A Deeper Understanding

of Self: A Thematic
Analysis

•Linsey Wilt
•June 11th, 2024
•OGL482
•Trista Guzman Glover
Introduction
In this presentation, I will share a compilation
of themes I have developed over the years
through my Organizational Leadership degree.
These themes emerged from coding through
my data sources, while exploring my passions
and interests. Through this process, I have
gained a deeper understanding of myself and
my identity as a leader. I have grown in
confidence as I explored what my strengths are
and took a deep dive into what matters most
to me as an individual.
Research Process
and Methods
The purpose of my research, data collection and data
analysis is to gain insight into themes that represent who I
am as an individual and to better understand what
motivates me. The themes that will emerge from this
research will paint a picture of my values, beliefs and
passions.

In the upcoming slides you will see the sources I used in

the collection of my data, the methods I used for sorting
and the themes that emerged from this process.
 Research Process
and Methods Steps
• My first step was to collect and compile all the date from
previous courses throughout my Organizational Leadership
degree including my two capstone courses OGL 481 and
482. I also included reflections from my personal life
through journal entries and personal reflections.
• Next, I sorted my data using sticky notes to categorize key
words. Through this process I found key themes that stood
out to me. I enjoyed the hands-on method of sorting the
sticky notes. For me it was very visually stimulating and
engaged the enjoyment I find in organization.
• As I started to see patterns emerge, I used those patterns
and repeating words to create codes that led me to create
related themes
• Before proceeding I took time to reflect on the themes, to
ensure they resonated with me and defined my personal
values. I came away with my top ten themes that best
represent who I am and what I find most important.
My Data Sources
On the next two slides you will see my data sources, an
explanation of each source and why I chose it, and a code that
will be used throughout this thematic analysis. The second
slide contains the legend of the codes for quick reference.
Data Sources
• Kuder Career Interests Assessment (KCIA) – A series of questions used to determine the best careers based on my personality and my personal interests.
• Kuder Skills Confidence Assessment (KSCA) – A series of questions used to determine my strongest skills and where I feel most confident, to determine
what careers would fit me best.
• Motivation & Career Anchors Assessment (MCAA) – An assessment to determine what motivates me more and what I’m not wiling to sacrifice when it
comes to work/life balance.
• DISC Personality Test (DISC) – An assessment focused on my personality and how that relates to my individual natural tendencies.
• The Big 5 Personality Test (B5PT) – This test evaluated my personality based on 5 key traits; openness to experiences, conscientiousness, extraversion,
agreeableness, and neuroticism.
• Myers-Briggs 16 Personalities (MB16P) – This test analyzed and categorize my personality based off a serious of questions, focused on extrovert vs.
introvert, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving.
• Yellowdig Three Questions (YD3Q) – What brings me joy? What kinds of things am I doing when I’m most naturally content and happy?
• Book Project Reflection The Alchemist (BPR) – After reading The Alchemist I compared my personal leadership journey to themes throughout the book. I
reflected on what was most important to me in my career and personal life.
• Personal Journal (PJ) – I used a few samples from my personal journal over the past two years.
• Leadership Orientations Self-Assessment Results (LOSAR) – This assessment provides four different conceptions of organizations and the task of
organizational leadership. Four frames, Structural, Human Resources, Political, and Symbolic vary in priority for different types of leaders.
• Word Values Descriptions (WVD) - The values I find most important in the workplace.
• Super’s Work Values Inventory (SWVI) – Evaluates my top work values, what I need in a job to be at my happiest.
 Legend
SOURCE CODE

Kuder Career Interests Assessment KCIA

Kuder Skills Confidence Assessment KSCA
Motivation & Career Anchors Assessment MCAA
DISC Personality Test DISC
The Big 5 Personality Test B5PT
Myers-Briggs 16 Personalities MB16P
Yellowdig Three Questions YD3Q
Book Project Reflection The Alchemist BPR
Personal Journal PJ
Leadership Orientations Self-Assessment Results LOSAR
Work Values Descriptions WVD
Super’s Work Values Inventory SWVI
 10 Themes
After collecting and analyzing my data, ten prevalent themes stood out above the rest. The next part of
this presentation will highlight the themes that align with my values, goals and passions, showing up
repetitively in my life. These themes showcase who I am as an individual and as a leader.
My 10 Themes
• Family
• Autonomy
• Structure
• Time Freedom
• Balance
• Health
• Creativity
• Stability
• Education
• Adventure
Theme 1: Family
• Theme Statement: My life has purpose and meaning because of the
relationships I have with my family. There is nothing in my life more important to
me than them.

