Message from the CEO

Upon reflecting on the past decade of Indigo, I am even more convinced that the future of humanity is inclusive. In this new era, everyone is valued and has a sense of belonging and purpose, not based on what they produce, but simply for who they are as individuals.

The future of education is learner-centered. Who the learner is, how they learn, and what they’re naturally curious about matters more than standards, curriculum, checking boxes, or memorization.

The future of workforce is people-centered. The aspirations, talents, and dreams of each employee are considered in aligning their work with personal growth and authenticity. It is a departure from companies solely pursuing their own objectives and maximizing profits.

Indigo has always been ahead of its time. We are dedicated to supporting the ongoing transformation towards a people-centric consciousness. How do we do this? We continue to focus on our core values, self-awareness, empathy, and freedom.

"know yourself"

Indigo provides a wide range of assessments that facilitate self-awareness. Our assessments are specifically designed to illuminate and highlight the unique strengths of each individual. Unlike other companies that prioritize profit and marketing, we deliver the assessment results with a deeper level of insight and intentionality.

"know your team"

When individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, they can then shift their focus toward those around them. The emerging consciousness emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration, rather than individualism and division. To foster this effectively, we need to cultivate empathy for one another. Our assessments serve as a foundation for engaging in meaningful conversations that facilitate this empathetic connection.

"know your possibilities"

Freedom is significant on every level. Individually, we must have the freedom to choose our own identity and to fully express ourselves. In teams, we must feel secure in expressing our ideas and gifts without assumptions or judgment. At the collective and systemic level, it is essential to promote greater empowerment, a stronger belief in the democratic process, and respect for the sacredness of choice.

This is precisely why Indigo remains committed to advocating for increased choices within organizations, companies, schools, and institutions. We strive for clarity of vision and processes that allow individuals to align themselves with organizations that truly resonate with their authentic selves.

Invitation to Connect and Help

If you align with our vision, we invite you to connect with us! Email us and we will get back to you right away!

Please consider helping us grow in the following three ways:

Spread IndigoPathway far and wide: IndigoPathway is our new free 10-minute self-awareness (DISC and Motivators) career transition assessment. We also offer white-label services, community workforce platforms, certification, online courses, and consulting services around IndigoPathway.
Refer us to organizations that can use our full suite of services! We specialize in working with schools, non-profits, veteran organizations, and higher education.
Like us and follow us on social media:

Big Announcements

In partnership with WestEd, Indigo has been selected to modernize the National Career CTE Career Clusters Framework with Advance CTE. This is an amazing opportunity to impact the career trajectories of millions of high school students across the country. See updates on the project here.

Indigo has been awarded a grant from the Colorado Department of Education to develop technology to facilitate statewide career advising conversations with high school students and adults seeking educational and career pathways. We are partnering with Colorado Education Initiative on the year-long project.

Sheri's Book

If you want to know more about Indigo’s unique business philosophy check out Sheri’s new book Spiritual Entrepreneurship: Raw Reflections of a Female CEO.

This book contains Sheri’s personal experiences and insights over the past ten years of building Indigo. Sheri hopes it will inspire and guide others in leadership positions.

Learn more about the book here.

Helpful Links

Note of Gratitude

Thank you for being part of our community!

A special expression of gratitude goes out to everyone who has been part of the Indigo team over the past decade. Our current team continues to achieve remarkable feats every day and brings immense joy to thousands of people across the country. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, I strongly believe that our work has only just begun.

With gratitude,

Sheri A. Smith

Celebrate with Us! Cheers to Indigo’s 10-Year Anniversary Read More »

High Compliance Classroom Management Tips

Leave a Comment / DISC, Indigo Assessment Info / Sheri Smith

Personalized classroom management strategies help meet individual student needs, fostering a positive learning environment, increasing motivation, and leading to better student performance. Understanding a student’s core DISC style provides a great framework helping each student thrive! In this blog, we’ll explore techniques for managing high compliance students, creating an organized and detail-oriented environment for optimal performance.

Someone who scores above 50 in the DISC Steadiness behavioral style (blue bar on the DISC graph) is considered “high” in that style. The higher the score, the more these classroom strategies typically apply.

A high compliance student may have characteristics such as being detail oriented and following rules and instructions closely. They typically are responsible and have a strong work ethic; they are conscientious and produce high quality work. Additionally, they may be less likely to challenge authority and are more inclined to follow established procedures. They may also be less likely to take risks and may prefer to stick to what they know.

Here are some classroom management strategies to keep in mind for your students who have a high compliance behavioral style:

Provide clear expectations and rules.

