307 An Analogy For Happiness   In today’s environment that is so rife with the use of social media it can be both bewildering and disconcerting to not know what is or isn’t manufactured for content, as well as the perceived obligation to have to participate in social media. Although both overwhelming and exciting one must always remember to have their values at heart and to put forth what you want in the world while also keeping in mind how to support your friends and family online. In this episode Sarah Elkins and AJ Kumar discuss how social media has impacted our perceptions of the world as well as our interpersonal relationships. AJ brings an insightful and warm perspective to the conversation, while also sharing his joy of learning and trying new things, and how these experiences have brought him to where he is today.   Highlights We are all multifaceted. You can’t just give up and stop learning. Be cautious of the attention you invite into your life and how you return that attention. Think about what story you want people to tell about you.   Quotes “Earth is a school, life is a school, like you’re always learning something and you’re always trying to learn something from the past because if you don’t learn stuff from the past then you end up repeating that mistake until you learn that, and once you can learn that and extract something from it then you move forward.” “It’s blurred, you can’t tell what’s real and what’s fake an d that’s a concern. People could use that negatively, it's hard to say, it’s like any tool, somebody can use it to build a house or knock someone over the head with it. I think that's the place we’re at now in society where how are you wielding this attention that you’re getting? Are you using it to harm people or are you using it to help people?” “It’s all about understanding people’s problems, trying to be in their shoes the best you can, and then helping them solve it.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you take on as an adult to help you process information in a way that’s different than how you’re doing it now? AJ decided to pick up a rubix cube and was able to figure out all kinds of analogies for his work just by playing with a rubix cube. For me I like to go on a hike, I always find that since I have such cerebral work sometimes I need to just get outside and allow my brain a little time to focus on something outside of myself in nature. So what will you do, and how will you find your creativity within that puzzle or that hike or maybe it’s a snuggle with a pup. Whatever it is, find it, find your analogy for happiness at work and at home and I hope to hear from you.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned in this Episode Caroline Brookfield The Reluctant Creative   About AJ Aj Kumar, the “Digital Maestro,” is the founder of The Limitless Company, a studio system for influencers. AJ and his team are on a mission to help entrepreneurs in the Creator Economy build for-profit human-healing brands. Aj has helped corporate brands like Salesforce, Mint, Intuit, and industry-leading personal brands including Neil Patel, Nikki Haskell, Nontoxicdad, and Kimberly Snyder. Be sure to check out AJ’s LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! As well as his websites Limitless and AJ Kumar! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

306 The Escape of A Good Book   Following the theme of art and how it inspires us, this week is writing. We have all picked up a book that shaped us in one way or another, and maybe we’re still looking for that next book capable of bringing us comfort and escape from our busy lives. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Adina Edelman discuss the importance of how writing impacts us and how working with authors has given Adina the opportunity to read and contribute to these works of art.   Highlights Keep on trying, especially when you fail. Even if there is a failure you can still turn it into something better, even if it wasn’t the original idea you had. Make sure when you help someone that you are uplifting their voice and not replacing it with your own.   Quotes “You’ve got to keep on trying it, and even to walk in with that sort of expectation that it is a process and it’s okay if things go wrong, and there will be elements in there that both need improvement, but you know the batter still tasted good. There was still something working there, there are going to be pros and cons at each stage.” “There are so many analogies with music and writing they just pop up everywhere, as for how it comes into play with working with my clients, well one thing is that just like there’s rhythm in music and so many different ways to play with notes to bring about a certain experience, that’s the same thing with writing. So that sort of melodic tendency in writing in order to pick that up and use that when I’m editing, so you know you could say that they are two separate things but it also could be that they are related.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I know it’s hard to take the time to pick up a book and read, and what I’m finding is that the more I meet these authors the more I want to dive into their books. So maybe the next thing for you to do if you want to read more is don’t feel like you have to read nonfiction, read something that lights you up, read something that helps you get away from the reality of the world for just a little bit, that gives you a break from it, and those middle grade books are often a great escape from reality, and maybe it’s time to reach out and join a book club and find something that you can really enjoy.  I have some friends that are struggling to connect with other people and they’re living in communities that they don’t feel connected to and everytime I recommend they find the local library and find a book club, because if you want to meet people that are of like heart and not necessarily of like mind, the library is a great place to do it.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    Writers and Books mentioned in this episode Judy Blume Joan Bauer The Inkheart Series by Cornelia Funke Peter and The Star Catchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson The Charles de la Forêt Series by Phillip L. Wray Even If I’m Not by Devorie Kreiman Homeward Bound by A. Yarden     About Adina (from her website   ​ Adina is an editor based in Baltimore, MD. She works with indie authors and small publishing companies, digging deep to unearth the gold in their books. Adina has worked on over 90 books, and she’s edited for Gatekeeper Press, Mosaica Press, Israel Bookshop, Menucha Publishers, and more. A fiction and poetry editor for the Baltimore Review, she has experience with a variety of genres and writing styles. She majored in English and Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University and graduated summa cum laude.  Be sure to check out her website Edelman Edits! As well as her LinkedIn!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

305 The Anthem of Poetry   The arts have always been impactful and meaningful to humanity, however one stands above all the rest in this episode and that is poetry. Poetry conveys emotions and thoughts that are often difficult to put into words, making it one of the most important avenues for both emotional understanding and human connection.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Maya Williams discuss the importance of poetry and how Maya’s experiences and life paths shaped them into the artist they are.    Highlights You’ll never know who you can teach or inspire. Find the communities that welcome and love you. Give yourself permission and encouragement to seek what you need and will work for you. Do the work, especially when it’s hard. We are all full of contradictions, meaning it is even more important to hold true to our values.  Spite can be a great motivator, especially in succeeding and surviving.   Quotes “I remember telling my therapist, “Oh well, I know that not every space is perfect, right? So I just need to find the first thing that’s available to me.” And then my therapist tells me, “You do not have to go to a house of worship that does not love you.”” “It makes me feel upset when someone says something like, “Oh I tried going to a therapist but I just felt worse afterwards so I stopped going.” and it’s like that’s part of the work! That’s part of the work! I can understand not wanting to continue with a therapist if they said something bigoted or they didn’t do their jobs, right? But they’re doing their job and you feel worse afterwards, you need to give it more time.” “The most impactful friends in my life are the ones who tell me like it is.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I’m curious to know if you have been interested in poetry. Have you ever found it interesting or intriguing or inspiring? And if you haven't, why did you stop looking for poetry that might actually inspire you? I challenge you to find a poem in the next two days that really resonates, a poem you can get into, dive into, maybe find some of your own healing in it. It could be from one of Maya Williams’ books, it could be searching “Poems about,” and then putting your keyword in. Find your poem that can be your anthem for a little while, and when that gets tired find another to be your anthem for a little while, just as you would with song lyrics or a song. Don’t forget to purchase a book of poetry from your local bookstore to support your local poets. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Maya (From her website) Maya Williams (ey/em, they/them, and she/her) is a religious Black multiracial nonbinary suicide survivor who is currently an Ashley Bryan Fellow and the seventh Poet Laureate of Portland, Maine . ​ Maya's debut poetry collection, Judas & Suicide, is available through Game Over Books . And Maya's second poetry collection, Refused a Second Date, is available now through Harbor Editions.  ​ See the contact section on how to invite them to your next event as a workshop facilitator, performance feature, speaker, panelist, and/or honorary consensual virtual or air hugger. Maya's content covers suicide awareness, mental health, faith, entertainment media, grief, interpersonal relationships, intimate partner violence, and healing. ​ She graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work and a Bachelors of Art in English in May 2017. She graduated with a community practice-focused Masters in Social Work and Certificate in Applied Arts and Social Justice at the University of New England in May 2018. She graduated with a Masters in Fine Arts for Creative Writing with a Focus in Poetry at Randolph College in June 2022. ​ They have featured as a guest artist, panelist, and speaker in spaces such as The Mixed Remixed Festival in Los Angeles, California, The Interfaith Leadership Institute in Chicago, Illinois, Black Table Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, TEDxYouth at Cape Elizabeth High School, and The Kennedy Center's Arts Across America series. ​ Ey has competed locally and nationally in slam poetry since her freshman year at East Carolina University under the slam team Word of Mouth in Greenville, North Carolina. While with them, ey placed in the top 20 at the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI) in 2015, and opened for folks such as Indira Allegra, Neil Hilborn, and Angela Davis. ​ They were a finalist of the Slam Free Or Die Qualifier Slam for their National Poetry Slam (NPS) 2018 team and a runner up of the Slam Free or Die Individual Slam Championship in 2018. ​ Maya has a Patreon you can donate to right here. Be sure to go to Maya’s website by clicking here, as well as purchasing their book here, and checking out their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Poets mentioned in this episode   Maya Angelou Anis Mojgani Kaveh Akbar Wanda Coleman Andrea Philips Mia Stuart Willis  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

304 Women’s Relationships   Whether it be in the workplace, in daily life, or anywhere we go in the world, we meet exceptional individuals that make life both enjoyable and enlightening. It is vital to not only appreciate these people, but to seek out more kindred spirits to lift up and to be lifted up by. In this episode Sarah Elkins and her friends Kimberly Davis and Heather Younger discuss the importance of support and relationships in both our careers and in our down time.   Highlights Surprise someone with support. Be a champion for another. Don’t judge or treat another poorly because of your own preconceived notions. Being intentional when lifting others up.  Do not contribute to the hatefulness and meanness in the world, look for the good and the hope that is inspired by those you hold dear.  Make the work worth it, but don’t let yourself get overworked and overwhelmed. Everything you do, begins with you, so try to be at your best. Quotes “The folks I hire, I’m not hiring them because they’re women. There’s a strength about them, there’s an independence about them, I can tell they’re just going to get stuff done.” “I think the reason I like it is because I know they’re intelligent, I can trust them, they know things I don’t know.” “Sometimes I do feel so sad, and so fatigued. Like Sisyphus pushing the boulder uphill all the time, that I have to stop and refuel because I am unable to keep an even level of fight or flight because the fight or flight just feels fruitless.” “If there’s one person, who changes one behavior, in an audience of hundreds of people, in my mind the impact there is worth it.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, When was the last time you lifted someone up, or stood beside them during a trying time? How often do you actively turn to another person on your team and as their help because they have more knowledge on a subject? If you could say one thing to the people in your life that make the work worth it what would you say? Remember Dear Listener everything you do starts with you, so make it come from a place of kindness and understanding.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Heather from her LinkedIn "A DYNAMIC APPROACH THAT EASILY ENGAGES THE AUDIENCE."   *Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content: https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger*   Heather R. Younger, J.D., CDP, is an experienced keynote speaker, two-time author, and the CEO and Founder of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement, leadership development, and DEI consulting firm, where she is on a mission to help leaders understand the power they possess to ensure people feel valued at work.   Known as The Employee Whisperer, Heather harnesses humor, warmth, and an instant relatability to engage and uplift audiences and inspire them into action.   Rooted in her belief that employees aren’t just numbers on the payroll but human beings with ideas that matter, Heather’s talks and workshops are dedicated to helping teams, leaders, and organizations shine by improving how they listen to, communicate with, and empower employees.   "My why is to give a voice to the voiceless at work; those employees who feel powerless or hopeless or helpless."   Heather’s personal Why emerged as she sought to find meaning from her difficult experience growing up in the 1970s. As the only child of an interfaith and interracial marriage, both Heather and her Black father were shunned and excluded by extended family because of the color of their skin. While the sting of exclusion left Heather with a lot of questions growing up, it also led her to develop a high level of resilience and a deeply inspired commitment to advocate for anyone who has ever felt devalued.   Today, she credits her capacity to navigate complex social dynamics and discuss identity in the workplace to those early experiences, and is dedicated to creating opportunities for organizational leaders, teams, and individuals to learn strategies for reframing adversity while empowering leaders to change their workplaces for the better.   As a champion for positive change in workplaces, communities, and our world at large, Heather delivers clear and purposeful strategies that drive real business results – such as increased employee engagement, loyalty, collaboration, and connectivity.   The results?   - Team members feel heard, seen, and valued - Companies create safe environments and a culture of trust - Diversity and creativity are celebrated - Resilience rises - Stress falls - Productivity goes through the roof - Customer retention and referrals soar - Everyone wins – sometimes in ways they didn’t even realize were possible.   Learn more at heatheryounger.com and employeefanatix.com. Email me at [email protected] Be sure to check out her website and LinkedIn!   About Kimberly from her LinkedIn Kimberly Davis is the founder of the Brave Leadership University and has more than 20 years experience in front of groups and audiences of all sizes. Since 2001, Kimberly has been leading development programs world-wide, around authentic leadership, purpose, presence, influence, presentation skills, communication skills, engagement, and customer experience. In March of 2008, Kimberly launched “OnStage Leadership,” which has received rave reviews and has made an impact on leaders across the country.   Kimberly also teaches Authentic Influence and Executive Presence for SMU's Cox School of Business'​ Executive Education Program and their Latino Leadership Initiative, and for the Bush Institute's WE Lead program (empowering female leaders from the middle east).   Kimberly is a TEDx speaker and her book, Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Authentic, and Powerful Self to Get the Results You Need, was the 2019 winner of the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award for Business and Career; an Amazon Bestseller in Business Leadership, Business Motivation and Self-Improvement, and Motivational Business Management; and was named as the number one book to read in Inc. Magazine’s “The 12 Most Impactful Books to Read in 2018,” with a cover-endorsement by best-selling author Daniel Pink.   Specialties: Authentic Leadership, Leadership Development, Career Development, Personal Development, Engagement, Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Presentation Skills, Facilitation, Theatre, Experiential Learning, Customer Experience, Organizational Development, Training & Development, Talent Management Be sure to check out her website and LinkedIn! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