• Supporting Data:
• My biggest motivator when it comes to my personal goals and ambitions is
how it will affect my family. (MCAA)
• My loved ones are the source of my joy. (YD3Q)
• My biggest supporters are my family, they will always have my back and
have been the main source of my personal growth. (PJ)
• The most prevalent goal in my life is to have healthy, strong relationships
with my family. (KCIA)
• My family grounds me and reminds me of what is most important in life,
they encourage me to be present and confident in who I am. (YD3Q)
Theme 1: Family con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• With the other areas of interest in my life, education, adventure, education and creativity, I
could find myself stretched too thin if I’m not seeking balance in all areas of my life. Time
moves very quickly, and I don’t want to look back and regret sacrificing time with my family
for interests that might be more time consuming, but less fulfilling. (KCIA)

• Reflection
• My family is my biggest why in my life. All I do, I do for them and for the betterment of our
family unit. I have immense pride in the successes of my children and my spouse, and I view
their successes as my own. When I think about the reason why I’m finishing my degree and
why I work hard day to day, it’s because of them. I don’t see this as a sacrifice, but rather a
gift. My life feels whole because of the relationships I have with my loved ones.
Theme 2: Autonomy
• Theme Statement: I desire the freedom to self-direct the course of my life when it
comes to long-term goals and daily activities. I feel fulfilled in my job and personal life
when I’m given personal autonomy over my decisions.

• Supporting Data:
• “More and more people in the workforce, and most knowledge workers- will
have to manage themselves” (Drucker, 1999) at work I feel most fulfilled when
I’m allowed to plan and organize my day according to how I work best. (KCIA)
• Structure and human resources are my strongest leadership characteristic
leanings. I value personal freedom and fairness in the workplace. (LOSAR)
• Work-life balance is highly important to me when it comes to satisfaction in the
workplace. (KCIA)
• I’m motivated by time-freedom without strict deadlines and rigid rules. (MCAA)
• The freedom Santiago felt in his decision to seek his personal treasure, and carve
his own path was enticing to my personality and personal desires. Traveling with
my family full time for an extended period, is still something I crave to do. (BPR &
PJ).
Theme 2: Autonomy con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• The temptation to pull away from the group too much, not allowing for enough collaboration
and alternative perspectives. Not being challenged enough to step out of my comfort zone.
(KSCA)

• Reflection
• The jobs I have felt the most fulfilled in offer a lot of autonomy. I enjoy business ownership
because I can plan my days how I want. I currently work in a position that provides a lot of
autonomy; I look forward to coming to work everyday. I get to work with a team that is
supportive and collaborative, while also celebrates individual decision making when it comes
to creative projects and time-freedom. In my interview I communicated how I work well
individually, and it was a selling point for the team. We all work well together and respect
everyone’s ability to structure our days how we see fit. I have learned a lot from my current
bosses regarding how they manage our team with trust and respect.
Theme 3: Structure
• Theme Statement: I enjoy structure just as much as I enjoy adventure, I crave a balance between the
two. I enjoy predictability as much as I enjoy spontaneity.

• Supporting Data:
• I enjoy solving problems, structure gives me a solid foundation for when issues arise, allowing
me to stay calm and address the issue at hand. (MB16P)
• I take pride in being disciplined, reaching goals I set for myself. (B5PT)
• Organization is one of my top skills, I enjoy the process of organizing whether that be a room
or a spreadsheet. (KSCA)
• A good day was one where I stayed home and organized our library. (PJ)
• Takes pride in a job well done and verbal praise from co-workers on the success of a project
due to my organizational skills. (MB16P)
• Compliance is a strong personality trait for me, I want to do what’s right and succeed with
integrity. (DISC)
Theme 3: Structure con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• When I’m focused on a task, and I’m interrupted I can become impatient and short-
tempered. Sometimes my desire for structure and predictability can get in the way of my
creativity. (DISC)

• Reflection
• I enjoy equal parts structure and spontaneity; I feel most fulfilled when my life reflects both. I
like a routine in my day, but I also like to mix things up and pivot in a different direction to
keep it interesting. This is why flexibility is very important to me. Some days I like to get out
of bed and do my typical routine, somedays I like to rush the clock and try and get ready in
fifteen minutes to challenge the norm.
Theme 4: Time
Freedom
• Theme Statement: Life is so much more than work; I desire a job that allows me to fulfill
other areas of interest and freedom to enjoy my personal life without guilt.