High compliance students tend to thrive in structured environments, so be sure to clearly communicate expectations and rules for behavior.

Encourage organization and planning.

High compliance students tend to be organized and planful, so encourage these habits by providing opportunities for them to plan and organize their work.

Use positive reinforcement.

High compliance students often respond well to positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards for good behavior.

Provide opportunities for responsibility and leadership.

High compliance students tend to be responsible and dependable, so provide opportunities for them to take on leadership roles and responsibilities.

Be firm and consistent with consequences.

High compliance students tend to understand and respect rules and consequences, so be firm and consistent when enforcing them.

Provide opportunities for self-reflection.

High compliance students may benefit from opportunities to reflect on their behavior and progress, so provide opportunities for self-reflection and goal setting.

Encourage time management skills.

High compliance students tend to be good at time management, so encourage them to develop and use these skills in the classroom.

Provide them with clear and specific feedback on their work.

High compliance students may need clear and specific feedback on their work to understand their progress and areas for improvement.

These strategies aim to provide a clear and safe learning environment that takes into account the individual needs of high compliance students and encourages them to take responsibility for their learning and behavior. It also provide opportunities for positive reinforcement and recognition to build their motivation and self-esteem.

Note: It’s important to note that the DISC assessment is just one tool used to understand and describe behavior, and it should not be used to label or judge individuals. Each person is unique and may exhibit a combination of different behavioral traits. Additionally, behavior can change depending on the situation and context. Therefore, it is essential to use the information from the DISC assessment as a starting point for understanding and communication, not as a means of making judgments or assumptions about a person’s character or abilities.

High Compliance Classroom Management Tips Read More »

High Steadiness Classroom Management Tips

Leave a Comment / DISC, Indigo Assessment Info, Resources / Sheri Smith

Personalized classroom management strategies help meet individual student needs, fostering a positive learning environment, increasing motivation, and leading to better student performance. Understanding a student’s core DISC style provides a great framework helping each student thrive! In this blog, we’ll explore techniques for managing high steadiness students, creating a peaceful and routine-driven environment for optimal performance.

Someone who scores above 50 in the DISC Steadiness behavioral style (green bar on the DISC graph) is considered “high” in that style. The higher the score, the more these classroom strategies typically apply.

A high steadiness students may have characteristics such as being dependable, consistent, and reliable. They are often able to maintain their composure in difficult situations. High steadiness people tend to do their best with a plan that doesn’t change frequently and may want to be in control of designing that plan. They may also be patient, persistent, and able to focus on a task for a long period of time.

Here are some classroom management strategies to keep in mind for your students who have a high steadiness behavioral style:

Establish a routine.

Create a structured and consistent daily routine, and stick to it as much as possible. This will help students with high steadiness feel secure and comfortable in the classroom.

Clearly communicate expectations.

Clearly state rules and expectations for behavior, and make sure they are consistently enforced.

Provide positive feedback.

Give frequent positive feedback and recognition to students who follow the rules and expectations.

Avoid sudden changes.

Try to avoid sudden changes or disruptions to the classroom routine, as this can cause anxiety or confusion for students with high steadiness scores.

Be calm and composed.

Maintain a calm and composed demeanor at all times, as this will help create a stable and peaceful classroom environment.

Be organized.

Be organized and make sure that materials and resources are readily available for use.

Use a structured seating plan.

Use a structured seating plan that promotes order and stability in the classroom.

Encourage participation.

Encourage participation and interaction among students, but in a controlled and structured way.

Be consistent in discipline.

Consistently implement and communicate discipline policies, which should be predictable and logical.

These strategies aim to provide a structured and safe learning environment that takes into account the individual needs of high steadiness students and encourages them to take responsibility for their learning and behavior. It also provides opportunities for positive reinforcement and recognition and in time, know how to better advocate for themselves.

High Steadiness Classroom Management Tips Read More »

Indigo x Song An: 2022 A Year In Review

Leave a Comment / Featured, Indigo News, Indigo Stories / Sheri Smith

Step into a world of empowerment and collaboration as Indigo and Song An shape the landscape of education and career counseling. Our 2022 Year in Review takes you on a remarkable journey through our partnership, showcasing the impactful moments and transformative experiences that defined our year.

In this blog post, we celebrate the power of self-awareness, empathy, and freedom in unlocking success for learners and educators alike. Let’s relive the magic of our year together and set the stage for even greater achievements to come. Welcome to the blog post that commemorates a year of growth and collaboration.

