Annie Bigley (She/Her)

Co-founder and Executive Coach

Annie is dedicated to appreciative leadership, with a focus on creating brave spaces that empower individuals to achieve their full potential. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and supported. Currently a Senior Academic Advisor at the University of Minnesota, Annie advises Economics students through their academic and career journeys while also playing a key role in strategic planning and program development.

She holds a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Women’s Studies, underscoring her deep commitment to education and cultural understanding. As a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach, Annie is passionate about helping others discover and leverage their strengths for personal and professional growth.

Annie’s leadership style is characterized by her strong interpersonal skills, ability to build meaningful relationships, and dedication to promoting equity and inclusion. Her experience and expertise make her a valuable contributor to the academic community and a trusted mentor to students and colleagues alike.

Gallup Strengths: Individualization | Ideation | Relator | Strategic | Developer

Jennifer Guyer-Wood (She/Her)

Co-Founder & Executive Coach

Jennifer Guyer-Wood is a seasoned higher education leader with over 25 years of experience dedicated to the intersection of student success, career readiness, and inclusive engagement. As the Associate Vice President of Life Design and Innovation at Macalester College, she leads a multidisciplinary team that provides innovative career services, entrepreneurship opportunities, health professions advising, and high-impact summer research programs.

Throughout her career—including key leadership roles at Minnesota State Mankato, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Bellarmine University—Jennifer has established a proven track record of bridging the gap between education and meaningful employment. Her deep expertise in staff development and strategic coaching led her to co-found Appreciative Advantage, where she helps individuals and teams move from uncertainty to action.

A lifelong learner, Jennifer holds a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and has completed advanced training at the Stanford Life Design Lab. Jennifer is particularly passionate about supporting diverse populations and fostering the strategic connections—among fellow alumni, employers, and colleagues—that lead to lifelong professional success.

When she isn’t helping others design their next chapter, Jennifer loves spending time with her husband, Mike, and their cat and dog. She is also a frequent attendee of live music events, finding inspiration in the creativity of the Twin Cities arts scene.

Gallup Strengths: Intellection | Individualization | Relator | Learner | Futuristic

Our Story

Two Perspectives. One Shared Passion.

Our journey began at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, where we first discovered the power of a great partnership. Working side-by-side to support students and the college, we realized we shared more than just an office—we shared a deep-seated passion for helping people see the potential they often overlooked in themselves.

We saw firsthand how the right support could turn a moment of uncertainty into a breakthrough. We loved the work, and we loved working together, but we knew we wanted to go deeper.

Driven by a desire to bring more structure and creativity to the growth process, we spent the following years becoming dual-certified in Stanford Life Design and Gallup Strengths. These frameworks gave us the tools to turn our passion into a proven methodology.

We founded Appreciative Advantage to bring those tools to you. Today, we combine our background in higher education, coaching, consulting, and advising with our expertise in strengths-based development to help individuals and teams navigate their “what’s next.”

We believe that transformation doesn’t have to be a solo trek or a stressful grind. It can be a collaborative, appreciative, and even joyful design process. We’ve been partners in this work for years, and we’d love to be partners in yours.