• Supporting Data:
• I’m imaginative and adventurous, I’m open to new experiences and find that I’m most
myself when I get to enjoy those experiences with my family and friends. (B5PT)
• Energy and fulfillment are found within relationships for me, I feel balanced when I get
time with others and time alone in equal measures. I enjoy social gatherings and
engaging in meaningful conversations with strangers and loved ones. (KCIA)
• Having independence in my job is important to me, a trustworthy relationship with my
boss and co-workers allow me to make my own decisions and not relay on constant
reporting to a supervisor. (WVD)
• Enterprising is part of my Holland Code, I desire to engage in other business endeavors
outside my full-time job. My husband and I own a family business and put time and
energy into that, working with our kids. (KCIA)
• While I enjoy my job, what is most precious to me is the memories I make with my
friends and family outside my place of work. When I have the time freedom to make
memories with those I love most, is when I find I’m at my happiest. (PJ)
Theme 4: Time Freedom con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• I can hyper fixated on a project or task, making it difficult to step away from work. I become
very connected and passionate about whatever task I have in front of me and can loose track
of time. While I prioritize my time freedom over work, I can find myself loosing sight of that
and prioritizing the wrong thing. (MB16P)

• Reflection
• I have felt guilty in past jobs when I’ve prioritized my time in other areas of interest in my life.
I am a great employee and take great pride in my work, but I don’t find it fulfilling or
productive to be a slave to the job. I am a better co-worker if I am finding fulfillment outside
of work and filling my cup by prioritizing my other passions. I’m grateful to work in a place
that celebrates the teams outside interests and passions and ensures that we are all taking
care of ourselves when it comes to the time we spend away from the office.
Theme 5: Balance
• Theme Statement: I’m a Libra, I desire balance in everything.

• Supporting Data:
• I am equal parts introvert and extrovert, leaning only
slightly in favor of an extroverted personality. (MB16P).
• I want peace and equality for all. I have a hard time with
the injustices in our world. (PJ)
• I want to work hard and play hard. (WVD)
• I have a wide range of interests and passions. (KCIA)
• I am always considering the amount of time I spend at
work and with my family, desiring a healthy work-life
balance. (MCAA)
Theme 5: Balance con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• I desire balance but can live in extremes as well. My deep need for adventure and mystery
can cause me to be out of balance at times and then become easily overwhelmed. (MB16P)
• Reflection
• I find satisfaction in being a great employee, but that satisfaction is only there if I also have
ample time with my friends and family. I’m a better employee when I have the time freedom
and autonomy to spend my time how I wish. I am a very hard worker and will always follow
through my commitments. I also need balance in my personal life with my family and my own
individual down time. I like to be social, but I like to be alone. I like conversation and I like
silence. I like a good party and I like to be home with a good book. A happy life for me is one
that is in balance.
Theme 6: Health
• Theme Statement: I prioritize my health so I can live a long happy life
where I can be active in my older years to enjoy my grandchildren.

• Supporting Data:
• My family is a primary source of joy for me. I believe a successful life
is based on properly caring for myself for the betterment of my
family. (MCAA)
• You are only as good as you feel. I prioritize my health because I spent
many years fighting illness and I know what it’s like to not have your
health. (PJ)
• A lot of my interests depend on my physical well-being, if I wasn’t
able to be active, it would be a struggle to remain optimistic. (KCIA)
• I’m open to new experiences, I like to test the boundaries. (B5PT)
• I feel the most confident about myself when I’m taking care of my
physical and mental well-being. To be a confident successful leader I
feel it essential to take care of my mind and body. (KSCA)
Theme 6: Health con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• My spontaneity can get in the way of my consistency when it comes to my health. I will
always skip the gym if there is an opportunity to make memories with my family. I will get off
my eating plan if there is a party to celebrate a loved one. My need for balance in my life,
while good and fulfilling can be counterproductive to my health goals. (B5PT)

• Reflection
• My husband and I both prioritize our health, I’m grateful we both see it as important. We
have been married a 25 years and have four children together. We both talk about being
active in our business, our children’s lives and lives of our future grandchildren. Our biggest
dream is to grow old together, still lively and active to enjoy the years we get to spend loving
on our grandbabies and watching our children thrive with their families.
Theme 7: Creativity
• Theme Statement: Creativity allows me to explore new perspectives and innovate when the need
arises.