2022 Indigo x Song An: Business-to-Consumer

Indigo Assessments delivered to students, teachers & career consultants

Young Professionals impacted by Indigo

Career Consultants completed IndigoBasics Certification Training

Career Consultants participated in a peer-learning results debrief workshop

“What I like about IndigoActivate online course is the coherence of the course’s content as well as each video. I also find the learning materials mentioned in the course’s references very useful. I’m very satisfied with the course. Thank you, Indigo, for a fantastic course which helps me not only at study and work but also in my personal life.”

“The report is really detailed and accurate. I've done many DISC and personality tests and none of the others are this detailed. It's quite easy to debrief by myself thanks to the guidance.”

2022 Indigo x Song An: Business-to-Business

Our partnership with British University Vietnam (BUV) is going strong. We signed a second-year contract with 400 Indigo assessments.

With Amanotes, we rolled out a pilot for a team of ten members to evaluate the feasibility of scaling up.

A new partnership with Student Life Care, a start-up offers support services for Vietnamese students who study abroad, was established. 39 students took the Indigo assessments.

“Indigo assessments are highly applicable to university students and fresh graduates who are currently taking a break to: Reflect on why they fit or don't fit in the current work environment, or why they are not as good as other interns in the company; Realize what skills they are good at and not good at so they know what to showcase on their job application or in an interview; Realize what kind of work environment suits oneself, how to utilize their strengths and their skills in the next internship.”

2023 Indigo x Song An Plan

The Way Forward

Business-to-Consumer

Increase Indigo’s breadth of impact to new groups of students.

Business-to-Business

Continue our ongoing support with BUV, while establishing partnership with a new partner.

Career Consultants

Foster practice and supervision sessions for Indigo certified career consultants.

Thank you for your partnership!

“The path of leading change is a lonely one, and none of us
succeeds without the help of many.”

– Jacqueline Novogratz

Indigo x Song An: 2022 A Year In Review Read More »

Classroom Management Tips for High Influencing Students

High Influencing Classroom Management Tips

Leave a Comment / DISC, Indigo Assessment Info / Sheri Smith

Personalized classroom management strategies help meet individual student needs, fostering a positive learning environment, increasing motivation, and leading to better student performance. Understanding a student’s core DISC style provides a great framework helping each student thrive! In this blog, we’ll explore techniques for managing high influencing students, creating a structured and results-focused environment for optimal performance.

Someone who scores above 50 in the DISC Influencing behavioral style (yellow bar on the DISC graph) is considered “high” in that style. The higher the score, the more these classroom strategies typically apply.

A high influencing student may have characteristics such as being outgoing, sociable and personable. While they tend to be talkative, about 25% of them also identify as introverts, needing alone time to recharge.

Learners with high influencing behavior styles tend to learn best out-loud. They need to talk with others, process externally (aka share their thoughts and ideas), and listen to others doing the same. Also, they thrive off of building relationships with others. Note that they may also be less analytical, and may tend to rely on their instincts and emotions when making decisions.

Here are some classroom management strategies to keep in mind for students who have a high influencing behavior style:

Encourage participation and collaboration.

High influencing students tend to be sociable and enjoy working with others. So encourage participation and collaboration in group activities and discussions.

Use a positive and enthusiastic tone.

High influencing students tend to be energetic and respond well to a positive and enthusiastic tone. Adopt this approach when communicating with them.

Create opportunities for public speaking and presentations.

High influencing students may enjoy opportunities for public speaking and presentations, so provide opportunities for them to showcase their skills.

Use humor and playfulness in the classroom.

High influencing students may respond well to humor and playfulness, so incorporate these elements into the classroom.

Encourage creativity and experimentation.

High influencing students tend to be creative and enjoy experimenting with new ideas. Encourage this type of thinking and expression.

Provide positive feedback and recognition.

High influencing students tend to respond well to positive feedback and recognition, so be sure to provide this consistently.

These strategies aim to provide an engaging and open learning environment that takes into account the individual needs of high dominance students and encourages them to take responsibility for their learning and behavior. It also provides opportunities for positive reinforcement and recognition and in time, know how to better advocate for themselves.

High Influencing Classroom Management Tips Read More »

Lead & Serve With L.O.V.E. Mentor Education Program

Leave a Comment / Partners / Sheri Smith

Registration is open for L.O.V.E. Is The Answer’s virtual “Lead & Serve With L.O.V.E.” Class!