303 Hang On Little Tomato   To achieve personal success in life is a feat worthy of celebration, only at the end of a long road can we triumphantly declare our dreams have been achieved. However it can sometimes seem like that road never ends. Whether it’s dreams of career success, or dreams of a healthy environment, the road to success can be daunting. What is vital to remember is that even the smallest action can make a difference. A snowflake does not know it will become a snowman or an avalanche.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Susan Inches discuss how they have walked their chosen paths and the great friends and trials they encountered along the way and what they learned in their striving to achieve their own personal success.    Highlights Most people don’t understand or won’t consider how you got to where you are, and they won’t understand why it matters without you telling them why. It’s okay to take a while to develop the clarity to see where you are going and what you want to do. Asking why without judgment, because if you lash out people will not want to work with you. Protecting the environment is the civic duty of everyone in our community. All actions, regardless of how small, make a difference.   Quotes “It’s not about content, it’s not about solid waste or fisheries or renewable energy, it's about how to make change happen, and those content areas are just the vehicle for that.” “One of the things I like to talk about a lot is that the word advocacy is kind of a big scary word, and most people think ‘Oh my gosh I could never do that.’ But what I like to say is, no actually if you like to have friendships or relationships with people, if you like to communicate and talk and tell a story, you’re a perfect person to be an advocate because you can be an authentic storyteller and you can move a decision maker to change their mind or do something different.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you do, how will you model the things that matter to you so that the people around you; children, adults, neighbors, friends, partners, colleagues, will see what matters to you through your actions. What step can you take today that will make a difference to the world tomorrow, even if it’s not doing something, like sharing something divisive on social media, instead let’s take one step towards the positive direction, do one thing that will improve life tomorrow.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sue Since childhood, Susan Inches has envisioned a world that is compassionate, inclusive, and environmentally aware. This vision guided her through a 25-year career in public policy. As Deputy Director of the Maine State Planning Office she lobbied for a portfolio of environmental policy issues on behalf of the Governor. Signature policy issues she’s worked on include fisheries, land use planning, smart growth, building and energy codes, energy policy, working waterfront access, community finance, and rural broadband.    Sue now works as a speaker, educator, author and advocate with a focus on the environment and climate change. She is actively engaged in advocating for environmental rights and energy democracy. She holds a BA in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic, and an MBA from the University of New Hampshire. She has taught advocacy skills at Colby, Bates and Colorado Colleges. Her recent book is Advocating for the Environment, How to Gather Your Power and Take Action. Be sure to check out Sue’s LinkedIn and her website! And be sure to pick up a copy of Sue’s book here! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

302 Spread Love   With how the current world is it can be incredibly easy to become desensitized and disheartened, especially when we are surrounded by ignorance, hatred, and suffering. Feeling helpless and heartbroken in times like these is completely normal, but it’s important to take a breath and consider how you can help others, your community, and yourself. Traumatic events like these take time to heal from and no one is going to be okay overnight, but we can try to spread kindness and love even when we are hurting and mourning for others. In this episode Sarah Elkins opens her heart to express her profound sadness, despair, and fear at the current state of the world, most notably the tragedy that is occurring in the Middle East.    Highlights It’s okay to not be okay. Especially in the unfortunate world we live in. Protect your neighbors, your friends, and your family. Be there for those who are hurting and prove to them and others that you stand with love.  The only place to have conversations that inform and change opinions is in person, not social media.   Quotes “Can we separate civilians from their hateful government power grabs and evil actions? Or are we somehow responsible for our own suffering from terrorism?” “Posting on social media isn’t really about informing people. No one ever changed their mind based on a meme they saw, or an article they read that was shared on a platform like facebook, instagram, or tiktok. When we share those memes or articles that confirm our own opinions we know they’ll either antagonize people or confirm our friends' opinions, they’ll never change them.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I’m asking you right now to tell people you are grieving for the families that are victims of brutal warfare. That you understand it’s their government, it’s their leaders, it’s those power hungry, greedy people who spew hate to distract us and create divisions, who are using us as pawns in their games of global chess. This isn’t a game. This is the worst of brutality against humanity, targeting civilians, targeting children. I’m asking you to pay attention to what you share because what you share online matters, before you share anything ask yourself; “Am I contributing to hate?” “Am I contributing to alienation?”  I’m asking you right now to stop spewing hate and to start spreading love.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

301 Sharing Meaningful Stories To Portray Your Values and Skills   Storytelling has been a part of human culture since we lived in caves, from stories of great heroes to warnings not to go into dangerous places, knowing how to tell stories has been vital to our existence more now than ever. Knowing how to tell stories and knowing what meaningful stories to share is a skill that is important to hone and practice daily. In this episode Sarah Elkins shares another meaningful story that exemplifies her values and skills as a professional and person, while also telling stories about others in her life and how through these stories show their own values and talents.    Highlights Practicing what you teach others is one of the many keys to success, if others see you take your own advice they will feel more inclined to use it. Telling your stories about your talents and skills is far more important than you think. Everyone benefits from healthy communication and knowing how to share stories.   Quotes “As great as it is to have the confirmation of these experts, to know the research and neuroscience is catching up, it’s even more confirmation for me that what I’m doing is practical, useful, and relevant. There’s room for me.” “I explained that professionals that can share compelling, entertaining stories that demonstrate their skills are more likely to be invited to apply for internal positions.” “You see, story sharing isn’t just for leaders of organizations, story sharing is how you can become a leader wherever you happen to sit.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I just shared a story of a meaningful moment in my day and you, my listener, picked up all kinds of clues about who I am. When you share a meaningful moment in your day you are amplifying particular aspects of your personality and your values. I urge you to make your stories the kind that attract the people you want in your life. And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned in this episode Karen Eber: How Your Brain Responds To Stories and Why They’re Crucial For Leaders The Secret of Culture Change, How to Build Authentic Stories That Transform Your Organization    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

300 An Accidental Podcaster   Sometimes when we’re trying to give others an opportunity we don’t realize that we are the ones that would benefit most. We try our hardest, using our talents to the best of our ability, and through that hard work we can achieve greatness or sometimes stand in our own way. In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on how she began this podcast and how it has given her the opportunity to hear the stories of others as well plenty of time to reflect on her own stories and how she has grown and changed as both an entrepreneur and storyteller.    Highlights What works for others might not work for you. Your strengths can sometimes be your weakness. That’s okay, sometimes all you need to do is reach out for an outside perspective. Remember to show up for yourself, it’s great to be there for others but you need to focus on yourself too.   Quotes “As a talent it’s my ability to switch gears easily, to instinctively prioritize my energy toward the path of least resistance. It also means I need to switch gears regularly or I’ll sabotage myself because I get bored.” “Your strategic thinks so fast about the solution, and your activator compels you to begin immediately but sometimes you forget that others are involved, you forget to take them along for the ride.” “When I’m accountable to others it doesn’t mean I’m necessarily accountable to myself.”   Episodes mentioned 187 When Command is In Your Top StrengthsFinder Talents, 188 Strategic and Activator Might Look Impulsive, 189 Ideation and Adaptability Gain Momentum About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

299 Clarity and Having The Courage to Do What You Aspire To   The constant pressure to do the best and be the best is something many of us grew up knowing. Thinking we had to have straight A’s in school, trying to be the best in our extracurriculars, and even taking up tasks that should have been given to someone who’s skills would suit the task better, whether it’s because of our own internal voices or external pressures we need to learn to seek clarity and focus on the skills that make us invaluable to our team and family.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Mandi Graziano discuss how past failures, current clarity, and future aspirations drive us and shape us into who we are today.   Highlights Just because you failed at something in the past doesn't mean you aren’t smart. Everyone learns differently. Feeling like you don’t fit in is a universal and normal experience. Embrace your strengths and acknowledge when you can’t do a job outside of your field of expertise.   Quotes “Some great sales people aren’t great leaders and some great leaders aren’t great sales people.” “Just lead by example, just share one tip once a week in the meeting of something that has worked for you in the past: And that is mentoring without mentoring, then you’re raising everybody around you without telling people what to do.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What are you going to do with this information that you received today? This gift of a moment where you could develop clarity about what activities you really like to do, the activities that bring you that kind of passion where you can find time in your day everyday to do those things, because it’s not just at work but at work is where you spend most of your time, so find opportunities to feed that to find more satisfaction  and maybe it’s time to reach out to a coach to help you find that clarity. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Mandi (From her Website) In the early days, Facetime Coaching Company was Mandi's "side hustle" while she worked for hotels. Since 2010, her Coaching, Speaking, &  Writing have grown and become a very equal part of her world.    In 2010, Mandi went to “the other side” of the hotel business and joined her long time client, HPN Global, a full service site selection & venue finding global meetings company. Here she finds hotels and venues for her clients all over the world, negotiates pricing & contracts while consulting her clients in all aspects of managing their meetings, conferences and conventions.   Mandi runs her businesses with vigor, balance and excitement.  Some people may say she has a "side hustle" Mandi believes "It's ALL HUSTLE why can't we do all the things we love?"   It’s important to Mandi that fun ensues in all her professional endeavors, even in the most serious of situations. Whether she is coaching your team to close deals OR scouting out the perfect location for your meeting, there will always be laughs and excitement.   Check out Mandi’s website Mandi Graziano, as well as her LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

