On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, we meet with Kelli Thompson, a women’s leadership coach and speaker who helps women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained hundreds of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck, releasing November 1, 2022. We discuss Kelli’s journey from gaining confidence in the corporate world to now leading the way for others to do the same. We dive into Kelli’s experience as a social Five and how she applies the Enneagram in her daily life.

When I think about communication, I think about more than just talking: it’s how we express ourselves (even silence is a form of self-expression), it’s how we connect (or don’t), it’s how we build relationships and cultivate our lives. It’s everything! And this is one of THE most important ways I think we can use the Enneagram. How do you communicate with yourself? (Yes, it’s a thing!) And how do you communicate with others?

If you’ve been curious about using the Enneagram for growth, improving your relationships, and deepening self-awareness, I have good news for you!

There’s so much more I could add to this post but I may have to save that for another time! Type Fives have so much more going on under the surface than they may express. So it’s important not to assume how they feel or what they’re thinking, especially if they may be coming off as “cold” or “uninterested”. For some Fives, this can be really frustrating, even hurtful, coming from those they truly care about. (More on this below!)

In relationships, Fives value independence and intentionality. Fives approach relationships slowly but with great curiosity. It’s important for Fives that they have space without demands, so they take their time learning to trust others, especially in intimate settings. When less healthy, Fives can become withdrawn and arrogant, believing they are the most competent and capable person in the room. Overall, Fives are kind and generous with their partners, and they appreciate a person who also has an independent streak.