Join us for a transformative virtual instructor-led class, “Lead & Serve With L.O.V.E.”. By weaving our IndigoPathway tool into its powerful framework, the class helps you discover the power of self-awareness and effective communication. This comprehensive educational experience sets the standard for enhancing leadership, followership, mentoring, customer service, and social responsibility skills. We believe it’s the key to your personal and professional growth.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to expand your horizons! The next class begins on June 8, 2023, and enrollment is limited to 100 students. Experience interactive learning in small groups of 10, allowing for meaningful connections and engaging discussions.

Reserve your spot(s) today for yourself, your family, your work team, your ministry group, or any other affiliation you have! Simply click the link below or scan the QR code to learn more and secure your place.

CLASS SCHEDULE

All sessions are from 4 to 6 pm Pacific/7 to 9 pm Eastern except for session #4 6/29/23, which will run from 4 to 7 pm Pacific, 7 to 10 pm Eastern:

1. Thursday 6/8/23: Foundations: Why L.O.V.E.

2. Thursday 6/15/23: Seeds Of Your Truth – Clarity & Purpose

3. Thursday 6/22/23: Grace & Reconciliation (Part 1)

4. Thursday 6/29/23: Grace & Reconciliation (Part 2 includes film screening)

5. Thursday 7/6/23: Radical Candor – Coaching Conversations

6. Thursday 7/13/23: JEDI Discussions

7. Thursday 7/20/23: The Leader In You

8. Thursday 7/27/23: The Power of Community – L.O.V.E. In Action

9. Presentations Dates TBD between 7/28/23 and 8/9/23

10. Graduation 8/10/23

If you have any questions, feel free to send an email here.

A.J. Ali

Founder & CEO, L.O.V.E. Is The Answer

2022 Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree

U.S. Air Force Service Disabled Veteran

– Cell: 443-463-5009

– Film: www.WalkingWhileBlack.com

– Book & Movement: www.trylovenow.com

– Connect/About Me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajali/

– Schedule a call or Zoom: https://calendly.com/ajali/30-minute-call

Lead & Serve With L.O.V.E. Mentor Education Program Read More »

Participate in the Modernization of the National Career Clusters Framework!

Leave a Comment / Featured, Indigo News / Sheri Smith

We are thrilled to announce that Indigo Education Company and WestEd, in partnership with Advance CTE, are teaming up to lead the initiative in modernizing the National Career Clusters Framework. This framework serves as a blueprint for states nationwide, guiding Career Technical Education (CTE) programs for high school students and adult reskilling initiatives. Over 11 million students participate in CTE programs each year!

As we embark on this transformative journey, we invite you to share this opportunity to be an integral part of the process with industry partners in your network. Diverse insights and perspectives from people in the field are vital in ensuring that every sector is fully represented.

Together, let’s forge a path toward modernization and excellence in career development!

Nominate key industry players to participate in sector-specific Industry Advisory Groups by filling out this form. Give others the opportunity to shape the direction of the National Career Clusters Framework and contribute to the future of career pathways by sharing the nomination form, open until Friday, June 9th, with your networks.

Participate in the Modernization of the National Career Clusters Framework! Read More »

Classroom Management Tips for High Dominance Students

High Dominance Classroom Management Tips

Leave a Comment / DISC, Indigo Assessment Info / Sheri Smith

Personalized classroom management strategies help meet individual student needs, fostering a positive learning environment, increasing motivation, and leading to better student performance. Understanding a student’s core DISC style provides a great framework helping each student thrive! In this blog, we’ll explore techniques for managing high dominance students, creating a structured and results-focused environment for optimal performance.

Someone who scores above 50 in the DISC Dominance behavioral style (red bar on the DISC graph) is considered “high” in that style. The higher the score, the more these classroom strategies typically apply. A high dominance student may have characteristics such as being assertive, and self-assured, taking charge in group situations, and having a strong desire to be in control. They also tend to be very competitive. Additionally, they may not be afraid to speak their mind and express their opinions.

Here are some classroom management strategies to keep in mind for your students who have a high dominance behavioral style:

Encourage participation and leadership.

High dominance students tend to be confident and assertive, so provide opportunities for them to take a leadership role in class discussions and group activities.

Use positive reinforcement.

High dominance students often respond well to positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards for good behavior.

Provide opportunities for competition.

High dominance students may enjoy a competitive environment, so incorporate opportunities for competition into class activities and assignments.

Be firm and consistent with consequences.

High dominance students may test boundaries, so be sure to be firm and consistent with consequences for misbehavior.

Avoid confrontations and show respect.

High dominance students may be more likely to react strongly to criticism or challenges to their authority, so avoid confrontations and show respect for their opinions and ideas.

Allow them to express their ideas, opinions and suggestions.