298 You Have To Take Care of Yourself In Order To Be Your Best  Everything we do, whether it be work, caring for our families, or even going for a morning walk, all starts with ourselves and in today’s work culture of burning the candle at both ends, it can be easy to forget that we need to take breaks and prioritize our well being in order to do our best in everything we do. Hopefully by doing so we can model a behavior that others can follow and make a change for the better. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Mandy Hoskinson discuss the importance of self care in today’s day and how others will follow by example, especially when it comes to creating a healthy and thriving environment.   Highlights You have to learn about others and actively listen to them to learn about them and shift your perspective into belonging.  Surrounding yourself with the things you want to incorporate into your life. Choosing your battles and taking the breaks that will help you do what you do better. Everything you do starts with you, so take care of yourself. Take a break.   Quotes “Competition makes life expensive, it makes social interactions kind of strange, and I was reflecting on how I could incorporate slowness in my life and I think that comes from being in places where people are more sane and more kind because they have chosen a life where they’re not overwhelmed all the time.” “You can still choose that busy life anywhere and you can still choose a peaceful life anywhere, but if your environment encourages it and your community encourages it that can really help.” “You find your people anywhere if you look for them and stay open.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, When you think about the work you do whether you work as an internal innovator, or as an entrepreneur, maybe you have a side hustle, what will you do with the information you just heard? Will you learn to take those breaks, will you choose to be that person that models the behavior that you want to see in the people around you, will you bring your best self by choosing to be that model and live the way that you know is going to benefit you and everyone around you. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Mandy Mandy Hoskinson is a marketing agency founder, community leader, and creative person. Her award-winning agency, Zolay (@zolaystudio) works with clients spanning B2B, B2C, SAAS, government and creative industries. This social impact-focused agency also gives away 20% of its work away pro-bono (WIP). Mandy is also the President of the Social Media Club of Los Angeles. You can find her most places as @mediamandy. Be sure to check out Mandy’s LinkedIn and Instagram, as well as her website Mandy Hoskinson, Zolay Studio and Zolay Studio Instagram!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

297 Change, Growth, and Hope - How The Belief Others Have In Us Can Move Us   Change is an inevitable part of life, how you choose to handle that change is what defines us as people. Will you crumble and erode like an immovable boulder, or will you bend and grow like a sapling waiting for it's time to reach the sky? We never know what we are capable of until we are put to the test, even though sometimes others see our potential better than we ever could.  In this episode Sarah Elkins reconnects with her friend Amy Oviatt, they discuss these points as well as how our beliefs are shaped by our experiences and how others view us.   Highlights Find friends who will lift you up. There are deep truths that we do not see in ourselves until years later. People who believe you are destined for great things aren’t wrong, sometimes the greatness is just delayed.  You will be surprised what you are capable of. How will you take feedback when you receive it?   Quotes “I would certainly hope that I’m a person who creates safety for other people, because we all need that and we all want that.” “The upside of that part of me is that I really figure it out. It may take me a while but I’m not somebody who ever just buries things and moves along, I must figure out the answer.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you do in the next week to uncover something that maybe is blocking you from what you want to do? What will you do, will you take a step tomorrow, will you take a step the next day to make a choice to live the life you want to live? What book will you read and take action on? Maybe you’ll hire somebody, maybe you’ll be a coach, maybe it’ll be a fitness instructor or a life coach, maybe it’ll be a hypnotherapist. But what will you go into with big wide open arms and open eyes and open heart to make a change to improve whatever is going on in your life. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Amy Colorado native Amy Oviatt graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, the only accredited college of Hypnotherapy. She holds a degree in Business from CU - Boulder, and has a wide variety of experience in her toolbelt.    On her own spiritual and healing journey, Amy has found inspiration in the works of Caroline Myss, Gary Zukav, Brian Weiss, amongst others.    Hypnotherapy, including Life Coaching, Therapeutic Imagery, and other healing modalities, is a powerful vehicle to move clients forward in achieving the healthy and fulfilling life they seek. Amy helps her clients release limiting beliefs, replace unwanted habits, and align the subconscious with their most important goals, resulting in improved relationships, greater success, and more peace on their own life’s journey.  Check out Amy’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram! As well as her website Guided Journeys! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

This is the 4th episode in a series on storytelling for professionals. In episode 292, Sarah shared stories about her love language – which is cooking for people. She explained that when we share stories of the activities that bring us great joy in service to others, we offer a glimpse of our character and values to our audience, whether that’s at work, in an interview, with family and friends, or when we’re sharing content in any form of media or on any platform. Her stories of nurturing and nourishing people in her home demonstrated part of what makes her a good addition to any team – her positive energy and ability & ambition to create an environment where people feel safe and encouraged to bring their best. Episode 294 was a story about a team she worked with at a job years ago. It was a work story that demonstrated her openness to learning, how she manages frustration and different ways of approaching projects and relationships, and her meeting facilitation skills. And last week’s episode 295 was a personal story about planning a family reunion for 40 guests. It demonstrated her meeting & event planning skills, team building/leadership, and made it very clear what matters to her. In this episode you'll hear about stories Sarah shared in job interviews, why she shared those particular stories, and the end result (spoiler alert: she didn't get the job). The idea and goals for this series is for professionals to truly understand the value of sharing personal experiences and work stories in different environments, and to uncover your stories to begin collecting them so you're ready when an opportunity presents itself.  By preparing stories to answer the most common, (kind of stupid), questions, you have the opportunity to share so much about yourself, way beyond what’s on your resume and cover letter. In any professional setting, whether around the proverbial water cooler, at a networking event, when presenting to your team or organization, side conversations during meetings, knowing how to share meaningful stories is a practical skill. Collect your stories, practice them, and categorize them so you are likely to share the right one at the right time, with the right audience, demonstrating your skills, values, character, and vision. Thanks for listening to Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will. Curious about how Sarah's workshops and keynotes will help you and your audience or team be better ambassadors for your organization and their careers? Visit her website, elkinsconsulting.com, to schedule a discovery call.   Quote   "By preparing stories to answer the most common, and kind of stupid questions, you have the opportunity to share so much about yourself way beyond what's on your resume or cover letter."      

295 Personal Stories and How They Matter   The relevance of stories in career and life is something that is undeniable, whether it be a professional story about a time you were vital to your team at work, or a more personal story that demonstrates skills that are so second nature to you that you don’t even think about them any more, learning when and how to share every story and how they put your talents and values on display is a skill that can take you above and beyond. In this episode Sarah Elkins shares a personal story that exemplifies her skills, talents, and values, throughout the story listen for cues, and take note of how she tells the story in a way that compliments everyone and the situation they were in, and not just herself.    Highlights Sharing personal stories to portray skills and values. Check with yourself on what your intentions are regarding new projects and responsibilities. Asking for help and advice can be critical in certain situations. It doesn’t mean you’re incapable, it means that you are willing to use the tools provided to you.   Quotes “Listen again to hear the cues, notice how I included other characters in my story. Notice how I described my role in it so a listener would know I was the primary character while acknowledging that I didn’t succeed alone.” “Sharing a story of a personal experience like mine is a great way to demonstrate your skills, character, and values.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What stories came to mind for you as I shared my family reunion story? Think about the steps you took to make that project or experience successful. Think about how you interacted with other characters in your story. Were you the hero? Were you the guide? Why does this story matter to you? What was the impact of your success? And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

294 Communication is Key   Frustration and irritation is common in every relationship, more often than not it stems from not understanding others or hearing out what others have to say. It is up to us and those we work with to find a peaceful and healthy resolution.  In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on the early points in her career and how she saw her talents even before knowing about Strengths Finder, but most importantly how she was able to help her company and colleagues.    Highlights The bad parts of a story are just as important as the good. Progress takes time. Holding yourself and others accountable.    Quotes “I’m sure we can find a way to work better together.” “I just want people to feel like their voices are heard, that’s it. I want to set the foundation here for this group of faculty to know we aren’t railroading them into agreeing to something that doesn’t make sense.” “I was still very frustrated but far less than before because I knew his goals. Understanding his leadership goals allowed me to back off and know that he was leading differently from me, but he was leading.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Think back on the story I just shared, did my story remind you of something that happened recently at work or maybe earlier in your career? What was your experience that was similar, can you identify the characters in the story and what lessons you learned? Categorize the story so you can identify what that story demonstrates about who you are and how you work.  And, as always, thank you for listening.  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

293 Self Reflection: Assessments Fear of the self is something that has existed for hundreds of years, it’s been something remarked upon by Plato and Socrates, and it is a very common human experience. However if we approach our talents and sense of self with curiosity we can foster a healthy, loving relationship with yourself, your career, and your future. In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on the assessments she was hired for and found that some of the audience didn’t “buy into” her assessments, only for said audience members to discover things about themselves.    Highlights How you subconsciously act often reflects your talents. Have faith in the professionals you hire. Don’t allow the fear of how others may react or treat you based on your talents effect your desire to learn more about them.   Quotes “One thing I’ve noticed in my work with clients is that some people want to distance themselves from their results, and for one reason or another they don’t want to experience themselves through the concepts of whatever assessment they took.” “I get it. Most of us have been given negative feedback about our talents, we’ve been criticized for our approach to problem solving.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, When was a time you were skeptical about something and decided to be open to the possibility anyway? Have you recently changed your mind about something you believed strongly? What story can you tell to demonstrate your willingness to change your mind, to demonstrate your ability to take in new information that might alter how you see yourself, or how to approach a problem.  Add your story to your collection of stories, because whether you’re interviewing for a job, interviewing for a podcast, or maybe even on a date, having the right story to share can demonstrate exactly the qualities you want people to know about you.  And, as always, thank you for listening.  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

292 Food Stories   Love languages come in many different forms; gift giving, words of affirmation, and for today’s episode specifically, the act of cooking and giving a good meal to those you hold close. It is vital to the health and continuation of relationships that we discover these languages and think about how these actions impact how others view us. In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on the concept of love languages and how important they are to understand and how they influence how we are perceived by others and ourselves.   Highlights Discovering your love language is vital to understanding how you are seen by others. Living in the moment and enjoying that moment is more rewarding than any photograph. Find your why and realize how it impacts yourself and those around you.   Quotes “I think a lot about legacy, about how I want to know myself and how I want people to experience me. And in my work as a speaker and coach I’ve asked a lot of people those questions: “How do you want to see yourself? What do you want to see in yourself? Kindness? Intelligence? Competence? What do you need to know or experience to be confident that you are those things?”   “I asked her the question: How do you want to see yourself? What words do you want to use to describe yourself? Her answer didn’t surprise me, but it surprised her a little. She said: I want to see myself as resilient, competent, and thoughtful. My next question made her stop to think: How will you know you are those things? After a few moments she answered: “When the people I care about describe me that way.” “And what do you need to DO, to BE, to SAY to ensure they describe you that way?”.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What is your love language? What stories can you share that demonstrate it so you don't have to say: "My love language is...?"  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

291 The Stories We Keep   As much as we all may wish for life to be sunshine and daisies we can often end up focusing on the storms and trials that accompany them. It can be easy to lose yourself to grief and bitterness when viewing your life through those storm clouds, however it is important to remember that it is only a passing thing that shadow and even darkness must pass, and how you tell your story after those times can reframe how you see your life and give hope to others who may be going through something similar. In this episode Sarah Elkins and the esteemed Rob Kugler discuss the importance of stories involving grief and sorrow, while also acknowledging the great acts of kindness and courage it takes to survive through these times in life.    Highlights Spite can be a great motivator in certain circumstances. Stay mindful of how you tell your story so that you tell it in a way that can be appreciated and reflect your values. Doing your best in situations where things feel out of control. It’s important to know that what you’re going through is not uncommon and to tell those stories brings comfort and acknowledgement to others. No story is too mundane to tell.   Quotes “People keep on asking, “Hey are you going to write another book?” And I tell people, “Yes, I’d love to but I haven’t done the things I want to do to write about yet.”.” “There’s not alot to complain about if you don’t look at the one thing you can’t have.” “When is that moment, or when is that conversation that starts your story? There’s times when, even to get to the other side as we mentioned earlier, just moving forward with confidence of knowing the value of the story that already exists. So if we’re like to say “Hey I want to look at making a second edition.” But also following through on the ideas of the calendars and prints from the photos that I took along the journey.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, The first thing I’m going to ask you to do is when you read a book that you really like, leave a review. You can do it on Amazon, on Good Reads, maybe share it because those of us who have written books know that writing a review really is meaningful, so if you really liked a book leave a review even if you kind of liked a book write a review and leave three or four stars. But write a review because that means people are reading the book and that matters to us.  The second thing I’m going to ask you to do is to consider what struggles you’ve experienced in your life, what grief you’ve experienced in your life, and how you can frame that story so that somebody else can feel what you’re feeling and see what it’s like to come out the other side.  That’s what I’m asking you to do because your stories don’t define you, but how you tell them will. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Rob from his LinkedIn Through experiences from teaching Pre-K to leading Marines, from acting in Los Angeles to field marketing, from leading volunteers in Disaster Relief Operations to finishing a degree in Fire Protection Technology, from traveling the country taking photographs with my three-legged labrador to publishing a book with a major publisher, well rounded life experience is my biggest asset.   I am currently bringing those experiences into classwork at Washington State University where I am obtaining a degree in Strategic Communications.   My goal at WSU is to learn new ways that my writing and photography can not only tell stories of my experiences, but the stories of brands, companies, organizations and people I believe in. Be sure to check out Rob’s LinkedIn, his photography Instagram, and Facebook! As well as Marcus Brotherton and Rob’s website Life Illustrated! Pick up a copy of his book A Dog Named Beautiful! And be sure to check out No Vet Alone where you can help veterans in need. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