• Supporting Data:
• I’m very good under pressure, I enjoy problem solving and innovating finding new ways to
accomplish a task that might seem impossible. (KSCA)
• I’m a photographer and used to own a photography business that specialized in weddings and
portrait photography. Exploring angels and lighting, while also capturing personality of my
clients was very fulfilling. (PJ)
• I love to organize, and problem solve. From a young age I liked patterns, puzzles and structure.
I was often teased for going to a friend's houses and finding joy in organizing their bedrooms. I
enjoyed the creative aspect of exploring new ways to structure items. (MB16P)
• I have owned five businesses over the years and have enjoyed the creative process of creating
a brand, marketing and exploring my talents within the business structure. I enjoy the thrill of
the new experience. (B5PT).
• In my current position I get to enjoy a balance between structured tasks and creativity. I like
having both as part of my job as it allows me to explore both interests and keeps my days
predictable and spontaneous. (KCIA)
Theme 7: Creativity con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• My practical side can battle with my creative side, diminishing that part of my personality.
Doubt can creep in and limit my creativity when I start to overthink, rather than explore
creative possibilities. I can also find myself fixated on the outcome rather than allow myself
to enjoy the process. I am task oriented and can let that overtake my ability to slow down
and be creative in the moment. (MB16P)

• Reflection
• Projects where I have a balance of structure and creativity are fulfilling. I enjoy crossing tasks
off my list, but I also like to pause and create along the way. Creativity is a a big outlet for me
and helps me to build confidence around my skillset. When I’m free to explore alternative
possibilities, thinking on my feet at times, I tap into a core part of who I am. Photography has
been a huge creative outlet for me, and I need to remember to exercise that muscle more
often, setting aside time to just create for fun.
Theme 8: Stability
• Theme Statement: A trusted foundation gives me the building blocks for all other areas of my life.

• Supporting Data:
• I have not always had stability in my life, and I’ve come to crave it. I moved around a lot as a child and
had an unstable childhood, rooted in a lot of fear. Stability as an adult, with my own family has become
a necessity and ground for which to grow in a healthy way. (PJ)
• Owning my own businesses has shown me that adaptability is essential when dealing with issues that
arise and the flexibility to pivot, when necessary, but without stability also in the equation, adaptability
becomes more difficult. It’s because of the stability we’ve built that I have the assurance I need to make
essential decisions that require more flexibility. (KSCA)
• Stability within has become an essential theme in my life, allowing for exploration and self-discovery.
Like Santiago I needed to find my true inner self along an adventurous road, to evolve and grow. It’s
through the growth within, that I’ve been able to grow and expand my personal and professional life. I
feel a peace within that has allowed me to take more outward risks. (BPR)
• I like structure, organization and predictability. (MB16P)
• I’m very reliable and trustworthy, if I say I’m going to do something or be somewhere I can be counted
on to follow through and show up. (KSCA)
Theme 8: Stability con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• While I enjoy stability, I can also be very unpredictable and enjoy spontaneity. I like to change
things up to keep them interesting. I’ve been known to fly to see a friend the same day we talk
about it, just for the thrill of it. I like routine, but I also like adventure and risk. (BfPT)

• Reflection
• Stability is something I craved as a child, always wishing we could stay in one place for longer
without have to move all the time. As a young married couple, we moved some more but have
recently settled down and decided to stay put. We have enjoyed the stability that has given us,
and we’ve put down solid roots. We’ve seen the positive effects this has had on our family and
our future. We have built a business, watched our children flourish and finished our degrees. I
have a job that I love and have enjoyed the daily routine and structure it has given me. I still
find ways to be spontaneous but have allowed myself to explore this part of who I am,
someone who enjoys a consistent community and a solid foundation for which to build our life.
Theme 9: Education
• Theme Statement: Going back to school has expanded my world-view and has
given me the confidence I needed to fee whole in my life.
• Supporting Data:
• I found myself fixating and different topics to explore and learn on my own.
My husband challenged me to put that desire to learn into a degree and
I’m so glad I listened. Finishing my undergrad is a lifelong dream and one I
didn’t think I would have the opportunity to accomplish. (PJ)
• I enjoy the thrill of exploring new topics and expanding my understanding
of the world around me. (B5PT)
• I’m conventional in my interest and skills, looking for advice and counsel
from authorities. (KCIA)
• As a protagonist I am often feeling pulled to serve a greater purpose in life.
This requires education and the expansion of my world view. Education is a
fulfilling part of my ability to expand, improve and grow to serve and teach
others. (MB16P)
• I’m very interested in gaining understanding and perspective for the world
around me. (BPR)
Theme 9: Education con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• I have felt insecure in academic environments, which has held me back from
engaging in growth opportunities. I was very sheltered as a child and was taught a
rhetoric that held me back from trusting and believing in myself. (PJ)