High dominance students may be opinionated, and they may want to express their ideas and suggestions. Encourage them to do so, but establish clear boundaries on appropriate ways to express themselves.

Give them a challenge that requires them to use their leadership skills in a positive way.

High dominance students may enjoy challenges that allow them to take a leadership role and use their assertiveness in a positive way.

High Dominance Classroom Management Tips Read More »

Indigo Holiday Gratitude Blog

Leave a Comment / Motivators / Sheri Smith

As the holiday season approaches, we wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support. At Indigo, we are constantly inspired by the amazing work that our customers do, and we are incredibly thankful to be a part of your journey.

We are looking forward to 2023 and the future of education with great anticipation. At Indigo, we are committed to supporting our customers and helping them navigate the constantly evolving landscape of preparing students for the modern workplace.

Thank you again for choosing Indigo. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the new year.

Best regards,

The Indigo Team

Indigo Holiday Gratitude Blog Read More »

Indigo Education Company Motivators – Thanksgiving tips for a more gracious holiday!

Leave a Comment / Motivators / Sheri Smith

Indigo Education Company appreciates all our partners! In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we’d like to provide some tips on how you can best show your gratitude for each motivator personality from the Indigo Assessment:

Social

Let high Socials know how much their presence in your life helps you by sharing specific instances where their presence made a positive impact. Consider spending time with them helping others like volunteering at a soup kitchen together. High Socials love to help and like to know their help matters!

Utilitarian

Support the high Utilitarians in your life by working with them to achieve a goal or accomplish something important on their list. They will appreciate getting something done and enjoy sharing a sense of accomplishment with you!

Theoretical

Spend some time with your high Theoretical friends and family by asking them to teach you about their area of expertise or something they are currently learning. Asking thoughtful questions will help you better understand their love of that topic. High Theoreticals love sharing their knowledge with others!

Individualistic

Publicly acknowledge the high Individualistic person in your life over the Thanksgiving meal by recognizing what they uniquely bring into your life. Suggest having the Individualistic person in your life create a unique dish for the meal or put on a performance for the gathering of family and friends!

Traditional

High Traditionals love when others participate in and enjoy annual holiday traditions with them. If there is something you do every year as a family or friend group, keep doing it! If you don’t have any traditions yet, let them create new ones. Honor the things that matter most to Traditionals during this time!

Aesthetic

Make sure there is space for beauty, art, or music during the Thanksgiving season. Let high Aesthetics decorate your dining room or go the extra mile to make your meal beautiful. You might also want to create a gratitude collage or a vision board together for the upcoming year. High Aesthetics also enjoy just sitting in silence and appreciating life!

Just like the 5 Love Languages, expressing gratitude based on each person’s top motivators will make everyone feel extra special this holiday season.

From all of us at Indigo, thank you!

Indigo Education Company Motivators – Thanksgiving tips for a more gracious holiday! Read More »

Author name: Sheri Smith

Message from the CEO

"know yourself"

"know your team"

"know your possibilities"

Invitation to Connect and Help

Big Announcements

Sheri's Book

Helpful Links

Note of Gratitude

Provide clear expectations and rules.

Encourage organization and planning.

Use positive reinforcement.

Provide opportunities for responsibility and leadership.

Be firm and consistent with consequences.

Provide opportunities for self-reflection.

Encourage time management skills.

Provide them with clear and specific feedback on their work.

Establish a routine.

Clearly communicate expectations.

Provide positive feedback.

Avoid sudden changes.

Be calm and composed.

Be organized.

Use a structured seating plan.

Encourage participation.

Be consistent in discipline.

2022 Indigo x Song An: Business-to-Consumer

2022 Indigo x Song An: Business-to-Business

2023 Indigo x Song An Plan

The Way Forward

Business-to-Consumer

Business-to-Business

Career Consultants

Thank you for your partnership!

Encourage participation and collaboration.

Use a positive and enthusiastic tone.

Create opportunities for public speaking and presentations.

Use humor and playfulness in the classroom.

Encourage creativity and experimentation.

Provide positive feedback and recognition.

Registration is open for L.O.V.E. Is The Answer’s virtual “Lead & Serve With L.O.V.E.” Class!

CLASS SCHEDULE

A.J. Ali

Encourage participation and leadership.

Use positive reinforcement.

Provide opportunities for competition.

Be firm and consistent with consequences.

Avoid confrontations and show respect.

Allow them to express their ideas, opinions and suggestions.

Give them a challenge that requires them to use their leadership skills in a positive way.

Social

Utilitarian

Theoretical

Individualistic

Traditional

Aesthetic