290 Ideation   Working on ourselves is a never ending yet very worthwhile endeavor that shapes who we become as people, and where we want to go in life. Sometimes that work is hard and can seem intimidating or at the very least tedious, especially if our strengths have been criticized or used against us in the past. However, like anything worth doing, growing as an individual takes hard work and support, especially from yourself. In this episode Sarah Elkins poses this thought to the listeners of Your Stories Don’t Define You How You Tell Them Will, and implores us to look inward and begin to see our strengths as things that can benefit us instead of hinder us.   Highlights Love your talents because they make you who you are even if you sometimes struggle with them. Practicing what you have learned and want to learn will improve your skills both new and old. Allowing yourself to flow in whatever way you need to go.    Quotes “One thing I became aware of in the first year of my coaching practice, is that I have to be very careful not to project my own feelings onto my clients.” “The space between stimulant and response and the choice we have in that space. Will we give that stimulant a positive, negative, or neutral value?”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Have you reacted defensively to frustration after seeing the results of an assessment, maybe like the Clifton Strengths, Meyers-Briggs, Enneagram, or Disc? What are the memories that are surfacing after seeing those qualities that were criticized in the past, and what stories can you begin to collect as evidence of those results as beneficial in your life as strengths. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

289 Fear Is A Liar   Doubt, fear, and feeling awkward is a normal human experience, although it is important to celebrate the great and amazing things you do and are capable of, it is just as important to acknowledge that we all have limitations and we all feel fear in trying the new or the not quite perfected. It is only through facing and accepting that fear and persevering onward that we can continue to grow into our ideal selves. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Tammy Hader discuss how fear influences our decision and the importance of overcoming that fear in order to succeed in life and grow as an individual by confronting your fears and inner monologue in order to become the best version of yourself. Highlights Sometimes our fears motivate us, but we have to remember we’ll only be scared in the moment and nothing will ever be as bad as our fear convinces us it will be. Perspectives shift and change as we grow and that is okay.  It’s okay to occasionally have doubts but never let them consume you. It’s okay for behaviors you are trying to teach yourself to feel awkward and unnatural at first, but eventually they will come naturally.   Quotes “It’s only going to be scary while I’m surrounded by things I don’t see, and once I’m on top of that fear everything will be fine.” “What I’ve kind of figured out through this whole process is that you can take that regret and if you just own it and learn from it, then it kind of turns it into something a lot more special, and meaningful, and at times maybe even something beautiful, and it gives you something you can bond with each other over.” “I’m just an average person which is kind of the point, I’m one of the millions of average people out there that could change the world just by being a little kinder everyday. You know it’s really us worker bees that can do that, it’s not the grand viral gestures that can make the biggest most sustainable difference.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Time to look in the mirror. It’s time to look up, and do that thing that’s uncomfortable for you, model what you want to see in the world remember that when you put something out there whether it’s on social media or in person, you are sending signals about what kind of person you are, whether you’re a loving and kind person or whether you’re a person who’s judgmental and hateful. So pay attention because this is your legacy. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Tammy Tammy Hader possesses no official, academic writer’s pedigree. With a BBA in accounting from Wichita State University, her history resides in numbers. After a 30-year accounting career, Tammy reinvented herself as a writer in 2018. She is an essay writer at Medium, BizCatalyst360, and WebMD. Tammy is an editor for the Medium publication Journal of Journeys, and she is a contributing author in the Daily Gift Book Series. When not writing, she enjoys caring for her mom, cooking for her family, and serving her two rescue kitties with the royal attention they deserve.  Be sure to check out her website and pick up her book at Tammy Hader! Connect with her on her Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook!  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

288 Do Overs   It’s completely normal to have limiting beliefs and times in life that are stressful and discouraging, they can make you feel as if you’re alone and stuck in a rut that you can’t quite escape. However it is not the end of the world, although it is difficult you can change these thought processes and pull yourself out of the rut you’re in, through your hardwork and determination as well as a supportive network you can give yourself a “do over” and change the trajectory of your life for the better.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Curt Sassak discuss the importance of giving yourself grace to change and start over, as well as unlearning the harmful ideologies that have been ingrained in us, while working towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.    Highlights What beliefs or phrases are you carrying with you from someone you know from your formative years? You are what you practice. You can always start over when you recognize patterns that negatively affect you.   Quotes “Limiting beliefs are so insidious and are so ingrained in us we don’t even recognize them.” “One of those things I can change and have complete control over is my attitude. I can be negative and moany or I can just accept, “Okay this is how it is right now but it doesn’t mean it’s permanent.” And you chin up, and weather the storm, smooth seas don’t make a skilled sailor. That was another thing, that was when it really hit me that it really comes down to mindset. We have a choice, we all have a choice.”  “When you take responsibility you have control over it.”    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I’m going to ask you to consider the Victor Frankle quote which is one of my favorites, and I’m going to paraphrase because I don’t have it completely memorized, but Victor Frankle was a Holocaust survivor and if he can say this after experiencing Auschwitz almost anyone can relate to this. And his comment was, “There is space between stimulant and response and in that space is our choice.” Listeners, I am asking you to take that space between something that’s happening and how you respond to it, to choose the value instead of giving it automatic value, positive or negative. Really consider that part of your life that you are frustrated with, is it happening to you or is it happening for you. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Curt A former award-winning executive chef of 27 years. Very successful, Curt climbed every career mountain but found emptiness at the top and lost his purpose and fulfillment. He now helps leaders and executives who end up in the same predicament rediscover their "why" and purpose in life and career. Be sure to check out Curt’s LinkedIn like this post or this one! As well as his Free Training offer!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

Episode 287 Should I Stay or Should I Go?   When you’ve been in a job position, or really any position, long enough you will notice things that make that position grating on your nerves, or maybe it’s even making you sick to some degree due to how you are treated in the workplace. Maybe these issues are simply perceptions you have or projections onto others of a much larger issue. Regardless it is your responsibility to be mindful of these actions and decide what will be best for you and fall in line with your values. In this reuploaded episode of 217, Sarah Elkins and Karen Elkins Cohen discuss stories from their careers on clients they’ve helped and what these people inadvertently taught them, and through these stories they hope that you too will gain something useful and helpful to your own life.   Highlights It’s okay to love your work but make sure that you are in touch with your own values and messages so you can decide if the work you’re doing now should be continued in the same way. Keep your communications respectful regardless of if that respect is reciprocated  Take accountability for your own actions, acknowledge and learn from your mistakes.   Quotes “Sometimes we don't know that it’s time to move on to a new opportunity, we may love the work we’re doing or the organization we’re doing it.” “If you find yourself continually late to work, ask yourself if you are dreading the work, the environment, your supervisor, or if there’s a different reason.” “Anyone who has held a job has made a mistake at some point.”   About Karen  Karen is a Human Resources and Organization Development expert with more than 20 years of human resources experience. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders for the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s degree in Organization Development from the University of San Francisco.  Visit Karen’s LinkedIn and Website to learn more!  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

286 Choosing and Creating Your Own Community   Connection and choosing the community that will help you grow and thrive is vital to self growth and peace of mind, especially when you are going through major changes in life or are thinking of how you want to spend your life.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Vanessa Jupe discuss the importance of community and connection while navigating life and its changes.    Highlights Planning for the future and enjoying the time you have.  Connection and support are vital to every stage in life. If you don’t feel like you belong in a community you can make your own.   Quotes “It took me a year before I was like, “Okay we’re gonna do the community event.” I was just so worried about it I just didn’t want it to become a negative thing, because I’ve seen so much of that and I want what we’re building to be incredibly supportive.” “It’s tough because there are people and things that you love, and you’re like “Ah, well, now that I have a kid I’m going to be making different decisions than I might have if it was just me.”.” “There are some very painful things that I experienced in my life that I don’t know if I’ve learned a lesson from yet, and there were things that I was scared about that were awesome! And I was like “Oh, I learned that I could do that thing that I thought was scary.” Right? So it’s not always the most painful.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Your stories don’t define you, the things that happened to you or in your life that’s not what defines you. It’s how you talk about those things, It’s how you choose your internal dialogue, and the stories you’re telling so that you can shift them from maybe being a victim to being your own guide and hero. And remember there are lots of guides out there just waiting to be in your corner and support you, and I just have one request Listeners; It doesn’t have to be when you’re having a big decade birthday, or when you’re about to empty nest, or some random arbitrary part of your life that you can do the program that Vanessa’s husband created for them, where you think about the moments in the last ten years that are really meaningful, that have shaped you into who you are today, and start thinking about what moments you want over the next ten years, you can do that today it doesn’t have to be a big decade birthday or new years eve, I encourage you to think about that. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Vanessa Vanessa Jupe founded Leva after experiencing the challenges of breastfeeding, being a working mom, and finding work-life balance firsthand. She is a passionate leader with 20 years of experience in the digital product development. Jupe is also a mother and wife. Jupe holds a BBA in Information Systems from the University of the Incarnate Word, an MS in Technology Commercialization from UT Austin McCombs School of Business, and a certificate in Women in Leadership from Cornell University. Jupe is committed to helping working moms succeed. She believes that all moms deserve to have a fulfilling career and a happy family life. Leva is her way of making that happen. Connect with Vanessa on her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Check out Vanessa’s website Levapp and the associated Instagram and LinkedIn! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!  