• Reflection
• Education has transformed my life. I enjoyed school growing up but was taught a
higher education wasn’t necessary. I’m thankful I’m able to make up for lost time by
returning to school and completing a college degree. This degree means a lot more
to me than I thought it would. Through this journey I have grown in my compassion
for others and have grown in my own self-confidence. I’m thankful I get to be an
example for my own children.
Theme 10: Adventure
• Theme Statement: I have an adventurous spirit that requires spontaneity, exploration,
and new experiences.

• Supporting Data:
• We sold all or belongings and traveled in an RV around the United States, for a year
with my husband, four children and boarder collie. (PJ)
• I like being an entrepreneur because building a business can be unpredictable,
requiring creative problem solving. (B5PT)
• The artistic side of me enjoys exploration and innovation. (MB16P)
• Job security isn’t of high importance to me. (SWVI)
• Following Santiago on his journey reminded me of my desire to travel and explore.
While I want to stay grounded and focused on our goal to create a solid structure
and foundation, I still have the itch to explore and go on many adventures. (BPR)
Theme 10: Adventure con’t
• Contradictory Evidence (if there is none then a brief explanation why feel this is so)
• I like structure and routine. I crave organization and predictability. (B5PT)

• Reflection
• The desire for balance in my life can look like I have conflicting personalities. I like routine and
structure, but I also thrive in chaos and spontaneity. I have my coffee the same way every
morning but will leave on a last-minute vacation without much of a plan. I had four kids
under the age of 5, but also had a very structured routine while they were little. I like chaos,
as equally as I like routine and structure. I need a balance in my life of both. I enjoy risks, but I
also want me feet on solid ground. Adventure is at the core of who I am, I want to enjoy
everything life has to offer gaining insights and perspectives along the way. I’m addicted to
growth and discovery and embrace this part of my personality.
My Personal
Vision Statement
Build a life centered around strong family
connections, ongoing personal growth, and
exploration, rooted in love and compassion.

Reflection: When I think about what is most

important to me, I think of family, continued
personal growth and adventure. I hope through all
these important life goals I can always move
about my world with an ever-growing love and
respect for those I get the privilege to meet and
connect with along the way. I hope my
compassion for others continually grows and the
love I have for others is what I gauge my successes
on. I hope I never lose sight of what is most
important to me.
My Personal
Mission
Statement
I am dedicated to nurturing my family, pursuing
continuous personal and professional growth and
spreading love and kindness.

Reflection: I strive to create a supportive and

loving home that my children and grandchildren
always feel supported and safe. I want to continue
to seek out opportunities continued education
and personal growth. I plan to continue to a
graduate program after I finish my undergraduate
degree. I want to approach life’s challenges with
resilience and compassion. I strive to create a fun,
enriching environment for my children to grow up
in, feeling encouraged to reach their dreams and
goals. No matter the trials this world has, I want
to always strive to lead with love and kindness.
 Conclusion
Exploring who I am at the age of forty-one has been both
enlightening and therapeutic. This transformative reflection
will guide the choices I make in the next phase of my life. I
am deeply grateful for the opportunity to look within,
discover what makes me unique, and to understand what
brings me happiness. This assignment has provided me with
a clearer vision of how I perceive the world and how I want
to navigate my way through it.
References
Big 5 Personality Test. (2022, April 8). Retrieved from 123test:
https://www.123test.com/personality-test/

DISC Personality Test. (2023, February 20). Retrieved from 123test:

https://www.123test.com/disc-personality-test/

Drucker, Peter F (1999). Management Challenges for the 21st Century. (cet. 1). NEW YORK, NEW YORK: HARPER COLLINS
PUBLISHER.
Free personality test. 16Personalities. (n.d.-a). https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test/accessible
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Kuder Career Interests Assessment. (n.d.). Retrieved from Kuder

Journey: https://journey.kuder.com/my-assessments/career-interestsassessment-
results?ID=29085977

Kuder Skills Confidence Assessment. (n.d.). Retrieved from Kuder

Journey: https://journey.kuder.com/home/dashboard

Super's Work Values Inventory-Revised. (n.d.). Retrieved from Kuder

Journey: https://journey.kuder.com/home/dashboard