Kolbe Certified™ Consultants and organizations recognized for exceptional application of strengths-based solutions

PHOENIX, Ariz. (September 22, 2025) — Kolbe Corp, a leader in strengths-based performance solutions, announces the finalists for the 2025 Conative Excellence Awards: The Kolbe Professional Award for Individual Leadership and The Kolbe Enterprise Award for Organizational Leadership in Building Conative Excellence. The Conative Excellence Awards celebrate those who consistently use Kolbe methods to empower themselves, others, and their teams, leading to measurable improvements in organizational and individual performance.

Conative refers to the instinctive way people approach tasks and solve problems, distinct from cognitive (thinking) and affective (feeling) aspects of the mind. As the third part of the mind, conative action is the hidden key to improving human performance. Each year, Kolbe recognizes individuals and organizations that leverage conative strengths to enhance productivity, improve team dynamics, and implement effective talent management strategies.

The Kolbe Professional Award honors a Kolbe Certified™ Consultant who has developed a high level of expertise in Kolbe Theory and has used Kolbe Solutions to impact organizations or individuals. The finalists of the 2025 Kolbe Professional Award are:

–Marit Peters, President & Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) and CEO of Catalyit.
–Kari Gillenwater, Owner of Gillenwater Consulting Group, Inc.
–Inside Out Ventures Team:
–Chandon Thorell, CEO & Owner
–Celeste Ross, Founder & Owner
–humanworks8 Team:
–Shawn Gulyas, Founder & The Thought Catalyst
–Rebecca Swanson, Co-Founder & The Talent Connector
–AJ Kruse, Co-Founder & The Concept Illustrator
–Sarah Marshall, Co-Founder & The Experience Architect

The Kolbe Enterprise Award recognizes organizations that have applied Kolbe Theory to impact their workforce and business outcomes. The finalists of the 2025 Kolbe Enterprise Award are:

–Azure Standard, a family-owned, independent distributor and manufacturer of organic and non-GMO groceries, natural foods, and sustainable living products.
–Tel Tech Networks, a full-service communications contractor and integrator serving clients’ needs nationwide.
–Cherry Republic, a specialty cherry retailer based in Northern Michigan.

“The finalists for this year’s Conative Excellence Awards exemplify the transformative power of understanding and applying natural strengths in the workplace,” said David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp. “Their achievements demonstrate how leveraging conative insights can drive significant improvements in both individual and organizational performance.”

Kolbe will announce the winner of the 2025 Conative Excellence Awards at KolbeCon 2025, from October 22-24, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. KolbeCon is the premier event for understanding and applying conative strengths, featuring keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and Kolbe experts. Attendees will gain insights into the latest research on human instincts and learn practical strategies for leveraging natural strengths in business and life.

To learn more about KolbeCon 2025, click here: https://www.kolbecon.com/