285 Bloom Where You’re Planted   When we are first starting out in our careers it can feel like we’re lost and in a rut, constantly fighting the tide as we try to sail the seas of life. However, much like the humble dandelion, it’s through this resilience and persistence that we can grow in whatever environment we find ourselves in. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Nathalie Lussier discuss the importance of thriving and trying new things that can bring us joy and fulfillment, even if they are new and strange. Because it is only when we make the attempt that we will learn more about ourselves and the strength within us.   Highlights Sometimes scrapping ideas is the first step in the right direction. Resilience can keep you afloat through all of life’s turbulence. Growing and working hard over time on your passions, even if they’re new to you.   Quotes “Bloom where you’re planted.” “I think it’s when people were sharing about it with their friends. The sort of word of mouth effect, because that was like obviously I can like what we created and think it’s cool, but if other people aren’t seeing the value and aren’t sharing it with their friends because they think it’s awesome and they need to try it, then I don’t know if we created anything great. So for me that was the big thing.” “I feel like sometimes these situations open us up for better things even though it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I started this question for you about ten or fifteen minutes into the conversation with Nathalie: What can you take on? What can you think about in terms of problem solving where you are now? What is something that you could do, maybe as a side hustle, maybe into the future as you get more experience and build the portfolio of trying it where you are now, being somebody who blooms where they’re planted, what problem can you solve? I’ll be curious to find out, please comment or send me an email, let me know what you thought of this episode. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Nathalie Nathalie Lussier is an award-winning entrepreneur who has been making websites since she was 12 years old. She graduated with a degree in Software Engineering and a job offer from Wall Street, but she turned down this job to start her own business right out of college.   As the founder of AccessAlly, the powerful digital course and membership solution for industry leaders, she believes that access to education can help defy stereotypes and make the world a better place while providing a sustainable livelihood for enterprising teachers. Connect with Nathalie on her LinkedIn, and Facebook! Be sure to check out her websites Nathalie Lussier, Accessally, and 30 Days List Building Challenge! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

284 Satisfaction   It is inevitable that we will encounter a person or an event that can make anything seem like a trial. From a dead car battery on a trip in another country, to a little bit more rain than you planned on during a work commute, these events can seem like thorn after thorn in your side. However when you take a step back and contemplate how you handled these situations you may just be pleasantly surprised in yourself and your abilities. In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on her experiences on her trip to Italy, how her magic shined, even if she didn’t see it at the time, and how sometimes all it takes is a little time to see that what was a rather unpleasant experience can be a learning experience that is not only fulfilling but satisfying.    Highlights Finding meaning and inspiration in frustration when things don’t go your way.  Reframing experiences that may have not all been great but can strengthen your natural talents. Keeping track of what makes you satisfied and using your natural skills to bring more of that satisfaction into your day to day life.   Quotes “I had been lamenting some of the obstacles and frustrations I had experienced on my trip. Re-experiencing those disappointments, finding the learning opportunities.” “Once you understand your talents in this depth, the way that they’re showing up so naturally and instinctively, you can find ways to incorporate those talents with intention into your days at work and at home. Which I promise will reduce stress and conflict, while bringing your best self to whatever activities you have to do.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Think about a story you told where you might be seen as a victim or a complainer, can you think of a different perspective or framing you can take in telling that story? Ask yourself these questions: What did I learn from the experience? What might I have found satisfying about it? Who helped me in that time, who was a guide or mentor that I can focus on more than the person or situation that might be seen as the villain in my story. And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned in This Episode Happy Hour With Einstein by Melissa Hughes Happier Hour with Einstein, Another Round by Melissa Hughes Melissa Hughes Youtube Channel   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

283 Cultivating Your Ideal Environment    Creativity and problem solving often go hand in hand usually in very unexpected ways, however when given the chance to bend and try things in new and unexpected ways without judging yourself or your abilities you may just find that these two vital skills can shape your strength and identity going forward. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Dr. Cyndi Burnett discuss the importance of creativity and education and how these two things can shape our identities and images of authenticity going forward.   Highlights Sometimes you need to do things differently than you normally would in order to connect with your audience. You have to work with people who are different from you, you do not want to be stuck in an echochamber. Everyone is creative in their own way.   Quotes “That’s what teaching is, it’s all problem solving. So if you think about creativity as problem solving and not just arts and crafts and who has a nice door, then you’ll understand that all of you in this classroom are creative, otherwise you wouldn’t survive as a teacher.” “Sometimes it’s hard to stop and say; okay hey we made it through this week, let’s celebrate that! Just finding those small things that we can celebrate in both our personal and professional lives can really help with the overall wellbeing that we’re moving forward through something.” “I give them a baby plant with a letter that says; This plant represents your wellbeing. If you can’t keep it alive you’re not doing something for yourself. And so if it dies you need to really stop and reflect on what you’re doing wrong that you can’t even keep this plant alive, ‘cause it only takes a little bit of watering once a week. If you can’t do that you’re not taking care of yourself.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What if you took this challenge from Cyndi and the next time you found yourself judging yourself for something you do or don’t do or something you’re afraid to do or something you have an idea about and you “Should” all over yourself about, I should be happy, or I should be okay with this without implementing this new idea I have. The next time you do that, really question where that came from and just as importantly, if not more importantly, find somebody who will support your idea or who will challenge you to think about your idea and how you can actually implement it. Find the people in your life, your community, that when you say “I have this crazy idea,” they say, “Awesome, how can I help?” And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Cyndi Dr. Cyndi Burnett is the Director of Possibilities for Creativity and Education, and the co-founder of the Creative Thinking Network for Educators.  Her mission is to empower educators to infuse creative thinking into the classroom.  She taught deliberate creativity and creative problem solving for 20 years at the Center for Applied Imagination at SUNY Buffalo State University.  She is also the co-host of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast. Connect with Cyndi on her LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! Be sure to check out her podcast Fueling Creativity in Education! As well as her websites Creativity and Education, and Creative Thinking Network!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

282 Turning Points For Our Growth   Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel frightening, from massive changes to the tiniest ones can feel like the world is ending if you are not stretching and growing as a person. Traveling, whether it be a new way home from work or halfway across the world, can impact your perception on life, as can being open to the thoughts and feelings of others, and accepting what you cannot change. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Tom Jackobs discuss the importance of allowing yourself to stretch and change but also staying true to yourself and your values despite all these changes.   Highlights You need to set the stage for your stories. Perceptions of yourself change over time however it’s up to you to take accountability for your actions. Expanding your horizons is imperative to your growth and health as a human being let alone as being a storyteller. What do I have control over and what don’t I have control over?   Quotes “That’s part of really good story telling, is I call it color and texture. Bringing color and texture to your story because a lot of times if I would have just said ‘It was an old school that I went to,’ then everyone would have a different image of what that school would be. Even if I said, ‘Oh yeah I was driving my car,’ you have a different idea of what that car is versus what I have a different idea of what I’m saying. However by adding in that color and texture of the story, like the smell of the wood and the recital hall, or the car example it was an old beat up BMW three series. Now everybody now knows what that image is and that draws the listener in because now you’re on the same page in terms of the details of the story.” “Has my identity really changed? And certain elements I think have changed overtime, but I think that’s apart of society in terms of kind of forcing you into a title or an identity, but what’s deep inside of me, who I really am, that hasn’t changed but that perception of how it comes across to other people I think does change over time.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, When will you take a small step out of your comfort zone, into your stretch zone so that you can take more of those steps, gradually seeing all of the improvements and the changes and the satisfaction you get from doing those small steps out of your comfort zone. Those things that scare you a little bit will scare you less and less so that the bigger things that scare you now won’t feel so overwhelming when you’re ready to take that step. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Tom To say Tom has been through a few things in his 30+ years of being an entrepreneur is an understatement. He’s had more failures than successes, but wouldn’t have it any other way. In 2017 he sold his fitness business which he owned for 9 years to become the Impact Pilot, helping entrepreneurs generate more income through better sales conversion strategy and using stories to sell.   Tom has a BFA Degree in Theatre from DePaul University in Chicago and holds his private pilot license for single-engine airplanes and is SCUBA certified. He has licenses for Land, Sea and Air, which will come in handy during the apocalypse.   Be sure to check out Tom’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as his website Here!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

281 Perfectly Imperfect   As we go through life it is absolutely imperative to our well-being as human beings to grow and keep an open mind, to search for the fulfillment that brings us peace despite the turbulence of life, be that through a career, education, spiritualism, or family, finding that peace is possible however hard work can only take you so far if you do not give yourself grace and love. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jana Wilson discuss the importance of taking care of ourselves and those we care for in order to attain our goals, and find peace in the knowledge that you can learn to love yourself and your progress.   Highlights Finding new aspects of yourself as you grow. Practicing critical thinking to become objective. What’s being said, what isn’t being said, and what needs to be said.   Quotes “When you start walking down a really deep spiritual path of growth and evolution you’ve got to have Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, you have to have all your cares pretty much taken care of to really go on a journey, a deeper journey I feel.” “We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What steps are you going to take to feed those six things we talked about? Particularly the emotional, the physical, and the spiritual well being. What can you do today to acknowledge something about yourself that you can love? And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Jana Jana is an author, retreat leader and founder of the Emotional Healing System. She is a meditation teacher, hypnotherapist, and HeartMath Facilitator.  For the past two decades she has taught thousands internationally in group and private retreats. Connect with Jana on her Facebook and Instagram!  Be sure to check out Jana’s website Here, and Emotional Healing Retreat!  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

280 Learning To Be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable   It’s one of the inevitabilities of life that we will be thrust into situations that make us uncomfortable and nervous, but it depends on how we handle these situations and help others through situations like our own that determine how we grow as individuals.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Kari Maribal discuss the importance of stretching and growing through challenging situations and how vital it is to our growth to extend a helping hand to others in similar situations so that they too can grow.   Highlights Everyone has different gifts, what matters is how you utilize them. Where you put your energy determines what thrives. Being a contribution to others first and overcoming fears in doing so.   Quotes “I want to give them those tools and tips, so that they can use those strategies to help them with a variety of benefits.” “It sounds maybe cliche but when you speak from your heart, and when you are communicating with people about common interests and so on, it’s beautiful the magic that can happen there. Versus trying to be somebody you’re not, worrying so much about coming across being interesting when you really just need to focus on being interested in what other people do.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Kari and I are challenging you to do two things this week after listening to this podcast. One thing: Reach out to someone in your network that you haven’t talked to for awhile, be curious, ask them how they’re doing, with no ambition or motivation behind it, but just to check in with them.  And the second thing: Do something that makes you a little uncomfortable that brings you into your stretch zone, maybe it’s something like planting something in your garden even though you’ve always told yourself you kill green things, or maybe it’s singing in the car while someone else is in the car. Do something that challenges you just enough that makes your heart rate go up, that makes you flush a little, and it makes a smile on your face. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Kari Kari Mirabal, International keynote and TEDx speaker, author, and consultant shares innovative networking strategies to help professionals leverage the power of authentic connection.  Mirabal shares knowledge gathered from decades of experience and whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and executive leaders across the country and abroad.  Mirabal’s company develops corporate programs, products, and presentations that benefit those interested in earning new clients, increasing profits, and advancing careers through networking. Connect with Kari on her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Be sure to check out Kari’s website at Kari Mirabel! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

279 The Art of Conversation   Understanding what we can offer and what is needed in each situation is paramount to our success as individuals. While it is always great to connect and share our stories with others, we need to learn how to answer every question posed to us by either finding someone to teach us how or to learn what answer isn’t resonating with our audience and learning how to communicate more effectively with those around us. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Brian Glibkowski discuss the importance of conversation in all its forms and how we utilize our strengths and tools in order to communicate with others in a way that is constructive, fulfilling, and progressive to our growth and goals.   Highlights We’re all on our own personal quests. Procedure is just as important as storytelling, it’s the context that defines which is needed. Honoring the questions others ask and offering details when needed.   Quotes “I was focusing on questions but I wasn’t focusing on the answers they wanted and needed.” “It took me a while to realize you need to ask and answer all of the questions and usually for important conversations you need balance and look at what people care about.” “Even though we may have our strengths and preferences, to navigate the world effectively we have to be able to ask and answer all the questions.”    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, How are you answering the questions that people are asking you? Are you considering all the ways that they are taking in your answers? Because if you’re not, that’s kind of the opposite of active listening. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Brian (from his LinkedIn) Dr. Glibkowski is the pioneer of Answer Intelligence (AQ)™, an approach that takes a scientific and critical examination of answers in business and life. AQ is a new science of answers (based upon his academic research) that identifies six answer types (story, metaphor, theory, concept, procedure, action) that leaders can use to increase their influence. Read the book, Answer Intelligence: Raise Your AQ (April, 2021).   Here is what one executive said about AQ:   "I know I would have been a better leader with Answer Intelligence (AQ)" - Mike Soenke, Retired SVP and CFO of McDonald's USA   Learn more at www.RaiseYourAQ.com.   Dr. Glibkowski is CEO of Semplar Science, the company to commercialize his research.    Connect with Brian on his LinkedIn! And be sure to check out his website Answer Intelligence get his book Here! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

