciative Conversations, offering listeners a guided roadmap to foster connection, collaboration, and creativity in personal and professional relationships.

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

1. Discover the Fundamentals of Appreciative Inquiry (00:53)
   Learn how this approach reframes challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
   
   

2. Practical Applications for Home and Work (4:18)
   Gain insights into how Appreciative Conversations can be used with family, friends, and teams.
   
   

3. Overcoming Resistance to New Conversation Models (25:48)
   Explore strategies to introduce strength-based dialogue in potentially resistant settings.
   
   

4. Tips for Crafting Powerful Questions (18:33)
   Hear how to design questions that inspire meaningful, actionable dialogue.
   
   

5. Resources for Getting Started (34:11)
   Access tools and templates to integrate Appreciative Inquiry into your life.
   
   

Highlights

1. The Transformative Impact of Strength-Based Thinking (06:48)
   Suzanne explains how focusing on strengths rather than problems creates a shift in group dynamics and personal relationships.
   
   

2. Real-World Examples of Appreciative Conversations (13:18)
   Cate and Suzanne role-play scenarios to show how these techniques foster deeper connections at work and home.
   
   

3. Imagine Questions for Goal Setting (13:42)
   Discover how envisioning the future can help individuals and teams align on shared goals.
   
   

4. Building Systems Around Strengths (24:14)
   Cate discusses how she integrates these principles into her Wellness Pro Academy and Club Thrive Global.
   
   

Notable Quotes

1.  "Appreciative Inquiry invites us to focus on what we want to grow, not what we want to fix." - Cate Stillman (05:08)

2.  "What you focus on grows—by asking the right questions, we invite people into a space of possibility and creativity." - Suzanne Quinney (08:53)
   
   

3.  "Being a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern systems has been my greatest strength in building impactful communities." - Cate Stillman (14:13)
   
   

4. "A well-crafted question can turn resistance into collaboration and lead to truly transformative outcomes." - Suzanne Quinney (25:58):
   
   

Links

Suzanne Quinney

Suzanne has offered Cate’s listeners a discount for her eBooks Appreciating Health and Care Interactive and Appreciating Health and Care: AI in Practice!

Use the code WWL40 to receive a 40% discount! Thank you Suzanne!

 

Additional Resources:

• Appreciating People Website: appreciatingpeople.co.uk

• Recommended Books:

• Conversations Worth Having by Jackie Stavros 

• Speak Green by Dr. Claudia Gross 

• Free Resources: Explore downloadable tools and templates at Appreciating People Resources. 

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

This episode underscores the value of shifting from problem-based to strength-based conversations in all areas of life. Suzanne Quinney’s expertise and practical examples provide listeners with tools to enhance communication and build stronger connections. Whether you're leading a team, supporting a family, or fostering personal growth, Appreciative Conversations can elevate your approach.

About Suzanne Quinney

Suzanne Quinney is an expert in Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and strength-based approaches to change, with over 25 years of experience in the UK public sector and a career that began in Africa. She is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and author of nine AI-related materials, including Reflections: An Appreciative Journal and Practical Resource Book. Suzanne’s work focuses on quality improvement, reflective practice, and creating meaningful change through innovative methods like World Café and Open Space Technology. Based in NE Scotland, she combines her passion for AI with her love of sci-fi, yoga, and being part of the Findhorn community.

About Cate Stillman

Cate Stillman, founder of Wellness Pro Academy and Thrive with Cate, has been empowering individuals and wellness professionals since 2001 to elevate their health, careers, and lives. Through her transformative books and  Ayurveda courses, Cate has helped thousands create healthier habits and thrive in their communities. She mentors wellness pros to expand their impact, grow their income, and live purpose-driven lives, blending ancient wisdom with modern strategies for lasting success.