278 Utilizing Your Natural Talents While Living With Intention    Variety is the spice of life as the saying goes, and that also applies to the conversations we have with others. Through these important conversations that diversify our knowledge of others we can in turn learn about ourselves and the skills we can bring to any environment we find ourselves in. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sharon Seivert discuss the importance of finding people and places that compliment and help apply the natural talents that are unique to each individual in a constructive way that helps everyone flourish.   Highlights People are multidimensional and it’s important to have constructive conversations with them. Utilizing your gifts and talents to bring happiness and fulfillment to yourself. Having a sense of purpose to be devoted to but also to not be rigid and allowing yourself to be flexible to find what matters. Holding space so that another can heal and find their way.   Quotes "God knows we need everybody to bring their gifts to the world now in the state of transition that we are in. This is the moment that we want to support everybody in doing this. To the listeners out there; get on with it because the world needs your gifts and you will be so happy and satisfied if you bring them."  “It’s really extraordinary how the human spirit can recalibrate.” “When you give a helping hand to someone they can do it, sometimes that’s all they need is just that reach out, a couple of tools, someone who believes in them, and some really practical stuff to do, and we can move that needle. And they can transform their lives, but they are doing it.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you do with some nugget that you took away from this conversation? What small step can you take to find your natural talent or if you already know what it is, what small step can you take tomorrow to start living it with intention? And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sharon Sharon Seivert serves as CEO of Core Coaching & Consulting, LLC and its non-profit sister organization, Core Learning Services, Inc. She also is the author of The Superpower of Balanced Leadership in Unbalanced Times, which is the fifth book in her Superpower of Balance series.    For the past decade, Sharon and her international colleagues at Core Coaching & Consulting have guided senior leaders and business owners to grow their companies without burning out themselves (or the people who work for them). She uses the highly pragmatic, elegantly simple methodology described in her writings to help business leaders increase their confidence, master their thoughts and emotions, and develop strategies that are clear and effective at all levels of the organization. Sharon also partners with leaders to steadily implement these strategies in real-time, navigating past internal blind spots and external obstacles until they deliver a whole new level of measurable results.   In her capacity as leader of the non-profit Core Learning Services, Sharon brings these same teachings to teachers and children in North America, South America and Europe, with the goal of improving the practical life & skills of our future world citizens and leaders, while also providing helping them develop their own moral compass and purpose-driven happiness. As another way to pay-it-forward, Sharon hosts regular Core Community events during which she provides her services free to people all over the world. Sharon’s prior professional experience includes serving as CEO of a Group Health Plan, Vice President of a think-tank, and Director of a regional health facility.    All the books Sharon has written have been enriched by the real-life experiences of thousands of clients, making these writing immediately useful; these include the following titles:    (In the Superpower of Balance book series) •        The Superpower of Balanced Leadership in Unbalanced Times •        6 Steps to Leading Your Life and Work (from the Inside Out) •        Prospering: 6 Steps for Spiraling Up to Great Wealth •        SOS: Switch Off Stress - 101 Really Fast Ways to Switch Off Stress (6 Seconds to 6 Minutes) •        The Balancing Act: Mastering 5 Elements of Success in Life, Work, and Relationship (Other books) •        Working from Your Core: Personal and Corporate Wisdom in a World of Change •        Knowledge Leadership: The Art and Science of the Knowledge-based Organization (co-authored with Steven Cavaleri, Ph.D.)   Sharon has BAs in Music and Psychology (both summa cum laude) from the University of Minnesota. After leaving the university, she embarked on a pragmatic track of self-directed research and education, which continues to this day.    Connect with Sharon on her LinkedIn, and Facebook! Be sure to check out Sharon’s websites CORE Coaching & Consulting, and check out Core Learning Services, Inc to purchase her books! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

277 Stretch and Grow   Throughout life we are met with adversity, stagnation, and breaking points that make us contemplate what the next step in our journey should be. Sometimes that step is unsure and frightening, oftentimes we can’t even see where we are going, but if you keep moving and allow yourself room to bend, you will come to a better place.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Mark Reid discuss the importance of allowing oneself to stretch and try something new in order to grow and find peace and fulfillment in life.    Highlights Sometimes you need to make a change in order to find your calling. Even if it’s a gradual change. We have to have a breaking point so that we make a significant change in our lives. Live your life the way you want to on your own terms.    Quotes “Sometimes you have to have a step back so that you can take two steps forward and realize ‘oh, I know I don’t want to do that, and so I’m really grateful for what I’m doing now.’” “I think travel and education are the two most important things you can do in your life.”    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What is one small thing that you would like to change about you, about what you do, about who you are, about how you react? Are you defensive and you want to change that? What is it that you want to change? It’s up to you. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Mark Mark Reid is host of the Zen Sammich podcast and a maker of traditional handmade Japanese paper, called washi, where he lives in Yamaguchi, Japan. Before that he was an attorney, beginning his career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York. He’s also been a professor of English at three universities in Japan and a graduate teaching assistant at Florida State University in Religious Studies. Connect with Mark on his LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!  Be sure to check out his podcast Zen Sammich! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

276 Finding Your Niche   Living in an age that is so polarized it is more important than ever to care for the communities we are a part of. Like the squirrel that stores a nut that sprouts into a sapling, it’s up to us and our agency to make a change not just for our community but for ourselves as well, because even a small change is still a change and all niches in our environment need to be filled.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Hauson Le discuss how the division within our communities can be changed through our actions and by maintaining a hopeful impact, despite how frightening and anxiety-inducing challenging such adversity can be.   Highlights Doing what you want even if you face adversity. Trying something new and unknown can sometimes lead to the best paths. Just focus on being happy and on what matters to you.   Quotes “My mom raised me always saying “Just focus on being happy, it’s not about the money. Just be happy,  that is all I want for you, I’m proud of you if you’re happy.” and you know you can get into a bunch of psychology and that, but I just focused on fulfillment. That was the first thing I did. For me a career is all about fulfillment, and how do I be fulfillment throughout this journey.” “We need to be able to imagine alternative outcomes and futures that can happen even when everything looks dark, even when everything looks bleak.”    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What are your predictions for the future now? Are they positive? Is there something you need to change so that they become positive? And what are the two steps you can take tomorrow to change it so that your prediction shifts?  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Hauson Community empowerment through expanded agency is the thread that guides and connects Hauson’s experiences. He internalized his identity as a servant leader by creating leadership development opportunities for California State University Fullerton’s Leadership Scholar Program. His passion for service led him to AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community serving nonprofits that help community leaders align their cultural values, identity, and leadership.   As a professional futurist trained at the University of Houston’s M.S in Foresight Program, Hauson empowers leaders to embrace change by exploring new possibilities that ignite action today. His desire to expand foresight impact to larger communities created pathways to the world of local government as SGR’s Strategic Foresight Manager where he conducts foresight research, facilitates workshops, and speaks on emerging issues and insights. Connect with Hauson on his Instagram, LinkedIn, and Email! Be sure to check out his website Futures Literacy! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

275 Staying In Alignment Despite Chaos and Negativity   Biases and skeptics exist in everything, however it’s how we deal with this negativity that defines who we are and how we are going to grow. How we address these perceptions and skepticisms is what defines who we are as individuals.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Crystal Whiteakre discuss how important it is to act with compassion and stay in alignment with your values even in the midst of chaos, or the perception of chaos.   Highlights How do you deal with Skeptics? Acknowledging that certain people won't give you the support you need and seeking it out. The perception of chaos in a room despite there being no chaos and working together to address perceptions using healthy communication.   Quotes “Just pause. Start there. And in that pause that should give you the space to tune into your awareness. So when you're tuning into your awareness, what are you aware of around you that's happening, what are you aware of that's happening within you, and how you are being impacted or activated in any way- Or excited. Whatever that looks like. And that third piece is compassion, so whatever comes next after that pause and after you tune into your awareness, whatever comes out after that needs to be done with compassion even if it's just for yourself.” “Give yourself compassion and do the same thing for other people.”    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Where will you disrupt bias in your life? How can you do this work to understand what your values are and making sure you’re in alignment with them with all of your actions and behaviors. Because as we talked about already throughout this podcast episode, if you are not acting within the values that you profess to have then you are not going to be satisfied with your relationships and you are going to find yourself not knowing why you’re dissatisfied and unhappy in your life. So go for it, figure this out, jot down some words to describe how you want to be known, and start to make sure that whatever actions you’re taking, the words you’re using are actually going to demonstrate those words. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Crystal Whiteaker Crystal Whiteaker (pronouns: she/her) is an Inclusive Branding and Leadership Development and Consultant specializing in coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Crystal brings over 15 years of creative, relational, process driven experience across multiple industries. She is a self-described "corporate trained, creative hippie” who puts a strong focus on core values to help people elevate their community connections to communicate and lead with clarity and confidence. Crystal is an advocate for leaders and organizations that provide resources and support for healing, particularly in relation to trauma. When she's not working, Crystal enjoys spending time at the beach, connecting with people, and exploring new places. Fun fact: Crystal LOVES animals and will stop to show them affection any chance she gets. She is that person who will always ask to pet your fur-baby. When you choose to work with Crystal Lily Creative, you’re helping to support organizations that provide resources for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, as a portion of profits and services are donated annually.  Be sure to buy a copy of Crystal’s book Brave Leadership is A Choice, and be sure to check out her website Crystal Lily Creative!  Connect with Crystal on her LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

274 How Stories Shape Our Perception Of Self    The stories we carry tend to shape us for as long as we carry them. Whether these stories are helpful or harmful, it is our perception of them as we go through life that changes our sense of self into either our authentic selves or a false self.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Amir Fathizadeh discuss the importance of authenticity, and modeling ideals that are in alignment with our authentic self for those around us and to create an environment where people can be empowered to become their own authentic selves. Highlights Becoming the person you need to be despite not having that person modeled for you. The stories we tell ourselves to justify our actions and why it is so vital to unlearn these harmful behaviors.  We can’t protect ourselves or our loved ones from the world, which is why it’s so important to ensure that your loved ones and yourself have healthy supportive relationships and open lines of communication.   Quotes “Being able to see something for themselves that they couldn't see before, and when they see it something new opens up. A new possibility opens up.” “When you are coaching you really have to be in deep listening, and putting myself in the other person's shoes to really get their world. And sometimes I just ask, which way will be most productive, or the best way to route this, because in coaching you don't really have a specific direction to go and it's all inquiry. And it's amazing, something always comes to me when I put myself there and I always have the answer.”  “When you're authentic there is no pretense, there's no attachment, this is to know who you are, you are free to talk, you're free to express, you're free to be yourself.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What stories are you holding onto that are creating negative patterns in your life? And who is in your life that you can share those stories with where they can ask you those questions, maybe to reframe them and also to find the evidence that contradicts the cycle? I hope you find your story today and make a change tomorrow. And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned in This Episode  Lee Keylock Episode Narrative 4   About Amir Amir Fathizadeh, author, speaker and program leader who has led life changing programs in North America and Canada to thousands of people.  He devotes his unique approach and methodology with a commitment to make a difference for business owners, managers and CEOs.  Amir is a certified professional business coach, personal and life coach and is also certified in emotional intelligence.  Amir has delivered programs in Leadership, Relationships, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, 6 Myths, and How to win in business with great rate of success for the last 20 years.  With his extensive background, Amir is able to guide CEOs, business owners and managers discover their blind spots and take their businesses to a new level.  Amir’s focus has been on Communication, Relationships and Leadership and often speaks at the high schools, training and empowering students to overcome their views and how to become a better leader in their family, school, social life and the leaders of tomorrow.   Amir has been board member for many organizations.  His book Gossip, The Road to Ruin has been receiving lots of attention:   Stop the spread! Gossip…..Amir Fathizadeh, prominent personal and business improvement expert discusses how to stop gossip before it builds up a head of steam and sows its seeds of destruction. A genius on the topic, his methods works wonders in fostering an atmosphere of positive interpersonal communication within business environment, families, circles of friends, social groups and organizations.  His new book, Gossip, The Road to Ruin is a must read if you want to know how to end the vicious cycle. Check out Amir’s website Coaching Collaborative! Connect with Amir through his LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

273 The Hero’s Journey   Heroes and dragons can take many different shapes, and it is vital to remember that we are the heroes of our own stories and that it is our duty to fight the dragons in whatever form they take. Only through these trials can we learn and grow into who we want to be.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Nettie Owens discuss the importance of our personal journeys and mastering ourselves so that we can become better leaders for the people around us.    Highlights Be proud of your growth and the growth you inspire others to accomplish. It’s your job to be a better person for the people you lead. Be aware of your emotions and self reflect to see where you are getting in your own way. Everything starts with you and if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you cannot be the best version of yourself.   Quotes “I really like this idea of self mastery over self care. I think self care has a different tone and feel to it even though we might be describing some of the same things. When I see self care, it’s been used in such a way these days it elicits massages and bath tubs, and that’s great but what we’re talking about is sort of this full scope of your wellness, your well being, your relationships, and your professional development. The full package and how can you be that best version of yourself and bring that to the role in your company.” “They don’t always realize what that means and what weight it carries, that they are the hero of the story and that they are required to go through the trials and tribulations that are part of the hero’s journey, and to face the dragons both physical and emotional, and that their job is to take this learning and bring it back to the village -back to the employees- and guide them.”  “No matter what, we’re all a leader somewhere.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, When you think about your hero’s journey and the role you play in other people’s hero’s journeys, how do you want to be remembered? What are the things you want people to know about you at the end of the day and how are your actions and your behaviors aligning with what you want people to know about you? And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Nettie Nettie Owens, CPO-CD® is an internationally recognized and award-winning expert, author and sought-after speaker on accountability and productivity. Owens’ methodologies are brain-based, researched and backed by science. Through training, speaking, coaching, writing, and more than 100 video interviews on “What Businesses Need To Know Right Now,” She brings over 19 years worth of ideas on productivity, accountability, leadership, and entrepreneurship to the community and beyond. She seeks to create an environment of success where all voices are heard. Text FREEDOM to 411321 for a guide from Nettie called “How To Succeed In Business For High Achievers”! Check out Nettie’s website Sappari Group! As well as Momentum CEO Network, and be sure to get her book What Businesses Need To Know.  Connect with Nettie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

272 The Importance of Differences    As we grow and meet people we come to find that how we portray ourselves and our stories is immensely important to how we are perceived and how we build connections within and outside of our communities.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jeanette Jergens discuss the importance of our stories and cultures, even from county to county. Without differences and uniqueness among one another there wouldn’t be many differing stories and that would be quite boring.   Highlights You don’t waste good in any form, even if you can’t see it at first. The difference of cultures and stories even in our own country. Even if your lifestyles are different, you can still be centered with your values and the value of the friendship you share.   Quotes “To hear her struggles and my struggles are so different, but yet they’re the same.” “To know that something that you do and your lifestyle makes a difference.” “Sometimes we get locked in our worlds and, like, I compare my world to a baseball. It’s kind of beat up after a long time, but yet kids will come and pick it up, and it becomes a gem to them. And then you know sometime you’ll be put on a shelf for someone to treasure.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What stories are you telling that you don’t even realize how meaningful they can be to others? What stories are you telling to represent your life, your beaten up baseball, so that others can value them and treasure those stories? And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Jeanette Jeanette Jergens is a furrier and rancher in Shelby Montana who knows firsthand what hard work and determination is. After discovering her passion for being a furrier, which is when one is creating costumes or heirlooms out of fur, Jeanette has made not only a living but priceless connections between other people from all over the country. After meeting Sarah at the Montana Farmers Union Women's Conference, her stories had such an impact on the Chief Storymaker that Sarah had to have Jeanette on the podcast. Be sure to check out Jeanette’s Instagram! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

271 There Is Still Room For You   It’s human nature to envy another for what they can do or bring to the table, however it is the next thought of appreciation and acknowledgment that you also have important and valuable skills that matter.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Lynn Rivest discuss the importance of utilizing our most valuable tool, our humanity, to not only propel our own work forward but to inspire others to do the same.   Highlights You can love and value something without having to be in it. We don’t know how important anything is until time passes. What will make this day matter to you?   Quotes “You don’t have to make it something more, it can just be what it is.” “You can’t grow when you’re trying to control something.”    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, When you think about the purpose in your work, and why you do what you do, do you need to spend some time decluttering? I know I do. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Lynn Lynn is the founder of minimalist biz where she works 1:1 with micro business owners to help them work on what matters most so they can create a mighty micro business that fuels the life they want for the long term.   She was a digital strategist and marketer for over 20 years and has coached hundreds of online entrepreneurs to help them grow their online businesses and she was the right-hand to a founder for 6 years scaling the business from $100k to multiple-seven figures.   She's a single mom of 2 who will both be in university this fall and that freaks her out a bit. She considers herself a cozy minimalist - Experiences over stuff but you can never have too many pillows, blankets, and books. Be sure to check out Lynn’s website Minimalist Biz! Connect with Lynn on her LinkedIn and Instagram!  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

270 Mindset Agility   Changing, growing, self reflecting, and adapting is an integral part of life. If we don’t hone these skills we will inevitably miss out on the amazing opportunities life has to offer, whether it be a trip to a country you need to learn a language to explore, or meeting new people and listening to their stories. Our agility and flexibility in any circumstance is what determines whether we grow or stagnate.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Wendy Ryan discuss the importance of the aforementioned skills and how exemplifying these traits can inspire others to follow a similar path that will make way for similar healthy and happy habits.    Highlights External advice is invaluable when given in a constructive and compassionate manner. Hold up the mirror in a way that is safe and nonjudgmental.  There’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable, honest, trusting and making progress.   Quotes “Being humble, being forgiving of yourself and your own learning curve, and every place is different and nuances matter.” “I’ve also found as a practitioner that it can sometimes do more to disrupt, in a healthy way, some of the energy that’s going on and help us reset and remind us that we’re all human and that some of this frankly is funny. And sometimes when we do that it’s like we can take that big scary monster who seems 15 feet tall and all the sudden, no it’s only the size of one of those spiders in Australia, we can deal with that.”  “This will relate, in part, to the identities we hold.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What kind of healthy self reflection can you do today to make yourself a better leader no matter where you sit. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Wendy Wendy Ryan (she/her/hers), MHROD, is the CEO of Kadabra. With over 25 years of combined experience in human resources, organizational development, nonprofit leadership and executive coaching Wendy has partnered with hundreds of individuals and organizations throughout the U.S. helping front-line through C-suite leaders and board members achieve success as individuals and in teams.   Wendy is the author of the award-winning bestseller, Learn Lead Lift: How to Think, Act, and Inspire Your Way to Greatness and has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo News! Business Digest, Authority Magazine, CEO Magazine and Thrive Global. Wendy is also an active mentor, strategic advisor and angel investor in early stage, BIPOC, LGBTQ++ and women-led companies and an advocate for expanding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the investor and business ecosystem. Check out Wendy’s website We Are Kadabra, and be sure to get a copy of her book Learn, Lead, Lift. Connect with Wendy on her LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

269 It Starts With Belief In Yourself   Inspiration and independence often go hand in hand as we go through life, often making us feel that we are alone while trying to claim our own personal slice of life. However to try and do this alone is not only a daunting task but can nearly be impossible, which is why finding community and a helping hand can be the defining factor between success or failure. In this episode Sarah Elkins and the esteemed Jenn Donahue discuss how important it is to find community and self belief as we go through life, in doing so we inspire those around us and make the road of life less lonely and easier for others.   Highlights Adapting to uncontrollable circumstances and finding joy in them.  Find a mentor for whatever it is you want to learn and be passionate about, go to different ones until you find what resonates with you.  Striving to inspire someone so that the next person’s journey will be easier.   Quotes “I’m just one of those really headstrong or independent people that just sort of throws myself into something, which is not necessarily the right thing to do and now I tell people, “Go find a mentor.”.”  “It’s so much easier to believe that you can be someone whenever you’ve actually seen someone in that position before.”  “There are others that are like you. You don’t have to be an island, go find the other islands and make an archipelago.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What evidence are you going to start pointing to that shows that you are resilient, that you are a badass? Collect a couple of stories tonight, the moment that you think about it, anytime something pops into your head, something you’ve accomplished, write it down. Collect the evidence so that that belief in yourself really starts to solidify. And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned in this Podcast Happier Hour with Einstein Imposter Syndrome TEDx    About Jenn Jenn Donahue PhD is a retired US Navy Captain and former Commodore for an 1,800 personnel Regiment. She is also a civil engineer who works on large scale, high profile geotechnical projects. Over her 27-year military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates River in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 800-personnel Battalion in Afghanistan, and constructed combat outposts in the middle of deserts filled with insurgents. Jenn has led earthquake and tsunami reconnaissance missions in places like Samoa and Japan; designed the seismic plans for a bridge over the Panama Canal; and built roads by blasting and drilling in the coldest climes of Ketchikan. Astonishingly, Jenn has even served as the seismology expert at no fewer than five nuclear power plants. Along the way she mentored scores of young leaders. Today Jenn has founded JL Donahue Engineering, Inc. and Dare to Rise. She also lectures at UC Berkeley and UCLA. Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn and Instagram! Be sure to check out her website at JennDonahue.com! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

268 How Our Authenticity And Identity Shifts Over Time   Have you ever made a decision that conflicted with beliefs you once had? It’s always a troubling feeling when change comes around, we question ourselves, our intelligence, our society, our parents, and everything that shaped us into who we are. Which is why it is so important to not just ourselves but to other people in our lives to remain fluid and open minded.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Asha Dahya discuss how our authenticity is always changing and evolving with us, and how it is incredibly important to embrace this portion of our humanity and learn to grow and accept ourselves and our own changes.   Highlights Authenticity is about being comfortable in your skin and values regardless of how uncomfortable the situation you’re in is.  Finding what keeps you passionate. Finding your what and why. Amplifying the stories that matter.   Quotes “Anytime I got to do things like that, talk about this is how I used to think and now this is where I am and this is what I’m doing with my passion. It made me feel much more empowered because I knew I had a goal, rather than “oh I just changed my mind on something.”.” “But I think once we give space for us to make those decisions and also permission to fail, it’s okay to fail and make the wrong decisions and work out how to get back on track. All of those things, we deserve to have in our lives.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, If you had an opportunity to amplify a specific story from your life, that you know other people have experienced and would find great comfort and inspiration in, what would that story be?  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Asha Asha Dahya is a TEDx Speaker, author and producer with nearly 2 decades of experience creating content for major broadcast and digital platforms including FOX, ABC, MSN, and MTV. In 2020 Asha released her first book titled ‘Today’s Wonder Women: Everyday Superheroes Who Are Changing The World’ where she interviewed 50 women and girls from around the world. Asha is also the Founder and Editor in Chief of GirlTalkHQ.Com: a daily female empowerment blog promoting women’s voices stories. Passionate about the intersections of female representation, reproductive justice, and religion, Asha is currently in production on two documentary projects about abortion. You can see more of her work at AshaDahya.com. Connect with Asha on her Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram!   And be sure to check out Asha’s website at Asha Dahya, Girl Talk, and her book Today’s Wonder Women! As well as the Ted Talk she was in! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

267 Everybody Needs a Coach    It’s normal to need help, we aren’t born knowing everything especially when it comes to ourselves. We are constantly changing and evolving, so turning to someone who specializes in one field to help you understand yourself better should be welcomed and sought out when we need guidance. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Annette Taylor discuss strengths and weaknesses as well as how best to maximize one's ability in any field they occupy as well as how to use even weaknesses to the advantage.    Highlights Everyone needs help understanding and utilizing their strengths and weaknesses  Observe not Absorb Leave room in conversations for the other person to participate, it’s a two way street.   Quotes “I kind of pride myself on not being a perfectionist.” “With the empathy, because I think I can be confusing sometimes, I might be seeing it from the other person’s view and then the person doesn’t know what my view is.” About Annette from her LinkedIn I am full-time mom who has re-entered the workforce on a part-time basis. I have worked in customer service, as a preschool teacher, an administrative assistant, and as a property inspector. I have a M.A. in Educational Psychology (emphasis in Early Childhood Education) and am comfortable in front of an audience. After 5 plus years of personal research, I put together a website about human behavior based on mix of biology and philosophy. Feel free to check it out! www.cavedwellerclub.com Connect with Annette on her LinkedIn!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!     Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What assessments have you taken that have changed how you see yourself? And have assessments simply confirmed what you know about yourself? Have you taken it to the next step of understanding maybe where you're getting in your own way, at relationships, at home, and at work? I'd love to hear what you're doing with your assessments and what experiences you've had when you've had coaches to walk you through them. Comment on my blog post associated with this podcast at Elkins Consulting.   And, as always, thank you for listening.         

266 Storytelling and the Science of Community More often than not storytelling and science coincide with the importance of humanity's success as a civilization and a species. Our inherent desires to know and be known, as well as to be loved and to love are often cited as where our civilization began.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and the accomplished scientist Jens Madsen discuss the importance of science and storytelling, and how the two more often than not go hand in hand to convey emotions and experiences to your audience. Highlights What purpose does music and similar arts serve in your life? What lights you up? Community in individuality. Comfort in the company of others who also feel like they don’t fit in. Losing the attention of an audience, or vice versa, is not a sign of being a bad narrator or audience.  The importance of finding a place and people where you can safely discuss emotions and topics relating to them.  Quotes “We’re humans, that’s what we are and we’re not that different.” “I’m so affected by the emotional state of my surroundings, I just generally want everyone to be happy and feel good, how can I do that? One way of course is the story of how similar we are, or what it is that sort of somehow attracts our attention and what effects does that have on us?” “This idea that we’re alone and we’re these people that are so different from everybody else, and like “I’m the only one having these thoughts and these feelings.” Like, no! We all have them, let’s just talk about it, this is totally fine to talk about.” Dear Listeners, it's now your turn: What story have you been telling that may have been creating a negative perception about you? And what stories can you share that will demonstrate the beauty of the people and the environment around you? What resources do you need to make sure that you are telling the right stories and listening to the music that will connect you with the people around you?  And, as always, thank you for listening.  About Jens Jens works as a cognitive neuroscientist at the City College of New York where his work spans the intersection between cognitive psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Jens is originally from Denmark where he was trained in computer science and artificial intelligence, before he moved to New York City to pursue a career in neuroscience. Now he works on both developing techniques that measure attention when we engage with narratives (e.g. podcasts, movies or music) using neural, behavioral and physiological signals. Recently this work has led to investigating what it is in narratives that attracts our attention. Connect with Jens on his Twitter and LinkedIn as well as his website at jensmadsen.com! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!   

265 Driving Change   With the hustle and bustle of today’s culture it is easy to forget that we are all human with limitations and basic needs, which is why it is so important to remind yourself that it’s okay to take a moment for yourself when you need it. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Kari Gran discuss the importance of being gracious with yourself especially during times of change and healing.   Highlights Change will happen, will you drive it or let it drive you? Listen to your body, schedule maintenance for yourself before your body schedules it for you. Learn and understand your reactions to past experiences to make better future choices.   Quotes “If I don’t listen to myself it’s going to be a problem.” “It's critical having the ability to pivot and be adaptable to the situation and really not getting too terribly attached to the outcome.”    About Kari Starting a company from scratch in a fiercely competitive industry may not seem like an expected or safe mid-career pivot, but that is exactly what Kari Gran did.   At 29, Kari was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Disease. Both are autoimmune forms of thyroid disease. Because of this, Kari started looking into everything from what she ate to what she put on her face. This led her to begin formulating products that fit her skincare needs.   Her friend Lisa had the big idea to turn Kari’s products into a business, seeing a need for women that wasn’t really being met in a way that felt authentic or truth-telling. Or, plainly put, calling BS on the beauty industry. As co-owners, Kari formulates the line and oversees operations and Lisa’s the CEO and keeps the business humming along.   For 11 years, Kari Gran Skincare has been thriving in the world of clean skincare. The company is built around a small number of essential, oil-based products that they personally researched, developed, and tested.    Connect with Kari on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! And be sure to check out her website at karigran.com!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!   

264 A Practical WOTY: Practice   When we are trying to make changes in ourselves and our daily lives, sometimes it can feel like we aren’t making progress despite seeing everyone else around us doing so. When we notice that we are comparing ourselves to others, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate if our changes are being made in a way that benefits and leans into our skill sets. In this episode Sarah Elkins explores the idea of Word Of The Year (WOTY) and how it’s a conscious choice to learn and grow, as well as how important it is to make sure that your WOTY is honed to your skillset as you work to better yourself.    Highlights Self reflection without discipline can become a damaging internal dialogue or deflection from personal responsibility. It’s okay to not be as far into your progress as other people are, sometimes you need to approach things in a way that caters to your skillset.  Find what helps you most and is most useful to your specific skill set, growth is not one size fits all.   Quotes “The realization that, yes indeed, I do have a word. That word is practice. If I’m going to do something, take on any kind of personal growth exercise, it has to be action oriented, highly practical and something I can sustain. It has to be approachable for me, within my capacity, and not something I have to fight to make work.” “Practice. The word gave me a powerful shift in how I frame the activities of my days. Practice means humility, I know I can improve in everything I do, even the things I know I do really well.”   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!     

263 Resilience Needs Community   It’s only human to think we can do everything by ourselves, we want to be independent and prove to ourselves that we can power through any trial. However at some point there will come something that we can’t do on our own and when we finally reach out we will find that our trials are easier to approach and handle with a community to support us. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Amberly Lago discuss how unpredictable and tumultuous life can be and how important it is to reach out to those who are there to support us and to find strength and comfort in our community, instead of trying to do everything alone.   Highlights FLOW: Frequency, Love, Optimism, Wonder. Resilience doesn't mean doing it all by yourself.  Grit and Community grows Resilience.    Quotes “I lived for so long in that fight or flight and now I want to live in flow.” “Your impact is only as big and strong as you are healthy.”    About Amberly Amberly Lago is a Peak Performance Coach, TEDx Speaker, Podcaster, and a leading expert in the field of resilience and transformation. She is the best-selling author of “True Grit and Grace” and the founder of “UNSTOPPABLE Life Mastermind.” Through her book, coaching methods, and masterminds she has curated unique tools to teach others how to tap into their superpower of resilience and elevate their lives and businesses. Amberly has most recently been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, The Doctors, Hallmark, and featured in magazines such as Shape, Fit Pregnancy, Yahoo, Forbes, USA Today, LA Style, Health Magazine, Keynote Speaker Magazine and Disability Magazine. Connect with Amberly on her LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! And be sure to check out her websites here at Amberly Lago and here at Unstoppable Life Mastermind!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!   

Change is inevitable, however it is how we view change that can be manipulated especially when it comes to ourselves. We are all constantly evolving with our strengths and skills, whether or not that evolution is to become the best version of ourselves is entirely up to us. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Natalie Jobity discuss owning strengths and how they can shift and change over time, as well as how it is integral to seeing and appreciating every version of yourself.   Highlights What narrative do you still hold on to that someone else gave to you? You have to challenge yourself because if you become complacent and accept your limitations you will never achieve the best version of yourself. Be mindful of when people criticize you for your hardcore talents that make you good at what you do.   Quotes “All of us are multi-gifted and multifaceted, we don’t have to box ourselves into “Well I can only be creative and do this” or “I can only be strategic and do that.” “And I just went headfirst, believed in myself, I just- I look back and I’m like “What?!” What gave me the gall? What gave me the confidence, the bravado, all the words to think that I can build something from nothing. Like literally from nothing, and that’s what I did!”  “Looking back on my life and my careers and different things, “You have always been really savvy, you have always been ahead of things.” But I used to think of when I would explain things to people they wouldn’t understand me, and I thought that’s because I was stupid or I wasn’t that smart or I’m not communicating well, and now I see it as because you were always ahead and they didn’t know what you were thinking because they hadn’t caught up yet.”   About Natalie  Natalie Jobity is a Leadership Coach, Personal Brand Strategist, Author, and Speaker. She integrates her 25 years of marketing, image consulting, entrepreneurship and coaching expertise with her strategic prowess, creative ingenuity, intuitive sensibilities and her innate ability to spot potential to help women rise to their highest leadership echelons as the “Brilliance Unveiler.” Natalie brings an authentic, customized, intuitive approach as she helps purpose-driven women unveil their brilliance, so it becomes potent, powerful, and purposeful with ripple-making effects for years to come.   Natalie is the author of Amazon best-selling Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It, and her newly published leadership empowerment book, It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer. She wrote the latter to inspire women to bring their brand of brilliance to the fore so they can lead like the trailblazer, game-changer, and changemaker they are meant to be and to give them the tips, tools, and techniques needed to succeed and thrive as women of influence. Connect with Natalie on her LinkedIn and Instagram!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!  Mentioned in this Episode It’s Your Time to Shine Girl by Natalie Jobity The Unveiled Way The Unveiled Way: What is Your Leadership Brand  

Going into the new year is the perfect time to start expanding our circles and challenging our comfort zones in order to gather more amazing stories to share. In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on the year and how when we choose to challenge our own perceived limitations we will have more meaningful experiences that we will be able to share with friends both new and old.    Highlights Surround yourself with people who will inspire you to make new memories. Leaving your comfort zone will be worth it once you get over the initial panic. The more risks you take, the more your tolerance for risks increases and the more you will enjoy your experiences.   Quotes “If you don’t take risks you have a lot fewer meaningful stories to share.” “How will you make the conscious decision to step into your Oh Sh*t Zone?”    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.   Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!   Mentioned in this episode Rich Gassen Jeff Ikler Charlotte Wittencamp Anna Kaszmierowski Trent Selbrede Kevin Strauss Episode 38 The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter Zach Messler

260 Little Droplets of Success   As we go through life we will notice small interactions, relationships that take time to nurture, and the importance of the small wins because these moments matter just as much as the big achievements. In time the droplets will accumulate and you will have a waterfall of success. In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Karla Parra, an accomplished career coach and corporate speaker, discuss the importance of these moments to our story and our personal health.   Highlights Seeing the writing on the wall and still showing up energized and enthusiastic. Discerning not dismissive of internal judgment. You need to heal before you can help others, it’s on You.   Quotes “It’s much easier to change when you make the choice.” “Nothing is wasted, every single opportunity is intentional, it’s up to us to see that and to take those lessons and what we’re learning into that next phase.”  “There’s so much that we just don’t see because we’re in it. We’re in the trees, we’re in the forest, we’re not seeing new ways of looking, new perspectives, new approaches, new possibilities, new solutions. Absolutely, I always say I have many coaches.”   About Karla Karla is a Latina life and career coach, corporate speaker, and full-time nomad. She’s dedicated to empowering women in the workplace to push past fear, take action that serves their purpose and mission, and ultimately, build joyful careers and lives.   Karla was born in Mexico and raised in a bicultural (Mexican-American) household, which has inspired her to build, promote, and celebrate inclusive teams and leadership. Today, Karla is a frequent speaker and trainer for global teams in the areas of inclusion, innovation, and leadership development. She runs her coaching and speaking company, Vida Canvas, while traveling in an 84-square-foot camper across the United States and Mexico with her husband, Noah, and two dogs, Brisket and Lolis. She's also the co-host of "Successful: The Podcast", a show featuring the stories of women who are redefining the meaning of "success". You can learn more about and connect with Karla at www.vidacanvas.com.   Connect with Karla on her LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.